If you’ve been in the market for a single fishing kayak, then you should take a look at the BKC RA220. This kayak comes with a foot peddle operated rudder and enough stability for you to stand up for better control while kayaking. I wish I had one of these when I was first learning to kayak.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Single Fishing Kayak

When you are looking for a new kayak, you want to make sure that you get an option that works for what you’ll be doing. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned, you want to get a product that fits for what kind of trips you take. So, here are a few things that you should consider before buying a new single fishing kayak.

Sit-In or Sit-on-Top Seat

If you are looking for a new single fishing kayak, then one thing that you should consider is the seat style.  Whether you want a sit-in or sit-on-top seat, you can get the option that works best for you.

The sit-in style seat allows you to sit lower in the kayak so that you are closer to the water.

If you are going to fish for the majority of the time that you are on the water, then you will want to get the sit-on-top seat so that you are higher up and can see your surroundings better. This is great because you are able to scope out the water for movement so that you can see where the fish are and you can come home with more fish than before.

Although there are typical uses for both of these seat types, your height may determine whether you like one seat option more than another. If you are taller and want to sit higher, then you may like the sit-on-top option even for paddling. Similarly, if you are shorter and will be fishing, you may still want to lower seat so that you don’t feel too high for comfort.

Type of Hull

When searching for a new kayak for your next trip, you will also want to take into the account the type of hull that you want. Depending on the type of trip you go on, and what you will be doing on the water, this will help you determine which hull type is best for you.

There are five main hull types that include flat, V-shaped, rounded, pontoon, and chine. The flat hull type is best for new kayakers who haven’t had much practice and are often not a good choice for more seasoned users. The rounded hulls are usually used by avid users because of the increased speed and navigation that they offer when in the water.

The V-shaped hull is a great choice for those who intend on going on long kayaking trips because of the ability to go in a straight line, which allows you to cover more ground in less time.  The pontoon hull is a blend of stability and movements; however, it does offer a slower speed than other options. The chine hulls have a few different options because they differ from kayak to kayak. The angle can be bigger or smaller, but it offers great stability.

Storage

Each kayak will have a different weight capacity for the boat, which will allow you to carry more items with you on the trip. The amount of storage areas on the kayak will also allow you to keep your equipment is a safe place that is dry and kept away from the water. Items that are good to keep in these areas are first aid kits, phones, or wallets.

The Product

BKC RA220 kayak

The BKC RA220 kayak is a single fishing kayak that has a sit-on-top style build. This model has a foot pedal that operates the rudders and comes with rod holders that keep your fishing pole in place when you are rowing to your fishing spot. This kayak has standing stability so that you can stand up for a long time without worrying about the kayak flipping over while you are fishing.

This model also comes with waterproof storage and a large cargo area so that you can take all your fishing equipment with you with plenty of room to spare. It also comes with paddle bungee rests to use for when you are fishing.

Pros:

  • Sit-on-top build
  • Foot pedal operation for rudders
  • Comes with rod holders
  • Standing stability
  • Waterproof storage
  • Paddle bungee rests
Cons:

  • Price is on the higher end
  • Standing is still a bit difficult without assist bar
  • May be heavy for some users at 68 pounds

Features and Benefits

Rudder Control

The BKC RA 220 kayak comes with a foot pedal that controls the rudders. This means that you don’t need paddle steering, and it allows for the optimal amount of control of the kayak at all times so that you can feel confident and in control. This is great for beginners because they are able to easily control the kayak.

The foot control may take some time to get used to if you haven’t used one before, but they are pretty easy to get used to once you start getting the hang of it. It also makes the control a lot easier once it becomes second nature.

Rod Holders

This kayak model comes with twin flush-mount rod holders that keep the fishing poles out of the way while you are paddling out on the water so that you don’t have to hold them while trying to get to the spot you want to fish in. This also allows you to keep the lines in the water for better trolling as well.

This is a great feature for those who want to go for long trips because the fishing poles can get a little heavy over time to hold and can be a bit clunky after a while, which can get annoying when you’ve been on the water all day. So, it is a lot easier to have the rod holders so that you don’t have to worry about holding it yourself while you are tired or fatigued from paddling.

Stand-Up Stability

This model comes with a stable platform that you could stand on when you want to do long casts so that you don’t have to worry about falling overboard. This allows you to feel more stable and confident when fishing and getting on and off the boat.

This is a great feature to have because some kayaks can be a bit more unstable and can be very difficult to fish in with all the added swaying. This stability makes it much easier to fish for those who aren’t used to doing it on a kayak.

