The features vary depending on your particular needs. That is, whether you primarily fish on flatwater as opposed to open bodies of water.

A note, worth noting . . . if you're planning on a fishing in a kayak - you'll love the "Pedal Kayaks" - they are a favorite of anglers.

Speed and maneuverability: Usually speed is not the primary concern in fishing, but it could be a concern to ocean anglers who cover a greater distance. Here, it depends on the kind of fishing you're doing. One who plans to fish in protected flatwater areas are more concerned with maneuverability and would be better with a shorter lighter kayak, more suitable for quick turns. If you're planning to fish a big reservoir, inlet bays or open ocean - distance is a concern and you'll be better with a long and narrow style.

Sit-on-top kayaks primarily sacrifice speed for stability with their wider beam. Their flat platform offers good secondary stability. They will maneuver well in confined areas and offer the angler free access to equipment.

Most recreational fishing (Sit-in) kayaks offer a good compromise of initial and secondary stability. They offer the angler more protection but compromise the easy access to equipment that sit-on-tops have. This type is more often the choice for coastal fishermen because of the speed and protection.

Special Features: Some Fishing Kayaks, like the one shown above - top, right, have a rudder system for easy turning and course correction. Some have a great pedal feature, (shown above - left) allowing the angler hands free movement when necessary. The pedal mechanism is designed into kayaks with open cockpits like those of a sit-on-top that allows for free leg movement. This is a great feature, if you're not familiar with it, it's worth a look. (See: Pedal Kayak)

So we've learned some of the particulars about fishing kayaks, now, to answer our original question depends on your personal particulars. What's important to you? ...

• Are you strictly catch and release - no need for fish storage
• Do you take your catch home with you - you'll need bait and fish storage.
• How much leg room do you need
• What weight capacity will you need - considering your weight and gear, and the fish too!
• Will you need to mount additional fishing equipment, like a GPS? You'll need mounting surface.
• Where will you be fishing - flatwater (easy to maneuver, shorter kayak) or coastal ocean (a longer touring kayak will be more useful).

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