various types of kayaks leaning against a wall

Whatever Floats Your Boat! | Types of Kayaks Compared

Despite what some may believe, there are, in fact, many different types of kayaks to choose from depending on your kayaking goals.

These different kayak types have distinct features that can impact function and should be selected for your specific needs.

various types of kayaks on shore

Some kayaks are longer or wider to promote increased straight-ahead speed and stability in calm waters. On the other hand, if you see yourself in a whitewater situation, then a short, stubby, and maneuverable craft will serve you best. So which type should you choose? Keep reading!

Well, don’t get intimidated by what is ultimately a simple boat! Let’s take a look at the different types of kayaks so you can find out for yourself!

Types Of Kayaks

Lucky for you, this guide will provide guidance and information surrounding some of the main kayak types, to direct you toward the best kayak for your next adventure!

You can click on the links below to jump straight to the various types:

Sit-In Kayaks

man and woman in sit-in kayaks

Sit-in kayaks are probably what you imagine when you picture a kayak.

Also called recreational kayaks, sit-in kayaks have one seat that is in the center of a boat that usually ranges from 8-12 feet long.

Sit-in kayaks are designed for comfort; with the bodies being wide, making entering and exiting easier. They typically also have a lot of leg room for the occupant.

The comfort-oriented design of a sit-in kayak lends itself to calm water travel. A recreational kayak like this can travel at decent speeds and stays stable in a relaxed water environment.

The downsides, however, are that these designs can struggle through rough water, in strong wind, and over long distances.

On the upside, recreational kayaks are usually one of the more affordable options given their widespread availability. Their versatility and price point make them a great option for any kayaker.




Sit-On-Top Kayak

pelican sit on top kayak

Sit-on-top kayaks are similar to the standard sit-in, recreational kayak.

The key difference is that instead of the occupant sitting inside the kayak structure, they sit on top, as the name implies. (photo credit: Amazon)

The open-air design of sit-on-top kayaks makes entering and exiting even easier than the typical sit-in kayak. What’s more, the lack of walls around your legs and feet provides significantly more room for a rider, making these types of kayaks extremely comfortable.

This open-air concept also makes for a more efficient hunting kayak setup, giving the hunter more range and freedom to move about.

The sit-on-top kayaks are also great options if you are looking to do some fishing.



The downside to the open-air design, however, is the fact that the rider has little protection from the outside elements.

These kayaks, similar to sit-in kayaks, do well in calm waters. But again, these type kayaks can struggle greatly in maneuvering rough waters.




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Whitewater Kayaks

man paddling in a whitewater kayak

If you have rough water adventure in your sights, a whitewater kayak may be what you’re looking for!

While the first two kayaks we discussed excel in calm waters, whitewater kayaks fill a different niche.

These kayaks are designed for fast, rushing whitewater with rapids and they tend to be shorter in length to increase maneuverability and stability in these difficult conditions.



However, the shorter length makes distance traveling in calm waters particularly difficult. In this sense, whitewater kayaks can struggle outside of a whitewater setting, which makes this model of the kayak a one-trick pony of sorts. 


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Tandem Kayaks

woman and kid kayaking

Kayaks are traditionally sleek and made for just a single person. But, then there are tandem kayaks…

Tandem Kayaks are designed such that two people can be seated in the watercraft as opposed to just one.

Tandem crafts can be found in numerous styles, including the sit-in and sit-on-top models. However, the tandem version of these two types of kayaks is going to be heavier and more expensive.

Fitting an extra person with you in a tandem kayak comes at a price. You are giving up speed and maneuverability due to the extra weight. However, you should expect to be more stable on the water with your extra passenger.

Plus, who doesn’t love kayaking with a friend?





Portable Kayaks

man and woman riding in inflatable kayak

Portable kayaks can encompass any of the kayak types we outlined avove.

The key difference between portable kayaks and regular kayaks is that portable ones can be broken down into smaller, more manageable packages to transport.



There are two types of portables: inflatable kayaks (like the one pictured above) and collapsable kayaks.

Portable kayaks are usually more affordable and easier to transport. However, they have factors you’ll want to consider before purchasing. For example, you’ll have to inflate or assemble them once you get to the waterfront.

woman in collapsible kayak

Portable kayaks can make transportation a cinch. But, you’ll also be giving up some conveniences…

Portable kayaks also tend not to move through the water as efficiently as other types due to their design. They may also lack some of the comforts of a more standard-construction kayak.

