Let the good times row; let them take you downstream.  Let the good times row; let them give you a ride. Let the good times row in a kayak.  It only makes sense with the price of gas, maintenance required on an outboard engine, storage concerns with a 20-foot long boat, and other cost related issues that more and more people are buying kayaks.  Nevertheless, kayaks are not just for going out and paddling around.  Anglers are finding kayaks as a great means of transportation and fishing machines on lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds.

Kayaks have a long tradition of being vessels that anglers use for transportation and used to fish out of.  While the majority of kayaks being built today are designed for white water or flat water paddling for fun, a number of kayaks lately have been designed for the sport of fishing. Some of these fishing kayaks cost over $2,000 by the time all the equipment has been installed; anglers can get into the Lifetime Sport Fisher kayak for less than $600.  Fishing kayaks are built to meet the needs that anglers require in a boat.  More importantly, the majority of these fishing kayaks are built more stable so anglers can stand up.  The ability to stand up means anglers can cast farther, more accurately, while being more comfortable.

One kayak designed especially for kayak fishing is the Lifetime Sport Fisher (www.lifetime.com).  The Sport Fisher has a tunnel hull that allows anglers to stand up and fish or to sit side-saddle without the fear of tipping over.  It can be ridden by an individual angler or up to three anglers.  Having the ability to take more anglers is beneficial when stream fishing where anglers tend to walk and fish the pools or rapids, using the kayak to float down unproductive sections of the stream.  The Sport Fisher is built from high-density polyethylene plastic and features scupper holes for draining the cockpit area, multiple footrest positions for different size riders, molded front and rear carrying handles, ditty trays and shock cord straps to secure loose items or fishing gear, 6-inch storage hatch, front and rear molded paddle rest, and “high and dry” seating.  Similar to other fishing kayaks, the Sport Fisher has an optional accessory mount making it possible for anglers to add a rudder or electric motor to it.  It is lightweight, weighing only 55-pounds, measures 10-feet long by 3-feet in width and rated to carry up to 450-pounds; in addition to having built in rod holders conveniently located on the side, center, and rear of the kayak.  The Sport Fisher also has paddle clips and cradles that hold the anglers paddle when fishing.

Accessories and how easily they are to install is what separates a good fishing kayak to an exceptional fishing kayak.  The majority of anglers who buy a kayak today want to install a trolling motor on their kayaks.  Trolling motors take the work out of traveling long distances or allows the angler to control the boat while fishing.  Since trolling motors normally do not come installed on a kayak, an angler or the shop where the kayak is purchased has to put it on.  Knowing this, Lifetime offers the Power Mate, a self-contained motor mount with battery case that can easily be installed.  The wire free Power Mate motor mount is built from heavy gauge aluminum and lets the angler attach a trolling motor to the Sport Fisher without requiring installation hardware and includes a battery case.  Another option common for sit-on-top kayaks is backrest.  The Sport Fisher comes with two fully-adjustable standard backrests to provide comfort; however, anglers may decide to go with a deluxe backrest with a contoured cushion seat pad for added comfort.

The last thing an angler needs is a paddle.  Paddles come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  A number of paddles have to be assembled before using.  Paddles are usually rated making them easier to pick from.  Depending on the skill level, an angler should pick whichever paddle best suites them.  Beginner paddles are normally designed to be durable at an economic price.  Beginner to intermediate paddles may have flotation collars and a two-position push button adjustable paddle handle.  Intermediate to advanced paddles usually have a more complex designed cup blade for advanced power strokes and adjustable blade and paddle length.  The advanced paddle may have an adjustable, lightweight carbon fiber shaft, and asymmetrical blade.

Fishing from a kayak is really a lot of fun and challenging.  Of course, anglers should always wear a life jacket whenever they are on the water.  For anglers fishing from a kayak…let the good times row.