Fishing kayaks have come a long way in the last decade. This has benefited anglers. But, it has also made selecting a fishing kayak more challenging. There are now so many options! But, with three decisions, you can select a fishing kayak that is optimal for you! 😉

The first decision you need to make is on the type of kayak. For fishing, I would recommend a sit-on-top (SOT) and not a sit-in-kayak (SIK). Why? SOTs have functional decks that can be configured to your fishing style and needs. SOTs are also less likely to fill with water. If you select a SIK, then get a manual bilge pump!

The second decision you need to make is on your kayak’s drive-train: paddle, peddle, or motor? A paddle driven kayak will catch as many fish as a peddle or motor driven kayak, but at a lower cost. Peddle and motor driven kayaks give you “hands free” fishing. The Hobbie peddle system will propel your kayak in a forward direction. The Native peddle system will propel your kayak forwards and backwards. In either case, you still need a paddle to turn your kayak left and right. The electric motors (e.g. Ocean Kayak or BassYaks) made for kayaks are limited by the capacity of the battery; they also add weight to the kayak. Bottom line, this decision is a matter of economics and personal preference.

The third decision is on the length of your kayak. Fishing kayaks are available in lengths between 10 and 16 feet. Shorter kayaks are lighter, easier to carry, and provide quick maneuverability on the water. The longer kayaks track and handle rough conditions well; but are heavier and more difficult to carry. A 12 or 13 foot kayak is a great all-around size that will cover nearly all the conditions that you would want to fish via kayak.

I personally like the fishing kayaks by Wilderness Systems. I own a Tarpon 100, a Ride 115, and a Ride 135. I like the quality and features of these kayaks: they have great stability; comfortable seats; well designed decks; and tracks that fit YakAttack mounts and accessories.

Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring element in nature. The regulations regarding the use lead sinkers and jigs in freshwater fishing vary state by state. Science and politics aside, if you fish freshwater, it’s easier to simply use non-lead sinkers and jigs than wading through each state’s regulations. There are several non-lead sinkers on the market made from tin, steel, and tungsten (W). But, non-lead jigs are more challenging to find. That is until I met Shaun Vando from from Mags Lure Company at the Rocking Fishing and Hunting Expo this past January.

Shaun and his fishing / business partner developed a non-lead swim jig and football jig. The jig heads are made from molten pewter, a metal allow. They feature heavy duty Mustad hooks with bleeding sharp points and star flash round skirts. The strong paint finish, 3D eyes, and weed guard really enhance the jig’s fish catching ability.

The swim/flipping jigs are available in 11 different colors and the football jigs are available in 8 different colors. If you like to tie your own hair jigs (a.k.a. bucktails), then you can buy just the jig heads or the diamond jig heads in 4 standard colors. Custom colors are available upon request. 😉

When it comes to quality, to say that I am critical and discriminating, is an understatement. I can say without hesitation that the quality and craftsmanship of the lead free bass jigs from Mags Lure Company exceeds my expectations. If you fish freshwater and you want to work the entire water column horizontally and vertically without breaking the law, then pick up some fish seducing jigs from Mags Lure Company. 😉