In my opinion, the fishing kayak industry lost focus on why people decided to kayak fish in the first place: lower cost to get on the water, ease of transport, ease of storage, etc. So, we’re now in an era where unless you spend a minimum of $2,500 to $6,000 for a fishing kayak, it’s considered junk. That’s not counting all of the overpriced 3D printed gadgets we’re led to believe we MUST have. Many of these “better” kayaks require a trailer to transport, are heavy beyond one person’s ability, etc. In other words, rather than remembering why we wanted to kayak fish in the first place, kayak companies think we want expensive mini bass boats, or skinny bass boats. So the argument is, they are cheaper than $30+K bass boats. Yeah, they are, but their customers weren’t the people in the market for an expensive bass boat, trailering, etc. When the Bonafide XTR130 debuted, it validated everything I listed above and turned me off on the industry. I will continue to kayak fish in my kayak, but I no longer follow any of the kayak talking heads on UA-cam, I’ll likely never buy new again, and the kayak gadget companies have gotten so ridiculous on their prices I no longer visit their stores. I enjoy your videos, so not intended as a slight to you; rather, I’m agreeing the industry is well past its peak and I’m just offering one kayak fisherman’s perspective on why I feel this way. Thanks!
Appreciate your feedback. I agree to an extent that the basics have been left behind. I believe it's will get back to that though as there is only so far upwards it can go. Also the expensive kayaks are not "volume sellers" Volume kayaks pay the bills and high end kayaks get the views if that makes sense. I enjoy the high end yaks but my passion is simple and capable
I agree with much of this. At the same time, I look at it no different than other industries. It's fishing from a vessel. Companies are going to make what people want to buy for what they're willing to spend. That cuts some people out of the trends, but not the market. The great thing is, there are no rules. We can fish how we want to fish. And I feel like there will always be products for everyone.
It’s even hard to believe there’s 200k plus boats on the water nowadays it’s all ridiculous. I just want to fish and enjoy it without worrying about an expensive payment or parts. Totally agree with what you’re saying.
I hear this a lot. But it still seems like sour grapes. Nothing is stopping you from creating a kayak tournament trail that is just paddle or paddle/pedal only with minimal electronics. Create your own culture if the first kayak tournament culture moved away from your preferred way of kayaking. Evolution and progression are inevitable in practically all sports/hobbies and pursuits. There is a place for people who go off the grid in this hobby-there just has to be critical mass to have it become 'a thing'. I still do 90% of my kayak fishing just 'fun fishing'. I don't judge my enjoyment by others-I do it for myself and myself only.
I agree with what you’re saying that companies need to start getting into their niche and more of a focus on certain kayaks. My favorite thing about kayaks is still being able to get to places that all the boats can’t. I am not saying there won’t be a time I’ll add a big kayak with a motor as I do fish big lakes occasionally and having the ability to travel distances in a tournament is important but I still love to be in my paddle kayak and get into the shallow water. Nothing like being in a spot that a boat can’t reach and pulling out giant fish while they’re fishing the outskirts!
"Market capture" will be won by the first company to make a truly modular kayak line up. Make 3 kayaks, in 3 sizes, make all accessories able to fit any/all versions and sizes. One motor to fit all 3. One peddle drive for all 3. Etc. That way the accessories grow with the life of the angler AND the yak. Not just the yak 😊
In my opinion, kayak fishing peaked when the weekend warriors started putting motors on their kayak because they're too lazy to pedal or paddle. Kayaks with motors...arent kayaks. Then, they add livescope setups with 10 in screens...ON A KAYAK. This trend caused prices to skyrocket, to the point where some kayaks cost more than an aluminum jon boat at 9.5hp motor. I still rock my 4 year old fin-drive Pelican Catch 110. Its been a beast.
The biggest issue for me is portability. The more difficult it is to store and transport the kayak the less i'm going to participate in the sport or encourage someone else to participate in the sport. Unfortunately the industry doesn't make that many kayaks that can be disassemble and reassembled at a reasonable price especially for bigger guys.
When serious sit on top fishing kayaks first emerged, the possibilities seemed endless. We used our kayaks for inshore fishing, catching everything from red and trout to sharks. Then we could use the same boat to chase small mouth on rivers or largemouth in big ponds. I worry that as kayaks become less and less portable and more dependent on motors, we’ve lost some of what made the original sport so appealing. I have nothing against the tech, but it does make at least the appearance of cost of entry higher.
