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kayak vs sib spearfishing
- Thread starter DeepAbyss
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
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I don’t think there is a comparison between the two vessels. They have different purpose and both have pros and cons.
Personally I love spearfishing from a kayak and it can easily take you miles out at sea of you are a confident paddler and know what you are doing.
The SIP will be faster but much more expensive to buy and maintain. It’s a hassle to take out in and out of the water unless you have a trailer but then you are limited to boat ramp entries. The main benefit is the range you get but if that is important a RIB is really the way to go.
I have considered them both and I am so happy i have a kayak. Much easier and faster when I am by myself.
I would get a RIB If I lived very close to the ocean and would be able to use it often without having to haul it around. I will probably stick with the kayak until I am 94 years old and can’t paddle anymore. I love the exercise too.
Personally I love spearfishing from a kayak and it can easily take you miles out at sea of you are a confident paddler and know what you are doing.
The SIP will be faster but much more expensive to buy and maintain. It’s a hassle to take out in and out of the water unless you have a trailer but then you are limited to boat ramp entries. The main benefit is the range you get but if that is important a RIB is really the way to go.
I have considered them both and I am so happy i have a kayak. Much easier and faster when I am by myself.
I would get a RIB If I lived very close to the ocean and would be able to use it often without having to haul it around. I will probably stick with the kayak until I am 94 years old and can’t paddle anymore. I love the exercise too.
I agree with Kodama above.
I don't have both, but close. I own kayaks which I use for spearfishing and a boat (23 ft Radon). One of the big benefits with a kayak is being able to launch areas I can't with a boat, even an SIB, due to the shoreline (i.e. rocks and reef mainly). I've also owned some of my kayaks for 25 plus years and they're still going strong. I'm not sure how long SIB's are reliable for, but something you can look into.
For storage, I can fit quite a bit on my kayaks and I would need probably a 14+ footer SIB to start having more room with that.
When I dive, it's easy for me to pull up to two kayaks along when swimming along the coast. Depending on the SIB size, it may be more challenging.
I've paddled or peddled with my kayaks over 9 miles round trip comfortably and could go more. This is also dependent on physical condition and whatnot. If you're unsure, take a look at the foot pedal driven kayaks as they're easier on the user.
Wind is a factor and can limit you going out on a kayak or how far you paddle. What a little nicer with a boat is you can power through the wind, although rough. Some guys here get lost at sea because of the wind, so I'm mindful of that. Just carry the proper safety gear no matter which way you go.
Diving off the boat is wonderful and more comfortable. In my specific case, there needs to be a driver at all times and I'm always concerned for how the pilot of the boat is doing, if the seas are rough. I don't like worrying about all that. In any case, you can cover more ground and in some cases, get to places very hard to with a kayak. Just depends on your area. I honestly wanted a jet ski for diving, but the limitations here can be discouraging.
I don't have both, but close. I own kayaks which I use for spearfishing and a boat (23 ft Radon). One of the big benefits with a kayak is being able to launch areas I can't with a boat, even an SIB, due to the shoreline (i.e. rocks and reef mainly). I've also owned some of my kayaks for 25 plus years and they're still going strong. I'm not sure how long SIB's are reliable for, but something you can look into.
For storage, I can fit quite a bit on my kayaks and I would need probably a 14+ footer SIB to start having more room with that.
When I dive, it's easy for me to pull up to two kayaks along when swimming along the coast. Depending on the SIB size, it may be more challenging.
I've paddled or peddled with my kayaks over 9 miles round trip comfortably and could go more. This is also dependent on physical condition and whatnot. If you're unsure, take a look at the foot pedal driven kayaks as they're easier on the user.
Wind is a factor and can limit you going out on a kayak or how far you paddle. What a little nicer with a boat is you can power through the wind, although rough. Some guys here get lost at sea because of the wind, so I'm mindful of that. Just carry the proper safety gear no matter which way you go.
