How To Select a Fishing Kayak | Basic, Intermediate and Advanced

I get a lot of questions about selecting a fishing kayak at all levels, so I decided that I should do a video that covered the levels of fishing kayaks and what to look for in each.
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Chad Hoover
170 E Main St Suite D #128
Hendersonville, TN 37075

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Amazon Affiliate Links Included with This Video.
Made possible with the support of ONTARIO CREATES

Thanks to the following companies: Native Watercraft, Perception Kayaks, Wilderness Systems, Power-Pole

[joekerUli]

I just bought a pelican catch 100, waiting for it to be delivered on the 13th, and super stoked based on the reviews and YouTube videos I’ve discovered.

[fishzmfgo]

I just got the riot enduro 12 angler kayak can't wait till it comes in I prefer sit ins vs sit ins because the sit in you stay a bit dryer and I prefer the lines of a sit in

[girlcanfish]

I did 2 weeks of research before I made my final choice: FeelFree Lure 11.5. The wheel in the keel, the seat and the future release of the overdrive sold me. Great standing kayak. I am coming from a very sedentary computer job with back issues but physical therapy has cured my ills. I really love my choice and it fits what I wanted. No one kayak fills the bill for everyone and I respect all kayak builders. Go to a local dealer and try your choices on a paddle day, I did and then made my purchase. Happy Fishing! Thanks Chad for your informative info.

[Dagothdaleet]

I’m looking to get started in kayak bass fishing. This was helpful. Thank you

[madhatter]

It's so hard to get people to understand there is a huge difference in "Cheap" and "Inexpensive" in everything you can purchase and knowing that difference makes ones life so much easier in the long run, you are one of the first I've heard to point that out, I was starting to feel like I was all alone in that debate.
Also people need to learn the difference in "Rebuilt" and "Refurbished" but that's another argument.

[seanhall]

I've set my sights on an Old Town sportsman 120 with a Minn kota motor. I'm 50 years old and I really want a boat, but trying to put a boat in and out by myself is not the easiest of things and with a kayak I can do it with ease.

[gruverdog]

the Big Fish 105 is a all around kayak and the starting price is $800 for the 10ft 6 inch kayak they also make a 120 thats 12ft for $999. The bigger one offers a bit more speed but wanted something easier to haul. This kayak was built for stability and has a ton of features u would find in the higher classes of kayaks. The rutter ready, the seat, the tracks, the ability to stand with out the fear of flipping it, and this kayak has features in the middle where there is a storage box that can be lifted out and there is a hole in the kayak where u can mount a trolling motor or u can mount a fish finder and the storage box is pre drilled for wiring with the fish finder. This kayak is slow but to me stability is more important cause im a fisherman i dont want to have to worry about the stability when reeling in a fish. now it can still flip but would have to do something pretty dumb to make it flip like positioning your body out side of the kayak or something. This kayak is the one i chose for the rigging options, and the price, and the stability it offers. As u can see in my post i have did my research i have yet to receive this kayak it still needs to be shipped.

[danielwalker]

I started with a high end kayak for my first fishing yak. A Hobie PA14 and I love it. I narrowed my search down to 3 yaks, the Jackson Big Rig, Vibe Sea Ghost and the Hobie. The mirage drive is what stood out for me, hands free fishing. Mine is a 2016 so I don’t have the reverse feature which came out on the 2017 models. Expensive but worth every dollar. 👍

[jeremystalsby]

You could always recommend to those who can't afford a new kayak to look into a pre owned one. There are tons of them for sale. You can get an "advanced" kayak for a real good price. Of course all your sponsors would probably frown on that, but if the goal is to help folks out, that's the best advice. Great video as usual. Very informative and helpful.

[lattylat]

Based on your presentation in this video. I ended up purchasing ATAK 120. Love it!

[robertirwin]

Very informative- THANKS--- 82 in a couple of months, had to give up off shore fishing an find my new pontoon wont get as shallow as I would like, maybe a Kayak is the answer but wonder about stability and getting in an out of the boat, guess your idea of trying before buying is a great option thanks again good presentation.

[capeambassadorcapecod]

Great info I started with a Lifetime SOT 8' for about $200 and loved everything about kayak fishing except the painful back that had me suffering every night. I tried all kinds of pillows and seat modifications with no real success, so about 3 months ago I saved up a grand and got the Feel Free Lure 10 with the Gravity seat. Needless to say I can spend a full day on it and want more. Thank you Chad for being a huge influence with my new found love. Sorry wife. But she is understanding. I am well blessed.

[papabear]

One thing I've noticed, especially on the lower end, entry level boats, is that the weight limit's are kind of low... I'm 6 ft, 280, and none of the lower end 10 ft boats were gonna handle it. The Tamarak for example is 275 lb's, and they're pretty serious about that.. un-usable - Unstable with my weight. Just an observation, but not too many of the video's I see going over features and goodies mention the Weight Capacity. Kind of a Big Deal in my Humble Opinion.

[chadkeogh]

Good advice! I would add that you should start by buying an inexpensive kayak for your first one. Make sure kayak fishing is for you. Learn how to mod your kayak on your first one, less risk dollar-wise. Then, after a season or two of learning what you do and don't like/need, drop some more serious coin on your second kayak.

[josephradford]

Man, I've been thinking about getting into kayak fishing because I can't afford a boat but I enjoy fishing. Your videos helps so much. You definitely earned a subscriber from me.

[michaelcampbell]

I have money set aside and was going to buy an entry-level kayak. However, the more research I did the more it made sense to go with a peddle not a paddle kayak. Number 1 I'm 6'4 no way would I be able to stand in a beginner kayak. Number 2 I want something that's going to last for a long time. I've watched countless videos on numerous styles brand paddle peddle and trollin motor propelled kayaks. Unfortunately I won't be able to try before I buy but I think ill absolutely love being able to be one with nature. Thanks Mr. Hoover.

[carolynmyers]

Thanks for all the great information. My adult sons are into kayak fishing. I’m 60 and a lady and thinking of taking this up myself. I think I’ll start small and work up. Thanks again.

[Larry]

Hey Chad: As I watched/listened to you progressively showing/explaining the four levels in this one video, I have to say you are doing a REAL SERVICE for about-to-be first time buyers. There was not one word of misleading or controversial information. I say this with the benefit of hindsight, as I have been kayak fishing for 8 years already and absorbing everything possible about the sport.

[ilikeknives]

in other words you aren't going to advert any cheap kayaks because you don';t make enough from adverts ... how very genuine of you sir

[MrRiverrat]

The best video I've seen . Your very knowledgeable