Some kayaks have evolved to have motors. It still is the minority though in the overall scope of things. Plenty of great performance paddle fishing kayaks out there as well as pedal drive models.
Like always, great insight brother. You’re spot on. I like the idea of integrated FFS set ups and kayaks that are made for wiring. Excited for 2025. I think some of those manufacturers are going to take some hard hits, specifically those that aren’t innovating regularly and have some old hulls and features. Hard to wow the crowd at this point.
Hard to wow indeed! Not going to be able to reinvent the wheel over and over. Rigging is where it's at. Built in storage, motorized, lighting, etc. Would love to see more river options for chasing those smallies
I grew up in the river and when I was a senior in high school I bought my first kayak. 9’ sit inside fishing kayak for about $300 18 years ago. I could haul it in the bed of a Toyota and I could pick it up and carry it anywhere. 39 pounds. If you can’t pick the kayak up and carry it, what’s the point? The purpose of fishing from a kayak is to get where boats and bank fisherman can’t.
@@deepmarsh people focus too much on the larger fishing kayaks. There are several options out there that are lighter and cheaper. Don't worry about what others like, focus on what you like as there are plenty of options out there for everyone's wants and needs
I was never into the enhanced pricing, tournament era of kayaking... as far as I'm concerned, > $2000 boats and milk crates that sell for > $150 are along the lines of buying $200 sneakers.... just not something I have any interest in, whatsoever. I'm happy with my Flint and a paddle and a $5 milk crate. That's my world.
Already? We started fishing from kayaks in the mid 1990's. So it's been 30 years since the kayak fishing thing took hold. It's had a good run and it'll continue as the trend moves back to lightweight, no frills kayaks, again.
Ithi k you hit the nail on the head. I dont have a kayak yet and i do plan on it. Im the kind of guy who will save and get what i want. Buy what you want once. I hope to get it in the next 7 yrs or less. LOL
It’s on the decline. The number of local trails that have shut down has been surprising. I kayak fished for 10+ years and the draw for me is no longer there. Never cared about a National trail and the local trails are dying off. It got too big too fast and the bubble has busted.
I think all of Crescent kayaks are sub $2000. Bonafide has plenty of cheaper options as well. The RS117 is the best bang for your buck in the industry for about $1000. I guess it depends on what we consider entry level. To me an entry level is a paddle kayak. I see so many friends that skip that and go straight to pedal or motor.
@@thebeardedpaddler Yes Nucanoe too. I don't even consider most of those i listed as entry level for me. I consider them kayaks with a purpose. I'd buy any of them i listed for a thro and go and enjoy the paddle.
@@thebeardedpaddler Their recent troubles, quality issues and customer service stories have scared me away from them-especially for the price they are. Couple that with the price reduction of the BigRig, I went with a company that has treated me well with their customer service for my current kayak. (Jackson).
Reading these comments makes me go way back to when I started. It's funny cause it was hard to find a sit on top kayak back then and nothing was really made to fish out of. The way I see it there are more options now for a beginner than there ever was as long as you are not trying to keep up with the jones and buying the latest and greatest. You can get a great entry level kayak as long as you don't consider an entry level a pedal drive. Crescent and Bonafide make really good kayaks and sell most of their kayaks for less than 2000 dollars brand new. Here is an insider hint for newbies. Pedal drives cost as much as an electric motor. No reason to motorize a pedal drive but if you buy a paddling kayak most of them can be motorized cheaply. I'll back it up too. Crescent makes very good quality kayaks and is known for being maybe the best paddling kayaks on the market. Ck1 for 1000. LTII for 1200. CK2 for 1749. Top of the line fishing vessel is their Shoalie for 1649. Many other models to choose from for a beginner. Maybe a Primo for 699. Bonafide has what I would consider entry level kayaks too. The SS models are reasonably priced, and you can add a motor easily later. The best bang for your buck is the RS117. I don't have prices for all the Bonafides but the RS is around 1000. SS107 around 1300 and the SS127 1600. Then I consider the number of kayaks that have hit the used market. To me there has never been a better time to give kayak fishing a try. So many options from quality kayak manufacturers.
