You’re going to need a kayak to go ‘kayak fishing’ and the market is flooded with choices. Depending on your budget and where you plan on kayak fishing, your needs will change. Here a few things to make sure you choose the right kayak for you.
Keep in mind that I am recommending kayaks on a general ‘all around’ basis that may not fit every style of kayak fishing.
These are my top 3 kayaks:
- The Jackson Bite – Jackson is a trusted brand by kayak fishermen everywhere, high quality and affordable for most budgets
- The Bonafide SS127 – A bit on the expensive end as far as kayaks go, the SS127 is an exceptional kayak and fares well in any type of water excluding surf. As long as the price tag isn’t a deal breaker, you will not be disappointed
- The Ascend 10t – The cheapest model of the three, the 10t is still a quality kayak for its price, I would not purchase a kayak cheaper than this one
In the world of kayaks, you get what you pay for. When many first-timers start out, they don’t realize how big of a difference the price tag on the kayak can make in terms of stability, comfort, and safety. When it comes to quality, Bonafide sits at the top and is revered for being the best on the market. Not far behind are more budget-friendly kayaks like the Jackson Bite. Lastly, you have ‘box store’ kayaks; these are known to be very cheap and should almost always be avoided, but there are a few exceptions, such as the Ascend 10T.
Why I chose The Bonafide SS127
Bonafide wins my award for ‘best in show’ and there is no doubt about it.
- Designed for ultimate stability, they are extremely hard to flip
- Weighing in at 69 pounds (empty), this kayak is extremely light to be 12 and a half feet long
- It feels like every inch of the kayak was designed with fishing in mind
- All kinds of neat features ranging from storage to their patented rod management system
- This kayak is extremely versatile, holding its own in just about any type of water you will be fishing
- Easy to paddle
- 100% made in the USA, all the way down to the screws
If you want a top of the line kayak that bests its competition, you’ve found it. Competitors just can’t match the quality of a Bonafide. The Bonafide SS127 isn’t sold at your local Wal-mart or Dick’s, you’ll have to either order it (Click here to see one I found on Amazon) or find a dealer near you, which may be tricky depending on your demographic.