The BKC Blog

Many anglers have chosen kayak fishing for its ‘ease of experience’ – a lightweight boat that you can easily transport, launch in the water, and go! Not to mention the happiness and stress relief of paddling and fishing on the open waters.

With the many different kayak models, sizes, and shapes, you may not have thought of ‘motorizing’ your kayak. But adding a trolling motor to your kayak - or purchasing a kayak with a trolling motor already installed - offers some real advantages to your fishing experience!

Let’s start by going through the different options for using a trolling motor on a kayak.

1. Mounting a Trolling Motor to Your Kayak

2. Purchasing a Kayak with a Trolling Motor

Advantages to Kayak Fishing with Trolling Motors

Quiet, Silent Approach to the Fish – electric, battery powered trolling motors are super quiet and will not over-churn the waters or scare off the fish – allowing for optimum fishing conditions.

Hands-Free Casting – while paddling is part of the kayaking experience, using a trolling motor on your fishing kayak allows your hands free to cast-off and reel-in ‘the big one’ without worrying about paddling or the paddles.

More Time to Fish – a fishing kayak with a trolling motor allows more time to fish and less time paddling, anchoring, setting up or tearing down to move to a new spot. Trolling motors also offer a longer range of travel to cover more area on your fishing trips…and the opportunity to catch more fish!

Conserves Your Energy – reach your favorite spot faster with less energy spent – and fish longer! Especially for open waters or areas with large currents, it can be easier to not worry about how deep your anchor has to drop, losing your balance, and keeping up with multiple pieces of equipment. The trolling motor allows you to stay in one spot in a more streamlined way, and can lessen your fatigue by cutting through more challenging waters for you.

As kayak fishing has grown in popularity, more anglers are finding ways to get the most of their experience. And with the advancements of the trolling motors, fishermen have the advantage and opportunity to catch more fish.

At the end of the day, whether you’re kayak fishing with or without a trolling motor, you should end the day with a good experience and lots of fish to take home -- happy casting!!

Whether you enjoy kayaking during only certain seasons of the year, or you are re-organizing your space, learning how to properly store a kayak is a key part of protecting your investment and avoiding damage to your kayak. Due to its size, the boat itself can be challenging to nicely stow away, but with the right tips it is doable. Regardless of indoor or outdoor space availability, storing your kayak appropriately is accessible with the following storage solutions.

Kayak Storage Considerations

Especially for those with more compact homes or limited storage space, optimizing the placement of a kayak is key to staying organized and keeping it accessible. What some might not think of, however, is that storing a kayak incorrectly can cause damage that affects its performance. Here are a few tips to consider when finding a place for your boat to live in an off-season or between uses:

• Limit exposure to sunlight, moisture, heat, and cold. All of these elements can be damaging to the hull of the kayak and can warp, degrade, and damage it over time. Cool, dry places with minimal light exposure are prime conditions to preserve the integrity of your vessel.

• Look for space in your shed, garage, or interior closet if storing indoors. Keeping your boat inside offers maximum protection from the elements, but be sure to stay wary of placement near windows, as the UV rays can still pose a threat inside. Sheds and garages are good options as long as they are properly insulated and don’t have any leaks.

• When storing outdoors, make sure to protect against moisture and sunlight. Not everyone has the interior space to store a kayak, so stowing it outdoors can be a viable option. If you have a covered carport, deck, or overhanging eaves, store your boat underneath them with a tarp. Hanging or suspending the tarp over the boat as opposed to wrapping it up in the tarp is preferable to avoid mold or fungal growth. Just make sure your tarp is secure and won’t collapse if anything collects on top of it.

How to Store a Kayak Safely

In addition to storing your kayak under the correct conditions, it’s important to consider how you’ll be securing it in said location. Most employ a suspension or rack system to support the boat, but there are other factors to consider in order to maintain the overall condition of your kayak.

