71 yrs old. Started kayak fishing three years ago and love it. Fish from a Perception Pescador Pro 100. The toughest part is loading and unloading, but it’s always worth the effort

I agree with reason number 7. My first yak was a 300 dollar lifetime. I did use it for 5 years fishing but I love to fish. I did upgrade to a old town and I like it a lot. If u have the money, get a quality fishing kayak. I like kayak fishing because I can get away from people fishing from the bank and I can go places where most boats can not. If u r new to the game, watch a lot of videos from this man right here, he can teach you so much and make your fishing adventures ten times better. He’s not as good as me!!! Lol. But he knows his stuff.

I am in my mid 50s . i have been kayaking for a little over 20 years . I used to get uncomfortable after awhile in a kayak . I would have to pull to shore and stretch my legs , so I start checking out stand up fishing kayaks . I bought a few and still didnt find the right comfort . I bought a feelfree lure 11.5 in 2016 . The lure was the perfect kayak for me . An nice comfortable seat , the seat is adjustable very easy in many positions , a great deck for standing and walkng around the kayak and nice and fast and stable . No complaint every since .

I fell in love with kayak fishing during COVID. I really enjoy myself and often lose track of time. I've found it is best for me to take 2 rods max. I quite often fish near shore and can get into areas where the bigger boats can't go. I researched ahead of time, saved my money, and bought my kayak on sale. I bought the best paddle I could afford, which made a big difference. I'm thinking of getting a peddle kayak for larger lakes, but if not, I still have my fishing boat sitting on the trailer ready to go. As far as storms go, I've been caught before. I pulled out my scupper plugs to help with drainage and hugged the shoreline. I'm anxious to get back on the water. Spring fever.

I think another thing people get in trouble with is over accessorizing. I see kayaks listed for sale "only been on the water twice", and it has power pole, trolling motor, 10" fish finder, trailer, crate, rod holders, etc. They spent more on accessories than they did the boat. When you have that much $$ invested, there's added pressure to have fun or to catch more fish, then when that doesn't happen in the first two trips, they want out. I see people on the forums asking "I just got my new boat, what accessories do I need?" I say, you need a PFD, a paddle and a rod and reel. That's all you should take with you on the first two trips, then decide what you want to add.

My biggest gripe is wind, windy days are the worst, either I'm fighting the wake or I'm being pushed around, my anchor and drift socks definitely help. Those days I just buckle down and find a creek or stream off the lake and fish backwater.

Good stuff brother! Kayak fishing is definitely not for everyone. My favorite thing is that it’s a completely different experience than being on the water in a boat.

I’m 76 and started kayak fishing two years ago with a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 ($1000 kayak). I had been a solo canoer and straight kayaker so was comfortable being on the water. Although I can catch many reds and specs within 500 yards of my house on the bayou, I wanted something with more range so I bought a Hobie Outback. More stable and much more comfortable and peddling is easier than paddling. I then put a Bixpy motor on the back for even more range. Ten miles out and back is doable. The problem is the Hobie is just so heavy to get on top of my car (or even launch off the bulkhead of my house). My solution was to mount the Bixpy on the back of my Tarpon 120. Now I can motor to my fishing spot, use my paddle to maneuver while fishing and it’s light enough to get on top of my car. Still not as comfortable as the Hobie. The Bixpy does cost more than the Tarpon. I really need to get a trailer. You haven’t lived until of hook a 28” red with an ultralight rod in a kayak.

Great reasons and insights. Now you should do a video on the positives of kayak fishing, portability, access to hard to reach spots, cost and probably many more. Great video

I love fishing. From the shore, wading, on my boat all of it. So a few years ago I did exactly what you said about #7. I loved that I was fishing in a small craft that was practically free to operate. However I straight hated my kayak. It has prevented me from really getting into it like I wanted to. So I finally got a nice pedal drive kayak built for a person my size. Stoked about the experience a stable pedal drive, with a nice elevated seat will provide.

