By Gary Ratajczak
Kayak fishing has gained in popularity the last few years at a blistering pace. For many fishermen, it's the perfect compromise. With a kayak, you are able to maneuver onto the water to fish areas that would be unreachable from shore. All the benefits, without the monthly payment typically associated with a big boat. Kayaks are easy to store, and easy to move. It's a joy to effortlessly and silently make your way along a shoreline, fishing for your species of choice.
Before we go any further, rest assured you won't need to learn the barrel roll. You can leave your nose plug at home. I have fished in my kayak for about five years, and have never taken a spill. For this sport, the recreational kayak is the craft of choice. We'll leave the whitewater models to the more adventurous!
There are two basic models to choose from, each with their own advantages. In order to pick an appropriate model, you first need to review your fishing locale.
Saltwater fishing - surf launches
If you will be fishing salt water, and launching into the surf, a sit-on-top is the only safe choice. 
When you launch into an incoming wave, you will undoubtedly take on water until you break the surf. Sit-On-Top, or SOT kayaks are just as the name implies. You simply sit on the craft, and there is no significant inner chamber that can collect water. Any water that does enter can escape from holes present in the bottom, called scupper holes.
Calm saltwater or freshwater streams and lakes
In these calmer situations, many fishermen choose the Sit-In kayak style. These are the traditional style of kayak. Recreational models are reasonably priced from about two hundred to fifteen hundred dollars, depending on features. Fishermen in cooler climates prefer this style as it's easier to stay warm in the enclosed design. Most have ample room for gear, and can be outfitted with rod holders and fish finders just like their full size cousins. I personally own this style, and the main drawback I see is in the ease of entry. If you are afforded the luxury of launching from a dock, entry and exit of the sit in kayak is very easy. If you are shore launching, and might be in deeper water, entry and exit becomes more of a balancing act. To make it easier, I keep about a three foot stick handy to use for balance. An old broomstick makes a great choice. My fishing is typically on small lakes, and the sit in style tends to paddle slightly faster and smoother than a SOT style.
Gaining in popularity on the freshwater side is the SOT model. Kayak manufacturers have taken notice to the growing number of fishermen making craft purchases, and have begun to outfit models specifically for fishing. Features such as built in rod holders and molded cargo areas that perfectly match a five gallon bucket are becoming standard. Some models even offer easy hookup and mounting of a small battery for your fish finder. The main selling point on this style is the ease of entry and exit. If you are fishing smaller streams that you may be periodically wading, or launching from a shoreline of a small pond or lake, this style has big advantages. You are simply able to stand beside the craft, and simply sit down for boarding. Most SOT kayaks are extremely stable, much more than their sit in style counterparts.
Whichever model you choose, don't waste any time. Once you glide into a hotspot and pull out a trophy, you'll wonder how you ever managed to catch any fish before. Without a doubt, kayak fishing offers the accessibility and fish catching advantages of a larger boat, without all of the expense.
Here's just a few angler kayaks to consider:
The Mirage Outback from Hobie
How can a kayak be this much fun for fishing? Easily! Just combine stability, efficiency and especially Hobie's patented nearly-hands-free MirageDrive™ pedal system for a no-learning-curve experience. There is also an impressive array of accessories that will make anglers everywhere drool.
The Mirage Adventure from Hobie
With the Mirage Adventure, you'll enjoy the longest kayak in the line that will get you to the best fishing spots quickly. Powered by the MirageDrive™ pedal system, this touring model offers chop-cutting speed, comfort, and tracking across your favorite body of water. Built-in rod holders and dual cargo areas offer the luxury of plenty of space for all your fishing gear.
The Mirage Pro Angler from Hobie
Hobie has taken the defining feature used in their kayak line, the patented MirageDrive™ pedal
system, and combined it with their proven boat-designing capabilities to build a first-in-class, no-gas required, 100-percent fishing machine. Winner of the prestigious I-CAST 2009 Best of Show award.
Click here for more information on Hobie Angler Kayaks
The Airis Angler from Walker Bay
The Airis Angler is designed specifically for kayak fishing. Comes fully equipped with two rod holders, several storage areas for tackle, integrated bungee cords, paddle holders to stow the paddle when fishing, foot rests and a bow line which can be used to secure a small anchor. The Versa-Track system has 32 separate attachment points to fasten ropes, bags and other equipment, and will also accommodate additional gear-mount platforms (sold separately) for adding more tools such as depth sounders, down riggers or even swivel seats.
Click here for more information on this inflatable kayak from Walker Bay
The Day Tripper from Jackson Kayak
The Day Tripper has a wide open cockpit that makes it half canoe and half kayak, allows for easy entry and exit from the boat, as well as ample room for your gear, your four legged friend, a kid, or all of the above! The Day Tripper has some awesome features and comes in two versions, the Elite and Standard.
Click here to learn more about the Jackson Kayaks
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The Mirage Outback from Hobie 
The Mirage Adventure from Hobie
