Hey knuklheds, y'all do me a favor and consider joining KBF if you haven't done so yet. You get back way more than the cost and if you can't do a paid membership, at least join as a free member so we can send you some decals and you can help us wave the flag. Thanks in advance, Chad www.kayakbassfishing.com/join/

Had someone tell me at the boat ramp "why didn't you just buy a boat" my response was because I would have to take people like you with me haha

“Ill freedom the way I freedom and you can freedom the way you freedom” that is awesome!!!

I left the boat for the yak and have no plan to go back!

I just love to get back to nature; the quiet, solitude and being able to see wildlife around me. You gave all the reasons I don't have a boat. I just wish the boaters when they see someone in a kayak give us a little space.

Hahahaha, yea my dad doesn’t get it either. Once I hit the water in my kayak instead of a bass boat there was a marked difference in how I connected to the water, the experience, and the sport. It was a whole new appreciation for it and the amazing community behind it.

I own a boat, a Jon boat, and two kayaks. They all have their place. But the kayaks can take me to places the others can't. A lot of times, that turns into great fishing and images you won't forget. I use the kayaks a lot more that the boat because if I decide on a whim to go fishing in five minutes, it's loaded.

Hell yes! I really really like boat fishing, but I absolutely LOVE kayak fishing! You nailed this one.

I've got a 16' flatbottom jet that I fish bigger rivers with, I LOVE IT. But I've got 3 kayaks that my wife, daughter and I float on several local little rivers and I LOVE THAT just as much. Totally different experience, when I'm in my yak, floating down a little clear river and have a 40" muskie slowly cruise 18" below my seat, my heart POUNDS in a way that just doesn't happen when a muskie cruises under my boat. When I hook a 4# smallmouth in my yak at the tail end of a hole and there is a rocky rapid section coming up, while I'm fighting the fish, it's chaos and I absolutely love it. It's just a Totally different thing. I couldn't say that I like one more than the other, I guess part of the reason that I love it so much is because it is so different.

Preach it, Chad. My favorite way to answer those kind of comments and chuckles from boaters is to just plain outfish them in my "wannabe" plastic boat. It's just a bonus when it's a spot they can only dream about getting to...

You are partially responsible for me buying an SS127 a year ago! Love it! Thank you!

I started kayak fishing a couple of years ago and never looked back . I sold my bass boat with no regrets. Just joined the KBF family and can't wait to fish some tournaments. Thank you for all you have done . Semper Fi !!

I have a fully decked out Kayak, with Livescope, 2 units, spotlock trolling motor. People always give me compliments on it at the boat ramp. I fish just as good as the 70k bass boats. Plus the lakes are small like 500 acers

I have both, I love both. Right tool for the job.

You sir are awesome. Copying this and will comply. This needs to be the mantra of our future. Some of us are tired of the clowns and have had more than enough of trolls, Ken's and Karen's. Kudos for putting this in a nice, professional manner. I love the access, simplicity of kayaking and I feel more like I am hiking the bayou using a kayak, than what I get from a boat. I want to see any of those boaters follow me into the cypress. Not happening.

New knucklehead here Chad.. as a boy, my favorite fishing was on a peddle boat with a buddy.. but they were inefficient, hard to navigate and loud. However it was the easiest and cheapest way for a broke kid to go hands free back in the 80's and 90's. Kayak fishing is the best of both worlds and it has all the elements of stealth, independence, access, and freedom. Can't wait for the Spring opener here in WI... it's gonna be my best year yet! ☺️

I enjoy the simplicity of kayak fishing and how stealthy it is. To each their own. Tight lines

Very well said, sir. If I decide that I want to go fishing, on a whim, I can load all my gear, and cartop my kayak, in roughly 10-15 minutes, drive down some isolated road, and launch my kayak off the roadside. Let's see a boat do any of that. And you know, I used to get my share of clowns that would give me that argument at the boat ramp. I've noticed that it, as kayaks have become more and more prevalent, it's happening less and less. Probably because they are out fishing, on a kayak, now.

A large number of us have a bass boat AND kayaks. I like each for the reasons mentioned. When I need a livewell and ability to find fish, I use my bass boat (for crappie, mainly).