If using a rack, be sure to store the kayak on its side or hull-side up--protecting the bottom of the boat is crucial to preserving the vessel’s water performance. This is why some prefer a suspension system, as it can be tricky to balance the kayak in a way that preserves the hull. There are suspensions for kayaks specifically, but you can create your own with wider webbing straps. Make sure you’re facing the hull towards the ceiling, and have straps wide enough to support the kayak without going through the grab loops.

You should also avoid pressure points and distribute the boat’s weight evenly regardless of your storing method. It doesn’t need to be as strapped down and secure as you put it on your car, so go a little looser than you’re maybe used to. Supporting it one third of the way down from either end is ideal for weight distribution preserving the curve of the hull. Long-term pressure from straps can damage the kayak’s shape, so these factors are important to keep in mind.

Regardless of which securing system you’re using, just think about what works for your space in making your kayak easily accessible. You don’t want it so secure or out of the way that you won’t end up using it, so keep that in mind when storing your kayak. It also doesn’t hurt to get into regular habits of cleaning, airing out, and re-finishing the exterior with protection or conditioning sprays to ensure your vessel is well-maintained and ready-to-use the next time you’re in the mood for a paddle.

While it may not appeal to all, kayaking can be a winter as well as spring/summer sport. If you have unfrozen water near you during the winter season, you can technically still take your boat out. This is appealing to those who enjoy the exercise and fishing, as well as those who enjoy the challenge of the different terrain.

How To Do Winter Kayaking Safely

Even if your region has reportedly mild winters, chances are that the water temperatures can still dip into the low 40’s or upper 30’s. Between that and increased winds, you run higher risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-weather ailments if you aren’t properly protected against the elements.

Especially if your area experiences harsher winters, it’s recommended that you have expert paddling technique, quality gear, and ideally a partner or group before embarking. While it may seem trivial given your skill level, put in the extra time planning, even if it’s a spot you’ve been to before. Check weather reports, plan your route, and double check that everything’s charged and properly working before heading out. Conditions can change and the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared and run the risk of getting stranded.

Proper Winter Kayaking Gear

Dry Suit

Since you usually aren’t planning to take a full dip while out kayaking, a dry suit that focuses on keeping water out and allows room for layering underneath for warmth is the way to go. While they can be pricier, these are lifesavers when it comes to keeping your energy up and staying comfortable out on the water.

Warm Layers

Because a dry suit isn’t as insulated as a wetsuit, it’s up to your under, mid, and outer layers to provide that warmth. Long underwear, vests, fleeces, and other lightweight, waterwicking, and thermal pieces around your core give you the best chance at keeping your body temp up on and off the water. Find a combination that allows you ideal mobility and maximized heat retention. Don’t skimp on headwear either--hats in addition to hoods are very helpful in trapping warmth that would otherwise escape.

Neoprene Everything (gloves, boots, hood, & spray skirt)

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that maintains flexibility in a wide range of temperatures. It has the benefit of being waterproof and insulating as well. Because of these characteristics, it is a great material for areas you want to keep extra dry or mobile.

Protecting your hands is key to maintaining endurance and mobility, and it doesn’t hurt to keep it around your head to protect from damp, icy winds either. Having a neoprene spray skirt ensures that you won’t get drafty while paddling and that the deck won’t ice over as quickly. As for footwear, in case you have to make a wet entrance or exit, it helps to have your feet properly protected.

Tow Ropes, Lifevest, & Rescue Stirrups

In the event of an accident or wet exit, you should be prepared to combat the shock of going into freezing waters. Be sure that you’ve mounted them appropriately to combat icy winds, as many zipper closures will freeze closed due to the wind and anything on the boat deck might freeze over. These pieces make it easier to come back from extensive water exposure, and you’ll be thankful you made it easier on yourself since such an experience can quickly drain your energy.

Don’t underestimate travelling with a friend or two for such occurrences either. With proper communication and first aid tools available, you’re best set up for a successful adventure if you travel in greater numbers.

