Kayak Fishing Newbie

Hi All

I am about to enter the world of kayak fishing and am seeking advice as to which is the best option.

I have done some research on the forum and have not found a definitive answer (probably because there isn't one...)

I will be using it mainly in Kenton on sea and launching off middle beach for offshore fishing. I am 1.83m and weigh 78kgs.

I have found the two kayaks below so far:

1) Fluid bamba
2) Wave dream

It seems like the wave dream is only available from sportsmans warehouse which makes me nervous as they don't exactly specialise in kayaks

Any advice will be greatly appreciated





:kaykak:kaykak:kaykak

You are quite tall and not a heavy weight, I am of similar build..A nice seat and backrest helps me a span first off. Second off plastics weigh a ton, fiberglass kayaks are much lighter to load and offload and get to the launch. Plastics you can drag over rocks and launch and come in, in areas that would ding up your fiber kayak..so all depends on you and your fishing. Either which way beware of "fishing kayak" roof. And no matter how you rinse after, cost in replacing your cars roof at some point unless you have a trailer or can throw it in the back of a bakkie or have another plan like storing it at the launch etc..

If you have not invested in a kayak yet... and looking at your interest in "plastic" kayaks..... why not consider the new Trident kayak: https://kayak-sa.co.za/legend-kayaks-2/legend-trident-ocean-salt-water-sea-fishing-kayak/. With new tech advancement and the moulding expertise of Brian Jacob it is now manufactured in polypropylene (lighter and stronger than plastic aka polyethylene) .Gone is the disadvantage of the heavier plastic and and the Trident is really fast over the water with packing space the same as any other ski if not bigger.

If plastic is what you want. And go offshore
For sure the trident. The bamba have been proven but is a log to paddle.
The trident is lighter and sleeker than most plastics available. And is very well priced.
+1 for trident closest you will come to glass with a plastic. Wont trust my life offshore with a sportsmans kayak

Agree with the Trident. took it for a paddle the other day and really comfy and fast. loads of space.

If you are looking to launch at Kenton -Middle beach / offshore then you will have to have something that allows you to pack All your rods and kit away- on launch and return. This pretty much discounts the type of kayak you first posted.

From what I recall the launch site is quite far from the parking area so you will appreciate a light kayak! Its a beach launch with markers to line up the channel so not too much likelihood of rocks- unless you bail then who knows where the kayak will ends up and thus a plastic would be advantage. Other than this I would advise you to compare fibreglass fishing skis such as Stealth/ Pinnacle and many more, they are tried and tested and being constantly refined to suit offshore fishing.
Prioritise your safety, and don't launch alone -rather use this forum to connect with local guys - or enjoy the beautiful estuarine environments that Kenton has?

I'm more interested in the pedal-driven ones but what are the best setups out there? Creek vs river vs lakes might make for different answers I suppose. The Hobie pro angler 360 has my attention thus far.fishing kayak with pedals

Hi Ragman,

See you are from JHB. My opinion below:
1. How much will you use the kayak? Considering the frequent use aspect, may influence the investment made. However, even if used only once, safety is of primary importance, so it might be that the frequent use comment is a mute point.
2. Plastic- must be plastic for durability, especially wear. You will find that launching form the beach will be easy access, however the rocks have much better places to launch from and with much less white water to contend with. Dragging the kayak over the rocks and on the beach needs durability
3. Storing space during launch it critical as you will capsize and 'bail' under certain circumstances, especially when coming out and riding the waves. Pack away ALL your equipment. Many guys have after filling the hatch do not have sufficient space to store equipment and loose it when coming in. You will be amazed how much storage space is needed when you get into things. Echo sounder, reels, rods, lures, water, food, sun block, bait, jackets etc.
4. Paddling and leg driven - I suggest you consider both, as you will troll lures when moving areas. Paddling becomes very hard when you cannot alternate between the 2 propulsion systems. Leg driven propulsion system is much easier than paddling.
5. Transducer recess- this is very important as the recess protects the transducer, no removing and reinstallation necessary.
6. Comfortable seating and back rest. This is probably the most important as this position dictates how tired you will become. Kayaking is hard graft, thus the option of paddling and leg propulsion is very important depending on your type of fishing i.e. bottom with bait, lures or both.

I am not trying to discourage you from doing this type of fishing, however the novelty of fishing whilst doing exercise wears off very quickly when your fishing platform is not suited and rigged as per your requirements or your arms are so tired that you can barely jig bucktails and enjoy your fishing.

I hope this helps and is merely a guide. From someone that has paid his 'school fees' regarding kayak type fishing.