Is Kayak Fishing DEAD (or DYING)?
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- In todays video we're discussing the supposed issues of the kayak fishing industry decline.
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What i like about fishing and kayak fishing especially lately, you can get into it at pretty much whatever price range you want to. Ive had 200 dollar kayaks and 2000 dollar kayaks.
depends on the type of fishing and your build. if your gonna fish the lake and weigh less than the average girl in America you can definetly jump into a sun dolphin. however if you are gonna do offshore fishing, touring or ur fatter than Rosie o'ddonnel then a sun dolphin will just simply not due. I think as long as you get something in the 600-800$ range that is 12ft and over, u can pretty much do anything.
@attiumeyami417 you saw a comment about someone saying the have owned multiple kayaks and thought oh this person needs advice on choosing a kayak?
Kayak fishing spawned from those of us who had a need to get out on the water beyond beating the banks on foot but didn't have the budget, space or ability to own a boat. I personally started almost 20 yrs ago with a budget sit in kayak I customized to accommodate bass fishing. Cheap humminbird black and white 2d sonar, a couple rod holders, mounted a box to put some tackle in and away I went. Some of my best years fishing were spent that way and I slowly added more kayaks to my fleet. The industry has a lot more options now and truthfully most are not budget minded. I eventually stopped kayak fishing and went the boat route so I could get out on Bigger water and cover more ground. That being said kayak fishing still has ots place but has become extremely expensive when considering it's fresh water roots. It's been around since before my time in the salt water world with hobies and what not which was always relatively pricey but for the freshwater anglers like myself back then it was way more of a budget option. I do not believe the industry caters to that angler very well especially in the age of immense inflation. It's a shame, but it's how every market ends up as soon as there is money to be made. Eventually, every underground movement that gains popularity gets lost into the obscurity of corporations trying to cash in
I waited for years before I finally bit the bullet on a kayak and it was after Covid. I don’t care what you’re in. Time on the water is time on the water and it’s enjoyable with technology or without! Thanks for video!
Not many channels promote affordable kayaks anymore. That's s one of the reasons I enjoy watching Dude Fish in his Crescent CK1 or Big Fish Energy in his Jackson Bite.
NDYakAngler and his Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 fit that mold, too.
Always enjoy your videos,thanks for sharing your years of knowledge with us.
at 66 I am starting my 2nd year of kayak fishing.Only started fishing with my son about 3 yrs ago.Love the time spent with him.Its great to pull up on a grass island on the Susquehanna River and enjoy a snack with him talking about the fish we caught or missed.
Thanks
I’ve owned my titan for about 7 years. 2k investment and it still works great with minimal maintenance. I also have 3 rs117s that were around $800 and use them every year on the river. The great thing about kayaks is the ranges that are offered and the minimal maintenance required.
If the manufactures keep listening, and innovating, it will never die.
Spare no expense when buying a kayak. If you’re inexperienced and you get caught in high winds that suddenly came up and the water starts to white cap. It could spell disaster if you’re in a $500 Walmart special.
My PB came about 15 years ago on Guntersville as well. In a $300 Coleman kayak. I abandoned the flat water 10 years ago and now just stick to skinny water. To that end, I've stuck with paddle yaks. I alternate between a OT Predator, and a RS117 for really skinny water. I'm closing in on 60, so one day I'll have to leave the creeks. When that happens I'll likely go back to a bass boat.
I am 64 and still wade a lot of difficult creeks, climb steep, muddy banks but I can see the day when I may not be able to.
Depends how much ur willing to spend? You can get a good budget friendly one for $700-$800 range that has a decent weight capacity
I bought a used 2017 vibe seaghost from a guy near lake guntersville for $500!! What a great deal for a 13 footer that has 500 pound weight capacity!
Yeah buying used is prolly your best bet and bang for your buck especially if it's already set up for what you want cause doing it yourself the right way is expensive and time consuming!
Chad, I've been following you for over a decade, read your book and watched your old TV shows. I'd love to see you get back to your roots with more basic kayaks. I'm still paddling my wildy commander and tarpon. Tried a nucanoe for a few years but only the seat was better than the old wildys. Last season I put a millennium mesh seat in my commander. I don't really see myself upgrading anytime soon. Most times I just keep it simple with a couple rods, a small plano, pfd, paddle and anchor.
i bought an aluminum bass boat with a trolling motor, depth finder, and trailer for 2500..... most new kayaks are almost that now they are pricing themselves out undoubtebly
yes and no. if you have a place to put the bass boat that dosent cost u money than mabey. but if u gotta pay rent or storage of the boat then it won't. but yeah kayaks are losing their affordability
You can get a kayak for 200 bucks to 479.99 bucks......