The yak absolutely has it's time and place. For any newcomers who start with a paddle, I would recommend creeks / rivers before jumping on a lake. Additionally, if you plan to be on a lake fishing from a yak, I strongly recommend pedal drive and or adding a trolling motor. Less likely you will get completely burnt out and toss in the towel early. I remember my arms feeling like Jello trying to get from spot to spot. When I added the Minn-Kota, I hated myself for not doing it sooner lol.

Hey, I’ll take a kayak all day compared to beating up banks! Much less energy. Plus some areas you can get to on a kayak that don’t have a lot of pressure you can’t get to on a boat or bank fishing!

I’m ready to get back into it! Selling my hobie was one of the dumbest decisions I’ve made

Agree completely with all but #7 is right on point. Started kayak fishing over 10 years ago still have my first Hobie. Kayak fishing is work but for me it is worth the reward when that drag starts ripping!! Thanks for the content.

What I hate about Kayak fishing is that I almost exclusively fish on the Padre Island flats in South Texas, but live in Oregon, ugghh. I haul my Kayak to Texas multiple times a year to fish for Trout and Red's until I can relocate back to my home State.

Started 3 years ago and love every minute. The long days are out. Sometimes, lean back and nap.

Love this video brother love all of yours but this one makes since. I almost started in a cheaper lifetime but waited and researched more along with watching videos like yours and I got a deal and spent around 800 and I absolutely love it. The more you use one and fish the more you figure out to utilize it and you will absolutely love the simplicity. But it is diffently not for everyone. It is also a very good healing process for me. So thanks for the videos brother and keep it up

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzfaq.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

Lots of good points for sure ….however #7 I don’t agree ….I purchased a lifetime Tamarack as my entry level ….before I dropped big money on one. Love my lil boat , been fishing 5 years out of it . Made a few mods but great boat . $ 1000. On first boat might be tough for some folks to see if they like it .

Brother you know some good points oh wow some people will hate kayak fishing. Me & my family loves kayak , kayak fishing , kayak camping & all. I grew up around water & i took my six boys and raise them up around a river too & all 6 of my boys love being around water. My wife was the only one that didn't like river water until 2 year ago & now she loves kayaking on the river now. The only thing we are don't like and you mentioned this before is the boaters don't give us kayakers no respect on the water. But other than that we love kayaking cuz it is very good exercise. Especially for me cuz I have a bad shoulder that got broken when I was involved in my truck 🚛 accident two years ago and it's really good therapy on my shoulder & the pedal drive kayaks would be good therapy for my feet because both of my feet was broken in the truck accident as well. Only of i could find some wider pedal i would be good. Good video brother thank you for sharing. P.S. I want to check out the restaurant you was talking about on your Channel man. I like eating food like that because I can eat and drive at the same time & not make a big mess. Nate do you know if there's any big space for any truck parking around by any chance when I come through there. I was trying to look it up on the website but my internet service was very weak where I was at.

Boom! Love this video Nate! These reasons are very true! I have tried to recruit some of my buddies to the kayak game! Some have stuck with it, others have decided that it wasn’t for them! Everyone should watch this if they are interested in the kayak fishing game!!!

I’ve been Slat water Kayak fishing almost 5 years now. I love it definitely will make you a better fisherman by learning what to look for and the weather and tides. I have a 17ft Sea Pro and will out fish my boat every time lol.

I had trouble standing up until I tied a line in front of the paddle system so I could grab it and pull my self up so I can stand up and fish easier.

I have had my trials and tribulations for sure.I am a paddle guy.I find it more comfortable than pedal drive and enjoy the workout.I do have to pay close attention to weather,but I still love it.And fishing....man I have found spots on my local lakes that boats can't go.I have also seen things like eagles divingfor fish in front of me that just look so much different and more majestic from the water.

Thanks for this reasons. I agree with all that you said . Our guys with the inflatable boats too have similar challenges. We have slightly more room and some comfort but struggle with the exact same problems.

When I started kayak fishing I went with a good friend who let me use one of his kayaks, it was a bonafide ss127. I went on multiple trips with him before moving out of state and deciding that I wanted to get my own so I wasn't land locked or having to go only when my brother took his boat out. I ended up getting a Hobie PA14 360 and yes I was sore after a few trips in it but I really enjoy fishing out of it.