With that being said, there is a range of portable kayaks available on the market, with some costing more but providing more features such as stability, upgraded seating, propulsion systems, etc.

Just like with most things, in the world of kayaks, in one way or another, you get what you pay for!



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Final Thoughts On The Different Kayak Types

people sitting in calm water in kayaks

At the end of the day, there are several types of kayaks to choose from depending on what you want from the boat and the specific activity you’re looking to take part in. There is truly a kayak for all styles of life, for all cars, and for all different types and speeds of water.

Consider the bodies of water you wish to explore in your kayak, as the speed of the water will help guide you towards the correct boat.

Kayaking is a great experience alone or with friends and should be a staple for any person who enjoys being on the water.

So, get on a kayak and get paddling!

fishing line types

Fish on! | The 3 Main Types Of Fishing Line

The fish took it “hook, line and sinker” as the saying goes.

But, what kind of line was it?

There are several fishing lines on the market today made from a wide array of materials, and each fishing line type has advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s take a look at the common types of fishing lines on the market today and what fishing lines are best suited to specific fishing situations.

Fishing Line Type #1: Monofilament

monofilament fishing line

Monofilament is what the name would suggest; a single (“mono”) strand of line. The line diameter is often relevant to the line strength. (photo credit: alibaba.com)

To start off, we will take a look at the most commonly used fishing line out there, the monofilament fishing line.

Monofilament is the line most fishermen know quite well, even those who only fish periodically.

A monofilament line is a single strand line and is not constructed of multiple filaments like braided line.

Monofilament, like fluorocarbon, is made by extrusion. First, batches of polymers are melted, thoroughly mixed, and then extruded by pressure through small holes, forming the fishing line, and then the fishing line cools.

Extruded monofilament line is then spun into spools of various diameters. The diameter of the extrusion holes keeps the monofilament diameter consistent, and the diameter directly correlates to the line test or strength.



Monofilament Advantages

Monofilament is easy to handle and work with and is much more flexible than other lines like fluorocarbon. Monofilament is an excellent all-around line that can work in most fishing situations.

Another advantage of the monofilament line type is the cost.

Monofilament line is the cheapest type out there. An angler can spool up several fishing reels with monofilament for a low price.

This makes it very popular for anglers who run several rods while trolling, as braid would cost hundreds of dollars to spool several trolling reels.

Monofilament fishing line can stretch up to 25% by length. So, this makes it an excellent fishing line choice for situations where shock absorption is crucial, like when big game fishing for certain species like catfish, or when used in trolling applications.





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Monofilament Disadvantages

The stretch of monofilament can also be a disadvantage in other fishing applications, and having knowledge of each type of fishing line is crucial for fishing success.

One other disadvantage of monofilament is the damage it can receive from UV light.

Now, this isn’t as big of a disadvantage as it may seem, as it takes a significant amount of time for it to occur, but leaving the fishing line in direct sunlight for long periods will damage the line on a molecular level. After a couple of seasons, the line will become brittle and need to be replaced.




Fishing Line Type #2: Fluorocarbon

fluorocarbon fishing line

Flourocarbon fishing line is more dense than monofilament and stronger as well, without an increased diameter. (Photo credit: alibaba.com)

If the word fluorocarbon seems familiar to you, it’s because it’s used to make a wide variety of things like Teflon, Freon, and many other products and materials. Fluorocarbon also uses a wide range of compounds like carbon, fluorine, and chlorine.

Fluorocarbon is similar to monofilament in that it is extruded into a single strand.



Fluorocarbon Advantages

Unlike monofilament lines, the molecules of fluorocarbon lines are more densely packed. This makes the line much stronger than monofilament without an increase in diameter, and it also makes it heavier and stiffer compared to monofilament.

Fluorocarbon features an increased level of abrasion resistance compared to monofilament lines. Unlike monofilament lines, fluorocarbon line is not sensitive to UV light and will last longer before needing to be discarded.



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One of the main advantages of the fluorocarbon line is its’ stealth factor. Fluorocarbon lines have nearly the exact same refractive index as water, which means that they becomes nearly invisible when the fluorocarbon line is submerged.

The stiffness of the fluorocarbon line gives the line increased sensitivity over monofilament with significantly less stretch, so an angler can feel even the lightest of strikes.



