With kayak fishing one of the fastest growing sports in Australia, it’s no wonder there is a flood of different and new fishing kayak designs hitting the market. From your 2.7m compact fishing kayaks that you can transport inside your car right through to the 4.3m Anglers like The Angler Pro XL, this guide will help you understand the different features and benefits of the different fishing kayaks available, so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your perfect fishing kayak!

What length fishing kayak is best?

First and foremost, deciding where you are going to paddle your watercraft will determine the length of kayak you should choose. The 2.6m through to 2.8m kayaks are best suited for more narrow and smaller bodies of water, for they are short fishing kayaks and therefore more manoeuvrable and easier to turn quickly.

If you are heading out into larger bodies of water with some small chop, you’ll want to look at least a 3m fishing kayak, as the length and width will provide you with the size to cut through the chop more efficiently, as well as hold stable should some boat wash or a small wave hit you from side on. 

A 4m+ boat, such as the Angler Pro XL, will be ideal for the longer journeys, day/overnight adventures, and for the fisherman who wishes to explore offshore. The not only will the extra length provide for better tracking ability, but 80cm width Fishing Kayaks in this category will give you excellent stability, and one with a rudder or in-built skeg will make it quite the versatile kayak capable of covering solid paddle distance compared to your shorter <3m kayak. 

What hull shape is best for me?

Now you know the best length of kayak for your needs, it’s time to narrow down the different types of fishing kayaks, by what shape of kayak hull to choose. If you are going to paddle on lakes, estuaries, rivers and bays, where there is little to no choppy water, you are going to want a boat with good primary stability, such as the Catch Fishing Kayak or Bighead Angler Pro. Primary stability refers to how stable the kayak is when sitting stationary.

If you’re planning on going kayaking in the ocean, out the heads or where there is choppier conditions, this is when you’ll want a kayak with more secondary stability such as the Ambush fishing kayak. Secondary stability refers to how stable the kayak is when rocked side to side. You can tell the difference between primary and secondary stability by looking at the hull design of the kayak from front on;  a more V-shaped hull has primary stability whilst one with a more rounded hull has secondary stability.

Choosing the right colour

Okay! So now you have an idea of the length of kayak, and whether you want a v-shape or U-shaped (rounded hull), it's time to decide what colour to choose. People commonly ask us what the safest kayak colour is, what colour kayak can be seen best at sunset and sunrise, and what is the best colour for a fishing kayak that fish can't see, so we thought we'd share some insights!

Firstly, the safest colours for a kayak are your solid bright colours such as yellow and orange, as they stand out most especially with low light in the sky such as dawn and dusk. And according to a few old fisherman tales, a kayak hull with sand colour is supposedly the best if you're wanting to be stealth and have the best chance of not alerting your future catch of your presence. 

And above all, if you just love a certain colour (hello hot pink!), then so be it. We can make your kayak in any custom colour scheme your heart desires. Drop us an email if you're interested in your very own custom coloured kayak. 

Great! You should now have a good idea of the length, shape and colour of your new kayak!

Easiest way to transport your kayak

So to top off our guide on how to choose the right fishing kayak, it's time to look at practicality and storage. Kayaking is all about convenience and making for an enjoyable, comfortable experience. So ensuring you can transport your kayak with ease, and be able to store it conveniently will minimise the chances of you giving up on this awesome activity.  

The best way to transport your kayak is with a kayak trolley, as it will take the weight of the kayak so your back doesn't have to. Simply put the kayak poles through the kayaks scupper holes, and pull it behind you to and from the waters edge. Trust us, a Kayak Trolley and deluxe kayak seat are an absolute must have accessory with your new kayak. Your back will thank you later.  

Further, getting the kayak onto your vehicle is one of the most common issues kayakers face. How do they get their favourite kayak up onto that high roof? Your back doesn't hold up like it used to, and you surely don't want to kink your neck hauling it up, taking all the weight on your shoulders.

Well it's probably worth investing a the K-Rack kayak load assist. These brilliant Aussie invention uses strong suction cups that affix to your rear windscreen and bonnet, allowing you to lift up the front end of your kayak onto the K-Rack cradles.

You then walk to the stern (rear) of your kayak, lift and slide the kayak up and onto your roof. These are a game changer, and worth every penny in our opinion.

Kayak Storage

Storing a kayak near to the waters edge, such as at a boat ramp or at a council designated boat storage area is your best bet, so you can start and finish your paddle with minimal fuss and effort. Sit On Top Kayaks have scupper holes (for drainage) that you can put a bike chain through, to secure your kayak. It is unlikely to be stolen, given Kayaks are relatively bulky, but it does happen from time to time. 

If you don't have the luxury of this, your next best option is storing your kayak in your garage, behind the house, or on a rope-and -pulley system above your car, if you're limited for space. If leaving outside, a kayak cover will protect your kayak from prolonged UV damage, plus can keep it clean and free from dirt/leaves.

Tip: Make sure you tighten your twist lock hatches so as to not to find any nasty surprises next time you go paddling (think our 6 legged friends). 

Now you can make an informed purchase

Okay that was a lot of information, but we hope you learnt something new and are ready to buy a kayak with confidence! At the end of the day, if you're reading this you're likely not a professional kayak fisherman and whilst there are hundreds of different variations of kayaks, we've got the perfect one for you!

Check out our Fishing Kayak collection now and jump on Live Chat on the bottom right of your screen if you want to chat with our local kayak fishing experts, ask questions or get some personalised advice for you. We'd love to help. 

Don't forget, we provide you the peace of mind with a 30 Day Buy & Try Policy, so should you not absolutely love your new kayak, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange. 

Shop our range of fishing kayaks.