I have tried Kayak fishing once so far. Only couple reasons why I have stopped is 1. It was an inflatable kayak and not designed for fishing and casting. 2. Iife got busy and did not have time for it. I will say this……when I get out of trade school and get more free time, I am going back to kayak fishing. Low maintenance, cost effective and I can reach places that a boat will never be able to go and catch more fish because of the otherwise in-accessible cover and shelter for fish

I think your #6 is the main reason...the rest are just add ons. Mobility is the main reason...in a kayak you fish where you are, figure out how to make them bite or go home. Most folks that don't like it prefer to keep hitting spots until they get a bite.

I'm just catching up with all of your content, and, this is yet one more perfectly informative, and balanced, video about the "basics" of getting into yak fishing. Thank you. I'm glad I subbed.

#6 Was definitely the reason why I got out of kayak fishing. I was also guilty of #7. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who is interested in kayak fishing that they get with other kayak anglers before going out and doing it on their own. I was new to the area, was trying to locate fish using a Top Spot fishing map and would spend hours catching nothing but a sun burn. Ditched the yak and bought a boat, and my luck ended up not changing until I decided to put in a massive amount of homework. Its been about 10 years now and I'm pretty confident I would have a different mindset fishing off a kayak knowing what I know today.

#8 I have two kayaks on a trailer and finding places to drop my kayak in, boat ramps are out of the questions is discouraging.

For me, it was a lot work, for low versatility, with too many external factors for such a limited range for ocean fishing. I had a Hobie Outback Fin Drive. I never got used to it after 30 or so times this year, and 30 or so the year before. Ive always been uncomfortable sitting for long hours even with a very comfortable seat, the price for entry to good ocean yaks was so high and im blown away how much I spent on stuff that really wasnt worth it looking back, limited space, heavy boat, shallow access, and the lack of stability even with the higher quality boat. Im switched over to an Inflatable Fishing Paddle Board for inshore and an Inflatable SIB/RIB Boat (Pocket Rocket) for offshore and I'm much happier. It also has its Cons, but I feel like my time is maximized by so much more by owning a SIB/RIB/SUP vs. Kayak. Good video.

For me I don’t like fishing by myself. It’s just not as much fun as being in a boat with another angler. But I still do it because I don’t want a boat anymore … too much work by yourself.

It's definitely not for inactive minded people. Also, don't buy the wrong kayak for the waters you fish. If you fish reservoirs and lakes, you're gonna want spot different boat than if you fish creeks and rivers with rapids. It would be a cool video to do on big water vs river/rapids capable fishing kayaks

I think you’re assessment is pretty accurate, although hating and just getting out of kayaking can be different things. I love my current Native Watercraft, more of a “can-yak” than a kayak but it works really well for me. Your list of 7 is more an accurate list of issues and concerns I think about and have dealt with, and spot on. As you started, I was anticipating your coverage of several: weather and retreat/exposure vulnerability, visibility to powerboaters, and mobility to relocate (although far better than when a park and wade when I’ve picked the wrong spot). One of my concerns is theft and vehicle break-ins when I unload and launch not at public boat ramps but at times at remote locations not frequented by law enforcement and isolated for the several hours I might be on the water and out of sight around the bend. Some of my kayak launch sites along the middle Texas coastal bays have a reputation for being “hit”, especially midweek when I prefer to fish without the crowds. One Texas yakker even returned to his truck to a smashed window, ransacked and stolen contents, AND stolen catalytic converter! Yes, that can happen also at the mall. Ease and effort of loading can be another issue, but hasn’t been for me, as I use either a roof rack or my kayak trailer. With a roof rack, wind can fight you, like carrying a plywood sheet.

Definitely agree about the limited rage (#6). That is annoying. We have a Hobie PA 17T (tandem) with 2 sets of pedals, a sail, and a trolling motor, so our range is better than a lot of others. But at a cruising speed of 6mph, we aren't going to match a bass boat for range. However, we absolutely LOVE fishing and explorimicating in the yak. Hard to beat the connection with nature as well as the ability to get where bigger boats can't 😋

Agree with all your points except the one about starting with a low-priced kayak-- you can get bargains on the used market and if you like it in a Sun Dolphin you're going to love it in an Old Town!

