Fishing and surfing kayaks share similarities in style, but the difference in performance is profound. Before buying a kayak, decide what you will be using the kayak for: fishing or surfing. Also, buy a kayak that is aligned with your skills. Determine before buying whether you will need your kayak to handle speed, big waves, big game fishing or just recreational fishing.
Fishing Kayaks
Kayaks have closed or open decks. If you expect to spend extended periods in cold water, a closed deck might be a better option. Next, decide whether you want speed or stability. The wider the kayak the slower and more stable it will be. Longer kayaks move faster through the water and are less stable. Most anglers like shorter, wider kayaks, more storage as well as wiggle room when landing the fish. Most of the latest models have live wells, cargo nets, built-in rod holders, GPS and fish finders.
Surf Kayaks
Just like the fishing kayaks, closed or open decks are available. Surf kayaks are typically less than 11 feet and have rocker and curve in the hull. Longer kayaks are easier to catch the wave although you lose maneuverability. Closed decks are for the experienced kayaker and require the rider to know how to right the kayak when flipped upside down. Open deck kayaks for beginners are typically longer, wider and more forgiving. More advanced surfers use shorter open or closed deck kayaks that are narrower and have more rocker. Hull selection also plays a factor in the performance of the kayak. Displacement hulls cut through the water instead of on top, making the kayak plane slower and drag through turns. Planing hulls are flatter and slide along the top of the water making them faster and more maneuverable.
Cross Over Kayaks
Multipurpose kayaks are typically open deck and have a balance between length, width and rocker, making them suitable for surfing and fishing. Most of the kayaks that cross over are lower-end models and will not have all the accessories that come standard on the sport specific models.
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