Once upon a time the difference between a recreational kayak and a fishing kayak was the latter came with a set of rod holders. Today, kayak anglers have more options, including pre-rigged kayaks outfitted with matching paddles, factory seats, gear tracks, cooler, bags, tools and crates. Just add water.
What You Need to Know About Pre-Rigged Kayaks
While an all-inclusive package appeals to some, others prefer purchasing a basic kayak, then customizing it to suit their needs. More and more, fishing kayaks are falling into two categories: stripped down and pimped out.
Pre-rigged Perks
“Saving time and money are big reasons why kayak anglers choose to buy pre-rigged kayaks,” says Chris LeMessurier, a pro staff manager at Wilderness Systems. He explains do-it-yourself (DIY) rigging requires research, shopping and installation. And, like DIY home renovations, outfitting a kayak takes longer and often costs more than anticipated.
Buying pre-rigged kayaks sidesteps these pitfalls. Going pre-rigged also means benefiting from the company’s expertise and rigging resources. Keeton Eoff of Hobie Fishing adds that, “a water-ready kayak can provide buyers with useful accessories as well as features they may not have considered.”
Pre-installed products bundled in a package can also cost less than buying them individually at retail price. “Often there is a significant cost savings,” Eoff says.
When kayak manufacturers partner with other companies to kit-out kayaks, it creates accessories and designs for a better kayak fishing experience.
Just like the deluxe model car with factory upgrades, more kayaks are coming off the showroom floor ready to fish.
“Jackson Kayak has a history of working closely with other companies to bring the best in innovation, ease of use and out-of-the-box fishability to help kayak anglers get properly outfitted for the water,” says Bridgett Howard, a marketing representative with Jackson Kayak.
A few years ago, Jackson Kayak partnered with GoPro to integrate action camera mounting pads into their boat designs. The latest generation of Jackson fishing kayaks are available with SealLine roll-top bags, Line Cutterz, Buck Knives and other options.
Hobie’s H-Rail system works seamlessly with RAM Mounts accessories. And Hobie recently launched a new line of accessories with Gerber. The gear and designs are developed and tested by pro staffers and engineers, a far stretch from the shade tree mechanic. This year, you’ll be able to purchase Gerber accessories from a display right next to the Hobie fishing kayaks. Don’t break a sweat cutting and drilling, just break out the credit card instead.
Benefits of Bare Bones
“Any perceived downside of pre-rigged kayaks really comes down to individual preferences,” says Brendan Mark, a man who’s rigged many kayaks as vice president of Heliconia Productions. “If you’re planning to fly fish, you may prefer a clean kayak versus all the accessories that could trip up your line.”
Many kayaks are pre-rigged for general use. Store-bought outfitting may fall short for anglers with specific fishing needs. There are so many types of fishing, one kayak couldn’t satisfy every angler. “The customer may be better off purchasing a kayak that’s a great base platform and building up to his specific needs,” Eoff says.
On the flip side of the pre-rigged kayak craze is a new generation of bare-bones boats. Hobie recently introduced the Compass, which is a value boat appealing to DIY pedalers. And other manufactures are releasing open designs saving money and offering unlimited customization.
Brand preferences may deter some people from buying pre-rigged kayaks. Likewise, if an angler already has some accessories, it’s important they’re compatible with the pre-rigged options. Loaded-up kayaks force aftermarket manufacturers to push the limits of form and function to design stuff even better than factory fresh.
Believe it or not, some people actually enjoy rigging kayaks. From the start, DIY creativeness has been at the center of kayak fishing. “It can be a lot of fun to put your new kayak on a pair of stands in the garage and rig it with fishing gear,” Wildy’s LeMessurier says. There are still tons of options for turning PVC pipe, milk crates and duct tape into custom kayak dream rides.
In the short history of kayak fishing, boats have come full circle. Back in the day, a fishing kayak was a regular sit-on-top kayak with rod holders. Take a look at the latest generation of boats and you’ll notice one thing—many of them don’t come with rod holders.
Field of dreams. Inside Hobie Fishing’s factory workshop. | Feature photo: Jeffrey Fortuna
