Guest post contributed by Karla Griggs
In my first post, I mentioned that I would be documenting kayak and paddle selection, rigging, and fishing, of course. You see, I don’t have a kayak of my own quite yet. So how do you go about choosing a fishing kayak that is right for you? Let’s figure this one out together.
There are TONS of articles and YouTube videos out there on kayak selection. So much so that it will make your eyes cross. I’m a firm believer in the KISS system- Keep It Simple, Silly. Even though there are several variables involved in kayak selection, I broke it down into three main points.
1. VERSATILITY.
What type of water will you be fishing? Large lakes, winding creeks, or all the above? Each vessel has a specific purpose. Some are more suited for one application or the other. For instance, the Jackson Coosa was made for those winding creeks and rivers that Tennessee is known for. Because of the shape of the hull (think of it like a banana), there is less of the hull in the water, which elevates the bow out of the water to clear rocks and boulders. This also means that, on open water and in the wind, the boat won’t track well at all (tracking- maintaining desired direction of travel after a paddle stroke). Other Jackson models, such as the Big Rig, were made for fishing the more open waters. It is wider, longer, and rides lower in the water, which increases its tracking ability and provides a more stable platform for standing.
Personally? I fish it all, from the trickles up stream all the way down to the reservoirs, so I need a boat that can do it all. This means I need to look at something in the 11.5’-12’ range, 32”-33” wide, like the Coosa HD.
2. WEIGHT
I don’t have a trailer yet, so when I travel with a kayak, it has to go on the roof rack of my XTerra. This means that I have to be able to load it by myself. The Coosa I currently fish from weighs around 65lbs without the seat. I can load it just fine as long as the wind isn’t blowing. If the wind is blowing, you can just about forget an easy loading experience. I counter this by trying to park so that the rear of my truck is toward the wind. This allows me to use the wind to my advantage.
Also under the weight category is WEIGHT CAPACITY. Remember, this includes the paddler’s weight plus gear, whether it’s a tackle box and rod/reel, or camping gear.
3. STABILITY
Do you want to be able to stand while fishing? I do. I can stand and paddle in the Coosa, but I am not graceful enough to try to fish standing.
Seated, the stability depends on weight distribution. Is the seat high or low, fore or aft? Is your gear distributed evenly from side to side, front to back? All of these factors will affect the stability and performance of your kayak.
Lastly, as with all kayaks, paddle as many as you can before making your final choice. What is best for me may not be best for you, and that’s perfectly okay. Our team at Caney Fork Outdoors is more than happy to load up any Jackson Kayak model and take you out for a test paddle. I personally met with Joel and Janis one morning and was able to paddle several models. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. They have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to help.
As for me, I’m pouring another glass of Jackson Kayak Koolaid and jumping on the Coosa HD bandwagon.
Karla Griggs