Waterproof Storage

This kayak comes with a waterproof storage area so that there is an airtight cargo area so that users can keep their items dry. There is also a large cargo area that adds another area of storage so that you can bring all of your necessary items with you. This is great for when you are bringing lots of gear for a long day of fishing.

You will likely always find more and more things to bring that will make your experience easier, I know that I do this, so the more room that you have for storage, the better. The waterproof is a great option to use for items that are important and that you can’t afford to get wet. Phones and wallets are some items that you might want to keep in that waterproof storage.

450-Pound Capacity

This kayak model comes with a strong enough build that it has a 450-pound capacity so that it can accommodate a larger weight for a single person and all of the weight of storage items that users bring along.  This is great for those of us that have gotten a little older as well, and who have been putting on a little extra weight so that you don’t have to worry about bringing too much weight on with you.

Heavier items like metal fishing poles can also add quite a bit of weight with everything that you bring with you, so having weight to spare with a high capacity is always the safer bet. You wouldn’t want to try to board only to find out that your kayak can’t hold all the stuff you need.

Social Proof

There are many places to find reviews online for just about any product can you think of. So, I have taken a look at many different customer reviews online to see what previous buyers have said about this kayak. With the majority of them being positive, it was easy to find out what consumers liked about their experience using this model. So, here are a few of the most common comments that I found online are HERE

Alternatives

If you like the BKC RA220, but you need something that is a little different, then we have looked up some alternatives that might be a great choice for you. These options come with great features like the BKC model, but offer users a different experience so those that want a different model can find the option that they will love the most.

Vanhunks Boarding Black Bass 13ft Single Fishing Kayak

Vanhunks Boarding Black Bass 13ft Single Fishing Kayak

This Vanhunks kayak is a 13-foot single fishing kayak that has a sit-on-top build like the RA220 model. This option comes with marine-grade stainless steel fittings and a high weight capacity of 550 pounds. This single-seater kayak comes with one seat, one paddle, and one swivel fishing rod included with the price of purchase.

This model also comes with a lifetime warranty so that any manufacturing defects or malfunctions will be taken care of and your item will either get repaired or replaced at no cost to you. There is also a 12-month guarantee so that if you don’t like your item, you can return it for a full refund.

  • 13-foot length
  • Sit-on-top build
  • Marine-grade stainless steel fittings
  • High weight capacity of 550 pounds
  • Comes with warranty

If you would like to find out more information about this alternative option, then please feel free to check out this website to learn more.

Vanhunks Boarding Tarpon “Silver King” 12ft Pro Deluxe Fishing Kayak

This Vanhunks Tarpon option is a 12-foot kayak that is great for those looking for a larger option than the RA220. This kayak comes with a unique camouflage-like design that differentiates it from other models. The kayak weighs only 62 pounds but has a maximum weight capacity of 550 pounds, which is the same as the RA220.

This alternative also comes with stainless steel fittings and includes a seat, swivel rod holders, paddle, pedal, and rudder system with the purchase price. The seat has cushions so that you can sit comfortably for hours at a time and is a great alternative for long trips where you will need that added comfort.

  • 12-foot kayak
  • Unique design
  • Lightweight with high weight capacity
  • Comes with stainless steel fittings
  • Includes all necessary equipment with purchase

If you would like to find out more information about this alternative kayak model, then feel free to visit this website to learn more.

Vanhunks Whale Runner 9ft Fishing Kayak

This other Vanhunks kayak model is a great option for those who need a very compact and lightweight kayak for a short trip. With only 9-feet of boating material, this option can maneuver through just about any body of water. With the smaller size, the maximum weight capacity of this option comes to only 330 pounds, but this will likely be enough for all of your items.

This single-seater kayak has a sit-on-top build and comes with stainless steel fittings and captive brass inserts. These materials keep the kayak at a high premium quality and long-lasting durability. This product also comes with a seat, rod holders, and a two-piece paddle.

  • Compact and lightweight
  • 9-foot kayak
  • 330-pound weight capacity
  • Premium quality materials
  • Comes with all necessary equipment

If you would like to find out more about this great alternative option for your kayak needs, then feel free to check out this website to learn more about this product.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting your kayak search, or you have been looking at many different options, the BKC RA220 is a great option for you. With the great features, like the foot pedal operation rudders and the necessary equipment it comes with, you get a lot of bang for your buck. So, if you have been looking for a new kayak, you should try out this model and see if you think it would be a good fit for you.