When I was considering this delimma I settled on the boat. I'm 52 and in decent shape but I don't want to spend the effort paddling all day. I also don't see the point in paying 10s of thousands of dollars on a boat. So I bought a 1995 Scout sport Fisher 15 foot skiff hull and trailer. Then found a used 40 hp Honda 4 stroke and wired and fitted out the rest. I'm into it all in 5k ish. It's cheap to run, runs shallow, easy to store in the side yard and does what I want it to. Since I built it I know it inside out. It's kind of a beater so it doesn't matter to me when I run up on rocks or bottom. I do all of the motor service myself. It has definitely proved to be an asset rather than a liability.
I had decided early this year to buy a boat. After several months of looking I found what I wanted out down a deposit and told the guy that I wanted my mechanic to look at it. He backed out. After talking to my mechanic he said the majority of boats in my price/age range have flooring and fuel tank issues. Then I found Salt Strong and started looking at the Kayak posts and what some of the instructors comments were on Kayak fishing. I have fished from kayaks several times over the years. I went out and bought a brand new fully loaded kayak, peddle drive, Bixby motor, and electronic anchor pin assembly, and a Lowrance hook 5 for about 1/3 of the price of the 1997 boat I almost bought. The kayak is very stable, and works well for what I need. I was at Davis Island last Friday and watched 3 people struggling to load a boat. It took me less time to get my kayak off the roof of my car get my gear in, launch my kayak, walk the well assemble up to my parked vehicle and leave the docking area before they pulled the boat out of the water. I fish alone so I don’t have 3 people to load a boat. Last time I had a boat I could load and unload it by myself. But the kayak is easier to manage for me than a boat. I am 60 and do have back issues but the Bixby takes some of the pressure off my back. I normally run the motor on a low speed and peddle to where I am headed then I drift fish and use the Kayak rudder to keep me straight.
I love the peace of a kayak until the boats start flying by one after the other. And the wind suddenly kicks up and I'm floating right into the mangroves. But, I just bought a trolling motor and I am excited to try it. Very expensive purchase . I had no idea. $380 motor and $130 battery... to me, that's a lot of money. And I'm nervous how it will affect my balance. Hopefully, I'll be able to travel to better spots quickly and then paddle for stealth.
I've been kay fishing for 6 yrs now, on my second PA12. At first pedaling all day, my legs would be so sore, but after first year that wasn't issue anymore. I can pedal all day no problem now without being exhausted when I'm done. Definitely physically demanding but great exercise & very stealthy!
For you "older peeps," don't be dissuaded by this youngster's comments about having "disabilities" and wanting to be active by purchasing a kayak. Get one and enjoy it. You know if you can do it and you can't get in shape unless you become active. Kayaks will help you with that. There are recreational kayaks and fishing kayaks. They come in all shapes and sizes that will fit your budget. I am 68 and fat with physical limitations. I kayak and fish the inshore saltwater estuaries. A typical day out for me is like 5 to 7 miles. Like anything, start out slow, easy and short and then go long. How far you will be able to go will depend on your fitness level. Not sure? Then, get out with some peeps that are already kayaking and have them help you with your new adventures.
🤣😂🤣 Im 60, I have had 5 back surgeries and both knees replaced. I still give it hell everytime out 😂 I pass alot of you young bucks on the way out the pass. 8-10 miles of kayaking and Im done.
Considering getting a kayak but have a Carolina Skiff J16 fully built out with trolling motor, fore and aft casting decks with seats, center console, 25 hp etc. The boat drafts very little water which is critical for me - I love skinny water. Even so, there are creeks where at low tide I am stopped at some point, but in a kayak I'd be able to forge further in. There's also a lot more involved in prepping a boat for a day's fishing - charging batteries, fuel mix, checking the trailer lights (common source of last minute issues), etc. I'm 63 and fit, have fished out of borrowed kayaks a number of times and enjoyed the experience, though it's nice to pull up on a mud/oyster bar and stretch the legs once in a while! Not to mention throw a few casts while standing. If there's a single biggest benefit to a boat in my view, it's the ability to stand and fish the whole time. Better visibility and better casting range and accuracy are big pluses.