@@nflisrigged1395 And they are all garbage......
Thanks for the video. You have lifted my kayak spirits. People love to be negative. I've been thinking about kayak fishing for years, but always fished my jon boat. I bought one in May and never looked back. I bought a $2700 kayak for $1300 used with lots of accessories
Someone saw me on the ramp and told me “just get a boat”. I said I have a boat for me and the family. I prefer using my kayak to fish.
Thanks again Chad for dedicating so much time providing us kayak bass fishing content. I think Kayak fishing is still going pretty strong. As you said, the market will adjust and fluctuate but it’s not going away for sure! I still have my native ultimate fx 15, but I’m finally going to be in the market for my favorite paddle kayak, Bonafide SS127; I think it’s an excellent value. I plan to add to the KBF tournament scene this year. Keep the sport strong!
I’m currently looking for a Hobie. I have called every dealer within a 6 hour drive. Six of the eight dealers have stopped selling kayaks. One guy told me that people just aren’t buying because of the pricing.
Watching you & your enthusiasm for this sport is what originally interested me into Kayak Fishing. You make it fun Chad!
It isn't dead yet.
But it will be. If these pieces of plastic get any more expensive.
Watch the video
Good video and perspective. Similar to your comments I got my first Kayak (paddle) during Covid so I could just get out on the water somewhere.
I've been fishing from a boat for Bass for 40 years and now I enjoy both equally, boat and kayak. Recently upgraded to Peddle drive and expanded my range of fishing. Will I eventually go to motor ? IDK, plan to leave that for my boat for now but will see in another couple years.
Also agree on the flow down of standard features now to lower end boats such as seats and rigging options.
So I definitely agree it's not dead and is growing while evolving as well.
Enjoying seeing all levels of Kayak fishing from river, pond, lake and offshore while paddling, pedaling or powering.
kayak fishing isnt expensive if you dont have $1200 of electronics and a $3000 motor and battery. Got my Bonafide SS127 used from a man who worked at Westbrook Supply company for $1100 in excellent conditio, fully kitted out with everything you need to fish. I paddle 6-10 miles on lake Allatoona every week and have a great time.
Well said. I got my PWR129 brand new for 1500. Xi3 and battery wast 1650 and the graph I had in the garage for over a year lol. Even with all the other rigging i did , I’m still under $5000 and happy as hell with it. My other pedal kayak was under 1000 then another couple hundred in rigging. It’s great too good to have a second one to bring a friend.
exactly. people just want to turn a kayak into a motor boat and not pay motor boat prices but also have the motor boat for less than 700$. smh
I sold my kayak and got a boat. I used it once in two years and miss my kayak
I sold my boat and got a kayak, and don’t really miss my boat.
The boat has 2 best days ever. the day u buy it and the day u sell it. with a kayak u have one best day. and thats when u buy it. the day u sell it is rather sad.
@@attiumeyami417 dude no lie. Seeing my kayak go was sad. I definitely have regrets.
I’ve been watching your podcasts with Fishing with Gramps JT and just love the future of kayak bass fishing as well as your own KBF organization. It’s an amazing community of really good people! I’m hopefully 🙏🏾 soon starting to get into purchasing a kayak and learning how to use and safely. After that fishing for some bass and qualifying for your Knucklehead tournament in lake Guntersville. Bearded dad fishing Jay has really fired me up to work hard and be prepared for a life changing event. Thank you so much Chad Hoover for lighting that spark to get into this sport! Tight lines take care and God bless.
I believe there is a misconception that they’re too expensive. People have the option to buy a higher end kayak and rig it with all the goodies a lot of us in the tournament scene do. The option to purchase a kayak that isn’t so expensive, not rig it to the gills, keep it simple and just enjoy some paddling and fishing is still there, too.
I agree with Bucky, I'm a mold and processing engineer in the Automotive industry. I know how much it cost for the molding machines, resins, molds etc etc.
These kayaks are not overpriced.