Fluorocarbon Disadvantages

The only real major downside of fluorocarbon is that it retains memory, and will coil after being spooled for long periods of time, but overall this disadvantage is minor.

Fluorocarbon fishing line is moderately expensive and is in the middle of the road in terms of price between monofilament and braided lines.



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Fishing Line Type #3: Braided

braided fishing line on reel

Braided line is thinner in diameter and has a much higher tensile strength that flurorocarbon or mono.

Braided fishing lines can be made from several different materials like Dacron, Dyneema, or spectra fibers.

The construction of braided fishing lines consists of using multiple strands of this material and interweaving and braiding them together to create a fishing line with extreme strength compared to the other two lines previously mentioned.



Braided Line Advantages

Braided lines have virtually no stretch, making them extremely sensitive to the lightest bite or when bumping your lures off cover or on the bottom, allowing anglers to “feel fish.”

Braided lines are much thinner than monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, meaning you can hold vastly more line on the same spool.

The thin diameter of braided line allows you to go much higher in tensile strength than is typically needed without having any adverse effects.


uni knot illustration
Do you know the Uni-Knot?


Braided Line Disadvantages

For some fishing applications, the lack of stretch can actually be detrimental, and one area where braided lines suffer greatly is in the stealth department.

Braided lines are highly visible in the water, which can be a serious disadvantage on bodies of water with high clarity and heavy fishing pressure.

While Braided lines have high tensile strength and general abrasion resistance, they are still susceptible to getting cut by predatory fish with sharp teeth like muskies, pike, and various saltwater species. This means you will want to run a leader when fishing for these species.




So, Which Fishing Line Type Should I Use?

fishing reel on boat at sunrise

But, what type of fishing line should you use? Let’s weigh the features…

Let’s look at what type of line you should use for different fishing situations, as well as what species each line works well with.

Monofilament

  • Fishing applications where shock absorption is beneficial
  • Fishing situations where moderate stealth is needed
  • General purpose fishing situations using standard lures and tactics.
  • Commonly Used for panfish, trout, walleye, and various saltwater species.

Fluorocarbon

  • Fishing situations where stealth is crucial
  • When fishing in heavy cover due to good abrasion resistance
  • When you need a high level of line sensitivity
  • Commonly used for walleye, bass, and trout

Authors note on fluorocarbon: Most anglers have switched from monofilament to fluorocarbon lines entirely, as there is not much in terms of downsides in fluorocarbon over monofilament line, except for cost.

Braided Line

  • When maximum strength is needed
  • When stealth isn’t a concern
  • Fishing applications around heavy cover
  • Exclusively used by musky anglers, common in pike fishing, saltwater fishing, big-game fishing, and specific bass and catfish fishing situations.




Final Thoughts On Types Of Fishing Line

Not choosing the correct fishing line can cost you fish due to reasons such as lack of stealth, weakened line due to abrasion, or other factors.

Choosing the right fishing line is crucial, and we hope this article helped to inform you on which line to use. We hope you put a hook N1!

man holding bass in kayak

Ride light and catch BIG! | Kayak Fishing For Bass

Fishing from a kayak has been taking the angling world by storm, with more anglers deciding to use a kayak as their main fishing platform.

The number of anglers who have started kayak fishing for bass, in particular, has skyrocketed.

man in a kayak fishing for bass

Kayak fishing has exploded in popularity. And, fishing for bass from a kayak can be an unforgettable rush!

So, let’s take a look at tips and tricks to help new kayak anglers adjust to fishing from a kayak and consistently catch bass.

Why You Should Consider Kayak Fishing for Bass

Using a kayak allows you to fish waterways that are inaccessible to bass boats, due to either shallow water or a lack of public boat launches, and these waters typically receive little to no fishing pressure, meaning the fishing action could be epic.

Another benefit of kayak fishing is the associated cost (or, should we say lack of cost!)

man in yellow kayak

A kayak allows you to get in the fishing game without spending tens of thousands of dollars on a bass boat.

You don’t need to buy a boat that could run in the 5-figure range, and with a kayak, there is little to no maintenance, with no worries of breakdowns and expensive repair bills.

Kayaks are light and highly mobile, so you can get a small trailer and haul them with a small car or any vehicle. And, if there is no access point close to a road, you can drag or cart the kayak to the body of water you intend on fishing.

