Pedal-powered fishing kayaks are a great way to enjoy the water without getting too tired from paddling. You can cover greater distances or travel upstream in areas shallow enough for pedaling but too shallow for paddling, like during low water levels or after periods of rain. Fishing Kayak with Pedals will provide valuable tips.
The pedal-powered design of fishing kayaks allows you to go places where traditional paddling craft can’t.
What is a Pedal Power Fishing Kayak?
A pedal power fishing kayak is a canoe or kayak with pedals installed so a person can push the craft through the water. A person can travel at greater speeds and cover greater distances than they could in an unpowered craft.
Most pedal power fishing kayaks have decks designed to provide a comfortable seat where you can sit for hours without feeling uncomfortable. Whether you choose a 15-foot fishing tender or a 20-foot hunter, a fishing kayak can make your time on the water more enjoyable. You can paddle into areas where most people don’t want to go and then consider switching to pedal power.
Why Choose Pedal Power
One of the key benefits of pedal-powered kayaking is the ability to get into shallow areas where it’s too difficult to use a paddle.
Another benefit of pedal power, especially when using a trolling motor and pedaling, is that you have more control over your speed than you do when paddling.
This control makes it easier to move slowly over fish without scaring them away. Pedaling requires less physical effort and is easier on your back and body overall. Using a kayak with pedals will allow you to travel for hours without getting tired, especially if you have an electric motor.
The pedals and motor will enable you to cover greater distances in a shorter amount of time.
One of the greatest benefits of pedal-powered kayaking and fishing is that it’s a lot easier to get into and out of your craft than it would be in a traditional canoe or kayak. You can paddle out into a lake or river using pedals and motor, then motor back in once you are finished fishing.
You don’t have to leave your boat or take the time to push it through the water while trying to fish.
Not only will pedals make it easier for you to get on and off your kayak, but they allow more control over where you are going, the speed at which you dwell, and are beneficial when fishing with an electric trolling motor.
You can time your kayak’s speed to match that of the fish, so they don’t see you coming and swim away.
Suppose you’re looking for a way to cover more water, improve your ability to see fish, or get out and enjoy fishing without getting too tired
Some pedal-powered fishing kayaks are also equipped with electric trolling motors to help you in situations where paddling isn’t an option. These kayaks can travel much more quickly than traditional kayaks or canoes and are more stable in open water.
Enjoy fishing for bass, crappie, or other deep-water fish. You’ll find it much easier to travel the 10-20 feet necessary to cover an area with an electric trolling motor. These fishing kayaks also have deeper cockpits that make it less strenuous to get on and off your vessel.
Keep In Mind
Pedal-powered fishing kayaks are not just for fishing. Whether you’re looking for a recreational paddle or a boat to take out on short family fishing trips, there is an ideal pedal-powered fishing kayak for you.
Many pedal-powered fishing kayaks use an electric trolling motor.
Pedal kayaks are faster than paddle kayaks because most people have stronger legs and feet than arms. Pedal kayaks are more stable than paddle kayaks, but they don’t hold quite as much gear on board. For this reason, some people prefer paddle kayaks for fishing trips.
Pedal-powered fishing kayaks are a great way to get out and enjoy the water without getting too tired from paddling. They also make it much easier to cover greater distances or travel upstream in areas shallow enough for pedaling but too shallow for paddling, like during low water levels or after periods of rain.
Fishing kayaks with pedals are great for small creeks and lakes since you can move about more easily and cover more water. You will always need to wear a life jacket when kayaking, even if you have a motor on your boat.
Move a Fishing Kayak with Pedals
You use a foot-pedal assembly generally attached to the kayak’s rear, either bolted or through a quick-release clamp. The pedal assembly attaches to your feet and allows you to pedal.
