The Old Town ePDL+ Bigwater 132 fishing kayak won Best in Show at ICAST 2023 — and raised a few eyebrows with its $6,000 price tag. That’s a lot of money, but it’s not much more than other ground-breaking boats we’ve seen over the past decade. Hobie’s Pro Angler was scoffed at when it was introduced in 2009. “Too different,” they said. “Too expensive.” Now it’s one of the best selling fishing kayaks of all time. Old Town itself was no stranger to such skepticism. Their paradigm-breaking Autopilot, with its built-in Minn Kota trolling motor, received a similar mixture of applause and sticker shock but now is almost universally regarded as one of the most effective sight-fishing platforms you can buy. So when Old Town launched it’s new electric-assisted pedal kayak I wondered, how would this new boat compare?

Here’s the thing. I love the Autopilot (I fish one all the time), but I am most comfortable fishing from a kayak with manual controls. What makes the ePDL unique is that it lets you maintain the same level of manual control as a non-electric pedal kayak. You’re not filtering inputs through a remote control, you’re just pedaling forwards (or backwards) the same way you do in a manual boat. The electric motor just makes everything effortless. After fishing extensively from the ePDL for the last three months I’ve determined that there is something truly exceptional about the performance of this kayak. There’s nothing else like it on the market. Despite the high price, it’s a compelling option for avid anglers seeking to conquer the open waters or to run miles through creeks efficiently and in comfort.

How I Tested

I’ve used this kayak for more than 3 months, fishing it hard in over 30 trips to a wide variety of spots, from open water to tight creeks in the Northeast to the Mid-Atlantic to the Everglades. Heading two miles out to jig Florida Keys patch reefs was an absolute blast. Fighting ripping tides to fish tight bridge structures and micro rocks with precision was also plenty doable. Want to cover a big creek and hit all the tight bends you think are going to hold fish? Easy stuff as well. I have been jigging and bottom bouncing out of a kayak for over 15 years and I can’t think of a better platform that helps you spend more time fishing and less time traveling, while also retaining that manual kayak feel that made me fall in love with kayak jigging to begin with. The biggest challenge you’ll face is that it’s too easy to cover water, running over fish by accident. Let’s break the boat down by its components.

A Hull Designed for Fishing

The Old Town Predator ePDL+ Bigwater 132 fishing kayak is purpose built for fishing. With a length of 13 feet, 2 inches, and a width of 36 inches, this kayak strikes a good balance between stability and maneuverability, ensuring anglers can navigate diverse water conditions with confidence. The bow is designed to cut through slop. The tri-hull design makes it more efficient than flatter-bottomed kayaks, helping it maintain high speeds and track straighter while still retaining enough stability for me to stand up with ease.

High Speeds at Low Effort

I’ve fished this boat for more than 100 full fishing days and am primarily running the pedal assist at its top speed all day. In flat water with no current, the assist lets you cruise comfortably at 5 miles an hour. You can reach that speed with a manual drive, but your legs will be burning in pretty short order. The controls are simple and installing and removing the drive is simple and intuitive. A truly plug-and-play product.

A Long-Lasting 36v Battery

I have yet to run out of juice in this kayak. A ten-mile (round trip) fishing day only knocks the battery down two bars. The way I fish it is to run from spot to spot at full speed, then turn off the electric assist after I get to a fishy looking spot. I primarily do a lot of vertical jigging or shallow water casting so having those 5 mph speeds on tight fishing spots is counter productive.

Surprisingly Easy to Transport

I rarely use boat ramps to launch my kayak, so I love how easy the Old Town ePDL is to carry around. This is a kayak I can throw up onto my pickup truck rack without risking injury to my shoulders and back. Wheeling it down to the beach for 150 feet through mud, soft sand, and occasionally rocks isn’t impossible, either, the way it is with many of the other big electrified kayaks on the market. The 36v battery is feather-light and does not impede on transporting the kayak from beach to launch.  

