Ohio Kayak Fishing

If you are an angler that has a love for fishing and the outdoors, but cannot afford the heavy gas prices of a regular boat and truck. Then you should look into getting a kayak. All that you need is a mid-sized automobile or bigger and some basic mounting gear. On this page I will tell you of some different equipment that is affordable and worthwhile.

Kayaks

There are sit-on-top and sit-in-kayaks. You should choose one that fits your price budget and needs. I felt more comfortable with a sit-in-kayak with a more open hull area. This way I would have something to hold onto in small rapids, but I could take on local lakes and streams.

The one that I chose is the made by Bass Pro Shops, it is well built, yet affordable.

You can purchase it at: http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Anglsteer-Kayak-Titanium/product/11081905012224/212175

Equipment

Rack System After you purchase your kayak you will need to find a way to transport it. Initially I bought a typical soft rack for my car. It consisted of two foam blocks and some metal hooks. This was both awkward and time consuming. It is very difficult to get a 55lb. kayak on top of two foam blocks that are not stationary. Which reminds me; if you are wondering on how to get your kayak on top of your car, an easy way to do it is by finding a thick old blanket and puttin it on your trunk and back window. Just lift up the nose of your kayak and put it on the back of your trunk and push it on up. You will find tons of videos on youtube and other sites that show you a bunch of homemade inventions, but I find it quick and simple. After watching the following video I decided to get the following roof rack system. Putting your kayak on top of your car went from 20 minutes of tie-downs to a matter of minutes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HIyXc4CA2s So far the only place I see offering them is on ebay at: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kayak-Ready-Rack-System-Crack-Dawn-RETAIL-59-95-/370537277580?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5645be288c

Electronics

Your fishfinder is a major purchase for every serious fisherman. There are many different variables that you have to consider when purchasing one. The main thing is, whether you are going to do some extreme kayaking in rough water. If this is the case then you will want to make sure your electronics are completely waterproof, and even so, are you able to spend another big chunk of your budget on a new one if your fishfinder becomes submerged for a while. If you can afford to get a high dollar fishfinder then I would suggest getting one with the gps feature built into it.

If you can afford a top model fishfinder I would get the Humminbird 408430-1 Down Imaging, because the new down imaging technology will practically give you photographs of what is under the water, and the gps feature will help guide you back to your favorite fishing holes time after time. You can purchase this model on amazon for $480.56 at the following link: http://www.amazon.com/Humminbird-408430-1-Imaging-Color-Fishfinder/dp/B005HUZ7TM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328487451&sr=8-1

If you are looking for something that is cheap, dependable, and easy to use, then go with a Humminbird Piranha Max 160. This model has a portable version that goes for $126.00. After doing much research on this model, it is definately a bargain for the money. All you have to do is turn it on and it will do the rest. It comes with a fish alarm, and an automatic depth adjuster. The portable version comes with a carrying case, a battery, and a suction cup mount for the transducer.