Energizing Treat

Depending on how long you’re planning to be out, packing something that’s easily warmed if you’re planning to stop along the way or quickly boosts your energy on the water is a welcomed addition to any travel kit. In addition to being a pick-me-up, these treats also help stave off hypothermia and give your body the fuel to continue paddling!

For those experienced kayak enthusiasts or anglers that are going to winter kayak, regardless of the temperature or elements, the most important take-away here is BE PREPARED and BE SAFE.

Kayaking is an ideal exercise option for those who enjoy the water and staying active. Just like how you can choose to either walk, jog, or run, kayak exercise is similarly customizable. You can leisurely paddle around a lake, but you can also be out on the ocean or on river rapids for a more intense experience.

It’s also adaptable to an individual or group work-out routine, not to mention during COVID, it’s an easy way to safely exercise with friends outside. There are many ways you can learn  and  get prepared for the sport, and you’d be surprised at how much you can gain from a kayak workout. From toning your physique to clearing your head, kayaking for exercise has something for everyone!

Kayak Exercise Pros

Regardless of your skill level with kayaking, angling, or other boating activities, if you’re in it for the physical activity you have nothing to lose. Despite how daunting it may seem, kayaking is more accessible than you’d think and it’s pretty easy to pick up after a couple lessons or some light research.

If you’re more curious about what specifically kayaking can offer your exercise routine, here are some more benefits:

• Full-Body Workout-- whether you begin with a jog and end with paddling, or you engage in a longer water-session, you’re guaranteed to hit most muscle groups in the process. Especially if you invest in a kayak with a pedal drive system, you can hit both upper and lower body by trading off between paddling and pedaling!
• Core Strengthening-- while you might not think of it initially, in addition to toned arms or legs for propulsion, you also require a solid core for balancing & proper paddling technique. Keeping proper posture and centering yourself are important factors while kayaking, so you’ll naturally begin toning those core muscles along with your arms if you keep at it regularly enough.
• Aerobic Training-- as with any routine physical exertion, you’re bound to increase your respiration rate. In turn, your lung capacity and cardiovascular health are positively impacted as they get used to being pushed. Timing breaths & measuring your breathing with the rhythms of your paddle can be good training for breath control in other cardio activities as well.
• Engaging & Low-Impact Sport-- staying seated & moving against water resistance is both more fun & less jarring than hitting the pavement or running on a treadmill. In this respect, kayaking is lower-impact and decreases the chance of joint wear-and-tear that you experience with other activities. If you’re worried about shoulder or elbow sensitivity, you can off-set with a pedal drive kayak to propel yourself with your legs instead.
• Stress-Relieving-- battle waves and currents on the ocean, or lose yourself in the serenity of a calm lake or stream. Whether you’re looking for a meditative lull or adrenaline boost, you’re able to get out of your head and into nature through kayak exercise. Because this sport is adaptable to most water environments, you’re able to change up your scenery depending on what you need out of your exercise routine that day.

Just like with any other sport, make sure you’re stretching, warming up, and cooling down regardless of the type of kayaking you’re planning to get into. Don’t forget to hydrate and have fun with it, too! Adventure awaits!

Especially for beginning kayakers and anglers, the threat of tipping over your boat is daunting and possibly discouraging. While even a seasoned kayaker still has a small chance of this happening due to conditions on the water, there are several techniques you can practice and get experience with to decrease the chances of taking a spill.

Conditions that Cause a Kayak to Tip

Generally, kayaks are safe and don’t just tip over for no reason. Most of the time when someone experiences this, it’s due to a lack of balance or conditions on the water outside of their control.

For example, it’s rather difficult, even for a beginner, to tip over in a recreation kayak on a calm river. A sporting kayak going up against strong rapids or out on a choppy ocean runs a greater risk of tipping, regardless of skill level, because it takes more skill to navigate those conditions. It can also be more difficult to control your boat if it’s super windy out, as those winds affect the water significantly.