The Takeaway

The Old Town Predator ePDL Bigwater 132 is a standout choice for anglers seeking a high-performance vessel that excels in both functionality and versatility. This kayak offers an unparalleled combination of stability, maneuverability, and saltwater fishing-centric features. Whether you’re exploring remote fishing spots or covering miles of open water searching for big game species I can’t think of a better way to do it from a plastic vessel.

The post ePDL+ Review: After 30 Trips, Does Old Town’s New Electric Kayak Stand Up to the Hype? appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Low cost, low maintenance and high function—fishing kayaks offer access to many anglers who might otherwise be on the sidelines. Now, electric motors are opening the sport to even more people regardless of fitness and skills. Kayak manufacturers and electric-motor designers have developed foolproof systems that are easy to install and use, and with improvements in battery technology, you can expect even more kayaks to ride the lightning.

Want to get in the craze? First choose between a trolling motor or electric outboard. Electric outboards are faster, allowing you to zoom to a distant fishing spot—and typically offer better battery life. Trolling motors are more maneuverable, with programmable and virtual anchor features.

But take note: Adding a motor to a kayak essentially turns the paddlecraft into a motorboat, requiring registration, navigation lights and other adherence to other powerboat regulations.

The post The Electrification of Kayaks appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

There is no place better than the annual ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show in Orlando, Florida, to see the newest fishing products available this fall or early next year. The weeklong event is a blast for outdoor media because it allows us to get a sneak peek of things to come.

This year we saw a couple of different trends, including the introduction of next-generation trolling motors from a number of manufacturers. Also, since the ICAST show is a useful indicator of the future, anglers can expect to have even more options for sunglasses, deck boots, electric reels, and lithium batteries. Below, the products listed in alphabetical order caught our eye in some way. For complete features and specs on each product, check out the link provided to their official website.

Abu Garcia Revo SX-SS

The precision redesigning that went into the Abu Garcia Revo SX-SS is obvious. A lightweight, shallow spool makes this reel purpose built for skipping, pitching and flipping. No long casts with this one. A high speed 8.1:1 gear ratio and 22 pounds of Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag will help pull big bass out of thick cover.

AFTCO Mojeaux 1/4 Zip

ICAST’s winner for Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Women, the AFTCO Mojeaux 1/4 Zip Performance Shirt was designed by Capt. Moe Newman of Venice, Louisiana. She spends more days than most on the water in the Gulf heat. Her performance shirt includes Air-O Mesh ventilation fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, DWR stain release, quick dry / moisture wicking, a stealth zipper pocket, and thumb loops.

Bajio Eldora

Florida-based Bajio sunglasses label some of their frames after spots in the Sunshine State, places like Stiltsville and Ozello. The Eldora frames are named after an area of Mosquito Lagoon, located not too far from their office. Bajio prides itself on its quality frames and lenses, but also their sustainable practices and initiatives. Of note, Bajio recently launched a College Ambassador Program to help students and prospective students learn about the fishing opportunities at different universities.

Berkley Swamp Lord

The hollow-body Swamp Lord topwater frog from Berkley was designed by longtime bass pro Bobby Lane. The frog features mega-sharp Fusion19 hooks, plus a supple body material that easily collapses when eaten. A sealed body chamber reduces water intrusion. Buy the Swamp Lord in both standard and popping models.

Bonafide SKF 117

In a world where kayaks are looking more and more like single-person boats, the Bonafide SKF 117 keeps it surprisingly simple. The hybrid standup/sitdown fishing kayak is at home on the shallowest flats. A spring-loaded skeg in the keel deploys by a lever to help track straight. Total length is under 12 feet, but still has room for a cooler behind the seat. Plus, the high rise seat makes it easy to stand up and fish on the wide-open front deck. You’ll have no problem adding accessories such as a fishfinder or Micro Anchor if you want to go that route.

Columbia Castback TC PFG

A couple great features highlight the new Columbia Castback TC PFG shoe. First, you might notice the grippy razor sipings on the rubber outsole for exceptional staying power on the boat. Second, the midsole incorporates the OMNI-MAX Plus system: a TECHLITE+ midsole cradles the heel for balance while deflection domes in the forefoot and heel absorb impact. A fun fact: Castback’s shoe heel collapses if you want to wear the shoe like a slip-on.