I think what we've seen is the pandemic boom coming to a close. I feel like it will still be left better than we found it compared to before that era. But it feels like a hard hit for a minute. Like a bear vs bull market, so to speak. Always ups and downs. Just in the downs right now. I think the Hobie series will return. And maybe KBF in a year or 2. Bassmaster has us right now. And the Kayak Adventure Series is set to grow. Drew is great and the trail is different in good ways. Unfortunately, my local trails are gone. But as long as Bassmaster hangs tough, we can compete in a great series.
Kayak tournament fishing is on the decline but I don think kayaking is. Kayak fishing lost its way IMO. There is a huge difference between kayaks we grew up using and small boats with FFS. There is nothing wrong with that but it certainly shrinks the field. We dont have to guess at the effect it has had on the tournament scene. The trails are folding like crazy. My guess is that cheaper box store kayaks will sell a ton of their models and paddle shops are screwed.
There will always be a strong market for quality kayaks. People need to realize that quality doesn't mean you have spend $2500 or above. I think people see kayaks like Hobie and the other top of the line fishing kayaks and think they are all like that. That's just not the case. Plenty of value and performance in the 700-1500 price range. Remember, if people stop buying them, they will slow down on making them
Most of these comments of super narcissistic. Most them start with either “I” or “In my Opinion”. Obviously there is a market for better and bigger innovative boats . How do i know this, companies are spending tens of thousands of dollars in R and D and expect to make that investment back. Which if these ppl complaining were smart they would know that this helps put these similar features into cheaper models. Making the budget experience much better. But there are plenty of affordable options out there. Man people love to complain.
In my opinion, the fishing kayak industry lost focus on why people decided to kayak fish in the first place: lower cost to get on the water, ease of transport, ease of storage, etc. So, we’re now in an era where unless you spend a minimum of $2,500 to $6,000 for a fishing kayak, it’s considered junk. That’s not counting all of the overpriced 3D printed gadgets we’re led to believe we MUST have. Many of these “better” kayaks require a trailer to transport, are heavy beyond one person’s ability, etc. In other words, rather than remembering why we wanted to kayak fish in the first place, kayak companies think we want expensive mini bass boats, or skinny bass boats. So the argument is, they are cheaper than $30+K bass boats. Yeah, they are, but their customers weren’t the people in the market for an expensive bass boat, trailering, etc. When the Bonafide XTR130 debuted, it validated everything I listed above and turned me off on the industry. I will continue to kayak fish in my kayak, but I no longer follow any of the kayak talking heads on UA-cam, I’ll likely never buy new again, and the kayak gadget companies have gotten so ridiculous on their prices I no longer visit their stores. I enjoy your videos, so not intended as a slight to you; rather, I’m agreeing the industry is well past its peak and I’m just offering one kayak fisherman’s perspective on why I feel this way. Thanks!
Appreciate your feedback. I agree to an extent that the basics have been left behind. I believe it's will get back to that though as there is only so far upwards it can go. Also the expensive kayaks are not "volume sellers"
Volume kayaks pay the bills and high end kayaks get the views if that makes sense.
I enjoy the high end yaks but my passion is simple and capable
I agree with much of this. At the same time, I look at it no different than other industries. It's fishing from a vessel. Companies are going to make what people want to buy for what they're willing to spend. That cuts some people out of the trends, but not the market. The great thing is, there are no rules. We can fish how we want to fish. And I feel like there will always be products for everyone.
It’s even hard to believe there’s 200k plus boats on the water nowadays it’s all ridiculous. I just want to fish and enjoy it without worrying about an expensive payment or parts. Totally agree with what you’re saying.
I hear this a lot. But it still seems like sour grapes. Nothing is stopping you from creating a kayak tournament trail that is just paddle or paddle/pedal only with minimal electronics. Create your own culture if the first kayak tournament culture moved away from your preferred way of kayaking. Evolution and progression are inevitable in practically all sports/hobbies and pursuits. There is a place for people who go off the grid in this hobby-there just has to be critical mass to have it become 'a thing'. I still do 90% of my kayak fishing just 'fun fishing'. I don't judge my enjoyment by others-I do it for myself and myself only.
I agree with what you’re saying that companies need to start getting into their niche and more of a focus on certain kayaks. My favorite thing about kayaks is still being able to get to places that all the boats can’t. I am not saying there won’t be a time I’ll add a big kayak with a motor as I do fish big lakes occasionally and having the ability to travel distances in a tournament is important but I still love to be in my paddle kayak and get into the shallow water. Nothing like being in a spot that a boat can’t reach and pulling out giant fish while they’re fishing the outskirts!
