Lots of questions on Kayak fishing

Hello all,
I've enjoyed intermittent fishing over the years for many different kinds from trout to stripers sturgeon and salmon mostly in the delta and sac and feather river. I stumbled on the kayak fishing sport by accident and am totally blown away how cool it looks. I guess the main question I had was, with the money it takes to buy a respectable kayak and set up, why not just buy a used boat for close to if not the same money? Im not bashing on them at all, just trying to understand what the draw is to kayak fishing

Great question, Schweb.  Many - probably almost all - of us fished the shorelines and from powerboats before finding kayak fishing.  The draw has a lot to do with an overall experience that includes a more intimate interaction with the landscape and with wild animals as well as the idea of going on a journey of discovery where physical and psychological challenges can often reap fantastic rewards.  There's also the idea of self sufficiency and achieving milestones without all of the assistance of gas or 'safe spaces'.  We're basically thrill seekers who have a more keen sense of appreciation for nature - that's how I see it anyway.

I guide, and I aim to get people on one of the most amazing days of their life!  There's a self-actualization potential in kayak fishing that surpasses opportunities for achievement that exist for other forms of fishing and other sports and pastimes in general.  If you prepare yourself with the right gear, knowledge, physical readiness and an attitude of capability and determination, the next thing you know you have managed to fulfill a desire that you may not have thought possible prior to your preparation and attempt.  This is kayak fishing - it has the power to propel your life forward in many ways that are not related to fishing.

Enjoy your time of investigation and discovery, and be sure to use the search function on this site to effectively access myriad resources available. 

Hello all,
I've enjoyed intermittent fishing over the years for many different kinds from trout to stripers sturgeon and salmon mostly in the delta and sac and feather river. I stumbled on the kayak fishing sport by accident and am totally blown away how cool it looks. I guess the main question I had was, with the money it takes to buy a respectable kayak and set up, why not just buy a used boat for close to if not the same money? Im not bashing on them at all, just trying to understand what the draw is to kayak fishing

I don't always launch from a boat ramp, and I don't have to.

I never inhale gas or diesel fumes. 

Nobody ever stiffs me for gas money.

No registration requirements.

Very little regular maintenance costs.

Don't have to worry about stranding by mechanical break down.  If pedal drive breaks, then paddle.  If paddle breaks, grab spare. 

Takes up less space in garage.

There's probably more, that's off the top of my head.

The community! I have been around a lot of sports. Fishing, racing various things, and more. The kayak community is by far the most close knit and respectful group there is. Not just NCKA, but all of kayaking as a whole.

I also think it is a closer more intimate interaction with nature. It's just me, and about $2500 worth of plactis and electronics against the untamed. Kayak fishing isn't for everyone. For those that love the sport it is an addiction. 

It is all about the people for me.  I prefer my float tubes over my kayaks, but will keep my kayaks because of the great friendships that come with this awesome group.  Plus the potlucks we have are seriously off the freaking hook!  And when I do get another boat, I will still use my kayaks.

As said before, kayaks allow you to launch in many places that boats can't, and are much less of a commitment to use. It takes so much less time to get a kayak ready than it does to get a boat. You said that you can buy a boat for the price of a really nice kayak, but that doesn't take into account maintenance, storage, gas, and the need for a truck and trailer. Boats almost always end up as money pits. When you buy a cheap boat it also comes with a lot of limitations especially if you plan on using it in the ocean. Buying a seaworthy boat is never cheap.

Only saw one question. Feel free to ask some more.

Great answers guys 😀 I got nothing more to add 

As said before, kayaks allow you to launch in many places that boats can't, and are much less of a commitment to use. It takes so much less time to get a kayak ready than it does to get a boat. You said that you can buy a boat for the price of a really nice kayak, but that doesn't take into account maintenance, storage, gas, and the need for a truck and trailer. Boats almost always end up as money pits. When you buy a cheap boat it also comes with a lot of limitations especially if you plan on using it in the ocean. Buying a seaworthy boat is never cheap.

As the saying goes: 

The two happiest days of a boaters life is the day they buy a boat, and the day they sell it. 
Not a kayak, though.   

I can move my kayak with either of the cars I have, no trailer needed.
Maintenance is incredibly simple.
Certainly the closeness to the water/ environment is a plus, as is accessibility to some "unboatable" spots.
To be able to paddle well takes some training & physical fitness, so it keeps me from becoming a couch potato in the winter since I know I'll have to be in shape for the spring.

Power boats have their place, but remote beach launches aren't among them. 

Those answers are great!!!
I can only add a more intimate fishing experience, or should I say awsome.
And I get an upper body workout which helps me feel fit!!!
But now I’ve got a Hobie I guess I will get a cardio workout, not to mention a better fishing experience!!!

Tight Lines
Scotty

You can get a respectable used kayak and all the necessary equipment for way less than a seaworthy boat. You don't have to buy a top of the line Hobie with all the bells and whistles to start off. However, if you want to go in the ocean with a powerboat you may not want to be in one that costs as much as a kayak. You can't just flip it back over if you capsize and if your engine dies at the wrong time it can be dangerous. However, if you are talking about a lake or small inland water then that kayak priced boat may be OK. I know, I have one

Add to the economics all the reasons already stated that make kayak fishing very different that fishing from a powerboat and you can decide for yourself.

I am basically new to kayak fishing. Yes, it's addictive. There are so many different kinds of water you can cover, it's intimate with the surroundings, and, especially, it's quiet, elemental in its own way and lets me feel embedded in my surroundings.

I was hooked on my 2nd or 3rd trip, the moment I was ~1.5 miles off shore, it was sunny and warm, there was a light breeze, and I heard nothing but this weird whistling...  I remember thinking, "what is that noise?"  Turns out, it was the breeze blowing past my fishing line.  It is that quiet.  No motor noise, loud drunk people, and complete silence and serenity in nature.  In the bay area, I had found a place I could go for peace with support and knowledge of a great community, and I was hooked.   That and landing a salmon from the yak for the first time - what a feeling!