Costa King Tide

Years in the making, the Costa King Tide 6 and 8 sunglasses are loaded with innovation. Two options include a medium wrap 6-base frame (King Tide 6) and a full wrap 8-base option (King Tide 8). What you’ll notice on the frames are the removable side shields, shark inspired venting to prevent fog, sweat management channels and eye wire drains, and non-skid hooding to keep your frames in one spot when you’re not wearing them.

Daiwa Tatula Elite

At the show, Daiwa introduced the TATULA Elite AGS bass rod series, a 16 model lineup with the latest advancements in Daiwa rod technology. At the core of the TATULA Elite AGS rods are lightweight SVF Nano Plus blanks, along with X45 Bias construction to prevent blank twisting for greater strength, excellent sensitivity, and hook-setting power. In conjunction, Daiwa also released a redesigned and affordable TATULA 100 that’s extremely palmable and ultra-ergonomic.

Fenwick World Class

Fenwick’s World Class rod series provide anglers with 62 technique-specific rods to meet their specialized needs. The freshwater rod models consist of bass casting, bass spinning, bass crankbait casting, and walleye spinning. The saltwater rod options offered include inshore spinning and casting rods. What makes the World Class rods special is how they feel in the hand — they developed a winner. Features include tailored foregrip, 40/36 ton graphite blend with proprietary reinforcing resin, contoured rod butt, and titanium guide frames with super thin zirconia inserts.

Garmin Force Kraken

Garmin Force Kraken’s brushless trolling motor produces 100 pounds of thrust on a 36-volt system. Key “modes” that new anglers will like include the precise anchor lock technology, route navigation and heading hold abilities. The Kraken trolling motor is designed with longer shaft lengths (63, 75 and 90 inches) and a pivot-style mount. Kraken also features wireless integration with Garmin electronics, plus select motors include a built-in all-in-one transducer with Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar.

G. Loomis NRX+ Inshore

Best saltwater rod at the show went to the G. Loomis NRX+ Inshore. These American-made blanks are rolled with Spiral X technology for increased casting distance, heightened sensitivity, and drastic weight reduction. No doubt about it, the rods are lightweight in your hand. Other specs include custom CI4+ reel seats and Fuji Titanium SiC guide train. The full lineup includes 10 casting and spinning rods.

Grundens Fishfinder Sandal

Grundens incorporated SeaDek into the footbed of its Fishfinder Sandal for wet traction and all day comfort. Water-friendly synthetic straps are quick drying, while a compression-molded EVA midsole delivers heel and arch support. The razor-siped non-marking rubber outsole performs well in wet conditions. This sandal offers everything you need in a flip flop.

Hobie Eyewear Floating Collection

While other sunglasses sink, Hobie Eyewear’s floating collection won’t slither into the depths. If you accidentally drop these sunglasses over the side, you won’t be kicking yourself. These glasses float. Different models are available, including the popular Coastal, Mariposa, Bluefin and Mojo (pictured) frames. All models are base 6 or 8 and feature Hydroclean 360 polarized lenses.

KastKing IReel

You might know about KastKing fishing products from Amazon, but its new IReel is as close as you can get to a “smart” reel. The IReel IFC (Intelligent Frequency Control) low-profile baitcaster features an axis eye line guide, lightweight aluminum alloy frame and carbon fiber side covers, 11+1 double-sealed stainless ball bearings, and a digital braking system. But the true highlight might be its Bluetooth capability. The reel connects to an app on your phone, then uses sensors in the spool to capture casting metrics (such as number of casts made, average distance, farthest cast, and retrieve speed) which you can study later off the water.

