A light 3m long fishing kayak is easy to load on trucks and a cinch to drag to the water.
Long ago, the adage was simple: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for life.”
These days, though, once you teach a man to fish, “he has to buy tackle boxes, graphite rods, reels, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, plastics, flies, waders, a boat and a truck!”
For kayak fishers, the investment doesn’t stop there – it’s as much about the lifestyle as the gear. Part of that lifestyle is the quiet independence of this group of outdoor enthusiasts.
While hikers, campers, birdwatchers, stargazers or photographers often travel in groups, kayak fishers tend to be lone wolves or, at most, travel in pairs. Their focus? Getting their kayak – and themselves – to the water’s edge.
The first “limiting factor” is because of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in Malaysia, which has specific regulations about roof loads.
Unloading two kayaks stacked on a truck roof.
The load can’t exceed the length or width of the vehicle, and the roof rack itself must stay within 23cm of the car roof. These rules are well-intentioned for safety but create challenges for kayak fishers who have wide, bulky fishing kayaks.
Standard roof racks often aren’t enough for two fishing kayaks. While narrower touring or whitewater kayaks might fit side by side, fishing models require extra-wide bars – wider than the vehicle itself. That’s when JPJ officers or the traffic police and their trusty measuring tapes might step in.
Alternatives include stacking kayaks vertically or mounting twin J-bars on the rack to hold one kayak flat and the other diagonally.
However, these solutions introduce a new hurdle: wind. At high speeds, wind noise becomes an inescapable drone, with tie-down straps vibrating so persistently that long drives feel like endurance tests.
Crosswinds add yet another challenge. On the second Penang bridge, for instance, south-north winds frequently batter vehicles travelling east-west.
With kayaks stacked upright, the gusts can cause subtle yet unnerving wobbles, forcing cautious drivers to slow down.
Readying a kayak and red canoe by a lake shore.
Safety is paramount when securing kayaks. Always tighten tie-down straps from the left side of the vehicle.
That way, if adjustments are needed mid-journey, you can do so safely away from oncoming traffic.
Invest in high-quality straps – think RM45 for a 4.6m strap – and replace them at the first signs of wear.
These logistical hurdles are part of the package for kayak fishers, who revel in the sport’s blend of serenity and challenge. It’s not just about the fishing; it’s about the journey, the preparation, and even the mishaps along the way.
Whether you’re grappling with JPJ’s roof rack rules, battling crosswinds, or enduring noisy straps, the rewards of kayak fishing are undeniable. There’s a quiet joy in gliding across the water, casting your line, and soaking in nature’s tranquillity.
Kayak fishing isn’t just about “big toys” – it’s about mastering the art of handling them safely and savouring the adventure. Just remember: stay prepared, play safe and enjoy the ride.