You're correct about that , but I'm a bit hardcore about my fishing so I find the bright side of kayaks that I don't find in a boat like I have many more places to put a kayak in and can go places a boat can't.

It’s exercise. It takes thought. It’s not inexpensive. It can require bravery. Still my favorite way to spend a day!

It can become very overwhelming getting start and plus you get jealous of others kayak instead of modifying your own

100% agree I started out with a inflatable then went to a cheap ocean kayak now I have upgraded to a oldtown 106 pdl

I'm a newbie at kayaking and bought a pelican 120. I did a few upgrades and can't wait to take it out. I told myself 1 year but I'm already looking at a pedal drive. Storage is my biggest issue right now. Hopefully a kayak hoist will sove that

I grew up bank fishing a pond and fishing in the back of my Dad's bass tracker. When I got in a kayak the first time, there was no going back. That was about 8 years ago. I absolutely cannot get enough.

some good knowledge, thanks.. I am feeling pretty good knowing that this list doesn't affect me in a negative way... I went with the Hobie Pro Angler 14 for my first kayak... and a Magic Tilt trailer. My older brother always said, the easier that you make "the act of going fishing", the more likely you are to go fishing more frequently...

I catch bigger fish, sometimes the only one that catches then boats. Ain't gotta scrub the boat, burn fuel, or maintenance the engine. I'd rather boats stay wide open then do that half throttle crap and throw a wake. Boating is easy I love a challenge. And you were saying cheap kayak I bought a hobie making payments cause if I didn't like it they're like a toyota they hold there value. I have 2015 outback with turbo fins I move faster then a boat idling without huckin it. I love to sight fish and majority of the launches near me in louisiana you have a 20-30 min boat ride till you hit deep water anyway. Pedal back in the rain I always keep frog toggs in my front hole, boat ride back in the rain feels like hail. I have a go devil that really only hot water unless I bring my daughter, frog/hog hunting, or duck season. Nate you speak the word of truth like I tell everyone it's called FISHING not CATCHING, and it beats being at work or doing wife duties. Can I get an AMEN reply.......

I just picked up an ozark angler 10 for my first time on a kayak and my first time fishing love it definitely looking to upgrade my seat and get an anchor but for a “cheep” Walmart open top I like it

Started out with Hobie Outback and ended up with Hobie Lynx here. The 7 reasons you mentions are absolutely true, but there are many more reasons why people do love to fish on kayak and perhaps those might outweight the negatives. Should do a pro/con as a comparision...

Hello I like your videos very nice I want to answer your question I love kyack fishing I started out my first on outback - but I'm 58yrs old got caught in current frequently fishing in NY waters my out back performs like no other but I could not keep up with current I don't fish in little lakes and river's I fish in the ocean I don't putts around like you do in little lakes no offense- but I had to switch to motor as I got older I can't pedal in heat I fish from skiff thank you Ken

Good points all around. There are negstives for sure. Like many I enjoy both boat fishing and yak. the kayak(perception outback) i probably prefer overall,but its a time and place thing. The places you csn go with the yak are a real.advantage, and it fits inside my transit van so its easy to launch. Im noot sure why,but i feel more relaxed and in tune in the kayak than the boat,just seems more natural.although it doesnt make a lot of sense lol

For me it's the learning curve. You start getting good at land based so you expand to the yak... then you need to learn how to paddle and find fish with a different approach

Also buying a used kayak as your first Kayak is a good option usually coming from someone who tried it and didn’t like it lol, I remember getting caught in my first storm didn’t make me hate it but it was definitely a lesson learned😅

#1= the physicality of it. Which is the part I actually need/enjoy.

I love it, but I think kayaking in big rec boat lakes can turn you off real quick.

I am glad i’m not the only one thinking about how unconfortable it is (sholders hurt like going to the gym) and also how difficukt is lodi g and unloading off the car. Still love it though!