I would say as an average American they are quite pricy. I've served in the military for almost 20 years and can't afford to go spend 1500 to 2000 dollars on a decent kayak. I love kayak fishing and will keep on keeping on in my cheap little kayak. Thanks for your point of view. Love the content.
I got a lifetime sit on top
I love it !! 8 foot, i believe .
It has holder, and i added some mods .
Great insight from someone who truly knows the kayak fishing industry; where it has been and where it is going!
Still in my Wilderness Ride 135. I got the 2012 model with the frame seat and the tracks. Added plenty of stuff to it including motors. I love all the cool stuff companies develop for their new kayaks. I add it to my old kayak later.
What im excited about, is small plastic boat and skiffs are getting really good with great prices. I think they will be the new thing in the next 2 to 3 years
Price point certainly is huge for kayaks. Im looking to sell my boat and get two kayaks and rig them both with motors and graphs for me and the boy. I keep lookkng at the ascend from cabelas with a minn kota bow mount on it. Thoughts on something like that or is it just worth spending the extra for a more premium kayak?
Great points Chad. However, I believe kayak fishing has plateaued. Economic income has not kept up with inflation. So the sales on fully rigged kayaks with big names will suffer the most. However the entry level kayaks should replace those sales.
I for one appreciate the technology advances that have been introduced into the kayak world but I would be delusional to not think the entry level kayaks are a better buy at this point.
Enjoyed your explanation of the kayak industry and where it's going.
Thanks brother
I have a Lifetime Yukon Angler. I love being on the water but can’t get too far without getting too wore out to fish. Takes the enjoyment out of it. If I add a motor, I may as well just get a boat.
Many of us got in because it was a Chevette option to having a floating device. Now it has become a Corvette device. A Corvette is a good store of value compared to a Chevette. But the Chevette guy can't get one not matter how much the value.
That Bearded Paddler guy smh....
Nice video bro!
Thanks brother, same to you
Bonafide also lowered the price of the SS127 for 2025. With the success of the XTR and PWR the affordability of the SS127 (easily 1 of the greatest fishing kayaks ever created) is now even lower.
Even the most expensive kayak setup is still way cheaper than a bass boat.
Not true. I see kayaks decked out selling for $20k. I bought a 2019 G3 with 50 hours for $18k. You can buy a brand new Tracker Classic for $18k.
I’m looking at a used Bass Tracker for 10K that comes with a trolling motor and fish finder.
I paid just under 1000 for my old town 120 sportsman paddle when they first came out. I think now the same kayak is 1599.00
$2599
They are severely overpriced and becoming more small skiff than kayak it all about motors motors motors
What do you base your assessment of them being “severely overpriced” on?
@ChadHooverFishing the materials used hdpe plastic is the same plastic as a milk jug, dealer markup, accessories i also work for bass pro and see the price going up for the kayaks when there have been little to no improvement on hull design stability or materials being used and yes as you said most people do charge the big box store kayaks to credit cards or really any of them why would someone such as yourself claim the kayaks are not over priced they almost all share a basic hull design all can be paddled the only difference is a potential peddle drive system or a motor at wich case your at a good used boat downside of wich most people can't afford
Saying most kayaks share a basic hull design is like saying most automobiles share the same design. They mostly have 4 wheels. So an Audi and a Kia should cost the same. And by same I mean the price of the Kia.
@DarrinBoggs-jh1vp honestly I'd be fine with that as most things are overpriced and over valued thanks to magical terms like taxes and due to being over valued upon appraisal the used market is just as bad as the new market I've found boats from 2016 and people are wanting top dollar for them like they are a brand new model fresh off the press
@@catchnothingfishing6457 I believe the term you are looking for is Bidenomics. That's why everything is overpriced.
I appreciate you Chad! I’m about to get my first kayak and looking on the lower end for budget purposes. Your knowledge and info has been very helpful!
Kayak fishing has peaked and may slow some in the next few years, as recent new owners use their newer kayaks for a few years.
However, it also means prices are pulling back a little. For example, I just purchased two Old Town 120 PDLs for $2,300 each, or 20% off MSRP.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen their prices that low.
I got lucky with my PWR129 and got it on sale for $1500 out the door. Couldn’t pass it up.
