Kayak fishing in freshwater
Of course, sea kayaks can also be used in freshwater, but sometimes, depending on the water conditions, a special freshwater kayak is preferable. You don't need a kayak over 3.50 m to fish in freshwater, as sea regulations require you to register your float for fishing. A smaller kayak is easier to handle when launching, lighter to carry and more maneuverable on crowded rivers. If your fishing program is exclusively freshwater, these small kayaks will be the ideal companions for your outings.
If you want to fish in freshwater, you'll need a fishing license, and you'll need to check with your local AAPPMA. In fact, this type of fishing is not yet authorized everywhere in France, no doubt due to a lack of understanding of the technique, as in many cases float tubes are authorized... In the Galaxy Kayaks catalog, various models are mainly dedicated to freshwater fishing, although these small models can also be used in saltwater, with the proviso that they do not exceed the 300 m limit. Let's take a look at these models.
Kayaks for everyone
I'll start with the latest addition to the catalog, the Strike . With this product, we're dealing with a hybrid that's part kayak, part rowboat, part bass boat. Superbly equipped, 19 kg, stable, with a swivel seat, it's an innovative product in the world of fishing kayaks. There's also its cousin, released 1 year ago, the Ranger same size, but differently equipped.
Next, we move on to kayak-shaped products, i.e. more pointed from the front. I'm not going to describe them all, but you can find the product data sheets on the website link.
Visit Force with a length of 295 cm, a width of 78 cm and a weight of 22 kg. On the product data sheets, you'll find important information such as max. load weight and min/max user heights. It's important to take this into account before choosing your model. This model is a paddle kayak.
Visit Cruz Ultra with a length of 292 cm, a width of 84 cm and a weight of 22 kg, is a top-of-the-range paddle kayak.
Visit Supernova JR this is one of the smallest powered kayaks on the market, thanks to the Cyclone Pedal Drive, 320 cm long and 84 cm wide, over-equipped for fishing. You'll find it on the networks with Gilles, our catfish angler, who rides fish over 2 metres long, and its stability is second to none.
Then there are the longer, DIV 245-approved kayaks, which can of course also be used in freshwater, depending on the practicality of your launches. These kayaks are heavier and require appropriate logistics.
Visit Tahiti Tandem 2+1 370 cm long, 86 cm wide and weighing 33 kg. It's a product dedicated to families, ideal for introducing a child to fishing or taking the family out on the water. It's a paddle kayak.
Visit Wildcat another powered hybrid that can be fitted with a pedal or stepper, just by changing the carrier box, 375 cm long by 84 wide and weighing 38 kg.
L' Alboran FX3 it's also a powered hybrid, more advanced than the Wildcat, pedal-powered or steppe, 408 cm long, 80 cm wide and weighing 35 kg. It accepts the tallest people, up to 2.20 m in height.
Visit Supernova FX this is the heavyweight of the catalog, not in weight but in equipment and shape. It's designed for long-distance offshore cruising. Powered by the Cyclone Drive crankset, at 397 cm long and 86 cm wide, it's also a large kayak.
These 3 models are pre-equipped with Torqeedo ready, which means they can be fitted with an additional motor from Torqeedo and, more recently, from the new Spanish brand 3LI. The other models, even the smallest in the freshwater program, can also be motorized by adding a motor carrier bar.
Visit Hawaii FX Tandem a kayak powered by 2 steppers, 420 cm long, 90 cm wide and weighing 52 kg, there's no shortage of space on board.
A reminder
- On powered kayaks, an onboard paddle is mandatory.
- Wear your vest in all circumstances.
- Check your safety equipment.
- Don't assume your physical abilities.
Of course, I repeat, these kayaks can be used in both sea and freshwater, taking into account the limitations imposed by regulations. All practices and techniques can be implemented, and this will be the subject of a future article.
