One of the best kayak fishing tools is looked down upon by most anglers. I admit, I dismissed inflatable fishing kayaks until I tested several and put the five tips below into practice. Now I love fishing from an inflatable.
You Should Be Fishing From An Inflatable Kayak
1 Begin with the Best Inflatable Kayak
Growing up, I floated down local rivers in a cheap inflatable boat until the boat popped and deflated my opinion of inflatables. Two decades later, I gave inflatable kayaks another try when I picked up a Wilderness Systems iATAK 110 and a BOTE Rackham Aero. Modern inflatables have come a long way from the box store boat-in-a-box. The latest inflatables offer a durable platform with abundant fishing features.
Inflatables face three major obstacles: comfort, performance and durability. For a more comfortable ride, the elevated frame seat in the iATAK provides leg and back support for all-day fishing. I fold down the seat back and a small platform allows me to sit higher for a better view and greater range of motion. I can even stand up and fish in the iATAK.
To improve performance, BOTE’s Rackham Aero offers a pedal drive. Not only does the propeller provide propulsion, but the lower unit acts like a keel to keep the kayak on course.
Durability begins with a high-quality kayak built from the same vinyl material as a whitewater raft. The drop-stitch floor and puncture- and tear-resistant vinyl skin fend off barnacles, shells, rocks, hooks and fish spines.
2 Rig It Right
Depending on my fishing plans, I rig my inflatable to the extreme or keep it plain Jane. A high-quality inflatable kayak has accessory bases and gear tracks to attach rod holders, electronics and lights.
I recommend minimizing rigging to make the inflatable easier to maneuver, and too much weight can make the inflatable unstable. The main advantage of an inflatable is easy transport and storage. Adding accessories and gear takes away some of the advantage.
3 Easy Transport
The three biggest mistakes are stowing a wet kayak, exposing the boat to extreme heat or cold, and folding the kayak instead of rolling it.
I use my inflatable kayak often, so I keep the boat partially inflated to save time at the launch ramp and allow the boat to dry completely between uses. To transport an inflated kayak, I use cam straps to secure the kayak to my roof rack or trailer. At highway speeds, the lightweight inflatable acts like a balloon and the cam straps offer a more secure connection.
Exposure to sunlight shortens the vinyl’s lifespan, so I regularly clean my inflatable kayak with a UV protectant wipe and spray. Before packing the kayak into its portable case, I make sure it is dry and clean.
4 Pick the Propulsion
The large side air chambers and flat hull make paddling an inflatable awkward. I use a longer paddle shaft to reach around the chambers. The elevated seat is more comfortable, but less ergonomic and aerodynamic.
The BOTE Rackham Aero’s pedal drive system goes a long way to improve performance. A pedal system is not only more efficient and faster, it also allows me to fish and pedal at the same time. The latest generation of inflatable kayaks offer the option to add a motor, which eliminates most performance drawbacks. Serious anglers looking to bridge the gap with a hard-sided kayak should consider pedals or a motor.
5 How to Fish
When I’m fishing out of my inflatables I have to consider how I position the boat. A light breeze or the water resistance of a big lure moves the lightweight kayak off target. Before making a cast, I have to calculate how I can use the lure and wind to hold my kayak in place. When I set the hook on a big fish, I give the rod extra umph to counter the moving kayak.
Fighting a fish in an inflatable is a special experience; the shallow draft boat offers little resistance as the fish drags me around like a human bobber. I used to be a hater, now I realize catching a fish in an inflatable is a bigger challenge and provides a greater satisfaction.
Versatile, capable and convenient, don’t write-off blowup boats. | Feature photo: Roberto Westbrook