I’ve been at it a good long while. My first yak was a used Cobra Fish n Dive, people looked at it (and me) like it was some wonky invention that floated. Fast forward 20+ years and look where we are! I’m a minimalist at heart and my Perception Outlaw gives me everything I need on the fishery I live near. Being able to stand and fish is the game changer imho.
Another great video. I'm knee deep in kayak fishing and considering my next one now.
What are you considering at the moment?
@ChadHooverFishing just sold my old town pdl 106 had it for two years. Started to have issues with left knee so not really sure. Loved that PDL not sure where to go next
what do you think a lifecicel of a premium kayak is ? if well taken care of and garage kept.
I mean its a budget thing honestly. If you want a nice bass boat loaded with newest fish finders, ffs, good trolling motor, talons, etc, you are into the 50k+ range. For a real nice kayak via HObie, xtr130, etc and loaded with the best fish finder, ffs, trolling motor, good batteries, power poles, tralier, etc. you are about 15k range. Plus storing a yak is a 1/3 the space. Thats why I got into it.
I agree Kayak fishing is here to stay. Growing day by day.
I clicked on this for the kayak info, but I think I appreciate the breakdown of manufacturing costs (what they are and how they are absorbed) MORE. Great vid man, thanks.
*EDIT* Also the behavior of the MARKET was fascinating. Awesome video man, great stuff!!
A kayak is a kayak and not a one man Bass Boat! A fool and his money are soon parted.
I went from a sun dolphin to a lifetime now I own the bonafide ss127,rs117 and the rvr119 and getting ready to buy the pwr
Thanks for sharing information, I love your videos
I love the way Kayak fishing opens up so much opportunity to new waters and new fishing family . The glitter boat nation isn't the same when it comes to fishing . Shoot if I was to win your kayak I would definitely love to have the XTR130. I will get me one some day some how . Don't get me wrong I love my Big Rig but damn the XTR130 is sexy.
😂 Fully agree! I like my $400 Lifetime Tamarack Pro ,but I need aleast a set of pedals with motor options.
Heading to the Ohio Expo, Sly?
@lowlifeangler i think I will try to go to the one in Indy . So I can meet up with JT .
@@SLYFOXFISHINthat's cool. Daren was saying JT was heading over here also. But I'm not for sure. We usually meet up for breakfast before the Expo.
Have fun at the Indy show
@@lowlifeangler JT will be there on Saturday the 8th
I loved kayak fishing. I really regret selling my kayak. A good yak now is undeniably more expensive than the one I purchased 8 years ago. But, I'd still put out the money for a kayak over an aluminum or glass boat. I love having access to places boat guys can't go.
I’ve had a bonafide and now I have an AP 136 that I’m having trouble selling because everyone wants something for nothing. I’m wanting to go back to a light weight paddle kayak.
By the way I have a boat too for the main lake.
Why are so many tournaments vanishing? Hope things pick back up.
Insanely OVERPRICED. Here in San Diego you can pick up a used 12’ aluminum fishing boat with motor anywhere in the neighborhood from $600-$2500. That’s something that sips gas, is stable, can take a friend, I can fish the Bay or any local reservoir or lakes. A 16’ foot boat is not far off from that price range. I’ve had a 13’ Ocean Kayak brand Fishing Kayak…at first I liked it and had contemplated getting it for months before purchasing..quickly I found out I didn’t want to take long periods of time to get from fishing spot to fishing spot…wind, chop, loading, unloading, limited space, all were factors in “me” not choosing to stay the kayak route. I think I got that kayak for 1100 bucks bare bones! After I put a battery, fish finder and other accessories on it I was pushing $2k and this was 10+ yrs ago…NOW, I see some of these kayaks out there for $3500 and up😂…after all the gear you’ll spend, easily $4k plus…if not more. I bought a ‘16 Deep V Aluminum for $1300 bucks with a 40hp Yamaha and have never looked back. I guess kayaks & kayak fishing is something a person “really” wants to do and location & area probably play a big role in that. Kayak fishing became just like any other recreational activity, it got popular, companies capitalized on that and now in my opinion, getting a boat is just more practical in the long run, money wise.
The markup has to be crazy. Probably a 200% markup. How much can it be for some plastic? I fish out of a kayak exclusively but it's like $10k to rig one out now so small jonboat with an electric motor is looking better.
It’s closer to 25% for manufacturers and 30-40 for dealers.
