Someone made the comment the other day whether a kayak could compete with a bass boat in a bass tournament. I have to say this is an interesting question. At first glance I guess one might say this would be “low-cost- stealth” vs “high-cost-speed” fishing. It is true kayaks can go places larger boats have trouble, but the high-powered bass boat can cover a lot of territory in a short time with a wide deck for comfort to fish. However, no longer are modern kayaks used for white water fun. Now they come with many accessories bigger boats have, including anchors, rod holders and storage, sonar-GPS, electric motors, live wells, retractable rudders, and adjustable seats.

Some of the advantages of the kayak are low-cost operation, easier to transport, easier to launch, low-water fishing and access to hard to reach places which is most important. Some disadvantages are hooksets, wind control, speed, comfort and fishing techniques such as pitching, flipping and sight fishing. Anchors, drift socks, stake-out sticks, trolling motors, fin-driven mechanisms, pontoons and platforms help to overcome some of these disadvantages.

The modern day bass boat has been the biggest influence on the kayak evolution in design and accessories. Any sonar with a small screen can be mounted with precise transducer mounts. The Hobie’s pedal driven “MirageDrive” has allowed the kayakers’ hands to be free to fish while maintaining boat control. Platform and pontoon devices allow stabilization for one to stand while fishing. Sonar with GPS provides fish holding spots and safety during threatening weather conditions. The Torqeedo Ultralight trolling motor, including the lithium battery only weighs 15 lbs, equal to a 1 hp out-board and can last 4 hours on medium speed. The best bass kayak is a “sit-on-top” kayak so one can move around and get in and out easier.

So, can the bass kayaker compete with someone in a bass boat? The kayaker would have to know the best places in a limited area. The kayaker would have to do his home work on any given body of water on which the tournament took place. He would have to plan carefully just as any tournament guy would do only on smaller scale, but I feel it could be done. Knowledge, technique and skill can go a long way as to whatever type of fishing one may chose.

Some things kayakers do to increase their chances to catch bass in a kayak are skipping lures under docks and cover because they are so close to the water. They try to keep the lure positioned in front of the kayak for better hooksets and use a net to boat the fish to prevent being hooked themselves. They can pull more bass out of pure slop than anyone else.