Aside from weather conditions, if you’re new to kayaking there is a learning curve in navigating how to balance and paddle on the water. If you’re in shallower water with a larger boat, you could run up against the river bed, and that stalling tends to throw newer boaters off balance. Without the experience on how to paddle out of getting stuck, especially if the current picks up a bit, one naturally runs the risk of tipping over.

Seasoned kayakers who are taking their first stabs at angling can also run into an issue with tipping. Having to multitask and focus on the mechanics of kayaking and fishing at once is a very different experience, and it throws some off. Especially if a bite is taking considerable effort to reel in, and one hasn’t anchored correctly, that angler could easily tip over, even in deeper water.

Tips to Correct & Prevent Kayak Tipping

Learning how to stabilize and paddle effectively, along with the conditions that are ideal for the type of experience you’re looking for, go a long way in preventing a kayak from tipping. Here are some strategies and recommended practices to consider in learning how to navigate kayaking or angling:

• Pick the right kayak. When shopping a kayak, pick one that will be the most stable. Talk to experienced kayakers and dealers to educate yourself on what features make a kayak stable. For example, features like the size of the kayak, construction type/hull material: roto molded single piece, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) materials contribute to making kayaks more stable. The right kayak will help you get the hang of maneuvering on the water.
• Distribute your equipment evenly. This ensures that your kayak is well-balanced and you won’t be battling with your own boat in order to get where you’re going.
• Practice the low-brace method. This stroke is valuable when you’re tipped nearly over on one side. You use the paddle to push into the water the way you’re leaning, and tilt your body the opposite way, leveraging the water & paddle momentum to balance your boat. Remember to keep your hand placement and posture aligned!
• Practice the high-brace method. This stroke requires you to brace with your feet and twist your upper body away from the direction you’re tipping, and then dip the paddle out in front of you to stabilize your boat. This is a helpful stroke if you’ve wobbled a bit and need to regain balance, as opposed to the low-brace method which is for when you’re about to tip over.
• Add outriggers. Particularly for anglers, these add an extra level of security and peace of mind when reeling in a challenging fish.
• Paddle away or directly towards big waves. Particularly for ocean kayakers, you’re more likely to capsize from a wave hitting you from the side. Getting it behind or in front of you is more stable.
• Check weather reports. High winds and surf, along with other stormy conditions, can make it increasingly difficult to paddle effectively. Know your comfort level and stay home if you aren’t prepared for the elements that day.

Regardless of your comfort level in a kayak, you should always be wearing or have easily accessible a personal floatation device. This is the best way to aid your recovery if and when you do tip over.

Kayaking is a great sport that allows you to explore nature in a totally new way. Whether you’re out on the ocean, going downstream on a river, or simply paddling around a lake, it always leads to an exciting adventure and fun memories.

That being said, it can be intimidating to take up the sport if you’ve never done it before. It’s easier than you think, though, especially if you have some friends to start out with. Here are some of our introductory tips for a great kayaking experience if you’re a ‘newbie’!

How Do You Start Kayaking?

A great way to dip your toe into the kayaking world is to rent or borrow a kayak from a more seasoned friend, or sign up for a tour or class on the water. In the latter scenario, all essentials and materials will be provided for you, along with some basic maneuvering techniques and navigation tips if you take a kayaking class. This will help you figure out if it's really for you before you go and buy all the equipment on your own. 

For first timers, the easiest way to enter your kayak is from a shore. In this scenario, you’re able to get your kayak into shallow water, straddle it, and use your legs to push off. Be careful not to drag or scratch your hull too much, and never be afraid to ask a friend to go with you until you’re more comfortable going it alone!