Diving off the boat is wonderful and more comfortable. In my specific case, there needs to be a driver at all times and I'm always concerned for how the pilot of the boat is doing, if the seas are rough. I don't like worrying about all that. In any case, you can cover more ground and in some cases, get to places very hard to with a kayak. Just depends on your area. I honestly wanted a jet ski for diving, but the limitations here can be discouraging.
I got both and the a 12ft sib with a 20hp and a kayak and just the trailering and the launching on the boat ramp is as mission compared to the kayak. I paddle out sometimes on the kayak but when I’m feeling lazy I just drop a 55lbs trolling motor on it and just cruise to the spots. Also saves more energy for the dives.
Stealthy, no fuel, great exercise – but tiring for 4km. SIB pros: Faster with motor, carries more gear – but noisy/scares fish
I've been diving from boats for decades and I haven't noticed the noise scaring fish.
I have been land locked for too long so I am moving to Puerto Rico pretty soon to get back to the Caribbean. I'm checking out getting a kayak for coastal spearing and need some pointers about a good ocean kayak. I'm looking at the 12 foot range. This is my 1st venture into kayaking for diving.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
BTW, I had an 18' Sol Cat when I lived in Key Largo awhile back and it was great for 2 people around the Keys.
Hmm, for a first ocean kayak in the 12-foot range, I’d suggest looking at models like the Hobie Mirage Outback or Native Watercraft Slayer 12.
When I lived in Key Largo, FL Keys, a while back, I had an 18' Sol Cat which was good for 2 people diving/spearing. I want to try a fishing kayak as a different means in lieu of another boat. I am not fond of dive boat tours.
Hey Sergio,
Thanks for that info. I just picked up a used West Marine 11.5 footer to use for coastal spearing and fishing. This will be my 'starter kit' for now. It has a stable platform and 500# capacity. I could use some tips as this is my 1st venture with a kayak. A RIB. NO WAY for me. I'd have it sunk before I know it. I like the kayak options like you mentioned due to its versatility like even going inland for river stuff.
Thanks for that info. I just picked up a used West Marine 11.5 footer to use for coastal spearing and fishing. This will be my 'starter kit' for now. It has a stable platform and 500# capacity. I could use some tips as this is my 1st venture with a kayak. A RIB. NO WAY for me. I'd have it sunk before I know it. I like the kayak options like you mentioned due to its versatility like even going inland for river stuff.
Oops! Hit the wrong button.
I'm thinking of adding an electric trolling motor to get better distances off shore but paddle only inland. Copy that on the safety gear. I got a cool First Aid kit that is in a waterproof container bag. Where I am headed, I'll be a serious Lionfish nabber.
I'm thinking of adding an electric trolling motor to get better distances off shore but paddle only inland. Copy that on the safety gear. I got a cool First Aid kit that is in a waterproof container bag. Where I am headed, I'll be a serious Lionfish nabber.
When it comes to spearfishing, both kayak and SIB (Soft Inflatable Boat) have their own advantages depending on the environment and your experience level. Kayaks are lighter, more affordable, and give you great maneuverability in shallow or rocky waters.
They’re ideal for solo trips and quiet exploration. On the other hand, SIBs offer more space, better stability in open water, and the option to mount a small outboard motor, which is a huge plus for longer trips or when you need to change locations quickly.
I personally prefer kayaks for nearshore fishing, but when going further offshore or in unpredictable conditions, a well-equipped SIB feels more secure. After a long day out, I usually relax and unwind with something like 3 patti ludo—it helps me switch off and recharge. In the end, it really comes down to your budget, fishing goals, and how much gear you need to carry.
They’re ideal for solo trips and quiet exploration. On the other hand, SIBs offer more space, better stability in open water, and the option to mount a small outboard motor, which is a huge plus for longer trips or when you need to change locations quickly.
I personally prefer kayaks for nearshore fishing, but when going further offshore or in unpredictable conditions, a well-equipped SIB feels more secure. After a long day out, I usually relax and unwind with something like 3 patti ludo—it helps me switch off and recharge. In the end, it really comes down to your budget, fishing goals, and how much gear you need to carry.
