The needs and habits of each and every angler are different. It varies based on the waters, frequency of fishing, motivation, and type of fish. Thus, making a purchasing decision for the brand new, best fishing kayak is really challenging for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Myriad brands are available on the market. You will also get a baffling amount of information from various different kayak fishing sources. Usually, most kayaks are available on the market in unrigged or stock versions and rigged or angler versions. Most anglers prefer to select a rigged option for avoiding hassles of rigging. But, experienced anglers prefer to purchase an unrigged kayak and like to customize it as per their needs.

How to Select the Best Fishing Kayak?

You should consider various factors while selecting a good water kayak for fishing. All these factors are helpful for focusing on your needs.

Stability

Are you new to kayak fishing? Then, you need a kayak with a stable platform. There are two types of stabilities, initial and secondary. The initial stability is the side to side wobble you feel while sitting on or in a kayak. But, secondary stability is helpful for keeping your kayak stable even when you approach the point of flipping. Thus, kayaks with lots of initial stability are ideal for beginners. But, seasoned anglers can select a kayak with greater secondary stability.

Maneuverability

Though slower, shorter angler kayaks can provide you more maneuverability. Therefore, they are the right choice for fishing in small creeks and narrow estuaries.

Speed

Long and narrow kayaks offer greater speed. If you are fishing in protected, small areas or very close to the shore, a fast kayak is not required. However, a very fast kayak is essential for fishing in a sound, reservoir, bay, or even the open ocean.

Storage

It will be really nice if you select a kayak that comes with different places for storing your stuff. You can select a boat that is designed with a double hull if you want to take lots of fishing gear. These types of boats offer lots of potential storage spaces below the deck.

Kayak Design

Sit-in and sit-on-top are the two major designs. Most anglers prefer a sit-on-top fishing kayak because it is easier to get out and wade. You can also add various accessories in such kayaks. But, riding it can be very wet, so, it is not ideal for fishing during strong waves, current and extremely cold water. The cockpit or sit-in style kayaks are great for fishing in windy conditions, strong waves, and cold water. Basically, you are sitting inside the kayak. Therefore, the center of gravity will be much lower, which is helpful for increasing the stability of the kayak. The sit-in kayak will also have a storage compartment in the middle, which is helpful for storing all your gear. But, getting out of the boat and wade will take time. But, if you sit low, it will limit your view as well.

Your overall kayak fishing experience depends a lot on the kayak you choose. Your kayak must be functional as well as it offers optimal safety and comfort. Kayaks are more useful than bigger boats in terms of price, ease of use, and maintenance. But, the comfort is multi-dimensional and it depends on stability and ergonomics. Thus, the best water kayaks are the best option for fishing.        

Fish and shellfish have a greater role in the diet of those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Seafood is the rich source of high-quality protein. At the same time, they contain very low fat, cholesterol, and calories. They can provide you valuable minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. Overcooking is very common while preparing fish and rubbery shellfish. Here comes the importance of slow cooker. It uses a combination of mild heat and low temperature, which are extremely beneficial for producing moist fish fillets, scallops, and tender shrimp. However, you should consider certain things for cooking shellfish and fish in a slow cooker successfully.

Seafood is very delicate and it requires short cooking time. Lots of attention is also required while preparing seafood. Therefore, most people are reluctant to use a slow cooker while preparing seafood. If you do not treat it rightly, seafood becomes rubbery quickly.

However, slow-cooked seafood can be really a revelation. But, you should be aware of some do's and don'ts while cooking seafood in a slow-cooker. The following rules can help you to go on the right path.

Slow-Cooker: The Best Stew Master

Seafood stew is highly delicious and it is really the best thing in seafood. The slow cooker is considered as the best stewing master. By taking lots of flavors, slow cooker melds them together for making a delightful meal. Seafood stew exactly needs the same thing.

Layer the Filets on the Top

While cooking seafood like salmon in the slow cooker, you should layer the filets on the top. Parchment should also be kept in between, which is helpful for avoiding sticking each other. You can also use the parchment as tender filets. Thus, you can lift them very easily from the slow cooker once cooked. To get the best result, you should cook for 1-2 hours.

Poach without Fat

Poaching is the best method for reducing the fat and calorie content in fish naturally. However, a slew of ingredients is required for poaching broth. At the end of cooking, much of the flavors of fish leach out into the liquid. You can solve all these problems if you use a slow cooker. If you add wine to the poaching liquid, you will get a perfectly cooked fish very quickly at a lower temperature. It is because wine has the ability to reduce the boiling point of the water and can produce more vapors while cooking fillets.

Measure the Moist Level

Enough moisture is essential for cooking seafood in a slow cooker for a longer period of time without drying out. Thus, steaks or fillets should be selected with the same size and thickness. It is essential for cooking each piece at the same rate. This is also helpful for getting properly cooked seafood meal. You can use a low setting and one-hour time range for reducing the possibility of overcooking. You should also monitor the temperature of the fish at the low end till you get enough experience for cooking in a slow cooker.


Do not Cook Clams or Mussels in a Slow Cooker

You should strictly avoid cooking clams or mussels in a slow cooker because they can become unpleasant and rubber very easily. The tender meat of clams and mussels becomes tough and inedible when you cook them in a slow cooker. High heat is required for preparing this seafood. A slow cooker cannot provide enough heat for cooking clams or mussels.

Add Seafood at the last Minute

As mentioned earlier, fish and seafood require very short time to cook. Thus, if you want to make something like a stew, you should allow slow cooker to do the wonders. So, the aromatics and broth should be cooked for 4-5 hours. Seafood and fish should be added at the last minute, which means the last 20-30 minutes. Thus, it will become opaque and tender. These are really some great secrets for cooking seafood meals in your slow cooker.

The slow cooker is revolutionizing the way of home cooking. As it cooks very slowly, it does not require any fuss, stir, or additional attention once you put the ingredients in the cooker. This is one of the most appreciated features of a slow cooker. Once you become familiar and friendly with a slow cooker, it will surely become the most prized appliance in your kitchen. A combination of locked-in moisture, lengthy cooking time, and low temperature works together for cooking food thoroughly. At the same time, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and eliminates the need for attention in the entire cooking process.

Lots of high-tech models are available today that come with digital features such as keep warm option, automatic off, etc. Some may also have attached thermometer, which helps to change settings once the food reached a certain temperature. All these features provide better control while cooking in a slow cooker. However, you must pay special attention while cooking seafood meals. The above-mentioned factors will help you prepare delicious, mouth-watering seafood meals in a slow-cooker.