Beginner Kayaking Must-Haves:

Regardless where you’re starting your kayaking adventure (e.g. river, lake, ocean), there are a few essentials that you’ll want to have with you once you’re on the water:

• Correctly sized paddle-- while this may seem intuitive, having a paddle that is correctly sized makes a huge difference in your kayaking experience. You should take into consideration the width of your boat and your height when choosing a kayak paddle.
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device)-- whether you’re on the river, a lake, or the ocean, being properly prepared for an unexpected dunk is key.
• Bilge Pump-- this is a tool used to bail excess water out of the bottom of your boat. It’s helpful in the case of a large splash and handy in emergency situations.
• Dry bags-- these are where you’ll store personal items that you don’t want getting wet. Anything from your phone, spare set of clothes, or safety equipment!
• Weather-appropriate clothing-- whether it’s adding a vest or jacket in the winter or a hat and sunscreen in the summer, be sure you’re protecting yourself from the elements while on the water.
• Rashguard top-- this is a great layer for both warmer and cooler weather, and it ensures you a full range of motion with no discomfort while paddling.
• Safety Equipment-- a first aid kit, water, snack, and navigation tool are essential tools to pack along when you’re preparing to kayak.

As a beginner kayaker, being adequately prepared will help make the experience an enjoyable one. Start slow - to allow yourself to gain more confidence - and with each experience out on the water, you’ll begin to feel more and more like a seasoned kayaker!

A great way to combine your water sports is to take up kayak fishing. With the benefits of these combined activities, you’re able to get the most out of your time on the water. Even if you’re an experienced fisher or kayaker independently, it requires a different set of skills to be skilled at kayak fishing. Read on for some tips & tricks to improve or cultivate this sport!

Boating & Gear Recommendations for Kayak Fishing

To have the most successful kayak fishing adventure, being equipped with the proper gear and vessel are important to bring along. You don’t want to worry about where to fit your rods and bait once you’re out on the water, or struggle to balance your kayaking gear when actively reeling in a fish.

In terms of kayak features, here are some helpful ones to consider:

• Sit-on-top design. This allows you a better vantage point, and easier re-positioning as you pivot cast-off angles or have to quickly stand to reel-in a fish.
• Multiple rod holders. Come prepared for reeling in any sized fish! These are handy for organizing and storing any extra rods you bring along on your trip, saving you the trouble of being under-equipped.
• Dry-Hatch or enclosed storage. This is helpful to keep extras of any materials or gear you have on hand, as well as keep safe the items you don’t want getting wet or damaged while out on the water.
• Secured deck storage. For the items that you need to have easily at your disposal, such as your tackle box, it’s important to have this storage area tied down with something like a bungee cord. This prevents any risk of losing or ruining those items if they fall off while kayaking.
• Proper paddle or retractable pedal propeller. You want to be able to maneuver efficiently and comfortably, so choosing a paddle that is proportional to the size of your boat, accommodates for your paddling style, and reaches the water is key. 250 cm is a recommended starting point, or finding a kayak with a hands-free propulsion device, like the pedal propeller, so you don’t have to worry about storing the paddle once you’ve found a good fishing spot.

Don’t forget to dress for the occasion! Whether you’re on the water in the winter, summer, or both, make sure you’re dressed for success. Sunscreen, water, a personal flotation device (life jackets & vests) for safety, and either lightweight or thermal waterproof gaiters are must-haves for any kayak-fishing outing.

Kayak Fishing Navigation & Positioning Tricks

Whether you’re a new or seasoned angler, there’s always more to learn about how to have a successful kayak-fishing outing. Here are some general aspects of the sport to consider while you’re out on the water.

• Some find it helpful to bring along a GPS or fish-finder tool to help streamline and organize their trips. There are mounts for either of these that allow you to customize your vessel, but knowing what kind of trip you’re looking for and how much time you want to spend on the water is helpful to plan out before-hand.

• It will be to your advantage to learn to paddle and cast one-handed. This may take some getting used to, especially if you’re more familiar with casting from the bank, but starting out by anchoring or keeping close to the shoreline at first can help. It’s also good to understand that casting and reeling in your line can effectively steer for you in certain situations--you’ll naturally be pulled slightly in the direction from which you cast, so keep that in mind when you’re doing so.