Q. What is faster than a kayak, paddled or peddled, requires zero fuel or effort, doesn't spook fish, even feet from them, and has been effective for fishermen, even before written language (thousands of years)? A. The sailboat. I design/build small fishing sailboats for a hobby/passion. Been influenced by primative designs from around the world. Have had great success with outrigger canoes and kayak sails. My best is probably the 16' trailer catamaran. Fully loaded, with 250# me aboard, it sits 8" in the water. When it's too shallow on the SW Florida flats, I step off in ankle deep water push it off the bed and get back on. Fish, especially sea trout, seem to be attrackted to the gentle gurgle of the hulls. Just throw out a paddle tail, put rod in holder, and glide all over the flats. And/or cast along mangroves as you cruise. Simple, quiet, free.
We owned a 23’ Mako years ago. I now have a 2019 Hobie Outback. I bought the kayak with all the mods/extras I needed and spent $4200, nothing else $ is needed on the kayak. A boat… B-break O-out A-another T-thousand
If it's an either or thing and being the owner of both, it's definitely a kayak. The versatility, being able to get into super skinny water, and stealth are all huge pros for me. Maintaining boats is an ongoing thing, it just never ends.
I love my kayak, owned a Hobie Pro Angler 14 360, on a trailer, fully decked out. I loved fishing out of it, it was amazing, but I found I was limited in coverage of water, and if I went to far off shore, I was always praying, for the weather to stay, as if a gust of winds occurred, I would be in trouble ! I have now sold the Hobie, and own a 5.2 meter 1/2 cabin fiberglass boat, 120hp merc, and find myself more comfortable and safe, when exploring deeper water, and also cover a heap of spots, when searching for my fish. In terms of cost of boat, compared to the Hobie, the boat is cheaper in cost, the only cost is the fuel, and that is justified for the value of fish I bring home ‘ AND I have a healthy meal on the dinner table. So for me, a boat wins everyday of the week. Conclusion ? you can’t compare a kayak & boat, 2 totally types of vessels’ which you can not compare.
There is no "one is better than the other", is all about pro/cons. That said, I sold my skiff a few years ago and now only kayak fish. My spots are now limited though and depend on how far I can paddle. No doubt that a stealthy kayak will up your chances of finding and landing fish versus a motor boat.
This is the truth. It's almost not logical to compare the two. "Fishing" is the common denominator, but that's it. No way a kayaker can cover the water and find fish like a flats boat can. Period. And have you tried taking two sons fishing on your kayak? Having said that, I've owned two flats boats and sold them both. I fish out of an Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 now and enjoy it way more than I ever enjoyed those two "holes in the water I poured $ in!" that cost over 10x what my kayak cost. LOL
Tony I am 62 years old and have many health problems Yes my health keeps me from going out as much as I use to. But as far as taking the yak out I don't find it very physical to paddle.
Used to have a motorized kayak, loved it, but i used to fish alone most of the time and when bay was choppy was very limited on range also on space, also had to load unload it manually and keep making back and forth trips for everything, now i own a 22ft boat with a Jackplate and i can run in less than 12" of water while bringing my friends with me, i can also fish near shore (20 miles out). so to me a boat makes a lot more sense, but im not going to lie i do miss kayaking here and there, No paying for gas / insurance / boat payment or storage...
Still loving my kayak. No motor but with paddle and pedals. Only make one trip to and from the shoreline. No ramps, no engine, no gas, no insurance, no storage problems, low maintenance, near shore (2 miles), and low profile with a 12 ft shadow (no spooking the fish). Owned several large boats over the years. Totally enjoyed them and now I'm just lazy LOL. Enjoy your boat. May the fishing gods be kind to you.
Might not have been missed if a boater with a family had been part of the pros/cons discussion. If Wader Dave was doing the pros/cons of wading versus kayaking, it might be tilted to wade fishing.
