Pros and cons of a kayak as a spearfishing platform

  • Here in Ft. Lauderdale I see kayaks everywhere I go. In stores displayed in the main window, on top of cars parked and passing by, by the lifeguard towers on the beach, and of course on the water intracoastal and open ocean. Every time I see one I think it's pretty neat and reconsider owning one. Just think of all the fun tweaking :)Then I try to keep in mind why I sold my ocean kayak scupper pro and decided not to go that route for spearfishing. I don't like a kayak for a spearfishing platform and that will come across as I reason it out here. But I realize that others do like them and I'm curious to hear about your way of offsetting the disadvantages as I see them.


    Disadvantages of a kayak:
    1. Difficult to transport. Kayak is difficult to get on and off a car by oneself and requires some kind of stowing system for the top of the car. This includes time consuming strapping and tighteing. Carrying it to the water is another difficulty. If using a cart it's yet another item to buy and to find a place to stash on the yak. Barring that you have to make another trip to the car to leave the cart there. This process becomes all the more tedious at the end of the spearfishing day when you're really tired.
    2. A small light kayak would seem to be the solution to some of the above problems. But once the kayak is small you're running into storage space problems. Long fins, speargun, and eventually fish. The smaller ones don't even have enough room to install an adequate hatch that will allow storing fish inside the yak.
    3. Making forward progress in any kind of chop is difficult and we almost always have some wave action here. Buying a super duper paddle doesn't seem to help this issue. With wind and wave action it is sometimes easier to make way swimming. It seems kayaks were designed for flat waters.
    4. The problem of what to do with a yak once you get to your spot. The alternatives are to either use it as a float or anchor. If using as a float it's a lot of drag and reduces your maneouverability stalking fish. If anchoring you always have to swim back to it which can be a PITA in current. The reef systems here in Ft. Lauderdale are such that there are no paticular spots, they're more suitable for drift diving.
    5. Considering the layout of the reefs here; Overall in terms of producing fish from Miami Beach to Ft. Lauderdale on a beach dive I feel the kayak holds no advantage over the swimming spearfisher as far as distance covered. If larger distances are covered they are offset by the fact that you miss everything along the way in a kayak.
    6. For a large part of the year a wetsuit is required for diving here. Paddling in a wetsuit top is very difficult due to the resistance of the thick material. One solution is to take the wetsuit top off for paddling and put it back on just before getting in the water. However the kayak is tippy and wetsuits are not easy to get into under the best conditions.
    7. Finding a place where launching a yak off the beach is allowed is always tricky. It seems there are very few such places and some of them allow kayaks but no spearguns. You can get around that by hiding the gun in the yak if it's big enough to store it.
    8. At the end of the day you must paddle back to your entry point now matter how far you are because that's where your car is.
    9. Cleaning up the yak from sand and fish stink at the end of the day is time consuming.
    10. Additional price of the kayak and all accessories although for me that's not really a prohibitive fator. I see it as a one time investment that should pay for itself if it works well.


    Advantages of a kayak.
    1. In terms of mobility for me the kayak has only one advantage for our diving here. I tend to push myself on beach dives, go for as long and far as I can. I always try to gauge how much energy I have left to make it back. If a kayak were to perform as I imagine it should in terms of mobility in the water, I could go longer and further knowing that I can always get back even if I'm tired. However the limited mobility of the yak in wind and waves showed me that this is not the case.
    2. Psychological comfort as a place of safety if harassed by sharks or in case of an accident. This is really far fetched, I've never needed it. There is no substitute for planning ahead and being careful.
    3. Increased visibility to boaters but IMO a boogie board with a flag is enough.

  • My experience has been similar to yours they are a PITA.
    Id rather swim out and invest in a good float with minimal drag and good visibility. like your boogie board.


    A friend of mine bought a nice ocean kayak rigged it all up used it a few times, and ended up buying a boat.

  • The main problem of a kayak as you noted in your monografic post :D is:


    1- Ttransportation, but just if you are going to dive alone and by yourself. Both, carrying and straping the yak in your car with a buddy is just a breeze. Anyway you are not suppose to dive alone :nono: and if your dive buddy is lazy enough to get annoyed to lend you a hand with your yak, you shouldn´t be diving with him in the first place. I find even more annoying to slip into my wet suit for that matter.