• What some new anglers don’t realize is that your feet can be helpful assets while kayak fishing. Some use them as rudders to steer and drift on the water, others anchor with them, and you can also navigate with them by pushing off of stumps or other obstacles while your hands are busy getting your catch. This can be a full body activity, so make sure your kayak allows you the freedom to reposition easily.

At the end of the day, make sure you’re getting what you want out of your angling expedition. Whether it’s relaxation or a new challenge, you should be set with the kayak, tools, and knowledge to enjoy nature your way. Happy fishing!

Whether you’re kayaking for recreational purposes, to fish, or a little bit of both, it’s important to get a good understanding of the water you’re traversing.

While it may not seem extremely different from daytime kayaking, night kayaking is more challenging than you’d anticipate. Even if the waterways are the same and you’ve traveled a familiar route before, it’s still going to require a different set of skills and feel quite different after sunset.

In this respect, it’s important to come prepared for your trip and be prepared to light and conduct yourself accordingly – whether your night kayaking adventure is intentional or if you’re daytime trip went longer than expected! Read on for essential tips to know before kayaking at night.

Know Before You Go: Be Prepared for Night Kayaking

Whether you are going out with the intention of being on the water past dark, or if you feel there’s a chance your trip will run long, here are some things to consider before leaving the house for any kayaking adventure:

• Plan. Plan. There is nothing more important when navigating in the dark than having done your homework and properly prepared before you even get near the water. Even if you’ve done the same paddle countless times, you must consider that the water and its paths will look different in the dark.
• Prepare to be out longer than you think. Even if you know you don’t want to be out past sundown, it’s better to be ready for it just in case something comes up that extends your trip.
• Check your lights before you leave the house. Simply turn them on and off as you’re putting your gear together, and pack them strategically. The last thing you need is struggling to find your lighting gear or finding out that it isn’t working once you actually need it.
• Do your research. While it might not be very intuitive, it is legal to kayak at night. Unless your state or preferred route has specific postings or regulations in place preventing or discouraging people from paddling past dark, you’re more than likely good to go.

Best Practices on the Water for Night Kayaking

While preparing and planning before starting your night kayaking adventure is important, it’s only half the battle. Here are some things to consider and mentally prep for while you’re actually on the water:

• Make yourself seen. You probably aren’t the only person out on the water, so you’ll need to be seen by other kayakers and boaters. It can be helpful to have different colored lights on your left/right to flash when moving in that direction, along with 360^o light elevated from the deck of the kayak. Flood lights, reflective flags, and kayak lighting kits can also be helpful in increasing visibility.
• Pay attention to important landmarks. Even if you have a GPS for added and extra security, it’s a good idea to stay alert and also be tracking where you are visually. We definitely recommend keeping a GPS handy as they save you a lot of trouble, especially if you’ve not paddled in that area before.
• Turn on your lights BEFORE it gets dark. You’ve already made sure that things are charged, but fumbling around on your boat in darkness is a sure-fire way to find yourself falling as opposed to kayaking. Hedge your bets and get stuff out and set-up before you lose all sunlight.
• Beware of waves. This is specifically for ocean kayakers, but it’s important to understand how water and light interact at night vs in the day, as things can get distorted at night. Watch your angles, as if you misjudge a wave’s size, you run the risk of being rolled.
• Trust your gut. If at any point in your preparation or paddling that “this doesn’t seem like a good night to go” then it’s not a good night to go. Simple as that.

At the end of the day, night kayaking is really fun and can be rewarding. It’s more than likely less crowded, and the fish bite just as much as on early morning trips. The quiet, calming environment, the nighttime views, and the angle fishing can’t be beat, so give it a try if you’re up for it! Just be careful, prepare properly, and know your limits.

Whether you enjoy solo or group kayak adventures, there are numerous boat styles to meet your needs. One of the more common questions that comes up, however, is whether to invest in a single kayak or tandem kayak if you plan to use the craft for both group and individual trips. Brooklyn Kayak Company has compiled some facts, figures, and features to consider when making this purchase to ensure your kayaking needs are met.