I don’t even have a kayak yet and I loved this. I didn’t realize there was a boat vs kayak battle, let’s all just fish lol

I simply love to fish. Not going to list the reasons I dont have a big bass boat, but the kayak gets me off the bank where I would be anyway. Good video and I couldnt agree more.

That’s the best video talking to the all the downers I’ve ever seen man. Much thanks for dropping this one!

I totally agree with you, it's all about the freedom ( Thank you to all who have served or is serving ) to choose what you want to do and you don't have to ask anyone. I love kayak fishing and I will continue to do it as long as I can. Thanks Chad for always keeping it real

Heard that many times too. I owned 5 kayaks over the course of 15 years. Last one was a Hobie Compass for a light weight and simple get in and get out type of kayak that did everything I needed to do. The downside on kayaks was I couldn't get beyond where my vision could see, the time it takes to get to that area, and traveling. Sold the kayak but did not sell my gear. Built my own boat in my garage and having a lot of fun with it. I was able to reach to places I always wanted to go and even further. Fast forward 3 years later, now I am looking into getting a budget Bonafide 117 kayak because there are some places I need a kayak to get to that I have been missing out!

Thank you for your service! I'm retired Navy as well. You can have the amenities of a boat and still enjoy being on a kayak.

Beautifully said sir, "you freedom how you want to and I will freedom how I want to "

Its about the experience !!! i tried kayak fishing for the first time this late summer. it was a great experience and i am sold on it.

First time on your channel we'll said, Looking to get my first kayak but yes KAYAK, it is!!!

Proud, card carrying, certified Knucklehead here and love it! I grew up bass fishing from a boat in Louisiana. The Atchafalaya Basin was our playground. Kayak fishing is a completely different dynamic, and I love it. For all the reasons you just listed Chad. Tight lines brother!

I am 65 years young. I have a boat, I have kayak. I can throw my Unlimited in the back of my pick up at the spur of a moment. Go out for a few hours, come home and chill. When I take the boat it is usually a whole day event, pack a lunch, gas up the boat, wait in line at the ramp, launch the boat, fish the same water that every other boat on the lake fishes, wait in line to take the boat out at the end of the day. Come home, aggravated and tired. Will be selling the boat come spring time and will buy a kayak for the wife. Ps. Chad, are you trying to start a fashion statement by wearing your PFD when your not on the water? I think I am going to try to pull that look off also! Happy Holidays Brother!

I can freedom the way I freedom and you can freedom the way you freedom. Wise words

Where I live, there are lakes that are either 5 mph restricted or don’t allow gas motors. Being in a Kayak or pontoon is really no disadvantage. The advantage is the ease of getting to these waters and being able to launch on your own.

I switched to a boat permanently. Still love my kayak and caught my biggest bass out of it. It just doesn't fit what I like to do which is bringing someone along with me and fishing year round - even through the winter - here in Michigan.

😂😂😂 love your content brother glad I found your channel . Watching your videos and many others have definitely put the idea in my head about purchasing a kayak because the body of water you and so many others can get to that I can’t even running a mud boat . Keep up the great content have a blessed day sir

Former owner of 2 Hobie Mirage kayaks and a Pathfinder 2200 with a Yamaha 200 and trolling motor on it, here, presently fish mostly beaches or wading rivers. Adding more pros / cons fishing from kayak. Pro 1 better exercise than from a boat - combine fishing hobby with exercise hobby. Pro 2 it’s more - how to say this- primitive in a good sense. Like the way coffee tastes special when you built a fire in the freezing cold and brewed it rather than stopping at Starbucks. It’s how they did it 1,000 years ago - so cool. Pro 3 - less maintenance / things to go wrong / time spent fixing and cleaning rather than fishing. Con 1 - when fly - casting it magnifies any imperfection in your cast - trouble keeping that back cast off the water because you are so low. Except for those guys who stand in the kayak - too unsteady for me. Con 2 - as I get older, putting that kayak on the car roof sure seems heavier. Con 3 - when you want to get further offshore without being a daredevil. Boats and kayaks both have their places. Right now driving down Pacific coast mostly beach fishing and enjoying being boat and kayak free, most likely temporarily.