Awesome info still on the fence about getting a yak!

For me… I hate the wind and getting blasted by jet skis and ski boats.

Stability scares them.

Positive....you are stealthy, quiet, you can get to places you can't get to in a boat....I don't even have a cayak but I just want one! Are you near hippie beach?

Jet ski's are the worst. Now I have trouble focusing on fishing because of stealth you are on the water and the things you see Thank you

Another negative: some kayak seats can be raised and lowered, and they ARE more comfy than they used to be. BUT, they rarely swivel, and much of your equipment is behind the seat! You have to be as limber as Gumby to access some of what you need.

I've been kayak fishing almost 8yrs. Those basically all reasons I love yak fishing!

Fished from a boat for many years then lost it in a messy divorce. Boatless for a few years then bought a second hand kayak. Knew nothing about kayaks but by good luck the one I bought is a good brand fishing kayak. Live next to the beach so fish the ocean, I already know how to catch fish so have been getting some excellent hauls. Now my boaty buddies who have seen my results suddenly all want me to go out with them in their boats so they too can catch plenty fish. But I don't go, the kayak is just so easy to drop in the water and go, I just can't be bothered with a boat, or for that matter, with other people in the boat all wanting me to show them my methods. Love my kayak.

I just turn 64 years old I just retired I love fishing I'm going to get my first kayak this way I can fish were I couldn't before and I will get my exercise

I love kayak fishing. Love any type of fishing but kayak can bring to the places that are totally isolated and i love it. I think it's difficult for a big men, but if you're not it's definitely worth to try! First session or two are always a bit uncomfortable but when you used to it you gonna love it 🎣

I started on a 10' sundolphin. The absolute most uncomfortable thing ever. Now im on a Lynx. I think folks might not like kayak fishing bc of how much effort all around it takes.

I sleep so good after a day of YAK FISHING …. I GOT into yak fishing cause I wanted to fish alone in my own area , being on the banks limits you. I now catch my gill/red ear/ crappie limit in like 2 hours max But yes yak fishing does take some energy … but we only have one life ,could be long or short … I wanna have fun and do the things I love in my life. This spring n summer ima tear em up

Great conversation topic. I’d love to try out kayak fishing. I haven’t done a tremendous amount of research but these are the things that have kept me from kayaking. 1. Unstable and having to be locked into one position for an extended period of time. I perceive it as being uncomfortable. One of the main reasons I fish and don’t hunt anymore lol. Having to sit and don’t move all day! 2. Would take to long to get from launch to decent fishing areas. I mean when I hit the water I’m ready to fish!-not paddle for 30 minutes lol. Then relocating if it ain’t happening there. 3. In my opinion it cost to dam much for what you get- to get into a decent kayak and be comfortable. Their prices are ridiculous. I paid 2 grand for a 16’ with a 40 mercury and offers way more than a kayak could ever. 4. Kinda goes with #1. I grew up using pirogues and love them for duck hunting. However, being to close to the water is a negative in my opinion. I like a little sides on my bateaux! I mean seems like any wind at all and the waves are coming to meet you! I like protection

Pain is weakness leaving your body

Except I've never had a cheap yak. I've only ever had Hobie pa12s, now on my second & the 360. But I wouldn't call them exspensive considering I'm on my second in 8yrs for price of one after selling my first one I bought used them sold for more $ than I originally paid 6yrs later... Definitely need a quality comfortable kayak!

I loved it, but the gators ruined it for me, had a 14ft Hobbie and loved it, but the marsh had to many big gators and the risk wasnt worth it.

I think much of people's discomforts come from perceptions. I dont see my yak as a downgrade from my boat but as an upgrade from my tube. More space, more comfort, and greatly improved accessability to spots my tube cant reach or my boat cant go. The same guys that "need" 5 different rods at once see only one way to access fish. To each his own.

Great video,all this things worries me because I never tried and I don’t have space to storage kayak.