I would like to see people talking about a fishing jet ski versus kayak? Lol they both can go very, very shallow water. You can put a trolling motor on both of them. I would love to see this argument
What about 12 footer fiberglass/aluminum V hull boat vs kayak? Fishing in half or 1km away from the seashore. Let's say both have motor(electric or gasoline whatever it is) Which one would you choose? This is a plain question, I'm not into getting an argument. I am planning to buy so I need an advice.
Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.
To my last answer, I now own a boat, this will open up my fishing and go further out and don’t have to worry in getting tired or weather change ‘ and heaps more comfortable and roomy than a kayak ‘
Boats need ramps and parking for vehicle/trailer. Kayaks just need water. I've launched and retrieved them by rope from 30' river banks, with no ramps for miles.
Same here I have access to a gated levee in the big cypress (Everglades) and I drop my kayak on the sides where no air boaters can get too and the fishing can be unbelievable at times
Boat cover more water less energy, kayak cover less water required more energy. I bring my boat if I wanna go farther out & deeper open water but I bring my hobie compass kayak if I wanna chill with friends shallow water & do some exercising.
Just sold my boat and currently researching kayaks. If I could do it all over I would of never bought a boat. Too much of an impulse and takes a lot to operate. Kayaks you can easily store in the garage or on the side of the house.
Kayak fishing is great! If you would like to find more tips and tactics, we have a massive library on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.
@@veryangrydodo2376 I like the simplicity of kayak fishing. I dont have to worry about gas, cleaning my boat after every trip, maintenance cost ect... I throw my yak in the back of the truck and can launch pretty much anywhere with water access. I fish shallow under 1' sight casting reds most of the time and unless I have someone polling for me on a boat I cant really do that on a skiff. I can get in a couple feet of water with a trolling motor but sometimes I just want to get up in the grass or back in a small creek that I wouldnt be able to with a boat. there are many more but that seems to be the main points there. Either way enjoy whatever you decide. Tight lines
@@EvansGoneFishing appreciate it the response I’m probably gonna get a decked out kayak, my friend has a boat but I kinda wanted my own but I live in Northern California and there’s a ton of electric only lakes and reservoirs. Thanks for the response brother, tight lines!
Pros a kayak is easy to launch and deal with however if you live and area like Northern California where there are 42 big resident great white sharks and about 100 or more juvenile 8-10 ft ones during the summer that kinda takes your desire to use a kayak away in a hurry. the man in the grey suit also likes the same halibut targeted by the kayakers and will readily take them away. Feeding 4k lbs 15 ft sharks with a big grin staring at you a few feet in front of your kayak is technically playing with dinosaurs and makes the decision to buy a boat much easier.
No biggie, sharks are always there. I mean, think about it, how many kayaker have ever been eaten by a shark. Besides, when I hook into one that's as big as my kayak, my knife provides the right solution (cut my line), re-rig and move on. All in day's fishing. Keep ur lines tight n roll with the tide brah.
It is rather depressing (or typical?) to hear young men talk about being tired from paddling or having to eat power bars for energy (use body fat for energy.)
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When I was considering this delimma I settled on the boat. I'm 52 and in decent shape but I don't want to spend the effort paddling all day. I also don't see the point in paying 10s of thousands of dollars on a boat. So I bought a 1995 Scout sport Fisher 15 foot skiff hull and trailer. Then found a used 40 hp Honda 4 stroke and wired and fitted out the rest. I'm into it all in 5k ish. It's cheap to run, runs shallow, easy to store in the side yard and does what I want it to. Since I built it I know it inside out. It's kind of a beater so it doesn't matter to me when I run up on rocks or bottom. I do all of the motor service myself. It has definitely proved to be an asset rather than a liability.