In my state you have to register all powered watercraft. I have to register my small 13 foot fiberglass fishing boat because of my 30pb thrust trolling motor. 50 bucks a year. I've spent $300 bucks modifying the trailer that was $650. The boat was free, but It needed work. $700 of fiberglass, gel coat, and other things that popped up while refurbishing. I can only take it to small lakes, because there's no room for foam so large lakes with waves or water skiers will sink it. It's also a 2 man job to launch and park, and prep. I could do it myself, but it takes a significant amount of time away from fishing. My battery lasts about 3 hours trolling, then I have to paddle. I can't imagine paddling back to the dock by myself. I've had several years where I registered it, then never had company to help me take it out. Contrast that with my lifetime kayak from wall mart at 300 bucks. The fish finder I had on my boat before I upgraded, and the extra rod holders from the boat project. I took it out to a local lake 6 times a year, and filled my limit of salmon. I can pick it up and toss it from my truck bed, into the water. Water can splash over it and never swamp it because it's built like a milk jug, so I can take it on those bigger lakes. But paddling for 4 hours trying to maintain trolling speeds is a big downside. Just upgraded and got an old town sportsman pdl 120. Pedal, paddle, trolling, st landing. It was worth it. Bought a new power cord and transducer, so I can use the same head unit from my boats Garmin striker5. I love it. Still easier to take out than my boat. I can launch it myself, and I can take it out on the big lakes in big waves. Gonna try to catch some giant lake trout next summer.

I recently got more into kayak fishing but, I will always have my bass boat. There are just places I want to fish that are honestly to dangerous to fish from a kayak. Deep water in the summer when there are hundreds of pleasure boats (with drunken pilots) running constantly up an down the lake. It just isn't safe to be out there in a kayak. However, I do love being able to drop my kayak in places where I couldn't imagine getting my boat too. And why did I knot know you had a KZfaq channel? Did I miss it somewhere on the KBF website? I will have to go check that out for sure! Appreciate all you do for the sport Chad and love the video. Tight Lines!

Going from a hobie to a bass boat now I get what your talking about. I almost cried selling my hobie. It was a last ditch effort to get my kid out doors and fishing and the boat and speed of load and go of it was the better option for me. I still feel like I caught more fish in less lake then I do in my boat. And landing a fish in a kayak is amazing fun. Even the most expensive kayak is way way cheaper the a boat. And it always starts. I love my boat don’t get me wrong it’s way easier and has expanded my game if you will. I love the kayak world and really love seeing how it grows each year.

I got boat, Canoe and kayak. I love them all. Tools for many applications.

#knucklehead4life Chad, You still have the best intro on KZfaq. It gives me chills!!!! Great advice and I feel the same way about a boat.

I have a 20 foot bass boat and 4 kayaks. I have been kayak fishing for well over a decade. I love the connection to nature it give you. I have caught more big bass out of my kayak than I have out of my bass boat honestly. The biggest downside, for me, to kayak fishing is in the summer the positiion it puts you in gets you really sun blasted more easily than in a bass boat. Other than that I love my kayaks -- 3 paddle and one PDL drive.

I work at a tackle shop here in Florida and everyone knows I kayak fish. I get it every single week "why don't you have a boat" well there are a few reasons. First off all I hear about the guys that do own a boat is how many times they have to fix things. Oh my motor isn't working, my livewell is broken, bla bla bla. So first off I'm not looking to Break Out Another Thousand every couple months for when things break. Of course kayaks aren't indestructible but they don't break as often or have issues. I love to be able to get into places where most people can't get to. I can launch my kayak just about anywhere I want with no issues with needing a boat ramp. Another benefit is I don't have to worry about paying for gas either. I just love how easy storage, loading, launching and just overall simplicity of kayak fishing is. Eventually I will get a boat because I wouldn't mind taking some friends out fishing that don't kayak

I had a hobie outback that I used to fish inshore and offshore when I lived in Pensacola FL. I sold it and have a 17’ Jon boat when I moved to Columbus GA. I’m saving up for a kayak for me and my son to fish lakes and what not here in the local area.

I think the trolls, don't own a boat or a kayak. If I'm in my probably by now, 9K kayak. I choose to be, it's my water therapy, my freedom, and my hobby. Great vid Chad. 💯

I own an 18' Ranger AND 3 fishing kayaks...I love them all and I enjoy them all.

I have A boat for when dad and I go out or want to go out on Lake Michigan salmon fishing. I recently got A kayak to take out by myself without all the distractions on it Keep It Super Simple! Much more fun. southern Wisconsin had too many "boaters" as it is during the summer. Hahahaha.