Single Kayaks

As the name implies, a single kayak is a kayak boat built to only seat one person. Options include sit-in, sit-on-top, pedal, paddle, different sizes, and varying hull designs depending on what adventure you plan to use your kayak for, e.g. fishing, travel or touring, exercise, or just recreational paddling. The freedom of the waters are yours, and yours alone, with a single kayak – you decide the what, where, and how!

Pros

Single kayaks tend to be smaller and more easily transportable, both by car and by hand, due their shorter and more compact frame. It is also lighter than its tandem counterpart, which for some may make it easier to handle when loading and unloading your kayak alone. Solo kayaks are also fast and easier to maneuver in the water-- you don’t have to worry about synchronizing paddle movements to get where you’re going, and it takes less correction and precise steering to move where you need to as well. So anglers wanting to get into those nooks where the fish are biting should be no problem.

Cons

While the idea of enjoying the freedom of the open waters alone is appealing to many, some may feel intimidated to ‘go it alone’. It may be easier for an experienced boater to make their way around steering a single kayak; however, some beginners find it difficult to learn from watching someone in a different boat. In this case, manning a single kayak by themselves might steepen the learning curve. Solo kayaking is just that: solo. You are on your own to do all the paddling, pedaling, maneuvering, steering – and if you want to enjoy kayaking with your family or friends, they will need their own kayaks.

Tandem Kayaks

As you may have guessed, a tandem kayak is one that holds two (or three) people in one boat. Tandems are typically larger, heavier vessels, but also come with options for sit-in, sit-on-top, pedal, paddle, different hull designs, and different sizes. Tandem kayaks are great for experiencing your water adventure with your family or friends – whether for recreation or serious angler fishing.

Pros

The biggest advantage to tandem kayaks is there are two people to not only share in the fun of your water adventure, but to share in paddling, pedaling, maneuvering, steering. So when one gets tired, the other can take over. Tandem boats are also sometimes easier for beginners, as you have a helpful partner with you the whole way. It can also be easier on your wallet to just deal with one boat as opposed to two. There are some tandem kayak models that come with an adjustable/removable second seat, so you’re able to have the best of both worlds. But, you can actually go solo in a tandem kayak by operating the tandem from the back seat and adding some gear to the front of the kayak to distribute the weight evenly for balance and stability.

Cons

Probably one of the biggest disadvantages is not having the freedom you would have in a single kayak. While it is only one boat, tandem kayaks are a bit heavier and not as easy to transport or maneuver. You also have to be aware of how your partner is rowing and moving in order to avoid going in circles the whole trip. To successfully navigate a 2-person kayak, you and your partner need synchronicity in both mind and body to avoid arguments, loss of friendship, or a divorce! Also, if you do try to ‘go it alone’ in a tandem kayak, just be careful as it may change the balance and stability of your vessel.

In summation, both boats are good for different strokes. When choosing your kayak, keep in mind your budget, your skill level, and how you want to use your kayak. Brooklyn Kayak Company has some great models of both single and tandem kayaks for you to explore, so be sure to check out the one that best fits your style!

Humans have been paddling kayaks for hundreds – possibly even thousands – of years. But we’ve only been pedaling kayaks for about 20  — in 1997, a kayak company in California revolutionized the sport by creating the first pedal drive attachment for kayaks. Ever since then, recreational boaters and kayak fishermen alike have been arguing the pros and cons of pedal kayaks versus paddle kayaks.

The “paddle vs. pedal” debate is an important one to consider when purchasing a kayak, especially if you’re planning to fish. In order to help with that decision, we’ve listed the advantages of a paddle kayak versus a pedal kayak.

Paddle Kayak Pros

The more traditional of the two, paddle kayaks present some old-school benefits over pedal kayaks.

1. Stealth

A paddle creates less water disturbance than a pedal, making paddle kayaks quieter and less obtrusive than pedal kayaks. This is a key advantage for anglers looking to sneak up on easily-startled fish.