100%
"Market capture" will be won by the first company to make a truly modular kayak line up. Make 3 kayaks, in 3 sizes, make all accessories able to fit any/all versions and sizes. One motor to fit all 3. One peddle drive for all 3. Etc. That way the accessories grow with the life of the angler AND the yak. Not just the yak 😊
In my opinion, kayak fishing peaked when the weekend warriors started putting motors on their kayak because they're too lazy to pedal or paddle. Kayaks with motors...arent kayaks. Then, they add livescope setups with 10 in screens...ON A KAYAK.
This trend caused prices to skyrocket, to the point where some kayaks cost more than an aluminum jon boat at 9.5hp motor.
I still rock my 4 year old fin-drive Pelican Catch 110. Its been a beast.
The biggest issue for me is portability. The more difficult it is to store and transport the kayak the less i'm going to participate in the sport or encourage someone else to participate in the sport. Unfortunately the industry doesn't make that many kayaks that can be disassemble and reassembled at a reasonable price especially for bigger guys.
@@easyon12 there are so many kayaks out there that fit your wants. Don't lose focus of that because of a few larger kayaks that are out there
When serious sit on top fishing kayaks first emerged, the possibilities seemed endless. We used our kayaks for inshore fishing, catching everything from red and trout to sharks. Then we could use the same boat to chase small mouth on rivers or largemouth in big ponds. I worry that as kayaks become less and less portable and more dependent on motors, we’ve lost some of what made the original sport so appealing. I have nothing against the tech, but it does make at least the appearance of cost of entry higher.
Some kayaks have evolved to have motors. It still is the minority though in the overall scope of things.
Plenty of great performance paddle fishing kayaks out there as well as pedal drive models.
Like always, great insight brother. You’re spot on. I like the idea of integrated FFS set ups and kayaks that are made for wiring.
Excited for 2025. I think some of those manufacturers are going to take some hard hits, specifically those that aren’t innovating regularly and have some old hulls and features. Hard to wow the crowd at this point.
Hard to wow indeed!
Not going to be able to reinvent the wheel over and over.
Rigging is where it's at. Built in storage, motorized, lighting, etc.
Would love to see more river options for chasing those smallies
Another spot on video Andy 👊 Keep em coming 😎
Appreciate that, man!
I grew up in the river and when I was a senior in high school I bought my first kayak. 9’ sit inside fishing kayak for about $300 18 years ago. I could haul it in the bed of a Toyota and I could pick it up and carry it anywhere. 39 pounds. If you can’t pick the kayak up and carry it, what’s the point? The purpose of fishing from a kayak is to get where boats and bank fisherman can’t.
@@deepmarsh people focus too much on the larger fishing kayaks. There are several options out there that are lighter and cheaper.
Don't worry about what others like, focus on what you like as there are plenty of options out there for everyone's wants and needs
I was never into the enhanced pricing, tournament era of kayaking... as far as I'm concerned, > $2000 boats and milk crates that sell for > $150 are along the lines of buying $200 sneakers.... just not something I have any interest in, whatsoever. I'm happy with my Flint and a paddle and a $5 milk crate. That's my world.
You definitely are not scraping the bottom with a Flint!
Great kayak
@@thebeardedpaddler I bought it from you :)
Already? We started fishing from kayaks in the mid 1990's. So it's been 30 years since the kayak fishing thing took hold. It's had a good run and it'll continue as the trend moves back to lightweight, no frills kayaks, again.
Peaked? Yes
Over? Not by a long shot
Ithi k you hit the nail on the head. I dont have a kayak yet and i do plan on it. Im the kind of guy who will save and get what i want. Buy what you want once. I hope to get it in the next 7 yrs or less. LOL
Plenty of great used kayaks out there as well. Some of them may even be rigged up like you want to already
It’s on the decline. The number of local trails that have shut down has been surprising. I kayak fished for 10+ years and the draw for me is no longer there. Never cared about a National trail and the local trails are dying off. It got too big too fast and the bubble has busted.
Hope not.
It's in a transition but set for a strong run. The industry needs more draw for new anglers and paddlers.
There just isn't a lot of solid entry level yaks. It's all $2,000 plus and the majority of folks are getting a jon boat instead.
This needs to be a focus. I 100% agree
I think all of Crescent kayaks are sub $2000. Bonafide has plenty of cheaper options as well. The RS117 is the best bang for your buck in the industry for about $1000. I guess it depends on what we consider entry level. To me an entry level is a paddle kayak. I see so many friends that skip that and go straight to pedal or motor.
