The kayak is not new, going back hundreds of years if not longer. The Inuit tribe has been hunting and fishing the northern waters from the Arctic Ocean to the North Atlantic by kayak, very successfully putting food on the table for their families, as well as using it as a reliable mode of transportation. This craft has served them well.

Now we, the average saltwater fishermen, have found that by using this rugged little craft, we can improve our catch rate of many species of fish quite significantly. It allows us to get to waters that are too shallow for a regular boat, or too far to wade out and possibly get caught out in the flats as the tide rises.

With today's high price of fuel, the kayak sure looks good to many sportsmen: it allows them the mobility as well as the excitement of "yaking," as it is passionately called. No motor is needed to glide gracefully along to your favorite fishing spot, load your craft with fish, and head back with little effort — well, almost, if you are like me. I don't get out to exercise too much these days, and this sport is one that I surely can handle with ease.

There are many different types of kayaks, and with that goes the price range. I would say that the majority of today's kayaks range in price from $400 to over $2,000. Like today's cars, it depends on what equipment you outfit it with. You have the opportunity to go bare-bones and go with few or no options, or all-out and add on comfortable seats, water-tight compartments, custom paddles, trolling motors, rod holders, anchor and special cleats to secure them with, as well as fish finders, to name a few. All the comforts of home can be installed — well, almost.

The nice thing about kayaks is that if you love to fish both salt- and freshwater, this craft will allow you the flexibility to take advantage of both without any special equipment changes.

I hope I have given you a little insight into the world of kayaking and piqued your curiosity to venture out and find out more about this fascinating new facet of today's fishing world. If you have questions, jump on to our new forum at NJSaltwaterfisherman.com. And don't be shy, ask away. Remember, if you have a question, there are others out there wondering the same thing.