Even though I have talked about this in the past, how you plan to transport your kayak is one of the more important considerations for kayakers. This question asked often on Facebook pages like Wisconsin Kayaking, Kayaking Wisconsin and some of the kayak fishing sites.

As I drive around Door County, I see more vehicles with kayak racks on top of their sedans and smaller SUVs. Pictured is my Subaru Outback with a lighter, 53-pound recreational kayak on top. It was somewhat easy for me to put it up there and would have been very easy with two people.  Some small SUVs have roof rails that you can add crossbars to and then some sort of rack for the kayak. Also, more and more there are great options for vehicles without roof rails.  Your local kayak outfitter is the place to check out the options. Be sure to properly secure any kayak to the top of your vehicle as a kayak flying off as you drive down the highway could be a disaster.

Sit-on-top fishing kayaks, which are usually wider and heavier are more challenging to transport. Add in the even heavier and wider self-propelled fishing kayaks and the challenge is magnified.  Two people can handle most of the fishing kayaks for roof-top transport with the proper roof-rack system.  Much easier, especially if you are alone, is some sort of kayak trailer or a utility trailer that can easily be modified for kayaks.  For the past 12 years I have been using a kayak trailer, which makes my fishing outings much easier. At most launches I can back right up to the water to load and unload. Also, for storage, I leave the kayak on the trailer. There are also self-assist loading systems that make it even easier for roof-top transport. And, if you cannot get right up to the water, you may want to consider a small kayak cart, which makes that last stretch from car to water much easier.

For you kayak anglers, Door County smallmouth bass fishing continues to be challenging compared to just several years ago. To help protect our fishery, please practice catch, photograph and release, along with getting the bass back in the water quickly.  As always, if you have any kayak/kayak fishing questions or questions related to transporting your kayak, please email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com