Minn Kota Riptide Instinct

The new Minn Kota Riptide Instinct brushless trolling motor is packed with QUEST technology. Check the specs on their website for complete details, but some highlights include 30% longer runtime and 50% greater torque, a redesigned and upgraded mount to handle increased torque, carbon fiber infused shaft, a new lift-assist assembly, and real-time battery monitoring. We tried out a model with a 100-inch shaft on a center console boat — this new Instinct motor is built for offshore fishing too.

Mustad Alpha Point

Mustad’s Assault 4/0 Wide Gap hook is a next level option for weedless rigged soft plastics because of its unique hook shape and AlphaPoint 4.8 technology. AlphaPoint delivers an even sharper and slimmer hook point length than the popular UltraPoint. An elongated and shallower point section allows for deeper and faster hooksets, while Mustad’s strategic Tak-bend gives larger and thicker soft baits the ability to sit flush to the hook. Soft plastics will fully collapse and produce better hooksets.

Native Watercraft TitanX 12.5

One the most loaded kayak rigs we’ve ever seen at the ICAST show. The new TitanX 12.5 measures 12 and a half feet long and 40 inches wide. What you can customize on the boat is eye-opening. Up front, a quick release mount allows a trolling motor to easily be added or removed (not pictured in this photo). Then, in the cockpit, there’s space for two Garmin graphs on a bar accessory, and the Propel Pedal Drive. In the back, a Native Watercraft Sidekick Wheel System, YakAttack BlackPak Pro and dual Power-Pole Micro Anchors. At the stern, a Newport Vessels NK 300 Motor with foot steering. Yep, two motors on this rig.

Newport Bluetooth Lithium Battery

Newport introduced its Bluetooth Lithium batteries. The lightweight battery features LiFePO4 cell construction and Bluetooth connectivity. With three versatile power options (24V50Ah, 36V30Ah and 36V40Ah), each battery is equipped with mobile-enabled Bluetooth monitoring. Anglers can check real-time battery status directly from their smartphone using the Newport Battery app. In addition, a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) actively monitors and regulates battery functions for optimized performance.

Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132

The Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 stole the show, winning the best boat at ICAST. What grabbed everyone’s attention was the ePDL+ drive, similar to an assist you might see on an ebike. The saltwater-proof ePDL+ drive allows anglers to seamlessly switch between manual pedal, power-assisted pedal, or fully motorized cruise control. There are five levels of power assistance total. A cruise control option lets a kayaker take their feet off the pedals, allowing the motor to take over.

Pelagic’s Steve T Goione Shirts

Steve Goione, a marine artist who works with fishing tournaments such as the Bermuda Triple Crown, teamed up with Pelagic to produce shirts with his incredible artwork. Goione utilizes a technique called pointillism, painting with small, distinct dots in conjunction with fish patterns to form an image. The tough task was to transfer Goione’s prints to Pelagic’s shirts, but the results were an absolute success. Pictured in the inset, Pelagic’s tri blend shirt with a sailfish.

PENN Spinfisher VII

The newest Spinfisher VII features IPX5 sealing so you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. Penn’s HT-100 drag washers are also housed in a fully sealed spool. A full metal body and side plate keep the brass CNC gears in precise alignment under stress. Pictured, notice the unique line keeper that holds heavy leader material.

Plano Edge Jerkbait Box

The Plano Edge Jerkbait box is purpose-built to hold up to 20 jerkbaits. An EZ label system and crystal-clear lid makes organization easy. And Plano’s Rustrictor technology offers 360 degree moisture protection. The days of untangling a mass of hooks and lures from your tackle tray are gone.

Rapala CrushCity

Rapala introduced its first-ever line of soft baits, with design help from pro angler Jacob Wheeler. The brand is called CrushCity, and they already have five different creature baits ready to rock. The baits look pretty darn tantalizing. Rapala says to pair CrushCity softbaits with VMC hooks and Sufix fishing line. Pictured, from left to right, the Cleanup Craw, Freeloader, Mayor and Bronco Bug.

Salt Life SLX

Salt Life has so many different options when it comes to clothing, you’ll have something to wear whether you’re on the water or out to dinner. Salt Life designed its best performance fabric for a life in the sun, near the water, with their proprietary SLX UVapor fabrics. Look for that SLX label. You’ll also notice the breathability of Salt Life offerings in positions along the back or under the arms (pictured).