    2.- A small kayak is not suited for spearfishing, unless you are using it as an oversized float.


    3.- Rough seas and bad weather is not an issue around here, we have almost perfect shore dives and shiny days during spearfishing season (from may to late october) So kayaks are a delight to paddle.


    4.- You should use your kayak as a small boat. I use a regular floatline float set up when diving, the fishes are stringed to the float.



    Advantages: Is just plain fun and a heck of a workout. It gives you peace of mind in terms of visibility and a solid place to store your stuff securely. Being harrassed by sharks here from coast is not an issue, most dangerous sharks are at far reaching places as Cerralvo and Las ánimas , El bajo etc, the closest pinnacle is 20 miles off shore, so a kayak is not a viable option. So the main safety issues covered by a yak around here are visibility and resting place, should you get a cramp or something.

    I'm a Speardiver, not a freediver

  • guys, guys, guys.... you are looking at the glass half empty; not half full!!
    yes there are a lot of pros and cons for kayaks, is like what's better? power boats or sail boats? never ending subject. The following are a few tips that might help you incline more towards kayaking or away from it....


    1) it is a self propelled vessel, so no matter what happends... YOU CAN NEVER GET A DUI!! so drinking and paddling go together, you'll sweat it off :toast:
    2) if you buy a good quality kayak they do hold their value, so for resale terms they are worth it
    3)you don't need to deal with the drunken moron asshole boaters @ the boat ramp. You can launch a kayak from almost any spot where the shoreline is easily accesible here in Florida (except ft. lauderdale, they are some sort of premadonna city that don't like kayaks)
    4) gas can be @ $100.00 a galon, spearfish and fish from ur kayak all day long don't spend a dime in gas
    5) you don't need to spend any $$ on insurance
    6) you don't need to spend any $$ on maintenance like oil changes or tune ups.
    7) it is earth friendly, absolutely zero pollution. This is as earth friendly as you can get
    8) stealth! fishing and spearfishing
    9) can go on a 10 day camping trip to the everglades!! :thumbsup2:
    10) you can get an insulated fishbag and strap it to the deck of the yak and keep your fish there. if you want it colder, freeze a few bottles of water and toss them inside
    11) you can rig your kayak to bungee strap all of your gear on the deck and the back of the kayak and strap your gun on the side.
    12) kayaks are fairly stable. I can stand up in my prowler 13 and cast and use my stake-out pole as a push pole
    13) I have a battery powered portable gps, aa battery nav lights and a 12v small motorcycle battery for my fish finder depth finder
    14) you can strap and hang and store your kayak from the ceiling or any wall.
    15) if you are lazy enough, you can rig a 12volt trolling motor and get there faster ( you will get a dui)
    16)great cardio work out
    17) you don't have to pay a yearly registration on it
    18) if you get tired of your kayak, it is easier to sell your used kayak than selling your used boat!
    19) if you buy a hobie pedal drive kayak like HAU's or mine, you don't need to worry about wind factor or struggling!
    20) you can wash and hose down a kayak faster and easier than washing down a boat
    21) you can have a malibu mini x that it is only 9' long and weights about 45 lb. extremely stable
    22) ocean kayak prowler 11 lots of cargo space


    cons
    1) you have to paddle
    2) you have to carry it
    3) some are heavier than others from 45lbs to 85 lbs average
    4) smaller than a boat so unless u have a tandem kayak, forget about going with your friends, unless they have kayaks as well.
    5) your ass will hurt like hell after 8 hours of paddling and fishing
    6) wind
    7) storage
    you have to buy a lot of accessories to be able to store and carry your yak (still cheaper than boating)
    8) speed
    9) yes it gets heavy after you load up all your gear
    10) it is a pain to paddle out from the shore/surf
    11) you don't have the advantages of a boat
    12) line of sight is practically zero.
    13) you will never make it out to Elliot key for the Columbus day regatta! :laughing3:
    14)


    I can't think of anything else right now, but I am sure some of the guys will fill some options out as well!!


    in reality it is something different. just try it out and find out that once you do it, you'll be hooked. It is addictive!!