If you’ve never had a 6+ pound river smallie or a carp take you on a ride in your kayak… you’re missing out! Haha

As a salt water only yak fishing knucklehead I can say this much. Nothing beats a sleigh ride. Add the to close for comfort visits from baby humpback and protective mum moments (try story) not much beats having your ass that close to the water. I’ll be setting up for fresh water yak fishing in BC during retirement very soon.

when my truck was in the shop for a few months I was able to take my kayak put it on my cart and walk it nearly 2 miles away to a nearby lake it was a pain but better then nothing

Best commentary EVER!!! I own a boat but will still be getting a Kayak because of the versatility. Both are great, just different experiences. Kayaks afford me the opportunity to pack up guick and access those back lakes that a boat can't reach. Boats afford me the opportunity to access places quicker and have a safer experience fishing the jetties and offshore fisheries..

I love all the aspects, But i think for me its being able to run down my local river. A place where the ONLY type of boat that can run it is a air boat and those are hard to bass fish from. I river isnt skinny but its super shallow. Even to the point that i some times have to drag my rig. But over the years i have setup for it. I can MOTOR in about 4 inches of water by trimming my trolling motor up to run half out of the water. Even jet bass boats cant run this river lol. So this river is part of me. Iam 57 years old, my granddads and my dad fished this river from float tubes and i was floating it with them when i was 2 weeks old on my mom tube. My kayak lets me get back to it and re connect. I can almost see my grandparents and my parents again going do the river beside me, enough though they have been gone for years.

Got my first fishing kayak this year and I love it! Catching Lake Trout from a kayak is a RUSH for sure. It's the best way I can get out more often, nothing else matters

Yes i would like a boat to get to places faster on a big lake but as you said, you need a truck to pull it, gas cost, insurance etc. I'm glad I have a kayack to fish from. As i told my son we can launch anywhere and don't have to wait for a ramp to clear. We can go in shallow waters. Kayacks are a blast to fish from. It's relaxing to just drift and fish.

I have a boat but love kayak fishing. Well said, great video.

Kayak fishing is growing and here to stay! It’s way more affordable (even if you have a 10k hobie), someone like me who lives in a condo still has room to store the yak and it’s fun as hell!

Hey Chad: Of all the reasons you mentioned, the top 3 reasons I enjoy kayak bassin' over boat fishing are: 1) access to otherwise impossible launch spots, 2) access to shallow waters boats can't reach and 3) getting splashed by the bass just before landing them.

😂it's fun how many people over the years that I've talked to about fishing and then I start talking about kayak fishing and they have never done it before. But then they start bragging about their boat.😂I can go fishing anytime I want in a nice boat with my verygood friend. But I don't often go in a boat. Why? because I love fishing out of my hobie outback kayak😂I rather fish out of my kayak than going in boat. It's a whole different feeling fishing and catching a fish from a kayak then in a boat. When you're that close to the water I personally feel like I'm more one with nature And it seems really more exciting personally. Verygood video Chad.🙂👍

Everything I love about kayak fishing...has nothing to do with how much it costs!!! your best comment ever!!! thank you for this video... you Da man!!!

I am not a Kayak fisherman. I would feel unsafe in it. However, I did have a 8 ft Bass Baby Pontoon. I loved that thing. You do feel closer to the water. And you can go where boats can't go. I had a huge elec. motor and could fish 6-8 hours comfortably and a good distance. If you are Kayak fishing, stick to it. It's much more enjoyable. I did have a 20ft tracker bass boat. I did like it, but it was expensive to maintain for just leisure fishing. For all you "Buy a Boat" sayers... Get a Kayak/small Pontoon... it will change your perspective on fishing. To each his own

I was thinking a kayak is a boat, and then I'm like... you got how much on that thing? My brother gave me an 11 foot rowboat, and I turned it into a mini brig. Even without the pirate ship junk on it, it still has to be trailered. I'll admit that I was a little intimidated by the whole backing into the water to launch and retrieve the thing. I did it, but found that I just wasn't going out very much even though I do enjoy being on the water. So I solved my problem by getting a kayak. Just a little recreational sit inside kayak that cost me about two hundred dollars. I'm presently drooling over a sail conversion for kayaks that cost three times what I paid for my kayak. LOL But ya, I can understand why you love your kayak.