Savage Gear BFT Flyer

The Savage Gear BFT Flyer is a pre-rigged flyingfish lure built to catch big-game species such as tunas. The design is based on a meticulous 3D scan of an actual flying fish. The 16-inch Flyer’s wings are easily removable by design. The lure comes pre-rigged in a harness, able to be presented for trolling or kite fishing. A line-thru design causes the lure to surge up the leader when a fish is hooked, preventing the fish from utilizing the lure’s weight as leverage during the fight.

Seaguar TactX

Seaguar TactX comes as a budget friendly braid and fluoro kit. Seaguar provides a recommended leader pound test to go along with the 4-strand braid. The braid is strong and abrasion resistant, engineered to maintain its round shape and stay firm to minimize rod tip wrapping and wind knots. Treat this braid as an all-around option for castability, abrasion resistance and overall strength.

Seviin Reels

St. Croix, the well-known rod company, now makes reels. Under a new brand called Seviin reels, they introduced spinning and baitcasting models at ICAST. Yes, fresh and saltwater too, with the GX Series Seviin for freshwater and GSW for saltwater. Available in 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 sizes, GSW reels are sealed with fully gasketed side plates and blade seals on the spool shaft. Specs include 6 + 1 shielded stainless-steel bearing system, powerful multi-stack carbon fiber drag, stainless-steel drag components, and precision hard-brass pinion and die-cast drive gear.

Shimano Mastiff FC

Shimano won the best line category at ICAST with its Shimano Mastiff FC fluorocarbon line. In particular, Mastiff FC utilizes NANOARMOR technology. An application of nano-size ridges across the outer surface of the line helps prevent knot-slipping when fighting large fish. Plus, there’s no slippage when bass fishing with techniques like twitching, jerking or casting large lures.

Shimano Poison Ultima

The freshwater Poison Ultima rod from Shimano has its history in the JDM market. This rod incorporates some of Shimano’s most advanced rod technologies, including Spiral X Core technology, Hi-Power X technology, and Shimano X-Guide. Casting models feature Shimano’s Full Carbon Monocoque grip — a full-carbon design that’s surprisingly sensitive. Of note, the new handle shape was developed by analyzing tournament anglers’ movements and holding posture to elevate performance.

Toadfish Casting Series Rod

A Toadfish casting rod is a great inshore option. They’re lightweight and built with salt-proof hardware. Components include Kigan 3D stainless steel guides, plus Winn Grip foregrip and handle butt. Buying a Toadfish rod as part of their Put ‘Em Back movement actually helps clean coastal waters, as Toadfish supports replanting and replenishing oyster habitat efforts.

Tsunami Forged Spinning Reels

A new beefy option from Tsunami. You might be aware of their Forged lever drags, but Tsunami introduced black Forged spinners in a number of sizes (4000, 6000 and 8000). Pick these spinners up, and you can feel the weighty toughness in your hands. The reels feature a stainless gear S-Drive, similar to their SaltX spinners. The 4000 model has a 6 bearing system.

TUF-LINE Fluorocarbon XD

TUF-LINE Fluorocarbon XD was designed to be abrasion-resistant and virtually invisible underwater. The company says this is the leader to use when targeting skittish fish or when fishing in heavy cover, dragging baits along rocky bottom, or jigging offshore. With less stretch and slack, plus its quick sinking ability, expect a great bait presentation and solid hookset.

XTRATUF BioLite

Check out this unique sandal from XTRATUF. It reminds me of Crocs. But these XTRATUFs are made using BioLite, a low compression high performance injection molded EVA foam that is easy to clean. Take these water shoes anywhere. They’ll drain quickly and dry out in short order. Can you handle the look of them?

YETI Yonder Water Bottle

YETI released some new sizes of its lightweight and nearly indestructible Yonder Water Bottle, along with a new Tether Cap. This is a great bottle to use when you need to keep the weight down in your backpack. Yonders are made from BPA-Free 50% recycled plastic, they’re 100% leakproof and 50% lighter than Ramblers.

