Kayak Outfitting for Advanced Kayak Anglers

PartVu Xchange Talks Boating spoke with Jerron Wosel, President of YakGear. YakGear is an industry-leading supplier of kayak equipment, paddle sports gear, and mounting accessories.

In our first discussion with Jerron, we talked about things that newer kayakers need to consider as they’re starting their kayak outfitting journey. We then had a follow-up discussion that focused on advanced kayakers. Follow along as we discuss how anglers can upgrade their kayaks as they gain kayaking experience.

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Can you give us insight into the kayak fishing tournament scene?

Jerron: The tournament scene for kayak anglers has grown by leaps and bounds. The sport was pretty big in 2009 and 2010, but the scene has exploded with activity over the last few years.

Tournament kayak fishing has taken a turn to an entirely new level as the sport has grown. In fact, it’s becoming so popular that I wouldn’t be surprised to see kayak fishing tournaments on television in the next few years.

The size of tournaments keeps growing, payouts are increasing, and sponsors are taking notice.

It’s gotten so big that B.A.S.S. has even launched its own kayak bass fishing trail. Those tournament trails have grown so much that there are regional tournament trails that serve as qualifying circuits for a Bassmaster Classic for kayak anglers.

What kind of upgrades are most logical for someone looking to start fishing at a more advanced level on a kayak?

Jerron: If you’re talking about competitive settings, then one of the first things to consider is whether or not the tournament trail an angler is considering allows powered kayaks. If so, small electric motors are an important first upgrade. Two of the best-known brands for kayak trolling motors are Torqeedo and Newport Vessels.

The second major consideration is electronics. The new technology related to fishfinders has been a game changer for the tournament fishing industry. Although they require a considerable investment, they are indispensable for people looking to compete in higher-level events.

Finally, kayakers should think about how they want to control their craft. Do they want to paddle it or pedal it? When it comes to higher-level fishing, many anglers prefer to have their hands free. In those cases, pedal power is an important step up for advanced kayaking.

Is there a divide between those who prefer man-powered kayaks and people who like electric motor-powered crafts?

Jerron: Yes. You can jump into any forum or social medial platform and see ongoing debates and discussions between old-school purists and new-school tech guys. While some people prefer paddle- or pedal-powered kayaks, others prefer electric power. However, in the long run, I believe that electric-powered kayaks will become more popular and accepted, especially at the tournament level.

Another hotly debated topic is traditional sonar versus new live sonar technology. That particular subject is highly polarizing.

However, fishfinders don’t catch fish. For example, with live technology, you can pull into a cove or onto a point and see if there are fish there. However, you still have to know how to catch the fish.

One of the most significant issues with live technology is the cost. Some people can afford the high price, while other anglers cannot. I think the expenses related to fish finders will eventually stabilize, becoming more affordable and accessible to many people.

The fact is that this kind of advanced technology is not going away. If you compete in fishing tournaments in the future, you’ll have to adapt and learn. The advancements in live don’t instantly translate into higher catch rates for an angler.

Anglers face substantial learning curves. Unless you know how to use all these high-tech tools, you’re wasting your time and money. To be good with those gadgets, you must spend time understanding how they work and explore strategies that will put them to good use.

What are some of the newest options available in tackle organization for kayakers?

Jerron: Outside of the traditional milk crate-style storage units, there hasn’t been much innovation, but there is a ton of potential for new ideas. For example, some kayak designers are aware that anglers are looking for better internal storage, so that’s an issue to follow. In addition, under-seat storage and molded storage areas on the side of gunwales are gaining popularity.

What changes have you seen regarding the use of specialized batteries for kayaks?

Jerron: For a long time, AGM batteries were standard for anyone looking to be on the water for a long day of fishing. With the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries, the market is virtually saturated with companies offering great alternatives to AGM batteries. Lithium batteries are particularly important to kayak enthusiasts because they weigh significantly less than traditional batteries. Now that anglers are running more advanced electronics and powering their kayaks with electric motors, battery management has become a very important issue.

What kind of rod holder upgrades are available for advanced kayak anglers?

Jerron: Most rod holder options depend on the type of rod and reel you are using. Most standard rod holders are suitable for lighter-duty spinning and casting rod setups. However, if you use heavy-duty rods and reels for trolling purposes, rod holders with locking collars are a better choice. Finally, anglers can choose between track-mounted or hard-mounted holders.

What types of gear are people looking to upgrade as they move along in the sport of kayaking?

Jerron: If a kayaker relies on paddle power, then paddles are the most logical and impactful piece of equipment to upgrade. Moving from a standard to a full carbon paddle can dramatically change performance.

Of course, one of the most obvious items subject to upgrade is the actual craft. Whether you’re changing from a sit-on-top kayak to a sit-inside style craft or touring boat, each change feels like an upgrade. There are so many different styles and variations— the the kayak outfitting possibilities seem endless.

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PartsVu is proud to carry YakGear’s full line of products, including associated brands like Blackwater Paddle Company and Sea Tug, for all kayak outfitting needs. Yak Gear also has a fantastic Youtube channel that features excellent videos related to kayaking.