You aren’t just paying for the plastic. You are paying for the mold cost, the machinery/ovens, big ass building to hold it all, engineering and other employees and all the things that make it possible to make the finished product and get it to dealers.
The heat and labor alone to build it costs more than the plastic.
For the most basic camera set up from behind/over the shoulder. What pole would you recommend? I've been eyeing the action cams for a while. I don't wanna do UA-cam or recordy whole day. Just be able to record my catch's with voice command. & Be able turn around & have a good picture taken of the good catch's/big girls. So I just want basic single pole mount. Just not sure what I should get? As you already know it's really hard to take a selfie of you & your catch when you're holding a big bass! When I catch my 11.4 I basically had to hold it up with body & tail laying against my shoulder & chest to try & get most of it in the pic!
Does that bonafide RS117 come with the paddles?
Why did you end the KBF tour series? Why did Hobie cancel the BOS?
Thanks for the breakdown, It makes sense. Boats are great, kayaks are versatile.
I love watching your fishing videos , keep up the good work and God bless
Thanks Brandon
Some people like complaining about the price of a “piece of plastic” while at the same time sign up for a $1,000 plus/month car payment. I have a nice and expensive kayak but my old truck is paid for. 😂
Great video!! Bonafide makes quality products.
Yes they do.
There's options for everybody, sure. It's just disheartening for newer folks to think that $1500 may be considered by the industry to be entry-level. I mean, that Kayak Kushion in that seat is like $60-$70 alone. Just to sit down and be comfortable ("more enjoyment") for an extended period of time? That could turn folks away real quick.
IMO a lot of big purchases got pulled forward by the money drop & YOLO feeling during covid. There is going to be a cooling off period. I'm old & I fished out of a perogue for decades. The modern kayaks are light years ahead of those. This industry is only going to grow & get better. Hopefully, there will be a trailer manufacturer that builds a kayak trailer, sea clear is already making products for kayaks. Power pole trolling motor, etc. This is a good thing, guys.
Imo it's not the kayaks that are too expensive. It's all the extra stuff and electronics that people think they need to catch fish.
You are right chad it's like everything else anytime things are updated it's going to cost more it has to be very expensive to make the molds for making them thank you Chad for all of the information
Some companys are over charging no matter if you have to retool or not. A new boat does not need to be 4-6K when the retooling has to happen the same for all kayaks a big fish 105 pdl that sells for 1600 dollars there is too much of a gap to say that the price increase is because of retooling. A moken 12 or a acend 128t sells for 800 dollars they all got to do the retool when it came out, no peddle drive or fin drive is another 3-5K on top of that. They went with the make massive profit and sell small amount of boats vs sell at reasonable price profit and sell more boats. People should be upset about it hobie has increased there price year after year and on top of that quality has fell off and customer service is non existent.
Excellent video Chad, can't really find anything I disagree with here. Well yeah why not give some lures away with the yaks too lol 😂 "chads hand select big bass lures"
If you are handy, you can build your own out of styrofoam and canvas. I personally have invested in a 3D printer and have made a motor mount and steering system that would have cost me thousands. I'll be releasing plans when I know it works.
Hey Chad! How are you? What monthly Kayak fishing for 2025 like to know more about it. I think there is plenty room for growth in kayak fishing sky is the limit. I wish bonafide had a set up with music city outdoors where we can test out your newest innovation before making any commitments. I am a bonafide kayak owner looking to up grade from my woodsmen to something with propeller. Thanks for your advice..
The 117 is to heavy to lift so you need a truck and or a trailer to make it
functional. I had two Ocean Kayaks, had a lot of fun with them. They were 13 foot
Scrambler models, 50lbs to lift. I worried about my gear falling off every time I fished.
I fished here in Long Beach Ca saltwater. I came back wet every trip. It was fun but
I sold them both. They cost around 6 to $700 each. I've also had small aluminum
boats Gregor's and also larger power boats. They were comfortable to fish from.
Kayaks are not that comfortable to me. Good video
man, keep killin it!
I think people think less national trails means dying, I’m in Texas we got real turnouts every week
What ever happened to the "Racine" trip give away?