Z-Man Rattle Snaker

Z-Man figured out a way to add rattles inside its soft baits with the Rattle Snaker. Insert the tool’s point into the bait’s tail, head or torso. Then place a rattle inside the tool’s hollow needle. Implant it with the pushrod and you’re all set. The package includes a surgical steel grade needle protected by a silicone needle guard, 10 glass rattles, and storage for rattles or tungsten weights.

Z-Man Mulletron

Z-Man’s Mulletron is a great finger mullet imitator. The realistic head and body shape, lifelike gill plate, eye and fins are molded from ElaZtech superplastic. The bait does not come pre-rigged, so Z-Man recommends using a ZWG hook. Pick from 10 popular inshore colors. Available in 3.3- and 4-inch swimbaits sizes.

The post Here’s What Caught Our Eye at ICAST appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

If I had a dollar for every time a haughty internet critic or passing angler asked me why I don’t “just get a boat,” I’d be able to pay cash for a vessel, maybe two. You’d think my simple response—because I want to fish out of my kayak—would suffice, but I’m still met with incredulous stares.

I guess it never dawned on me that anglers who’ve never tried kayak-fishing might focus primarily on the boat’s stunted mobility. (It can’t fly at 75 mph down the lake.) However, in a world that constantly ushers us into the fast lane, sometimes it pays to slow down.

Kayak-fishing pauses our sense of urgency. It profoundly connects us to the outdoors. Intimacy comes with being inches from the water.

More than a kayak’s obvious advantages—low overhead, low maintenance—these paddlecraft appeal to the adventurer’s wild heart. Adrenaline spikes when you connect to a fish capable of towing you.

Lastly, kayak-fishing reinforces the realization that we are small. It diminishes our self-importance and helps us consider what’s around us. And that fosters inner joy.

But I can’t tell you that. You have to experience it for yourself.

Kristine Fischer is a Hobie pro angler from Minnesota and the 2021 Hobie BOS Tournament of Champions winner.

The post Why I Love My Kayak appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

When I take inexperienced anglers for their first kayak-fishing trip, I grab a stable kayak with basic features. If I’m introducing a friend to stand-up paddleboard fishing, I offer the most stable and efficient SUP in my quiver. I repeat: stable.

Old Town Sportsman 120

$1,299.99; oldtowncanoe.com

The first time I invited my mother-in-law to go kayak-fishing, I offered my Old Town Sportsman 120. She now refers to the boat as her kayak.

The Sportsman uses a modified catamaran hull that promotes stability while maintaining straight line tracking and speed. On its topside, the boat features a flat, foam-padded deck for plenty of standing space.

On the water, the Sportsman 120 combines that solid platform with best-in-class maneuverability. For a wide boat, it paddles easily; its flared bow cuts through choppy waves, and its soft chines improve turning performance.

The Sportsman 120 really shines when it’s time to fish. Ample space astern and under the seat provide easy-to-reach storage for tackle and gear. I can lay three rods on the deck without tangling them and reach the gear crate while standing.

While the basic features and solid hull certainly attract new anglers, I grab the Sportsman for after-work trips to my favorite backwater honey holes. That is, if my mother-in-law will let me borrow her kayak.

Bote Rackham 12-foot Classic

$2,149; boteboard.com

The first time I saw a stand-up paddleboard, I imagined carrying it to secret, off-the-grid destinations. The first time I fished from a SUP dashed those hopes. That paddleboard was more tippy than I expected, and standing while stroking with a 6-foot paddle was more difficult than it looked.

Then I paddled Bote’s Rackham paddleboard. This premium SUP is more stable and easier to paddle, and it has a lot more space for gear.

Bote builds the Rackham like a surfboard, with a foam core and hard outer layer. This allows the board to easily glide through the water; a 10-inch skeg keeps it moving straight. Bote’s Gatorshell skin is reinforced with nearly indestructible ballistics-grade composites for a light and stiff SUP that’s almost indestructible.

