OK, so I'm hunting for my first kayak. I had a boat up until a month ago, but had to sell it due to a marital separation. I still want to get on the water though, and not be resigned to bank fishing.

Obviously a boat presents advantages, but also some disadvantages, as well as a much more significant expense.

What do you yakkers really like or dislike about fishing from a kayak? I'm sure getting back into skinnier water is one advantage where a boat might get stuck, can't run the trolling motor, etc.

One other question: Does a kayak require a boat license in Texas?? What other requirements should a ranger pull you over in your kayak??

Thanks!

Jim

From reading this forum - sounds like the required stuff is a PFD and whistle. If out after dark must have a 360 degree light.
No tags needed unless you put a motor on it.

I am not experienced with this - just picked up my first yak last week (still have not had it out - just repeating what I have learned on the forum.

He is correct. I got into kayak fishing to access other waters (ie rivers) that I couldn't get to in my Skeeter. When I sold my boat last year, it became my only means. I like the simplicity of it. Throw it in the truck and go. Def cheaper on gas. Not to mention the sleigh rides are pretty cool I still do miss my boat, esp when its windy. But I def have taken to fishing out of a yak. Hope to have a Jackson Big Tuna to take my daughter out in next year and eventually try some fishing in the salt with my yak.

Pfd and whistle will definitly get you started. Getting places the big boats can't go is a big plus, also no gas, more stealthy when fishing shallow water for say bass on beds. It's quick and easy to load and you can launch from anywhere. Since you can't run all over a lake in a day you'll fish spots a lot harder than you would in a PB. When I fish from my buddies boat we spend about 60% of our time running around the lake bc the next spot is always going to be the best. You won't do tha in a kayak and I've found that I cantch as many if not more because of it. Good luck I'm sure you'll enjoy fishing from a yak!

Well said Paddler

I like driving down the road and see a body of water and be able to fish it from the water. Creeks, rivers, ponds, or lakes are all game. If I can get to the bank I'll fish it. Heck the city I live in lets us put kayaks on the lakes in the city parks. Access to more waters than any boat made is just the one of many reasons I like them.

Going along with what paddler said. Kayaking has made me a much better angler. You cant run all over a lake you have to learn the fish where you are at. Didnt think about this aspect of it when I got into the sport. I guess I didnt even realize I was doing it at first! I often will catch fish fishing right behind bass boats that they miss. I dont see me ever going back to a power boat.

Every thing that Paddler,sTODDh,armadillo said is spot on.(give ya a nice limey term)
now a kayakers enemy ....WIND!....followed buy pleasure boaters, rarely snakes. and lastly and can be very fierce...... wives (Always looking always judging. Saying "Look at the baby,look at the baby." )

I have a pb, a kayak, a canoe, a one person pontoon and a small fleet of float tubes. Hands down, I like the kayak the best. Second are the float tubes. Not much maintenance and no gas is a huge plus! You learn to pack only what you need. Its kinda like getting back to the basics of fishing, for me anyway. Hooking on to a big fish, on light tackle and being pulled around, well, doesn't get much more fun than that.

Pfd, whistle, first aid kit are always on the yak. I don't really do any night fishing, but know it has to be a 360� light.

I got into it because the cost of entry was much lower than a power boat. I had considered a canoe, but reading this forum and watching some YouTube videos convinced me a kayak was the way to go. I love it.

Before I got my kayak I hated fishing on the weekends, and having to put up with the buffoonery at the boat launch and on the lake.

Now, I just load up my kayak and head for the lake....No line at the launch on weekends, and even on Easter weekend, no worry about is there enough gas in the tank, and no worry about a line waiting to pull out of the launch, or walking up to my vehicle and seeing someone hit my trailer.

Fish where you want, and when you want, and less hastle than with a PB.

Your getting exercise to boot, and catching fish just makes it that much sweeter!

I have a pelican bass boat 8ft , I love it ... It fits easily in my truck and can bring it out to lakes , ponds , rivers anywhere , Kayak are the same im , Mine is a 2 person , I have a little trolling motor on it (plan on putting a outboard motor on it) It did have to become registered though , PM me if you have any questions!

I love fishing out of my Kayak. I hate loading and unloading it and putting everything on it to go. Mine weighs 42 tons loaded but I would'nt trade it for nothing. I still have my Bluewave Center Console and use it often but the yak is a completly different ball of wax.

This is so true!

BigDozer66

And the biggest plus! You get to hangout with us!!!!