The versatility of a kayak for bass fishing is game-changing. Even if you have a bass boat or other fishing boat, it would still be a great idea to invest in a fishing kayak for situations where a regular fishing rig just won’t cut it.




Selecting The Right Kayak

If you are considering fishing for bass from a kayak, and have not already purchased one, the most important thing to do is to ensure you select the right one for the task.

Kayak fishing for bass is best done using the “sit on top” style of fishing kayaks, as these get you higher above the water line compared to “sit-in” kayaks, and in most cases, a sit-on-top type of kayak has the stability to allow you to stand when fishing.

fishing kayak sitting on bank

“Sit-in” kayaks like this one are not the best for fishing, as they may lack the stability while casting/retrieving. You should instead opt for a “sit-on-top” kayak.

Being able to stand comfortably when fishing from a kayak is crucial for anglers who are inexperienced with kayaking in a broad sense. Standing is better for getting quality hooksets, sight fishing, and dock fishing in shallow water.

You also will want to get a kayak with a pedal setup for the reason of having free hands to cast and retrieve without relying on a paddle to move around or hold your position.





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Learn to Do More with Less When Bass Fishing From A Kayak

Fishing a kayak will change how you fish for bass in a few ways.

You will have to adapt a little to be as consistent in a kayak as you would be in a bass boat, and this is simply due to having less storage space and mobility.

striped bass in kayak

Kayaks have much less storage space than a traditional boat, so bring only the necessities in tackle/gear.

You need to bring the bare necessities for tackle and gear, and while you need to have a diverse selection of lures to suit fishing conditions and situations, the amount will be far less than what you are used to having.



hollow body frog for topwater fishing

You’ll want to update your bass fishing lures at different points of the year, as you’ll have limited space in a kayak.

A good selection of jigs and soft plastics is always a given for bass anywhere they swim. Still, you must have at least a few different crankbait selections for various depths, topwater presentations, and power fishing lures like spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.



You will find that you need to update your minimalist lure selection throughout the season to cater to different forage preferences and fish locations, with the removal of jerkbaits or other lures, to make room for beneficial lures during any given season.

The learning to “do more with less” rule also applies to your fishing rods and reels, and you should have at the most only 4 rods to fish with. These rods should all be pre-rigged with different lures to make your time on the water more efficient.



Sonar Options

Many modern fishing kayaks allow for the installation of GPS/sonar units, and with sonar and GPS, you can find and fish mid-lake structures if the weather permits.

Fishing offshore structure is easier if you already know where these spots are and have fished them in the past, as finding new spots on medium-sized to large bodies of water can be difficult.



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On large bodies of water, fishing mid-lake structure can be inefficient to the point where it isn’t worth the travel time to reach them, and staying closer to shore might be the best bet.

If you don’t plan on running a sonar unit in your kayak, the best option is shoreline fishing. Search for areas with timber, stumps, or other structure, steep breaks close to the banks, or docks.

Dock fishing is always a great option in the spring and summer, and plenty of fish can be caught in shallow areas.



Kayak Positioning and Control

One of the most critical aspects of fishing is boat control. Precision control of your boat or kayak equates to efficiency and putting your presentation in front of more bass.

Positioning and control can be difficult in a kayak due to factors like wind and wave action. As we mentioned earlier, a pedal setup is far more beneficial than simply using a paddle alone.

man fishing from kayak behind reeds

Kayaks allows you to quietly ease into fishing locations you might not otherwise be able to navigate in a larger boat.



Along with a pedal setup, some fishing kayaks allow for the easy installation of trolling motors. Still, if you don’t want to take up your precious and limited onboard space to store a battery, you still have a few other options.

The pole anchors used on many bass boats have become very popular for bass angling. Luckily, there are options on the market for kayak pole anchors, which effectively dig into the bottom in shallow water areas to allow you to fish structure and cover without drifting due to wind.



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Believe it or not, due to being very light and having minimal draught and water contact, you can use specific lures to help you move.

Lures like spinnerbaits and chatterbaits provide enough resistance moving through the water that they will pull your kayak, and you can use this subtle movement to move and position your kayak.



Final Thoughts On Kayak Fishing For Bass

Bass fishing from a kayak has some serious advantages for the angler willing to think outside to box and those who are willing to find and explore hidden gem waterways.

Kayaks are light, highly mobile, and can give anglers an option other than buying and maintaining expensive fishing boats.

Good luck and we hope you put a hook N1!