Top Three Stability Questions for Fishing Kayaks

I handle a lot of questions from folks who are new to kayak fishing, and easily some of the most frequent questions I hear, center around stability. These questions are usually driven by fear. The angler is afraid to capsize, or perhaps they are afraid of losing their equipment if their kayak capsizes. Valid concerns but with a little knowledge and practice, those fears can be assuaged. Before we dig into those questions, let us cover the basics of kayak stability.

Initial vs. Secondary Stability 

There are two main stages of stability to consider on a fishing kayak: Initial (or primary) stability and secondary stability.

Initial stability is how stable a kayak feels when you first get in it. If you lean a little bit left or right and you feel some resistance, that’s initial stability. Conversely, if the kayak tilts easily, there’s a lack of initial stability which can cause it to feel tippy.

Regardless of how initially stable a kayak feels, once the kayak is tilted (or heeled), you will usually hit a point where the kayak will resist tilting any further, that’s the secondary stability kicking in. The secondary stability on most modern fishing kayaks is pronounced and helps prevent you from capsizing. Both stability types are affected by the kayak's hull shape. More on that later.

So, now we understand that initial stability affects how a kayaker feels in the kayak, while secondary stability safeguards against flipping it. You can have a kayak with more of either of these stability types and less of the other. 

Common Stability Questions 

Question #1: “What is the most stable fishing kayak?”

In my opinion, this is the wrong question for a buyer to ask. What the angler should be asking is, “which kayak has the features I want and is stable enough for me and the way I fish?” Usually, this question is related to initial stability. If the angler feels that the kayak is more stable, then they will feel more comfortable and less likely to capsize, but as you know from this article, initial stability isn’t what keeps a kayak from capsizing, that requires good secondary stability.

The most popular fishing kayaks with the best initial stability at Next Adventure are probably the Native Watercraft Titan and Titan X kayaks, and the Hobie Pro Angler kayaks. Other kayaks with great initial stability at Next Adventure include the Old Town Sportsman BigWater; Bonafide SS, P, and PWR kayaks; and the Nucanoe Unlimited. These are all big, wide, heavy, stable kayaks that exhibit excellent initial stability and excellent secondary stability.

The most stable kayak on the market (if it’s really even considered a kayak) is probably the Jackson Blue Sky Boatworks Angler. This watercraft is actually two pontoons connected by a bridge. At 48 inches wide, it’s the widest of the fishing kayaks and yes, super stable. But it requires some special transportation considerations due to its size and weight.

If you’re looking to buy, I suggest you ask yourself, do you really need the MOST stable kayak? If that is your top priority, then perhaps a Native Titan or Hobie PA is the best boat for you. But if you less concerned about maximum stability and more concerned with weight, portability, or handling, maybe a Native Watercraft Slayer MAX, a Hobie Outback, or an Old Town Sportsman (standard or Salty, not BigWater) might plenty stable enough for you. These are slightly narrower, lighter kayaks, that are easier to transport, and they all exhibit very good initial stability and excellent secondary stability.

Question #2: “Can I stand up in a fishing kayak?”

My answer to this one usually “I don’t know, can you stand up in a fishing kayak?” Everyone is different and while some people have great balance and core strength, others do not. I have known anglers who could comfortably stand in a small recreational kayak all day, and I have known others who can’t reliably stand on a Native Titan or Hobie PA. Most fishing kayaks are well-suited to standing but ultimately, you will have to try it yourself to see how comfortable you are on your feet. Get out on a kayak in warm weather, with no gear, and see how comfortable you are. 

Question #3: “Should I add outriggers to my kayak to make it more stable?”

If not capsizing is your absolute number one priority, then maybe yes. Otherwise, you may find their downsides outweigh their benefits. They take up a lot of space, get in the way of fishing, slow you down, and make it harder to turn. But if you are truly worried about capsizing, they may give you the peace of mind you need to be comfortable on the water.

Hull Types 

Different hull types will exhibit different initial and secondary stability characteristics. The following are some of the more common kayak hull types:

1. Rounded Hulls

Rounded hulls have minimal resistance in the water and are often faster. They don’t have great initial stability but usually have very good secondary stability.

2. V-Shaped Hulls 

V hulls also have minimal resistance and they track really well (go in a straight line), which means they don’t turn as well. Like rounded hulls, they have greater secondary than primary stability, but are a little more likely to flip. Most fishing kayaks do not have V hulls, they are more common in touring kayaks.

3. Flat Hulls

Flat hulls offer good initial stability but lack in secondary stability, which makes them feel less tippy, but actually they are more prone to capsizing once they start to tip.

4. Pontoon, Tunnel, or Catamaran Hulls

Like a catamaran, pontoon hulls have two pontoons, with a tunnel of water between them, which maximizes stability but sacrifices speed and maneuverability.

5. Tri Hulls

Tri-hulls are a lot like a pontoon hull but with an extra keel line in the middle. This makes them very stable (initial and secondary). They offer better tracking than a pontoon, and that enhanced tracking sacrifices turning capability. They do have a lot more resistance than most other hulls, so they are slower. 

Test the Waters 

As always, my recommendation before buying any kayak is demo, demo, demo. Try out different kayaks and see how comfortable you are in each one. See if they have the features you need, and make sure you can transport them.

Next Adventure’s Scappoose Bay facility is a great place to test the waters, literally. Contact the Paddle Sports Center or Scappoose Bay to schedule your demo and let them know what kayaks you are considering. Next Adventure also offers demo days, at least once per year, where you can come out and try any number of kayaks and meet the reps for those brands to answer your questions and give you advice. Also, the Next Adventure Fish Fest and Demo Day is coming up on April 20, 2024 at Scappoose Bay.