I had decided early this year to buy a boat. After several months of looking I found what I wanted out down a deposit and told the guy that I wanted my mechanic to look at it. He backed out. After talking to my mechanic he said the majority of boats in my price/age range have flooring and fuel tank issues. Then I found Salt Strong and started looking at the Kayak posts and what some of the instructors comments were on Kayak fishing. I have fished from kayaks several times over the years. I went out and bought a brand new fully loaded kayak, peddle drive, Bixby motor, and electronic anchor pin assembly, and a Lowrance hook 5 for about 1/3 of the price of the 1997 boat I almost bought. The kayak is very stable, and works well for what I need. I was at Davis Island last Friday and watched 3 people struggling to load a boat. It took me less time to get my kayak off the roof of my car get my gear in, launch my kayak, walk the well assemble up to my parked vehicle and leave the docking area before they pulled the boat out of the water. I fish alone so I don’t have 3 people to load a boat. Last time I had a boat I could load and unload it by myself. But the kayak is easier to manage for me than a boat. I am 60 and do have back issues but the Bixby takes some of the pressure off my back. I normally run the motor on a low speed and peddle to where I am headed then I drift fish and use the Kayak rudder to keep me straight.
If you can afford it you got to do both the boat and the kayak. Best of both worlds.
YES , have my little 16ft boat for inshore and my Pro Angler for offshore 👍
@@fishinjunkee1701 yeah,there's some spots you just can't take a boat too. To get that baby deep into the mangroves. It's kayak time.
I love the peace of a kayak until the boats start flying by one after the other. And the wind suddenly kicks up and I'm floating right into the mangroves. But, I just bought a trolling motor and I am excited to try it. Very expensive purchase . I had no idea. $380 motor and $130 battery... to me, that's a lot of money. And I'm nervous how it will affect my balance. Hopefully, I'll be able to travel to better spots quickly and then paddle for stealth.
Thanks for sharing!!
I've been kay fishing for 6 yrs now, on my second PA12. At first pedaling all day, my legs would be so sore, but after first year that wasn't issue anymore. I can pedal all day no problem now without being exhausted when I'm done. Definitely physically demanding but great exercise & very stealthy!
For you "older peeps," don't be dissuaded by this youngster's comments about having "disabilities" and wanting to be active by purchasing a kayak. Get one and enjoy it. You know if you can do it and you can't get in shape unless you become active. Kayaks will help you with that. There are recreational kayaks and fishing kayaks. They come in all shapes and sizes that will fit your budget. I am 68 and fat with physical limitations. I kayak and fish the inshore saltwater estuaries. A typical day out for me is like 5 to 7 miles. Like anything, start out slow, easy and short and then go long. How far you will be able to go will depend on your fitness level. Not sure? Then, get out with some peeps that are already kayaking and have them help you with your new adventures.
🤣😂🤣 Im 60, I have had 5 back surgeries and both knees replaced. I still give it hell everytime out 😂 I pass alot of you young bucks on the way out the pass. 8-10 miles of kayaking and Im done.
Considering getting a kayak but have a Carolina Skiff J16 fully built out with trolling motor, fore and aft casting decks with seats, center console, 25 hp etc. The boat drafts very little water which is critical for me - I love skinny water. Even so, there are creeks where at low tide I am stopped at some point, but in a kayak I'd be able to forge further in. There's also a lot more involved in prepping a boat for a day's fishing - charging batteries, fuel mix, checking the trailer lights (common source of last minute issues), etc. I'm 63 and fit, have fished out of borrowed kayaks a number of times and enjoyed the experience, though it's nice to pull up on a mud/oyster bar and stretch the legs once in a while! Not to mention throw a few casts while standing. If there's a single biggest benefit to a boat in my view, it's the ability to stand and fish the whole time. Better visibility and better casting range and accuracy are big pluses.
Q. What is faster than a kayak, paddled or peddled, requires zero fuel or effort, doesn't spook fish, even feet from them, and has been effective for fishermen, even before written language (thousands of years)?
A. The sailboat. I design/build small fishing sailboats for a hobby/passion. Been influenced by primative designs from around the world. Have had great success with outrigger canoes and kayak sails. My best is probably the 16' trailer catamaran. Fully loaded, with 250# me aboard, it sits 8" in the water. When it's too shallow on the SW Florida flats, I step off in ankle deep water push it off the bed and get back on. Fish, especially sea trout, seem to be attrackted to the gentle gurgle of the hulls. Just throw out a paddle tail, put rod in holder, and glide all over the flats. And/or cast along mangroves as you cruise. Simple, quiet, free.