  • Pros
    you can paddle out to the second or third reef in reasonable time.
    can store fish on or in it,
    store all my gear cept anchor in it
    easy to paddle
    highly visable with flag mounted on a bicycle flag.
    easy to get in n out of
    hardly need to do anything to it too maintain
    cant beat the operational cost
    its nice get get aboard a yak for relief when tired.


    Cons
    its heavy, even heavier with gear
    gotta drag it from beach



    My yak lives on my van with a locking yakima rack. loading n unloading is a sinch solo.

  • Yaudon, most of the good points you made don't apply to spearfishing specifically. I never said kayaks don't have their uses, just look at the picture below. Kayaking in itself is a lot of fun and a practical way of getting around in certain water conditions. My problem with the kayak is only as a spearfishing platform in the conditions I'm familiar with here in south Florida. I was just curious to find out how people who favor the kayak for spearfishing negotiate the disadvantages I listed. I realize now that the title of the thread "Pros and cons of a kayak" was misleading so I changed it to be more specific. I know that kayaking is important to you and I apologize as I didn't mean in any way to detract from the value of the kayak in general.


    When I try to envision conditions in which the farther range of the kayak would outweigh its disadvantages I think of productive bottom that's at least 1 mile from the nearest shore entry point, with nothing in between. The way things are here I can easily swim to the 2nd reef. I never tried swimming to the third reef yet.




  • hey...potatoe, potato!!like you said Dan, it has its pros and cons. Def it is a horrible platform for scuba diving unless you probably use a hookah system. But for spearfishing It all depends on the liking of the person.


    I know that there are a few of us here in this forum that do kayak spearfishing, and it is not that hard to get in or get out. it is mostly learning how to make it easier! In broward yeah, I see your point on swimming from shore; but in dade.... I think that it is more of a pro to use a kayak to go out even to the first reef since they are farther away than broward and palm beach.


    Yes you do need to learn how to store and carry your gear to make your experience a better one.


    Also, there are places like california that they have spearfishing kayak tournaments and they have probably 50to 75 spearos singed up!


    That it is not as practical as a boat? no it's not! that it is uncomfortable in many aspects? yes it is
    That it is convenient? it sure is! If you can't make a shore dive and don't have the $$ to buy or maintain a boat, then owning a kayak and rigging it up for spearfishing might be your best option


    Another option that might be the best for some spearos out there is to buy an inflatable/rib boat and add a 5.5hp or even a 10hp. Rig it up with an anchor anddude, you can go anywhere with that. might set you back probably $1,000 if you buy it used in craigslist but it is a more practical option for all of your spearing needs!


    hey, there's a good slogan for your site... For all of your spearfishing needs!


    :laughing3:

  • Kayaks are great, i can´t describe the true pleasure and sheer joy that tiny sleek boats had provide to me and my family. Sure it has its tradeoffs and downsides, just as any other extreme sport, agility versus load capacity, affordability versus range etc. Kayaks are about fun, and they fullfil that task with authority. With the proper upgrades, some kayaks could be used as a capable spearfishing platform

    I'm a Speardiver, not a freediver

  • Dan, I honestly seem to think that you just opened up Pandoras Box!! I have the feeling that this thread will go on and on and on and on for a while!!! get the popcorn ready my friends!:laughing3:

  • for me the kayak has one overriding advantage...it get's me out diving more often than most folks I know who use any other means as a dive platform....I can go out where boats cant launch, it costs me nothing to do so, I have a bigger storage area than a boogie board ala shore diving and I can stay out longer than a shore diver bc I can rest...
    further, the kayak enables me to handle some really ugly ocean conditions, i have been out in 5-7 ft swells and I can honestly say I felt a lot safer on my kayak than on my buddies 19ft center console.


    there are miriade other advantages and dis advantges, but for the simple fact that I can dive more, it is a winner in my book

    i like to spear fish

  • for me the kayak has one overriding advantage...it get's me out diving more often than most folks I know who use any other means as a dive platform....I can go out where boats cant launch, it costs me nothing to do so, I have a bigger storage area than a boogie board ala shore diving and I can stay out longer than a shore diver bc I can rest...
    further, the kayak enables me to handle some really ugly ocean conditions, i have been out in 5-7 ft swells and I can honestly say I felt a lot safer on my kayak than on my buddies 19ft center console.


    there are miriade other advantages and dis advantges, but for the simple fact that I can dive more, it is a winner in my book


    You made a lot of good points.

