Over the past two weeks I’ve spent a good deal of time on the waters of Door
County fishing from my boat and Jackson Kraken 13.5 kayak.  Driving to and from
my launch points I’ve seen many kayaks on top of vehicles and a few on kayak
trailers. Last Wednesday at the Europe Lake launch another vehicle was there
with a Malone Kayak Trailer, like the one I have.
When you consider buying a recreational or fishing kayak, give serious
consideration as to how you are going to transport it. Even lighter sit-in
recreational kayaks are awkward and many times take two to get them on roof
racks. Fishing kayaks definitely take two to load on top. I learned this after just
one year in 2009 with a 14’ sit-on-top kayak that was tough getting on and off my
SUV, especially when I was alone. The next year I got my first Malone MicroSport
kayak trailer and couldn’t be happier. The bars are only a few feet off the ground
making loading easy, and at many launches I can back right to the water to load
and unload. The other great thing for those vacations, or just a day of doing more
than just kayaking, is that these handle a couple kayaks as well as bike racks for a
couple bikes. One thing to remember is that you will still need roof racks with
your kayak trailer.
Another great option is one of the newer roof racks with an assist device to help
make loading much easier, and, a one person job. Most of the top roof rack
companies now have racks with this device.
So, when deciding on a kayak, be sure to look at how you plan to transport that
kayak. Check out one of our Door County outfitters, and, as always email me with
questions at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com