@WhatTheH3ll1000 don't forget about the Flint from Nucanoe. Very underrated yak
@@thebeardedpaddler Yes Nucanoe too. I don't even consider most of those i listed as entry level for me. I consider them kayaks with a purpose. I'd buy any of them i listed for a thro and go and enjoy the paddle.
Curious to hear your thoughts on the once great Hobie
It's coming lol
@@thebeardedpaddler Their recent troubles, quality issues and customer service stories have scared me away from them-especially for the price they are. Couple that with the price reduction of the BigRig, I went with a company that has treated me well with their customer service for my current kayak. (Jackson).
Reading these comments makes me go way back to when I started. It's funny cause it was hard to find a sit on top kayak back then and nothing was really made to fish out of. The way I see it there are more options now for a beginner than there ever was as long as you are not trying to keep up with the jones and buying the latest and greatest.
You can get a great entry level kayak as long as you don't consider an entry level a pedal drive. Crescent and Bonafide make really good kayaks and sell most of their kayaks for less than 2000 dollars brand new. Here is an insider hint for newbies. Pedal drives cost as much as an electric motor. No reason to motorize a pedal drive but if you buy a paddling kayak most of them can be motorized cheaply.
I'll back it up too. Crescent makes very good quality kayaks and is known for being maybe the best paddling kayaks on the market. Ck1 for 1000. LTII for 1200. CK2 for 1749. Top of the line fishing vessel is their Shoalie for 1649. Many other models to choose from for a beginner. Maybe a Primo for 699. Bonafide has what I would consider entry level kayaks too. The SS models are reasonably priced, and you can add a motor easily later. The best bang for your buck is the RS117. I don't have prices for all the Bonafides but the RS is around 1000. SS107 around 1300 and the SS127 1600.
Then I consider the number of kayaks that have hit the used market. To me there has never been a better time to give kayak fishing a try. So many options from quality kayak manufacturers.
Well put
I think what we've seen is the pandemic boom coming to a close. I feel like it will still be left better than we found it compared to before that era. But it feels like a hard hit for a minute. Like a bear vs bull market, so to speak. Always ups and downs. Just in the downs right now. I think the Hobie series will return. And maybe KBF in a year or 2. Bassmaster has us right now. And the Kayak Adventure Series is set to grow. Drew is great and the trail is different in good ways. Unfortunately, my local trails are gone. But as long as Bassmaster hangs tough, we can compete in a great series.
It's set for another strong run but it will just look different I think
It was fun while it lasted for all them Kayak companies. Some will be around, and some will not.🤷♂️
Pretty much
Kayak tournament fishing is on the decline but I don think kayaking is. Kayak fishing lost its way IMO. There is a huge difference between kayaks we grew up using and small boats with FFS. There is nothing wrong with that but it certainly shrinks the field. We dont have to guess at the effect it has had on the tournament scene. The trails are folding like crazy. My guess is that cheaper box store kayaks will sell a ton of their models and paddle shops are screwed.
There will always be a strong market for quality kayaks. People need to realize that quality doesn't mean you have spend $2500 or above.
I think people see kayaks like Hobie and the other top of the line fishing kayaks and think they are all like that.
That's just not the case. Plenty of value and performance in the 700-1500 price range.
Remember, if people stop buying them, they will slow down on making them
You can buy a gheeno for the price of a kayak.
This is true, but they each have their own respective strong points.
I think the safety of Kayaking i got because everyone is putting motors on there Kayaks and have no clue how to paddle a kayak
I'm not gonna disagree with that lol
Big adventure has peaked for sure. Hobie on the other hand……
It may be a pretty rough year for Hobie. Lots of things to fix
Most of these comments of super narcissistic. Most them start with either “I” or “In my Opinion”. Obviously there is a market for better and bigger innovative boats . How do i know this, companies are spending tens of thousands of dollars in R and D and expect to make that investment back. Which if these ppl complaining were smart they would know that this helps put these similar features into cheaper models. Making the budget experience much better. But there are plenty of affordable options out there. Man people love to complain.
Plenty of very solid options out there for sure. Motors and electronics are just the newest thing. They are still in the minority though.
yep there are plenty of kayaks out there for a beginner. If you add the used market, it has never been better.