A kayak with no tracking ability will continually spin on the surface of the water. This can make it difficult to concentrate on fishing when you are constantly reaching for your paddle. A shorter kayak will generally not track as well as a longer kayak, but there are other design elements like pronounced keel lines or skegs which can improve tracking ability.
If you are using the kayak on rocky rivers with mild rapids and planning to be making many maneuvers, then responsiveness may trump tracking on your priority list.
If you plan to paddle flatwater or slow moving water and want some tracking ability, be sure your kayak has features such as a skeg or deployable rudder system to assist with tracking.
For those seeking a 10-foot fishing kayak for other reasons such as size or budget, you may also want to consider the cargo-hauling capability of the kayak. After all, you may be buying a smaller fishing kayak, but you still have tackle to carry.
Measure the dimensions of the crates, boxes, or bags you plan to haul on your outings and be sure the 10-ft fishing kayak you are considering is able to accommodate. Most fishing kayak storage, especially with sit-on-top kayaks comes in the form of tankwells on the deck of the kayak.
If possible, always take the kayak you are considering for purchase for a test spin. You can do all the online research you like, but getting out on the water is the only way to know for sure if a kayak is for you.
10-foot vs 12-foot fishing kayak
Deciding between a 10-foot vs 12-foot fishing kayak will largely depend on where you plan to fish with the kayak. A 10-ft fishing kayak works well on rivers and in tight waterways where maneuverability is the most important factor. In exposed waterways with wind, current, and waves, a 12-foot fishing kayak provides more speed, tracking and surface area for stability.
Also check the capacity for each kayak. Larger paddlers may choose a 12-foot fishing kayak to provide a safer and more comfortable ride, as well as extra room to load gear.
The two-foot difference between a 10-foot and 12-foot fishing kayak, will affect the weight of the kayaks, which may be a factor for you while transporting it.
Is a 10-foot kayak long enough?
The proper length of the kayak you choose depends on the type of waterways where the kayak will be used as well as the paddler’s dimensions.
For rivers and tight waterways where maneuverability is the most important factor, a 10-foot fishing kayak is long enough. If you are in more exposed waterways, and will face strong wind and current, then a 10-foot kayak may not provide enough speed and tracking ability.
Can a 10-foot kayak fit in a minivan?
A 10-foot fishing kayak will often fit in a minivan, though it will likely be a tight fit.
First, measure from the passenger-side dashboard to the rear hatch of the car to be sure you have the length. Fold all the seats to create as flat a space as possible. When placing the kayak in your minivan you may have to angle or lift it slightly to make it fit. Be sure the kayak is not laying in a way it could slide and hit the windshield during a hard brake.