To further improve performance, the Rackham’s wide tail and midsection combine with a high, flared nose to cut through the water. On the topside, the raised front of the board sheds water and keeps the flat deck dry.
The paddleboard deck comes with tie-downs and bungees for adding gear and rod holders. Bote offers a long list of compatible accessories to complement the Rackham. I added a Tackle Rac leaning post for a solid handhold and a convenient place to stick a couple of fishing rods.

After my first paddleboard-fishing experience, I was ready to give up on the idea. Once I fished from Bote’s Rackham, I found a reliable and functional paddleboard I can carry under one arm to my favorite backwater hotspots.

The post Entry-Level Paddlecraft appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

“The most successful DIY kayaking videos involve rigging up kayaks with the ultra-versatile Bixpy motors,” Lammers says. “Tons of anglers want motors on their kayaks, and Bixpy has made it the easiest to adapt its motor to a wide variety of kayak makes and models.

“The next-best DIY video would be the budget fishing-kayak conversion we did,” he says. “We showed how to install track mounts, rod holders and more. My wife and I used a $179 basic kayak and rigged it for fishing. I think this has a broad appeal. Many can’t afford an expensive fishing kayak, and this gets them into the sport—and hooked!”

The post The Most Popular DIY Kayak Videos appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Four anglers, four fishing kayaks, two target species, eight inches of water. Skinny Water Adventures presented by BIG Adventures Kayaks brings anglers from all sides of the fishing world together for a kayak fishing trip in Keaton Beach, Florida. The mission: chase speckled trout and redfish in the skinniest of skinny water.

The post Skinny Water Adventures appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Why You Need a Motorized Kayak

Motors deliver propulsion and range—all while sparing your quads and deltoids. Dial in trolling speeds, or set a GPS anchor to hold position. These are the mini microskiffs of the inshore world. Old Town builds its Sportsman Autopilot kayaks with an integral Minn Kota trolling motor (both brands are owned by the same company). Bixpy and Torqeedo each build lightweight aftermarket motor kits. Bixpy’s comes with a floating battery, wireless remote and countless mount options, and it delivers run times up to 10 hours. Most states require a fee and a manufacturer’s certificate of origin to register a motorized kayak. Check your local laws.

Why You Need a Pedal Kayak

Sneak a peek at the underbelly of a pedal kayak, and you might find fins or a propeller. While neither signifies gender, the two styles still operate quite differently. Hobie first popularized the fins, and Native Watercraft first promoted the propeller. Now—post the patent period—other kayak-makers can employ either drive. Fins excel when fishing shallow waters and weedy areas with submerged structure. Props facilitate positioning in a current, and excel when fishing tight quarters around docks, where they transition quickly between forward and reverse. Some fin drives can switch to reverse with the pull of a cord. Most anglers appreciate pedals because they can use both hands to cast.

Why You Need a Paddle Kayak

Paddle kayaks scream versatility. Scull them in the shallowest of waters, chasing redfish over saltwater flats, or push them through beach swells to coastal waters. Unlike pedalers, paddlers can skim over the thickest marshes to target tailers. Paddle kayaks typically weigh less, so anglers can more easily manhandle them to fish remote off-road locations. Before purchasing your paddle boat, though, remember to budget for a lightweight, quality paddle in the correct length (typically 94 to 102 inches, or 240 to 260 centimeters). Your arms and back will applaud you.

The post How to Choose a Fishing Kayak appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

West Marine Coastal Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket

Drab? Perhaps. Critical? Absolutely. Don’t fool yourself, anything can happen on the water. West Marine’s coastal jacket inflates automatically: Even if you’re knocked silly, you’ll float face up. This jacket’s low profile means you’ll barely know it’s there—until you need it. $149.99; westmarine.com.

YakAttack Omega

A fishing kayak without rod holders is an expensive plastic cork. Doll up your ride with a few YakAttack Omega track-mounted holders. They keep your reels out of the water and rotate to point any direction. They adapt to fly, spin, baitcast and even conventional tackle. $30; yakattack.us.