Great content for us true knuckleheads!

Went through 4 different boats, from big to small. I'm on my 5th kayak and definitely enjoy it more than any of the boats !

Great perspective. I just sold my bass boat and am purchasing a Bonafide SS107 to get back to the simpler ways of fishing. I was getting so focused on the maintaining of the bass boat, the costs to pull it and launch it, and the fact that I couldn't fish a lot of small waters right around me with it. Looking forward to getting back to fishing. Could you do a video on cold weather gear and clothing? I fish the northern midwest and it's cold a lot of months.

They both have their place. A kayak is nice to get into smaller bodies of water and places you can't get a boat, but I don't understand why some people spend thousands of dollars on them putting multiple fish finders, power poles, motors, etc on them, at that point you may as well just buy a boat. Not all boats have to be expensive, I have an old 16 foot aluminum with a 15 hp motor on it that I have maybe 3K at best invested into it, and that is after redoing the whole boat, motor and trailer. It is way more stable and comfortable to fish out of than my Kayak, can carry a lot more gear and has 2 livewells. It is also very cheap to maintain, 5 gallons of gas lasts me all year, it's easy to tow and can be moved around by hand and it's so cheap I don't even have insurance on it. Not everyone who says buy a boat means buying a $50-100K bass boat.

Great video! Completely agree! Love boat fishing l, kayak fishing just has some pros to it that you can’t get out of a boat.

Luv this,..."I will Freedom the Way I Freedom,...and You can Freedom the way you Freedom"! Yes!!!!!!! Edit: Anyone can fish from a boat,...not everyone can fish,...and catch fish from a kayak! And when you add a motor and foot-control-steering,....Game Changer! 'Nuff said...

I have been fishing from a bass boat, jon boat and now a kayak. I have enjoyed them all BUT there is something about fishing in a kayak. Besides the obvious, getting into places where other boats cannot get into, there is something special about being on the water. It's just you and nature. It's hard to explain but it is calming to me.

Great Video, I came in to kayak bass fishing because I couldn't afford to keep the boat that I had. Opened up whole new world for me.....oh, did you mention the ease to enter and compete in bass tournaments, fees, etc...

Boggles my mind how people can’t see or understand the advantages of different types of watercraft. As a Jon boat owner, I love and hate the pros and cons of fishing from my boat some days and there are plenty of situations where I find myself having to focus more attention to “boating” than fishing, with all of the logistics of a trailer, storage, winterizing, motor maintenance, repairs on leaks etc.. The simplicity of kayaks in many ways make them much more advantageous than a boat ever can and also that same simplicity can be a disadvantage, depending on how you fish. In a nutshell, boats can do things kayaks can’t and kayaks can do things boats can’t.

I couldn't agree more. I just started kayak fishing in Alabama this year (2022) and am already on my second boat. The places I've found to fish are breathtakingly beautiful, often loaded with fish, and almost always inaccessible to bass boats (or bank fishermen). It's almost as if these wild places have been set aside specifically for me. Just buy a kayak!

In the past 5 months I actually have bought a Ranger Z117 fiberglass boat...its nice, but I still prefer my canoes or kayak for fishing in all but the big water.

Kayaks also don't require a truck to transport. I can car top my EX123, drive wherever I want to fish, and just go. So, I don't need to buy a different vehicle or worry about a trailer either.

As someone who see this on both sides, this video is perfect!

I have a kayak cause it's easy on the wallet. I can also go explore places regular boats can't. I can also store it in a small space. It fits my lifestyle.

Have both. Love fishing in the kayak when the weather is right and I’m going skinny. But I use it light no motor no fish finder just paddle and a few poles. Just a small Jon boat gives me way more capability than any kayak ever would.

I've only used a kayak once in my life and I stinking loved it!!!!

I fish out of both a kayak and a bass boat. There are different scenarios to fish with both. I like fishing out of a kayak because I can access waters that I can't get to in a boat.

I have a boat...I have 4 kayaks...all 4 of those kayaks together cost about 1/7 of my boat. I also can't throw my boat off a bridge and catch 4lbers in a tiny creek 😬

Dang it Chad! I’m a vegan knucklehead! Catch and release my man. Love what you do Chad. Keep it up!