And then, there are those of "Us" - seasoned fishermen (71 yo) looking for an another means/method to fish-- who 'Bought Once and Cried Once'. My Old Town Angler Predator 13 (even 10+ years old) still serves me just fine. I own it for the same reason I own 20+ top quality casting/spinning rods and reels (again, Buy once, Cry once). The kayak is just another 'arrow in my quiver'. It is just a tool or a thing that I use (or don't) depending on where/how I am going to fish. 🎣
What's the future of kayak motors with 1 manufacturer stopping production
Which one stopped production?
@ChadHooverFishing motor guide did away with xi3
Actually, the company Motorguide was shut down. But, LOWRANCE is going to put something out to fill the void.
If you look at the bigger picture kayak fishing is at a good place with price. I’ve been bass fishing for about 6 decades and owned multiple boats. I just recently went to a boat show and couldn’t help to take notice of todays boat prices. I’m lucky I live in VA which is a bass haven with lakes, rivers and creeks. I run a ss107 Bonafide which is perfect for me. Guess Chad all I need to do is join KBF
Too each is own but the way some guys load everything but the kitchen sink up on their kayaks kind of defeats the purpose of owning a kayak.
Real Kayak fishing is not dead, what needs to die is the small boats people call "kayaks", but are really skiffs/small boats, that can't be paddled, need a motor to work reasonably, can't be loaded onto a car roof and weight so much you need a trailer+boat ramp to get it out on the water.
These boats that cost as much as a motorcycle or a bass boat, and are actually only called Kayaks by the manufacturers or the people pushing the story that a fishing kayak needs as much gear and accessories as a contemporary bass boat (another completely ridiculous boat category btw).
In any case, here is what defines a kayak:
#1it has to be paddleable, not peddles only but has to be paddle able;
#2 has to be under $2000, unless it is a sea touring kayak made out of an exotic material like cedar or carbon fiber
#3 can be moved/stored/car loaded relatively comfortably by one person,
#4 is quick to deploy and does not require a boat ramp;
#5 does not need a bunch of store bought, manufactured accessories to be usable --NO YOU DO NOT NEED A PURPOSE BUILT CRATE BY HOBBIE/OLD TOWN/NATIVE or any manufacturer FOR ANY REASON.
#6 you have customized it to your style of fishing with your own hacks for your own purposes.
#7 does not have 5 or 4 or even 2 screens. again the goals here are cheap cheap, light light, easy easy, quick quick and most importantly FUN!
Waders are overpriced and don't last.
Kayaks are overpriced, bulky, and don't last.
I think people are just getting spoiled and are only looking at the top end kayaks, or ones with the motors(in order to compete! But like you Chad I see where kayaks fishing has come from! I remember my Malibu Mini X, Explorer, and my Cobra fish ‘n’ dive. I wouldn’t be surprised if most people couldn’t remember those models, their specs etc. I remember the days when you had to add your own YakAttack rails and how hard it was to drill into your own first kayak! It terrified me ! ! ! Ooohhh the good old days❣️❣️❤️❤️😂😂🤣🤣
Well said, Chad. I'm a firm believer that you pay for quality.
Love it! Can we see your rig on your bonafide RVR119? Also can I joint the bass fishing from Virginia?
Great points! and at the end i do kind of feel that the whole 1000 market is ignoring the true entry level market that more in the 600 to 800 market.
I started in a used 100 buck pelican that was crap, moved up to a 500 buck sun dolphin boss 12 and thats kind of where iam stuck. I have been in the yak for 5 years now and i KNOW by next year i have to replace it. 5 years of abuse on a shallow limestone river has worn it out. But a 1000 bucks is a lot when you only make 1600 a money on ssd.
So i know iam going to be forced into a bass pro one or similar.
I motorize and iam in Texas so there is still a issue with trying to register a used vessel thats not new and only has a bill of sales. So i feel i HAVE to buy new.
I would love to see a major brand come out wit ha truely entry level kayak.
If kayaks are “too expensive now”, then fishing equipment is too in general. But I be damned if I didn’t walk into Walmart this morning and they had two aisles of fishing gear. They didn’t have one single $400 reel or rod. But, they did have reels and rods. I don’t shop at new car lots, because I don’t wanna pay for a new car. And yet, I’ve got a car. There’s options. You can pretty much pay what you wanna pay.
Kayak fishing without electronics will put you a very stealthy position to catch pressured fish when no one else can.
That being said, i prefer my boat because of my back.
