In the ever-evolving world of kayak fishing, specialized watercraft that allow anglers to fine-tune their approach to specific conditions and target species are becoming the norm. We sat down with Dave Inscore, a seasoned angler, kayak rigging addict, and member of the Ocean City Kayak Fishing Team, to discuss two different options for specialized fishing kayaks that fit Chesapeake anglers’ needs: flats-skimming lightweight models, versus long-distance motorized platforms designed for open water.
Rudow: Dave, thanks for taking the time to chat. You’ve had extensive experience with different styles of fishing kayaks, and have gone through several different models. For a while now, you’ve been taking sleigh rides on the Hobie lynx and The Old Town EPDL. Can you give us some insight into how you ended up choosing those boats?
Inscore: Thanks, David. Yes, these two types of kayaks represent very different approaches to kayak angling. But before I got into using specialized kayaks, my very first kayak was a Jackson Cuda. It was a great all-around kayak, but admittedly not outstanding in any particular specialty. I found myself wanting more specific tools for different situations. That’s when I realized that owning multiple kayaks with different specialties made sense. Lightweight models with a shallow draft, like my Lynx, are my go-to for fishing in skinny water and making quick trips. On the opposite end of the spectrum, motorized long-range kayaks are workhorses for covering distance and targeting fish with a more high-tech approach. I think of them as two specialized tools and each serves a distinct purpose depending on the situation.
Rudow: Let’s break that down. What makes models like the Lynx a good option?
Inscore: These kayaks are incredibly light and streamlined. They’re designed for maneuverability and speed without all the extra bulk. I can launch almost anywhere, and since they have such a shallow draft, can push into skinny water where bigger kayaks just can’t go. That’s a huge advantage when targeting redfish in marshes or fishing flats for speckled trout.
Another thing I love is the simplicity. I don’t need a ton of electronics or heavy gear. They’re perfect for fly fishing because I can stand up easily, and the open deck layout means I don’t have to worry about fly line snagging. When I want to get on the water fast and cover a productive area without overcomplicating things, these kayaks are my first choice.
See drone footage of targeting redfish on flats in the lower Chesapeake from a kayak:
Rudow: When and why do you decide to leave the lighter kayak at home and break out the big guns?
Inscore: For the most part, I use them in very different situations. The motorized kayaks are a different beast altogether. They allow me to cover serious ground without wearing myself out, a game-changer when I need to reach offshore structures or make long drifts along channel edges. One of the biggest advantages is how much tech I can run on them. I’ve got a full electronics setup including LiveScope and side-scan. It allows me to fish with a level of precision that just isn’t possible in a smaller, more stripped-down kayak.
Storage is another big plus. I can bring extra rods, multiple tackle setups, and even a cooler without feeling cramped. Plus these kayaks are stable enough to handle rougher water, and their pedal-drive systems combined with a motor give me total control over positioning even in strong currents or wind.
Rudow: If someone were looking to buy their first dedicated fishing kayak, how would you guide them in choosing between these two kinds?
Inscore: It really depends on what kind of fishing they plan to do most often. In backwaters the lightweight shallow-water kayaks are an incredible option. But if they’re looking for something that can handle bigger water, longer days, and more technology, motorized kayaks are hard to beat. That said, there are still some great all-around kayaks out there. Models like the Hobie Outback or Compass, for example, are fantastic middle-ground options. They’re much lighter yet still can be outfitted with a motor. They’re also relatively easy to manage on and off the water. The Outback gives you about 75 percent of the features of each, but it doesn’t allow for 100 percent of the specialty of either. For anglers who want a mix of versatility and performance, it’s an excellent choice.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Dave!
-By David Rudow. You can find David @reelinwithrudow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.