Just got a pdl106 and am happy only thing I don’t like none of my friends have kayak so I Fish alone

I don't necessarly agree with you as far as the work at the end of the day. At the end of the day a boat requires much more work. Let me say this, a boater that wants his boat to last and stay in good condition has alot more work than a kayaker that wants his kayak to stay in good condition. A boater has to Flush his motor when he gets home. Rinse the whole boat and trailer off, clean out the fish box, and some cases rinse off cast nets and other things like tackle boxes, rods, and the anchor and anchor rope. A kayak all you have to do is rinse of your kayak, trailer, rods, and drive which take less than 30 minutes. It usually takes me about 1-2hrs to do all the things I need to to keep my boat in good and usable shape. And I only have a 21ft center console. Otherwise I Agree.

How about #8 Price, Top of the line Kayak with peddle or motor drive is several thousand $$$ I can get nice used boat for that.

By not doing enough research on them

I love my kayak I go in it two to three times a week if I can

If you want a cheap good kayak get a life time tamarack angler sit on top ! Hands down . Add a few upgrades onces you get envolved and see the upgrades to do .can't beat it !! Dont go waste 1000 bc they are on FB market place stale you won't get that money back on a used high end kayak vs a quick flip and sale for a cheap one. I got three lol !! All tricked out and ppl that come along enjoy them !

Without a doubt, kayak fishing is not for everyone, only for the most adventurous.

I hope we get to meet out on dog or fowl river soon your not kidding about any of these either bro I've noticed I fish better from kayak cos you really pick it apart on my boat we just runn n gunn

If I had the money I'd stop kayak fishing too haha

I’m in Cairns, in North Queensland, Australia. Our crocodiles 🐊 range up to 15-16 feet long. Anyone fishing in these waters from a kayak is nothing but croc bait. Down south they are getting more popular…

Great point!!

The seat is everything. Get a good seat and you'll be out there all day.

Hey brother have u tried the Reel Yaks two piece 9.8 footer and if so what do u think of it and if u Havent what habe friends said.I'm so indecisive right now cause u haev so much to choose from.I have about 1400 to spend and will eventually get a trolling motor but I need the yak first .Or if u know what would be best for that amount please help me I'll take your word over anyone else

There os a time and place for everything...kayaks have great uses and today are very confugurable but unless you love it, they are second or best in a lot of situations

Why, 1st they do to much "I need this" looking at all the stuff others have before ever paddling a kayak. 2nd People just go but the keyek others have without trying different ones. I'm 73 been paddlin in one way or another, and around watre and boats all my life. I currently have a katyak, canoe, & SUP.. and have been through several mrands and models of each over the years..

Very helpful.

I don't have one yet but me and my grand daughter like to rent them but they want let people fish from them

Afraid of boats, or not so great at swimming. Only for tough people.

Use a trolling motor

You mentioned getting with a kayak charter. Who do you recommend in the Mobile area?

Lately it's the rudeness of other boaters and especially jetskiers. Just no common courtesy or boundaries anymore.

Man listen, I take 1 rod and a slim tackle box I made specifically for my kayak and some towels and a few other essentials in a small drybag. That's it. No one needs all that gear folks try to bring when fishing. It's all in their mind.

Kayaking means portability and simplicity! What happend?!

Btw, i fish in a $64 inflatable kayak. It's stable, tracks well, has plenty of room behind the seat, by my feet and on the bow and its so comfortable I could sleep in it. So again, it's not about the price of the kayak it's about a good vs a bad kayak period. Folks need to get out of the price point mindset. It means nothing these days.

Me and my dad are looking at kayaks. Should we get a quality 2 seat kayak. Or 2 cheap kayaks?

Great Video

Getting in and out

Who hates kayak fishing? Never heard of that. I've been comfortable as shit in my kayak since day one and I'm 75. Took me no time to get used to sitting on my ass. Way more comfortable than any bass boat I've been in. Loading on the other hand it way harder than unloading, especially after a day fishing. I've got a 120 auto pilot and honestly loading it back up is a chore. Weighs about 150-170 .... easy in ...nightmare out. IF you think there are a lot of people hate kayak fishing,,,, try to buy one.