The cost of kayaks did detour me and i was able buy a great boat for 10k. That said I miss fishing some lakes with my yak.
If Tracker Plastics is selling a lot more kayaks than the higher end brands…that should tell you a lot about what people want.
Ford sells more base model F150’s than Lariats or King Ranch Editions. It just tells you that there are customers at all levels, just like every other market or product.
Well thought out.
Chad much respect to you and what you have done for the sport. Can i ask what your justification is for your opinions on the bass pro type kayaks? Is it just that they compete with your partners? I personally dont think they are very far off from the "top" brands.
My question is soncere, not trying to spark negativity. I fish out of an old town. Thanks
I've been kayak fishing for 11 years now. Started with a used 2014 Hobie pa12 (banana yellow) fished that for almost 8 years. Sold it for same price I paid for it originally. Then upgraded to pa12-360. So 11 years in a really nice kayak for that price, I don't consider expensive. I'm pretty hard on my gear also. I don't abuse it but I use it a lot! 1,2,even 3 days a week at times for 12 months out of year. I fish all through winter here in southern SC. I definitely love my Hobie's but I wouldn't knock other brands. Unfortunately I haven't had chance to try any other pedal drives out on the water. I would like to. I don't see how I could want to change after having the maneuverability the 360 gives me. But without trying others I can't say that for sure
I want a nice fishing kayak, old town or native. But both are grossly over priced in my opinion. I mean it’s a chunk of molded plastic for Christ sakes. Then by the time you get it rigged, you can buy a used fiberglass glass boat. This is what my son has done, and now of course he stays dry, and covers a lot more water. We thought the kayak would save us from using the boat ramps ( wait) but once the kayak is rigged, still have to use the ramp.
I can buy a nice used 12ft aluminum and a lil motor with a trailer for the price of a kayak.
And then you will have an aluminum boat with a little trailer. More expensive to operate, harder to handle, control, maneuver (on and off the water), super load in the wind or any hull slap. I could go on, but I won’t because you are the 4,587th person to make this same silly comment. Bless your heart.
@@ChadHooverFishing Bless your ballsack
The price of fishing kayaks has to go up because as the manufacturers target an ever more affluent demographic, they'll be selling fewer units. This leaves lower income fishermen with their noses pressed against the showroom windows. Fishing kayaks are no longer a product for the everyman. They're for the tournament want-to-be or poser.
So many industries are like that now. ATVs and UTVs cost as much as an actual vehicle now.
What's your PB largemouth?
The fact that you keep calling a kayak a BOAT confirms it for me. I've followed you long enough to know when you yourself feel uncomfortable about the truth, don't swallow too hard about selling a narrative your paid or sponsored to promote....
Is it dead or dying? I don't have metrics, but I see more and more folks getting off the bank and onto the water on a kayak.
I agree, kayak fishing is whatever the individual wants it to be. IMO, it doesnt matter if someone gets out on the water on a 300.00 sit on top or drops 2-3k on a kayak.
Also, yes, it gets cheaper. It looks like they revised their Slayer Propel 10 with additional features like electronic mounts, motor mounts, transducer pocket, upgraded steering, etc. List price is 2249. I bought one about 6-7 years ago with none of these features and it cost me 2499.00.
There is a Kayak for every budget and every style and that's what makes it so appealing. Plus the guy who spends 10-25k to his YAK is not guaranteed to win more tournaments or catch more fish than the guy who spent 1,500 for everything. Nothing and I mean no amount of money is going to supplement time on the water. PERIOD. First it was paddle...then peddle...now motor...guys are still winning tournaments paddling with a basic single fish finder. No excuses...get out and fish! Have a good time and take a buddy.
Brands that do not make a great 1000-1200 boat are going to suffer big time IMHO. That first entry level boat is where it all starts.
I mean its almost cheaper to buy a john boat and extra batteries and a trolling motor and have way more room than to buy the expensive kayaks i got a brand new jackso kilroy years ago and im just 31 now but i paid 1750 for a paddel and the yak and prolly another 1000 or more for the kayak roof racks on my car so yeah its expensive and a lot more work then just getting a bout and doing basic maintenance unless you just back your kayak in the water like a boat then i could see why you would own a kayak unless you go to a river alot even then
Check out that kaku guru. You can motorized it.
Im happy i bought my kayak 4-years ago when it was $500 cheaper.