  • Everyone has made some great insite and contributions about the pros and cons of the yak as a spearing platform.
    Obviously the yak is my choice for spearing. I am the slowest in our group to get ready and the slowest to get everything done at the end of the day. I am the oldest and definately not the strongest in our group. Yet once I get in the water with my yak I have everything I need and want for10 hours of spearin.
    I can reach the outside of the 3rd reef in 30-40 minutes and stay there all day in 5f seas.
    I believe what makes the yak not good is the extra hassle beyond just swimming out. But the extra hassle can be minimized so that the yak is almost easier than swimming out. I have my yak setup so that it is very easy for me to do solo and even off beaches that I could not swim from with a speargun.
    1. My yak lives on my truck, like Stevos yak. Scott just slides his yak into his pickup truck bed. It is like having the spearing boat always loaded and hitched up to the truck and just get in the truck and drive to the launch.
    2. I have 2 yak carts that I use depending on the pavement/sand. That way I never have to carry my yak. I either slide it across the sand or cart it down the beach or street. If I wanted to, I could use my bicycle to tow the yak on its cart down the street to the beach:) [that would save me the $5. per day parking fee and the truck gas].
    There is more and more, but important is to make the yak as easy and convienent as possible.
    When I leave my house to go spearin, I walk out the door with an arm load of stuff, get into the truck and drive off to the beach. When I get back home at the end of the day, I just park the truck, get out and carry the same gear into the house. The yak is already done and ready for the next spearin trip.

  • Dan, now that you have a few RIB dives under your belt, I wanted to resurrect this thread. i have always thought of a RIB as a boat that has a lot of hybrid qualities since it is so much smaller and easier to deal with.


    any thoughts about the RIb make it a more ideal platform than a traditional boat, how bout a yak?

    i like to spear fish

  • I find that using the RIB; rigging, transporting, launching, and cleaning, is less time consuming and less difficult than doing the same with a kayak, probably because it's already on a trailer. I think that for the kind of diving I like to do the RIB is ideal. If my RIB was bigger and could take one more person comfortably it would be even better, it takes three people and gear as it is. Having the RIB there's no point at all to doing a kayak dive because with the RIB it's the same amount of work but you get to go wherever you want. Expenses such as gas and ice are shared and are very low so this factor is negligible considering everything you can do that you will not be able to with the yak.


    The only remaining point in favor of the yak IMO is the sense of achievement doing it on your own steam/knowing that you're tough enough to pull it off. But me I got nothing to prove, I'm lazy and just want to dive in good spots.

  • excellent. glad you are pleased with the craft.



    what about solo?


    ...you seemed to focus on the companions and the shared costs can/would you go solo...would it still be cheap? safe?


    also, what is her draft? could a trolling motor be used to access smaller mangrove channels and flats?
    I don't know how, maybe on the stern?

    i like to spear fish

  • I've thought about going solo, but haven't done it yet, maybe this summer. It would be as safe as I make it. The only step that requires help at this time is tying up to the dock and guiding the boat onto the bunks. But I'm sure I can learn to efficiently do that myself. Expenses will be reasonable as I probably won't be running around as much as I would with 3 divers on board.


    She's got a real shallow draft so I'm sure I can get into all kinds of places, but that's not what I bought it to do, so I hesitate to comment. Surely if you're into leisurely making your way along the waterways a kayak is the way to go.

  • i was thinking about hitting a flat on the way back for some snook or redfish fly work...a nice way to end a day...if she's up to the task, you should try it :D

    i like to spear fish

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