How to Choose Fly Fish Kayak? 6 hidden tips for buying guide in 2023

Fly fishing is one of the most sensational fishing types. It is a real art to cast for fly fishing. Since anglers have utilized kayaks as fishing vessels for decades, there are many types of kayaks according to the fishing varieties. So you cannot pick a random kayak for fly fishing. Without a suitable kayak, fly fishing becomes challenging. 

If you are going to purchase a kayak for the first time, you may not be aware of how to choose a fly fish kayak. This instructor will assist you in selecting the best kayak for fly fishing. Have a look at the FAQ section to know more about fly-fishing kayaks. 

How to choose a fly fish kayak?

Choosing the best fly-fishing kayak is not an easy task. Different kayaks are available for different water types and fishing styles. When you are buying meet these conditions below. 

• Types of water

You need to match your kayak with the water condition. Because in some extreme conditions waves can be an issue. Decide the types of water where you want to fish. It can be salt flats, tidal estuaries, or bass ponds. 

When you are casting in saltwater, you often launch from ashore. In this case, a sit-on-top kayak with plenty of straps to secure your gear. Or you are going to river water, then search for the best kayak for river fly fishing. Overall, you need to deeply think about where you will fly fishing and find the kayak for those specific water types so that you have a successful day on the water. 

• Seat 

While fly fishing from a kayak, make sure the seat is high enough so that you can cast while sitting. Also, low enough for stability. However, the best kayak often comes with an adjustable design that allows you to customize the seat height. Whether the seat design is, never compromise with a stable hull. 

• Stability

It is pretty obvious that you may need to stand up on the kayak during casting or retrieving. While most kayaks claim to be stable and feel fine when sitting but it goes too tipsy when you are standing up. 

Stability is everything while fly fishing from a kayak. You need to move a lot in casting, retrieving, or hopefully for fish fights. Most anglers demand to stand up while cast flies. The standing position is better for applying modified techniques. Most fly anglers avoid primary or secondary stability. 

• Comfort

To make your fishing trip a fun day, you need to choose a kayak that will keep you comfortable. After kayaking all day long, you don’t want to be aching back. So test the seat and cockpit of the kayak. Make sure, there is enough cushion for your back, and enough space to keep your legs comfortable. As you will expand for a long duration in the cockpit, don’t neglect your comfort. 

However, kayak color manipulates solar heat. The dark color attracts heat and you will feel the heat all day. On the contrary, the light color kayak doesn’t get warm quickly, so choose a light-colored one. 

• Spacious cockpit

A snag deck can be a nightmare. Choose a spacious, flat, and clear cockpit for fun fly fishing. In most kayaks, there are plenty of mounted gears and you can keep the fly rod for kayak fishing on them. 

• Storage

While you are going fishing, pick a kayak with plenty of storage. There should be a place to keep a cooler or box, and anchor points to tie-down cables. Moreover, you may appreciate keeping some fish for dinner and you need to store ice-cold water for that. Also, there are many things to store like sunscreen, GPS, flies, knives, extra lines, and some snacks. Check out the fly fishing from a Hobie kayak that offers a spacious storage system. 

Sit-on-top vs Sit-in

Fly anglers get confused when it comes to choosing between sit-on-top or sit-in kayaks. Sit-in kayaks provide you with more protection from the natural elements but it restricts your movements. Another disadvantage is the boat can be swamped and flooded because of breaking down waves or heavy rain. However, you can cover a long way quicker than the other type. 

Sit-on-top kayaks contain a more open cockpit design and their scuppers eliminate most flooding. Its open design allows you to paddle kayak while seated and also you can cast flies while seated. In the end, we will tell you, you can give both of these types a try to test which one fits you better. 

Fly Fishing From A Kayak

FAQs

Final Words

Kayaks have become more popular for fly fishing. It helps you to go to those places where you cannot go by boat. Even a kayak helps you to get closer to the fish. The popularity of fly fishing with kayaks is increasing. It is not so difficult to find the best kayak for fly fishing. We have pointed out the fundamental features that make the kayak best. Consider our recommendations in the kayaks; surely you can pick the most competent one.