The pedal assembly consists of 3 components:
1. A moving platform at the bottom where your feet fit
2. Footrest at the top
3. An adjustable mechanism in between.
Your foot goes on the moving platform at the bottom, connected to a chain or cable that connects to the pedal mechanism. Your heel is where the mechanism is located, and this grips onto your heel while you move your feet (it’s essentially a clamp).
The pedal assembly should have directions on how to adjust it. Still, in general, you want it snug enough so that it doesn’t slip off and so you can move your feet freely without much resistance.
The moving platform usually has cleats for wear-resistant footwear. Wear shoes that are compatible with the pedal assembly. Rubber-soled shoes can generally be worn as long as they aren’t too slippery.
The moving platform may also have a crotch strap to ensure your feet stay in place while pedaling.
Pedal assemblies usually come in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. It’s a good idea to measure your feet (in inches) to determine which size is best for you.
Why You Need A Pedal Assembly for A Kayak
Having the ability to move about freely while on the water is very important when fishing. You’ll be able to get closer to shore and to cover more water. It’s also helpful when moving up and downstream, especially in creeks and rivers where there may not be enough current to pull you along.
It’s also beneficial to go downstream into deeper water without paddling so much. On rivers, you can usually attach the pedals to the back of your boat by a chain or cable and take off running, which dramatically increases your speed.
Are Pedal-powered Kayaks Safe?
That way, if you flip over and into the water, you’re not suddenly falling into deeper water and without any means of pulling yourself out. If you do flip over, your paddle should help get yourself upright so that your feet are in the pedals and you can get back into motion again as quickly as possible.
Using a Footrest in A Fishing Kayak With Pedals
One of the main components of the pedal assembly is a footrest. You put your foot on top of the footrest and then clip the mechanism into place around your heel. If a footrest is not present, you can create one by attaching some wood pieces to the kayak’s bottom.
Is It Possible To Add Pedals To Any Kayak?
- It is possible to add pedals to any kayak for fishing.
- This addition is a popular way of fishing because you can
- Work at any time of day or night
- Fish in any water
- Easily see underwater fish species thanks to the pedaled kayak design
It has also been noted that this type of fishing is less strenuous on your body because you can stand up and stretch after sitting down all day.
Having a kayak with pedals allows you to fish at slower speeds. This slower speed makes it easier for beginners and can help you get used to the boat, and its “feel.” Finally, this type of fishing with pedals is quicker than other fishing types because you will not have to wait for the tide or the river or creek’s water level to lower.
The only downside about using a kayak with pedals is that you will need more storage space. Decide on another way to carry extra fishing equipment, gear, and food with you during your trip. It also means that you will need to be careful when transporting your kayak from the launch site back to the car park.
The good news is that the amount of storage space you need for this type of kayak will depend entirely on what kind of equipment and accessories you purchase for it. For instance, if you get an all-in-one kayak, such as a Sit-On Paddleboard model or a sit-on kayak, you won’t need extra storage space.
Kayak Fishing Equipment and Accessories:
Here is a list of Kayak Fishing equipment and accessories: I recommend you buy even if you plan on using a pedal kayak exclusively.
The equipment will help make your kayak fishing experience easy and enjoyable.
- fishing rod holder
- waterproof rod case
- padded seat cover (especially for those long day trips)
- leather fishing gloves (for the colder water) or neoprene gloves (for warmer water)
- Front and back (flood style) LED light kit. Or a waterproof rechargeable LED lighting system for your kayak.
- Best fishing line
- Best fishing hook
- The best bait for fishing (in your location
- Fishing net or fish basket (If you want to target larger fish in the river or creek you are fishing in).
- You can store fish at home or in a cooler. Just be sure to clean the fish immediately after you catch it).
- Fishing rain gear (for those nasty overnight storms that are very common in the Midwest)
- Coffee and hot chocolate packets. These keep you warm and help you stay awake for those late-night fishing sessions.
- Fish landing net
Wrap Up
It is worth it to consider a fishing kayak with pedals as another way to go fishing.