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9 Benefits of Budgeting for a Fishing Kayak Trailer

9 Benefits of Budgeting for a Fishing Kayak Trailer

Next article Fishing Kayak with Engine: Built-in motors vs. Adding a motor

An often-overlooked aspect of kayak fishing are the accessories you ‘need’ vs. the essentials. What are the fun accessories and what are the ones you should never leave without? Paddles and life jackets are non-negotiable. But a question many don’t ask themselves until their kayak arrives in the mail is, “how am I going to get this kayak to and from the water?”

If you’re like me, you’ll consider car-topping them or find yourself researching J-hook style racks. I learned the hard way that fishing kayaks are both heavier than traditional kayaks and have a larger footprint that may not be compatible with specialized J-hooks. If you have to transport more than one fishing kayak, cartopping is likely not an option.

So, you’ve arrived where I ultimately did – realizing you need a trailer for fishing kayaks. They are not all created equally, but let’s get into some of the general pros of utilizing a fishing kayak with a trailer. This blog will focus on Malone trailers and their new line of off-road (submersible) trailers and include a detailed review from Bearded Dad Fishing.


9 Reasons You Should Budget for Submersible Fishing Kayak Trailer

Unlike traditional kayak trailers, a submersible trailer is designed to be partially or fully submerged in water—giving anglers easier launch and retrieval options. Here’s why it’s a worthy addition to your setup:

  1. Easier Launch and Retrieval
    With a submersible trailer, there’s no need to drag your kayak across rocky or muddy shorelines. Simply back the trailer into the water, unstrap your kayak, and slide it right off. When you’re done, paddle it back onto the trailer, strap it down, and pull out. This minimizes lifting, saves your back, and keeps your kayak in better shape over time. It also eliminates the need for additional gear like kayak carts and roof mounts that can be difficult to manage. 
  2. More Time on the Water
    Time on the water is precious – especially during early morning and evening bites or short fishing windows. A submersible trailer allows for quick deployment and loading, helping you maximize your time fishing instead of time wasted trying to lift your kayak up to high attachment points. One thing not frequently talked about is the amount of time adding and removing accessories to prep a kayak for transport. Utilizing a kayak trailer often means that some, if not all, accessories and gear can stay on your kayak which every kayak angler knows can save a significant amount of time. 
  3. Access to More Remote Launch Sites
    Many premium fishing spots are tucked away down rugged or unpaved roads, often without developed launch ramps. A rugged submersible trailer gives you the flexibility to reach these locations and launch your kayak directly into shallow or uneven water with ease.
  4. Less Wear and Tear on Your Gear 
    Dragging a fully rigged fishing kayak—often loaded with electronics, tackle, and rods—can take a toll. A trailer reduces the physical strain and lowers the chance of scratching or damaging your hull, rudder, or mounted accessories during launch and retrieval.
  5. Great for Solo Anglers
    Without a second set of hands, getting a fully loaded kayak into and out of the water can be a daunting task. With the trailer doing much of the heavy lifting, solo trips become far more manageable.
  6. Great for Tandem Trips and Multiple Kayaks
    If you're fishing with friends or family, or just like having a backup boat,  trailers can often carry multiple kayaks at once. That means fewer trips, less hassle, and more time fishing and paddling.
  7. Built to Withstand Harsh Conditions
    These trailers are typically made with corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel or aluminum, ensuring they hold up well in both freshwater and saltwater environments. This durability means your investment will last for years of use.
  8. Ideal for Heavier Fishing Kayaks
    Modern fishing kayaks are getting heavier with added features like pedal drives, anchor systems, motors, batteries and storage hatches. A submersible trailer can handle the weight with ease, supporting the kayak right up until it floats—no need to manually lift it into the water.
  9. Customizable for Anglers
    Many submersible trailers are customizable with rod holders, gear bins, additional racks and bunks to make loading easier. If you're a kayak angler who likes to hit the water fully loaded, having a trailer that can accommodate your setup is a game-changer.

A Closer Look at Malone Off-road Kayak Fishing Trailers

Whether you are looking to make your first fishing kayak purchase or upgrading your existing kayak, budgeting for how you are going to transport your kayak can be the difference between getting to the water more frequently and efficiently vs. time wasted trying to unsuccessfully load and launch your kayak another way. As you browse for your kayak and plan ahead, leave room in your budget for overlooked aspects like trailering your heavy fishing kayak and gear.

Let’s look at some Malone Off-road Kayak Trailers that might be a good fit for you and your fishing kayak.




More Malone Fishing Kayak Trailers to Consider

While the above were Malone's newest additions to their kayak trailer lineup, there are more options to consider from their already proven lineup. Each kayak trailer can be configured in different ways to best suit your setup. If you are still unsure, reach out to our customer service team to get some help finding the best fishing kayak trailer for the kayak you already own or are considering purchasing.

Shop all Fishing Kayak Trailers.



Finding the Right Fishing Kayak Trailer

Every fishing kayak has a different weight, width and hull shape. Not all sit-on-top fishing kayaks will 'sit' right in certain racks like J-racks, saddles, mega wings and bunks. Knowing the difference can play a large role in whether or not you struggle with getting your fishing kayak strapped down properly on your trailer.

Keep that in mind, you may need help purchasing the correct mounts and adapters. This is where reaching out to our customer service team (1-844-987-5777, sales@ecofishingshop.com) can help eliminate the headache of trying to peice together the right equipment. Reach out and we'll help get you the right pieces for a motor setup based on your fishing kayak.

Another great option is seeking the help of other anglers who have experience with large fishing kayaks and trailering them.



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Blog posts

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