Bending Branches Angler Pro Plus

Your paddle might grow cobwebs on your pedal kayak, but when you must blade home after a freak grounding, you’ll beg for carbon fiber. Heavy kayaks with elevated frame seats require high-power paddles like the 30-ounce Angler Pro Plus. A telescoping ferrule allows multiple feathering angles and paddle lengths. $324.95; bendingbranches.com.

Yeti Hopper Flip 12

The perfect passenger for a SUP or kayak, this chill cube can be bungeed anywhere on deck. Fill it with a 4-pound Yeti ice pack, lunch, and drinks or slime it up with bait. The outer shell is made from the same stuff they use for whitewater rafts. $249.99; yeti.com.

Garmin GPSMap 86sci

Kayaks and SUPs take us way off the main channel, but with a handheld GPS and satellite communicator like the 86sci, you’re never off the grid. With two-way messaging, you can even start the brag chain before you get home. $649.99; garmin.com.

The post Must-Have Gear & Accessories for Your Fishing Kayak or SUP appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Credit: Chris Woodward, Justin Lammers/kayakdiy.com

The region encompassing Lee County in southwest Florida—including Matlacha, Pine Island and Sanibel—ranks as one of my most favorite domestic fishing locations. Acres of mangrove-lined islets, quiet grass flats and quaint towns combine to slow the hurry of life and spark the soul-soothing effects of repetitive lure casting.

So when Hobie asked me last fall to join a small group of marine media to test some new inflatable kayaks—based out of Matlacha’s Tiny Village—I seized the chance. They explained that we’d be taking full precautions with regard to the COVID virus. Amen to all of that.

Once I arrived in colorful Matlacha, Hobie introduced our group to the new Mirage iTrek inflatables—the iTrek 9 Ultralight and the iTrek 11—which lay on the dock with an assortment of Hobie’s current line of hard-bodied kayaks. Representatives from AFTCO and Lowrance also debuted their new gear, including Lowrance’s Elite FS multifunction displays.

I’ve kayakfished for many years, but have never tried an inflatable boat. I was intrigued by the idea of a 20- to 28-pound hull that deflates to stow inside a duffel bag. What a concept for anglers who live in apartments and smaller homes, and for those who struggle with a 12- to 14-footer that weighs 75 to 100 pounds. But how would an inflatable fish?

The iTrek 9 Ultralight measures 9 feet, 5 inches long with a 3-foot-4-inch beam (350-pound capacity). The iTrek 11 measures 10 feet, 8 inches long with the same beam (400-pound capacity). The longer boat also sports single-chamber pontoons port and starboard. Both boats feature a 550 Denier PVC hull and come with MirageDrive GT pedals with Kick-Up Fins, a rudder system and a three-piece paddle.

The iTreks handled light chop well, though it was a little easier to feel the boats’ movements because of their flexibility. Both absolutely turn on a dime, more or less spinning within a boat’s length, and they accelerate very quickly.

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The MirageDrive GT doesn’t come with Hobie’s 180-degree steering (in other words, no reverse), but because the light inflatables are so responsive, I found it easy to avoid close encounters with the mangroves.

I could stand up to cast or look for fish from both boats, as could everyone else—even fairly tall men—who tried. An EVA deck pad just ahead of the seat provides sure footing.

I found the elevated mesh seat comfortable and cool. An optional kayak crate easily bungees to the deck behind the seat and holds most of what you’d need.

Dining and Entertainment in Lee County

During two fishing days, we kept our social distance, covering many miles of winding creeks and open flats. We caught a smattering of seatrout, redfish and snook, despite a recent tropical storm that had just blown through. We sampled a little Matlacha culture at the Olde Fish House and the Blue Dog Bar & Grill. And, we gained new respect for lightweight, inflatable boats. The convenience, fishability and simplicity really can’t be beat.

The iTrek 9 costs $2,199, and the iTrek 11 costs $2,499.

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