Yakima BigCatch Fishing Kayak Saddles — Car-Top Carrier
The Yakima BigCatch Kayak Fishing Boat Saddles are a premium car-top carrying solution engineered specifically for fishing kayaks, offering a secure, hull-friendly transport system that keeps your kayak protected from driveway to launch. Designed to cradle the hull of your fishing kayak at optimal contact points, the BigCatch saddles distribute weight evenly to prevent pressure damage, warping, or scratching — giving anglers confidence that their investment arrives at the water in perfect condition. Compatible with Yakima's industry-leading crossbar ecosystem, the BigCatch integrates seamlessly with round, square, and factory crossbars, making it a versatile fit for a wide range of vehicles.
Built with the fishing kayak's unique shape in mind, the BigCatch saddles feature adjustable, rubberized cradles that conform to wider, flatter hulls common in sit-on-top fishing platforms. The saddles lock securely to the crossbar with Yakima's SKS (Same Key System) compatible hardware, allowing you to match your rack components to a single key for streamlined security. Load-assist functionality and a user-friendly design make solo loading and unloading straightforward, even with heavier fishing kayaks.
The Yakima BigCatch is sold as a set of four saddles, providing a complete front-and-rear cradle system for one kayak. Constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials built to handle years of outdoor use, the BigCatch is a trusted choice for serious anglers who transport their kayak frequently and demand a rack system that is as reliable as their gear on the water.
Yakima BigCatch Specs
- Included in Box:
- 4 saddles (complete set for 1 kayak)
- Weight:
- 8.40 lbs
- Dimensions:
- L 6.25 in x W 9.00 in x H 5.00 in
- Minimum Crossbar Spread:
- 27.00 in
- Crossbar Compatibility:
- Round, square, and factory crossbars
- SKS Compatible:
- Yes (Same Key System)
- Hull Contact:
- Rubberized, adjustable cradles
- Ideal Use:
- Fishing kayaks, wide-hull sit-on-top kayaks
Yakima BigCatch Features
- Specially designed to support the extra weight of fishing and sit-on-top kayaks
- Handles up to 150 lbs.—enough for the heaviest kayaks
- Oversized cradle protects the boat and conforms to a variety of hull shapes
- Felt pads for easy kayak loading
- Soft rubber pads protect the kayak from dings and scratches
- Universal mounting hardware fits our StreamLine, RoundBars and HD Bars—along with most other crossbars
- Easy, tool-free installation to quickly mount, load and go
- Heavy-Duty Straps and Bow and Stern Tie-Downs included (HoodAnchor, sold separately, is required for vehicles with no attatchment points for Bow and Stern Tie-Downs)
- Available RoundBar Kit (sold separately) prevents BigCatch saddles from rotating on RoundBars
- Available SmarT-Slot Kit 4 (sold separately) for use with T-slot crossbars
What kayaks are compatible with the Yakima BigCatch saddles?
The Yakima BigCatch saddles are designed specifically for fishing kayaks and wide-hull sit-on-top kayaks. The rubberized, adjustable cradles accommodate a broad range of hull shapes and widths, making them compatible with popular fishing kayak models including wider platforms. The saddles require a minimum crossbar spread of 27.00 inches and are compatible with round, square, and factory crossbars.
How many saddles are included with the Yakima BigCatch?
The Yakima BigCatch comes as a complete set of four saddles, providing a full front-and-rear cradle system to safely carry one kayak on your vehicle's roof rack. No additional saddles are needed for a single kayak setup.
Will the Yakima BigCatch fit my existing roof rack crossbars?
Yes. The Yakima BigCatch saddles are compatible with round, square, and most factory crossbars, making them a versatile fit for a wide range of vehicle roof rack systems. The minimum required crossbar spread is 27.00 inches. The BigCatch is also compatible with Yakima's Same Key System (SKS), allowing you to use a single key across all your Yakima rack components for added convenience and security.
Will the Yakima BigCatch damage my kayak's hull?
No. The Yakima BigCatch saddles feature rubberized, adjustable cradles specifically designed to protect your kayak's hull during transport. The cradles distribute the kayak's weight evenly across multiple contact points, preventing pressure damage, warping, or scratching that can occur with improper carrying systems. This makes the BigCatch a safe choice for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fishing kayaks.
Can I load a heavy fishing kayak onto the Yakima BigCatch by myself?
The Yakima BigCatch is designed with solo loading in mind, featuring a user-friendly saddle design that makes it easier to load and position heavier fishing kayaks without assistance. The full set of four saddles weighs just 8.40 lbs, keeping your overall rack weight low. For particularly heavy kayaks, Yakima also offers load-assist accessories that pair with the BigCatch system to further simplify the process.
Yakima Rooftop Kayak Carrier Comparison
| Feature |
JayHook |
JayLow |
SweetRoll |
ShowDown |
DeckHand |
HandRoll |
BigStack |
BigCatch |
| Carry Style |
J-Cradle |
J-Cradle |
Saddle & Roller |
Load-Assist Arm |
Flat Saddle |
Roller Cradle |
Vertical Stacker |
Flat Saddle |
| Kayak Orientation |
On Side |
On Side |
Upright |
Upright |
Upright |
Upright |
On Side / Stacked |
Upright |
| Max Kayaks |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Up to 4 |
1 |
| Load Difficulty |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Easy — Rear Roller |
Easiest — Side Load |
Moderate |
Easy — Full Rollers |
Moderate |
Easy — Felt Pads |
| Load Assist |
None |
None |
Rear Roller |
Tilting Side Arm |
None |
Full Roller Cradles |
None |
Felt Loading Pads |
| Hull Protection |
Padded Arms |
Padded Arms |
Padded Saddle & Roller |
Padded Cradle Arms |
4-Point Premium Padding |
4-Point Non-Marring Rollers |
Padded Post & Straps |
Soft Rubber & Felt Pads |
| Tie-Downs Included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes — Heavy-Duty Straps & Bow/Stern |
| SUP Compatible |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Folds Flat |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Tool-Free Install |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Min. Crossbar Spread |
24.00 in |
27.50 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
24.00 in |
27.00 in |
| Universal Crossbar Fit |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes — StreamLine, RoundBars, HD Bars & Most Aftermarket |
| SKS Lock Compatible |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
— |
| Best For |
Entry-level paddlers & budget-conscious buyers |
Paddlers wanting refined J-cradle with more adjustability |
Solo paddlers who want easier loading with upright carry |
Solo paddlers with heavy kayaks or back concerns |
Touring & composite kayak owners prioritizing hull protection |
Frequent solo loaders wanting friction-free hull protection |
Clubs, outfitters & families moving multiple boats |
Fishing kayak anglers hauling heavy sit-on-top boats |
Your Satisfaction with Yakima is Guaranteed:
- limited Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping & Lowest Price Guarantee