Love this idea. I've been toying with the idea of building a small fishing sailboat. Glad to know I'm not crazy.
We owned a 23’ Mako years ago. I now have a 2019 Hobie Outback. I bought the kayak with all the mods/extras I needed and spent $4200, nothing else $ is needed on the kayak.
A boat…
B-break
O-out
A-another
T-thousand
If it's an either or thing and being the owner of both, it's definitely a kayak. The versatility, being able to get into super skinny water, and stealth are all huge pros for me. Maintaining boats is an ongoing thing, it just never ends.
I've only done sea kayaking in the ocean (sit inside) and loved no launch fees or CA annual registration fees for kayaking.
The most important feature in a kayak is comfort. If the seat isn't great you'll be back at the ramp in 2 or three hours.
I love my kayak, owned a Hobie Pro Angler 14 360, on a trailer, fully decked out. I loved fishing out of it, it was amazing, but I found I was limited in coverage of water, and if I went to far off shore, I was always praying, for the weather to stay, as if a gust of winds occurred, I would be in trouble ! I have now sold the Hobie, and own a 5.2 meter 1/2 cabin fiberglass boat, 120hp merc, and find myself more comfortable and safe, when exploring deeper water, and also cover a heap of spots, when searching for my fish. In terms of cost of boat, compared to the Hobie, the boat is cheaper in cost, the only cost is the fuel, and that is justified for the value of fish I bring home ‘ AND I have a healthy meal on the dinner table.
So for me, a boat wins everyday of the week. Conclusion ? you can’t compare a kayak & boat, 2 totally types of vessels’ which you can not compare.
Thanks for the insight
There is no "one is better than the other", is all about pro/cons. That said, I sold my skiff a few years ago and now only kayak fish. My spots are now limited though and depend on how far I can paddle. No doubt that a stealthy kayak will up your chances of finding and landing fish versus a motor boat.
This is the truth. It's almost not logical to compare the two. "Fishing" is the common denominator, but that's it. No way a kayaker can cover the water and find fish like a flats boat can. Period. And have you tried taking two sons fishing on your kayak? Having said that, I've owned two flats boats and sold them both. I fish out of an Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 now and enjoy it way more than I ever enjoyed those two "holes in the water I poured $ in!" that cost over 10x what my kayak cost. LOL
Tony I am 62 years old and have many health problems
Yes my health keeps me from going out as much as I use to.
But as far as taking the yak out I don't find it very physical to paddle.
Having owned both a PA14 and a Gheenoe I can say you would be hard pressed to find a better back bay craft then a Gheenoe. My vote is Gheenoe.
Used to have a motorized kayak, loved it, but i used to fish alone most of the time and when bay was choppy was very limited on range also on space, also had to load unload it manually and keep making back and forth trips for everything, now i own a 22ft boat with a Jackplate and i can run in less than 12" of water while bringing my friends with me, i can also fish near shore (20 miles out). so to me a boat makes a lot more sense, but im not going to lie i do miss kayaking here and there, No paying for gas / insurance / boat payment or storage...
Still loving my kayak. No motor but with paddle and pedals. Only make one trip to and from the shoreline. No ramps, no engine, no gas, no insurance, no storage problems, low maintenance, near shore (2 miles), and low profile with a 12 ft shadow (no spooking the fish). Owned several large boats over the years. Totally enjoyed them and now I'm just lazy LOL. Enjoy your boat. May the fishing gods be kind to you.
You missed the best pro. Fishing with your family and friends. Hard to do that with a kayak. Kayak more solitary.
Might not have been missed if a boater with a family had been part of the pros/cons discussion. If Wader Dave was doing the pros/cons of wading versus kayaking, it might be tilted to wade fishing.
@@robs.202 true.
Great point for a boat I noticed the pro omission too. Kayaks are solo crafts.
