For the most part, I am a wade-fisherman. I do enjoy the independence and closeness to my prey that the wading affords.

Kayaks have proven popular with anglers for small ponds and hard to reach waters. Photo courtesy of Hobie Kayaks.

I have also learned too well the limitations that face me when angling by foot and what an advantage it is at times to have a vessel that can transport me to those out-of-reach places in as stealthy a manner as the wading offers.

Too often, while wading saltwater marshes I find myself confined to an area by just a few feet of spartina grass growing from a soft, mushy bottom that cannot be traversed without sinking to my waist. In freshwater situations, narrow channels only a few feet across, but still too deep to walk through, have kept me from areas that I would have liked to fish. Even though the barriers are slight, they can be too dangerous to cross on foot and can really limit my ability to get to where the fish are.

Kayaks are the perfect solution for solving many logistical issues in fishing and they provide a number of advantages that have not gone unnoticed in recent years by anglers. The popularity of fishing from a kayak has greatly increased in the past decade.

That popularity is certainly evident when taking a closer look at the kayaks manufacturers are offering today. They have seen the increase in demand and listened to the needs of the kayak fishermen. With all the innovation it can be mind-boggling when deciding what type of kayak is best. But the good thing is that there are plenty to choose from for all types of fishing.

Why fish from a kayak, when a canoe or a johnboat will serve just as well? Each method of transporting one from one spot to another has its advantages, and, of course, the 60-mile-per-hour bass boat can get you there first, but there are several reasons that some anglers prefer kayaks over these other means.

KAYAK ADVANTAGES
Accessibility is an important factor for those who fish from a kayak. Wherever there is a place to access the water's edge, you have a place suitable for launching a kayak. There is no need for a boat ramp. Kayaks can also get to places that may not be accessible by a motorboat, such as extremely shallow areas. These paddle boats can pass through only 3 or 4 inches of water while carrying hundreds of pounds of cargo.

Kayaks are perfect for fishing rocky streams and getting through those stretches that might damage a regular boat. Also, kayaks are less likely to get beached on a falling tide when fishing in saltwater. Unlike larger and heavier boats a kayak can be dragged across sandbars or rocky shoals if needed. Kayaks are also great for squeezing through tiny openings along the water's edge. They can take you to places that very rarely or even never have seen an angler.

Almost always it seems, wind is an angler's adversary. Fishing from a kayak gives an angler a big advantage when it comes to windy conditions. Kayaks are sleeker and closer to the water providing less resistance to the wind. This is a particular advantage for angling from a kayak verses fishing from a canoe.

Kayaks also can simply be used to get from one wading spot to another. This can be advantageous in river or stream fishing. More water can be covered as you drift from shoal to shoal stopping to wade along the way. The same applies to wade-fishing in saltwater. The kayak can be used to cross deep channels to wade flats that would otherwise not be reachable by foot or even larger boats.

The fish will never hear you coming when fishing from a kayak. That is evident when paddling along and spotting fish right underneath you. Even a group of fishermen in kayaks can travel with great stealth.

The portability of kayaks is unmatched. They weigh less than other boats, including canoes. Yet, kayaks designed for fishermen have multiple storage options for gear and tackle. Anglers will find that they can carry as much or more than they will need while on the water. In fact, many kayak fishermen find that they only need minimal gear and prefer scaling back for a simpler fishing experience.

Kayaks are ideal for the solitary fisherman. Many models can be handled easily by one person and are always handy for a last minute fishing trip.

Finally, these boats are so light and maneuverable that fishing from a kayak doesn't require an athletic physique. Most any reasonably fit fishermen can handle a kayak.

KAYAK ATTRIBUTES
There are a number of factors to keep in mind when purchasing a kayak for fishing. Manufacturers have designed boats to meet the needs of a wide variety of fishermen and challenging fishing environments. When shopping for a kayak there can be many options and features to consider regarding what best suits your needs.

All kayaks basically fall into two categories -- either sit in kayaks (SIK) and sit on tops (SOT). Traditional kayaks that most people think of are the sit-in variety. These kayaks are enclosed to keep water out and a membrane skirt can be added to surround the operator who is sitting down inside a small cockpit. These models require some skill and practice to up-right and exit in the event of rollovers.

Even though the overall kayak market is dominated by SIKs, the kayak fishing industry is dominated by sit on tops. They are basically long hollow tubes with a molded seat where the angler, obviously, sits on top rather than inside. These are better designed for carrying fishing gear, entering and exiting the kayak, and often more comfortable and less confining for the angler. If it should rollover, you simply fall out.

A basic criterion for selecting a fishing kayak is personal comfort based on your weight and size. Most models fit a person of average size, but if you are taller than the average person, selecting a kayak with plenty of legroom may be a priority. Heavier folks may want a wider seating area. Proper fit and comfort are important, since you often are fishing and paddling the kayak for several hours on an outing.