You’ve been searching the internet for weeks now. Pandora’s box has been opened and you are flooded with options. You know you want a fishing kayak, but there are so many to choose from that you are having a hard time deciphering what is right for you. How long does it need to be? Which accessories do you need? Will you need a pedal or power drive?!
More importantly than any of these questions, however, is what type of hull will be best for the type of water you’ll be on most frequently? Kayaks and their hull shape vary and each shape has its pros and cons.
What is a Hull & What Do I Need to Consider?
Simply put, the hull is the bottom of your fishing kayak. The shape of your hull largely dictates your speed, tracking (how straight on your course you stay), turning/maneuverability, and your overall stability.
As you try to absorb every possible detail about fishing kayaks, ask yourself: Will I primarily be on rivers and moving through lots of current; will I be taking on bigger waves and open water on big lakes or seawater; or will I be fishing multiple types of water?
Let’s take a look at some different fishing kayak hull shapes and the three best fishing kayaks from Eco Fishing Shop in each category. While we go through them, keep in mind the type of water you think you will fish most frequently.
Two Main Hull Shapes for Fishing Kayaks
V-shape Hull
Like its name, a V-shaped hull comes to a deep V from the sides of the kayak to the hull point. The defining characteristic of V-shape hull kayaks is straight line speed. Due to the V shape, these kayaks ‘knife’ and ‘cut’ their way through the water with minimal drag. When taking on rougher water, this kayak hull shape performs well by knifing its way through choppy water. Paddlers looking to reach higher speeds with less effort and excellent tracking will like kayaks with this hull shape.
What these hulls offer in speed and efficiency they sacrifice in stability in calmer water. If you are new to kayaks, you may find that v-shape kayaks feel ‘tippy’ when you first sit in them. Much like riding a bike, these types of kayaks feel more stable as you gain more speed. If you will be fishing water that is typically calm or has very little chop, a V-shaped hull may not be for you. V-shape kayaks are also more difficult to turn.
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Poontoon-style Hull
As you probably gathered, the pontoon-style hull mimics that of a pontoon boat. Pontoon hulls are sometimes also known as ‘tunnel’ hulls because underneath they have two channels for the water to move through. Pontoon hulls are popular on fishing kayaks because, much like a pontoon boat, they offer incredible stability. Many anglers prefer to stand and cast from their fishing kayak. With a pontoon-style hull and more stability, anglers can stand with more confidence.
To obtain that level of stability, however, pontoon-style hulls sacrifice speed and precise maneuverability. Like a pontoon boat, pontoon-style kayaks take an extra paddle stroke or longer pedal stroke to turn.
Pontoon-style hulls are good all-around fishing kayaks that provide stability in multiple water conditions such as rivers, lakes and open water. They can handle bigger waves, but they sacrifice speed and do not ‘knife’ through rough water as well as a V-shaped hull.
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Additional Considerations
Length
While it may not seem obvious, longer kayaks tend to offer better tracking and more speed. This may seem opposite of what you’d think. However, the longer the kayak, the more evenly spread your weight and power output (paddle, pedal or power) will be.
s a beginner, many might think that a shorter, more compact, fishing kayak will be easier to manage. This isn’t always the case because shorter kayaks may not track as well meaning you’ll need more course corrections. Finding the sweet spot is key. For many beginners, it is in the 11-13 foot range.
Width
The wider your kayak, the more stability it offers. Keep in mind the wider your kayak goes, the more water it must push out of the way when moving. As a general rule, the more width you have offers more stability at the cost of speed and efficiency. Again, keep in mind what type of water you will be on, how you will be propelling your kayak and how far you think you’ll want to travel on an average fishing trip.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made your decision and you feel confident in the kayak you want, your next step is finding a dealer that can help you get your kayak. What many dealers won’t tell you is that there is no perfect kayak for every type of water. We highlighted some fishing kayaks that are good all-around boats, but there is no magic kayak that is perfectly suited for whitewater rapids one day and ocean fishing the next day.
No matter what kayak you choose, it will have its pros and cons and will fare better in certain types of water conditions than others. Think hard about the type of water you will be on most and what attributes you value above all else. While you certainly won’t be limited to the water that you frequent the most by selecting a certain hull type, it makes sense to match your purchase with your primary fishing choice.
Shop Fishing Kayaks & Accessories
We shared our three top choices for V-shape and Pontoon-style hulled kayaks, but they are just the surface. Each fishing kayak that Eco Fishing Shop sells is of the highest quality. When you've decided on the hull type, browse all of our fishing kayaks to find the best fit for you. The right kayak for your fishing preferences is essential to finding more fish and enjoying your outings more.
Have you already decided on your kayak and need accessories to rig out your new fishing kayak? Check out our large selection of ways to fully customize your kayak to your liking. Don't forget to check out our public community where newcomers and tournament anglers share all of their lessons and ask questions on the Kayak Anglers Resource.
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