Should have both, if you can.
I think we can all agree that a kayak or boat is much much better than the shore!
I would like to see people talking about a fishing jet ski versus kayak? Lol they both can go very, very shallow water. You can put a trolling motor on both of them. I would love to see this argument
Thanks for the suggestion! We'll add it to the list.
What about 12 footer fiberglass/aluminum V hull boat vs kayak?
Fishing in half or 1km away from the seashore.
Let's say both have motor(electric or gasoline whatever it is)
Which one would you choose?
This is a plain question, I'm not into getting an argument. I am planning to buy so I need an advice.
Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.
A kayak, the only reason for my answer is your only fishing 1 or 2 k’s out’ don’t need the boat for that distance.
To my last answer, I now own a boat, this will open up my fishing and go further out and don’t have to worry in getting tired or weather change ‘ and heaps more comfortable and roomy than a kayak ‘
Pretty sure I saw your boat driving on south tropical trail the other day
Boats need ramps and parking for vehicle/trailer. Kayaks just need water. I've launched and retrieved them by rope from 30' river banks, with no ramps for miles.
Same here I have access to a gated levee in the big cypress (Everglades) and I drop my kayak on the sides where no air boaters can get too and the fishing can be unbelievable at times
shshshshsh. Really enjoying being the only one to hit my spots right now.
Don’t worry most people are lazy
I like the idea of using a boat + Paddleboard. Get to spot. Too skinny, anchor and paddle, return, repeat.
Agree!
Boat cover more water less energy, kayak cover less water required more energy. I bring my boat if I wanna go farther out & deeper open water but I bring my hobie compass kayak if I wanna chill with friends shallow water & do some exercising.
Just sold my boat and currently researching kayaks. If I could do it all over I would of never bought a boat. Too much of an impulse and takes a lot to operate. Kayaks you can easily store in the garage or on the side of the house.
Kayak fishing is great! If you would like to find more tips and tactics, we have a massive library on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.
Ive had 3 boats and just got my first kayak last year 2020 hobbie outback and i will probably never go back to a boat.
Why? I just want some insight cause I can’t decide between the two.
@@veryangrydodo2376 I like the simplicity of kayak fishing. I dont have to worry about gas, cleaning my boat after every trip, maintenance cost ect... I throw my yak in the back of the truck and can launch pretty much anywhere with water access. I fish shallow under 1' sight casting reds most of the time and unless I have someone polling for me on a boat I cant really do that on a skiff. I can get in a couple feet of water with a trolling motor but sometimes I just want to get up in the grass or back in a small creek that I wouldnt be able to with a boat. there are many more but that seems to be the main points there. Either way enjoy whatever you decide. Tight lines
@@EvansGoneFishing appreciate it the response I’m probably gonna get a decked out kayak, my friend has a boat but I kinda wanted my own but I live in Northern California and there’s a ton of electric only lakes and reservoirs. Thanks for the response brother, tight lines!
Pros a kayak is easy to launch and deal with however if you live and area like Northern California where there are 42 big resident great white sharks and about 100 or more juvenile 8-10 ft ones during the summer that kinda takes your desire to use a kayak away in a hurry. the man in the grey suit also likes the same halibut targeted by the kayakers and will readily take them away. Feeding 4k lbs 15 ft sharks with a big grin staring at you a few feet in front of your kayak is technically playing with dinosaurs and makes the decision to buy a boat much easier.
No biggie, sharks are always there. I mean, think about it, how many kayaker have ever been eaten by a shark. Besides, when I hook into one that's as big as my kayak, my knife provides the right solution (cut my line), re-rig and move on. All in day's fishing. Keep ur lines tight n roll with the tide brah.
What about jetski
Look up how long a jet ski typically last in hours. Not only that but you don't want to take a jetski shallow it will mess up filter and engine ect...
Oh hell no
Sound quality is pretty hard to listen to
It is rather depressing (or typical?) to hear young men talk about being tired from paddling or having to eat power bars for energy (use body fat for energy.)
Audio sucks