As stand-up fishing has gained a following due to its better sight lines and casting, the fishing kayak design has also been impacted.
Kayak Design Features for Stand-Up Fishing
As affordable options that let anglers get out on the water continue to multiply, kayak designers and engineers are listening. They are finding ways to make kayaks serve the needs of both anglers and the fishing community.
Using feedback from fishing kayak users, kayak designers are taking notes on how to make it easier for stand-up anglers, offering a stable platform and access to “skinny” water. As a result, more and more fishing kayaks are incorporating elements into their design, such as broader beams and flatter hulls, which provide stability and stand-up capability. Open, rigid, raised deck areas offer a clean, uncluttered platform for standing and casting without capsizing.
Key Innovations for Fishing Kayaks
Expanded Width
To allow for a standing angler, modern kayaks are significantly wider than their traditional counterparts. Most fishing kayaks have width dimensions of 30 inches or more.
Hull Design
Fishing kayaks have adopted a more flat, stable, or tunnel-style hull to provide a sturdy platform, rather than a V or U-shaped hull.
Adjustable & Raised Seating
While kayaks have always had seats (traditionally, a kayak is paddled from a seated position with a double-bladed paddle), recent innovations have transformed kayak seats for comfort as well as versatility. Some models allow you to adjust the seat height, raising or lowering it depending on whether you are actively paddling (in the low position) or actively fishing (in the high position).
Non-Slip Deck Pads
To ensure proper traction and comfort for standing anglers, newer fishing kayak designs often feature decks covered with soft, grippy pads. The additional padding also helps to dampen sound, allowing for a quiet and stealthy approach to the fish.
Stand-Assist Accessories
As the “stand-up” attraction grows, so do the accessories that can assist anglers. Lean bars, pull-up straps, and more have become popular among those who need a little help getting to their feet.
Pros of Stand-Up Fishing Kayak Design
Increased Stability
- Greater stability allows anglers to stand up and move freely
- Standing provides a 360-degree range of motion for casting, reeling, and landing fish
Higher Perspective
- Anglers can see farther into the water
- Standing or raised seating gives a superior ability to sight fish in shallow water.
Enhanced Versatility
- Anglers can choose to sit or stand, allowing them to customize their setup for different fishing conditions or preferences.
- Comfortable seating for long-distance paddling or rough conditions conserves energy, allowing anglers to stay out longer.
Near- Silent Operation
- Wide, flat hulls sit and glide quietly, and allow for shallow water access.
- A stealthy approach is less likely to spook fish.
Cons of Stand-Up Fishing Kayak Design
Slower
Because of the wider, flatter hull, fishing kayaks aren’t as fast or good at tracking as a traditional kayak.
Less Efficient
Because they are slower and don’t track on the water as well as traditional hulls, these kayaks can be more challenging to paddle, which can lead to fatigue. They also tend to be heavier and bulkier, which allows them to carry more gear but also requires more energy to paddle.
The rise of stand-up fishing is also helping to reshape the kayak fishing market. These well-designed and engineered fishing kayaks are accessible, versatile, and safe for stand-up and shallow-water fishing.