What If Your Inflatable Fishing Kayak Pops a Leak?
4-minute read + 10 total minutes of video
What would you do if your inflatable fishing kayak popped a leak while you were out on the water? Bending Branches Pro Team member Chris Funk answers that question for us in a couple of recent videos.
Chris Funk’s inflatable fishing kayak setup
Why Use an Inflatable Kayak to Fish
Inflatables aren’t seen on the water nearly as often as hardshell kayaks as the vessel of choice for kayak anglers. But for some, they can be the perfect option—or a great second kayak to round out your gear.
Chris explains several reasons why you may prefer an inflatable fishing kayak:
“The beauty of the inflatables is multi-faceted. For paddlers with space or transport issues, these fold down into a backpack that could fit in the smallest of vehicles. I can set up or break down and be ready to paddle or transport in under 15 minutes.
“Paddlers with limited strength will benefit because inflatables are half the weight of a rotomolded craft (or less) so getting to the water or from it after a long day is much easier.
“They have incredibly shallow draft so they are a bit easier to paddle because they run more on top of the water than push through it. Whether for a long day on the water, or a long portage, these inflatables definitely have a well-earned place in our fleet!”
That said, a risk you take with an inflatable kayak is the possibility of a leak.
What If You Pop a Leak?
Take a look at Chris’s first video: “What If You Pop a Leak in Your Inflatable?”
Chris doesn’t leave shore without his K-Pump Mini when he fishes. This compact, high-output hand pump works quickly and efficiently. Having it along means you can re-inflate anywhere along the shoreline without returning to the launch.
The other item you never want to leave behind is your patch kit. All inflatables come with one. Keep it in your kayak’s gear kit just in case. Chris also brings Tear-Aid, easy-to-use self-adhesive repair patches. These highly flexible and tough patches can be cut to size and can even be applied while you’re on the water. Be sure to buy Tear-Aid Type B which is designed for watercraft.
An inflatable kayak with separate pontoons means a leak in one of them won’t send you swimming!
Having these materials with you offers peace of mind that’s invaluable whenever you’re out on an inflatable.
How To Repair a Leak on Your Inflatable Kayak
Chris’s second video covers leak repair off-water.
He comments that while hooks haven’t been an issue for him with his inflatable, a fish’s sharp dorsal fin sliced a hole in one of his kayak’s pontoons. This video covers that repair:
Chris uses a round patch from his patch kit and follows this process:
- Tape around the puncture and lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the texture (it’s easier if the pontoon is inflated for these steps)
- Clean and let dry, then deflate for the next step.
- Apply Aqua Seal or other adhesive repair product according to directions. Apply the patch.
Lightly sanding the area gives the adhesive some texture to grab onto
What Type of Inflatable to Use for Kayak Fishing
These two videos feature Chris’s NRS Kuda inflatable kayak. The side pontoons are separate so if one side springs a leak, the other stays inflated. Of course, that’s a huge benefit when fishing with a load of gear over a kayak with a continuous tube. You saw that demonstrated in the first video above.
The Kuda (and all NRS inflatable fishing kayaks) is designed to be used sitting or standing. You just need to inflate the floor to a higher PSI if you intend to stand while you fish. It comes ready to mount fishing accessories and has a raised seat.
Sea Eagle and Aqua Marina also make inflatable kayaks designed for fishing. As you explore your options, take a look at their weight and weight capacity before you decide which is for you. These vary considerably.
Chris and Angie Funk enjoy their inflatable fishing kayaks
Despite the need for an occasional repair, Chris has found the advantages of an inflatable far outweigh any inconvenience. You may too!
Photos courtesy of Chris Funk. Follow his YouTube channel for more helpful kayak fishing videos.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us here: 715-755-3405 or [email protected]
More for you...
