Ever Wonder Why Kayak Fishing Is Growing So Much ?

 A lot of us (especially old timers) are seeing a huge growth in kayak fishing the last few years. I think this is a great trend but had never really thought about the why. Except for my own reasons of being a great way to fish and to get on the water.
 This blog , from Kokatat's website, pretty much sums up another reason for the growth of kayak fishing. Read it and see if you don't agree.......

 Here is the link.
 
 https://kokatat.com/blog/kayak-fishing-a-consistent-inconsistency

 Hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Ya that about sums it up!

Nice article! If what I saw this past weekend with all the kayaks out there it's no surprise that folks are getting into it. A lot of interest from folks wanting to get off the bank in a fairly inexpensive way.

I have fished from boats, and I have fished from the bank. I kayak fish to get to places I can't normally, by both of those methods of fishing. I am the captain, the motor, and the fisherman all in one.

Remember Rollerblades and Hula Hoops!  Pet Rocks and Disco.

I think there are two things that make kayak fishing so compelling.  First and foremost is the man vs. nature thing.  Motor boats have their place, but we live in a world that is fairly devoid of "real"adventure. It is easy enough to create a dangerous situation but it si fairly contrived (jumping out of a perfectly good airplane etc).  Kayak fishing is "real" in the sense that you are using human power with minimal technology to enter into the environment and obtain tasty food. That has always been and will always be compelling.  The more controlled everything else continues to be the more compelling this one bit of adventure that remains will be.

A second one is pure economics.  These boats are expensive, but you buy it once.  You don't have to license it every year and once you get it outfitted you are done.  For most there is no trailer to mess with or license every year.  No real maintenance to speak of other than hose it out. I have yet to need to replace a wore out paddle. No fuel other than food, and usually unless you get skunked there is some return on investment.  The simplicity of hauling it off of your car down to the beach or the lake takes away the stress of "the boat launch" which is often a complete zoo and as the article mentioned no launch fees.  Degrading economic conditions have made kayak fishing something that is just more viable than vehicles that require maintenance, fuel, oil, and $100 per hour techs to work on them.

.02  I know I am enjoying myself more fishing out of a kayak than any boat I have owned.

I think there are two things that make kayak fishing so compelling.  First and foremost is the man vs. nature thing.  Motor boats have their place, but we live in a world that is fairly devoid of "real"adventure. It is easy enough to create a dangerous situation but it si fairly contrived (jumping out of a perfectly good airplane etc).  Kayak fishing is "real" in the sense that you are using human power with minimal technology to enter into the environment and obtain tasty food. That has always been and will always be compelling.  The more controlled everything else continues to be the more compelling this one bit of adventure that remains will be.

A second one is pure economics.  These boats are expensive, but you buy it once.  You don't have to license it every year and once you get it outfitted you are done.  For most there is no trailer to mess with or license every year.  No real maintenance to speak of other than hose it out. I have yet to need to replace a wore out paddle. No fuel other than food, and usually unless you get skunked there is some return on investment.  The simplicity of hauling it off of your car down to the beach or the lake takes away the stress of "the boat launch" which is often a complete zoo and as the article mentioned no launch fees.  Degrading economic conditions have made kayak fishing something that is just more viable than vehicles that require maintenance, fuel, oil, and $100 per hour techs to work on them.

.02  I know I am enjoying myself more fishing out of a kayak than any boat I have owned.

All of this stuff. 

Kayak fishing is a lot of bang for your buck.  It isn't cheap, but it isn't prohibitively expensive either.  It's cheaper than, say, a golf habit, but it is just as easy to do on a moments notice and there are opportunities everywhere.  You get exercise and it is social.  There are moments of exhilaration and frustration.  On levels of accessibility to the masses and time commitment involved, reward for skill development and return on investment, there really isn't a more ideal hobby. 

For me, still to buy my first kayak. It is more about ease of use, I am a commercial transport  mechanic by trade and have the typical knee problems. Up till last year I used a float tube but it just kills my knees and I am days to recover. I am hoping that with my mechanics arms, it might be a bit easier and faster mode of transportation on the lake. Of course all the other benefits appeal to my as well. I also like the idea of venturing into the salt some day soon

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