2. Access to Shallow Water

Pedal kayaks need more underwater clearance, lest they stir up mud, tree branches and other aquatic debris. Paddle kayaks, however, can glide in only inches of water, suiting them to out-of-the-way spots that pedal kayaks just can’t reach.

3. Easy Navigation

A paddle kayak allows you a certain amount of maneuverability that a pedal kayak does not. If you’re looking to navigate tricky shorelines, sharp river bends, or rocky coasts, a paddle kayak may be for you.

Pedal Kayak Pros

Buying a pedal kayak – or even simply adding a pedal drive to your current boat – can give you a technological edge over paddle kayaks.

1. Speed

It’s often said that the most successful competitive anglers are the ones who get to prime fishing spots quickest. Thus, the biggest advantage of pedal kayaks is that they travel faster than paddle kayaks. A pedal kayak lets you get down to business, rather than spending half the day paddling out to your favorite spot.

2. Efficiency & Endurance

Pedal kayaks take advantage of the powerful muscle groups in your legs, rather than those in your arms and shoulders. This makes multi-day treks and all-day fishing trips easier to handle than with a paddle kayak.

3. Hands-Free Access

One of the biggest benefits of a pedal kayak is that it allows you to keep your hands free. Without the burden of a paddle, you’re able to bait a hook, cast a line, or simply reach for your water bottle anytime you want.

Even though there are die-hard devotees on both sides of the “paddle vs. pedal” debate, choosing a paddle kayak or a pedal kayak is mostly a matter of personal preference. This list will help you prioritize your needs and make the best decision for you — just know that you’ll have to defend your side!

Are you an angler addicted to gear? Do you bring more than you need? We know you need the right kayak fishing accessory for each situation.

Kayak fishing is an exciting departure from dock fishing — the maneuverable boat allows you to explore everything from the nooks and crannies of a shoreline to the calm center of a lake, revealing new places to drop a line.

But before you set off with your kayak and rod, there are a few more accessories to consider. With that in mind, here are five must-have accessories for the optimal kayak fishing trip.

Must-Have Kayak Fishing Accessories

1. Fishing Paddle

The best  fishing kayak paddles are lightweight, allowing you to spend a day paddling and casting lines without fatiguing your arms. They should also have anti-slip grips to provide added control in the water. Finally, the blades should be durable enough to push off rocky shorelines and lake bottoms (and to help unsnag fishing line from tree branches.)

2. Paddle Leash

Now that you have the ideal kayak fishing paddle, you don’t want it drifting off the first time you go to grab your rod. Enter the paddle leash — it keeps your paddle attached to your kayak for worry-free fishing. Just adjust the collar around the shaft of your paddle and clip the other end to the hull of your kayak. You can even leave it clipped to the boat for easier setup on your next fishing trip.

3. Kayak Cooler

No kayak fishing trip is complete without a sturdy cooler to keep fish (and recreational drinks) ice cold. Look for thick, insulated walls and UV-resistant materials that will stand up to long hours in the sun. Just make sure not to mix up the fish and the drinks!

4. Dry Bags

Between the splashing of the paddle and the splashing of your potential catches, your gear is guaranteed to get wet. Protect anything that isn’t waterproof by sealing it in a dry bag. Roll the top of the bag down and clip it in place to keep your electronics, food and clothing safe and dry.

5. Kayak Cart

Finally, you need a way to shuttle all of your kayak fishing gear – as well as the boat itself – between your car and the water. A kayak cart will do the trick. Easy assembly and all-terrain wheels will keep you from wearing yourself out before you even hit the water. They’ll also save your kayak from scraping across a parking lot or bumpy shoreline.

Whether you’re a beginning or a seasoned angler, these kayak fishing accessories will have you water-worthy in no time. With the addition of a good rod and a stable fishing kayak, you’ll be ready to pack up and leave the dock behind.