Well said, my friend!

Some people can’t just help it ! Same people who question you on why did you buy such an expensive reel ???

Knucklehead for life here. Initially the cost was the reason I got into kayak fishing but now with how much I've come to love it, I don't think I'd buy a boat even if I won the lottery. It's just the way I want to fish at this point. It's fun, it's good exercise, and it's amazing where you can go with a kayak.

I live on the coast and have had boats all my life. I got into kayak fishing back in 2015 and love it. Ive still got a boat but Id rather fish from my kayak any day.

Ya had wife an I rolling in the beginning of the video..

I’m in the middle. I have a old town canoe square back with a 6 hp motor. It’s the best of both worlds, have all the boaters starring when in pull up next to there 34 ft searay in the bay! Can stand up and walk end to end and fish

Great video! Just reposted on my Facebook page! 🤣😁👍🏼👍🏼

I am a boat owner. And at the end of the day to each their own. The golden rule or ticket everybody forgets is... we all share the same love and that's setting the hook on a good fish.

Serious question, where can a kayak take you that a boat can't? My jetboat will run in ankle deep water on my local river, passing guy's dragging kayaks through shallows. I can go anywhere a kayak goes in dense vegetation with my trolling motor and push pole. I live in an area that has zero bodies of water without boat launch access.

My favorite part of kayak fishing is when I hook into a decent fish it will drag the kayak around a bit. I’m like omg it’s a monster. It makes average fish appears epic lol

Well said Sir !! 💯🤙🎣🤗

Yeahhhhh! I love fishing all forms but nothing better then a yak!!!! Just keep getting nastiii with it brotha... if you make it to Delaware look me up 😆 KBF for life

oh my I didn't realize you retired from the Navy! that explains a lot!! (just saying from a retired AF guy)

I own both kayak an boat. Kayaks are so nice for HP restricted lakes. They are also so easy to transport an it’s just a different type of fishing. It’s all about whatever gets you on the water. I don’t understand how if someone wants to fish off a kayak why it would bother someone else it just doesn’t make sense.

I too absolutely love a boat someone else is paying for. Bust Out Another Thousand! 🤣

Sometimes I enjoy being on the water so much I just kind of forget to fish. If I'm honest, when I saw the title of today's video, I thought it was more about, stop over analyzing which boat you should get and just go try some boats and get in one. But yes, I totally agree with everything Mr. Hoover said here. I'm of the opinion, and again maybe it's because I'm old now, you do you. I could care less what other people think; I find most of them are dumber than a sack of wet hammers anyway. Don't feed the trolls. Tight lines and tranquil waters Mr. Hoover!

The primary reason I wish I had a bass boat is just for a quicker launch, especially when I'm fishing with my sons and 3 kayaks and it takes a bit to setup, rig etc. where on a bass boat we can just launch and go. I could cover more water on a bass boat as well, but I usually fish smaller lakes and having some idea which part of the lake I'm fishing, they're manageable on a kayak. At this point I have no desire to buy a bass boat - although I would definitely use one if it was free, it's just not worth the price when the kayak is so much fun already. The other reason I prefer the kayak is traveling around a lake is much more fun when you have to paddle to get there and do it slow. On a boat you can blow by everything and not enjoy the moment you know?

Just ignoring people with negative comments! Depending on application, one is better than the other. I , myself, own a fishing kayak which I take it everywhere when fishing alone. I also own an 32’ boat for ocean fishing for like halibut or tuna chasing with my four kids or buddies. Additionally, I own a 19’ sea ray for water sporting with my kids which I also set up for river or lake fishing with them or buddies. As long as you can afford the bills then just enjoy life because it’s too short…

No boat for me, just a kayak any day of the week reasoning being I love connecting with mother nature and wildlife when you have a roaring motor I think that would be disconnecting plus I can get into places with a Yak you can't do with a bass boat..!!! Fantastic upload Chad. 👌 Oh, and I can't put a bass boat on top of my Nissan Altima😉

I enjoy Kayak fishing , much cheaper than those huge bass boats , I see those boats parked in driveways without moving all year round , I don't think i have more than 1000 bucks invested in my kayak and I store mine in the garage easier to transport.

My kayak is my bass boat. Just like you said I kayak fish as a choice because that’s what I’d rather do.