Why Do We Have Holes In a Fishing Kayak? 3 Major Benefits

When you first hear about holes in a fishing kayak, it might sound like a problem, right? After all, nobody wants water flooding into their kayak while they’re out on the water. However, these holes, known as scupper holes, are intentionally designed and serve important purposes that enhance the kayak’s performance and safety.

In this article, we will explore why these holes exist, the benefits they offer, and some potential drawbacks. We’ll also provide practical advice on how to manage them effectively. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how to scupper holes can improve your kayaking experience, making your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Check out our recommendations for the best fishing kayaks, best pedal drive fishing kayaks, and inflatable fishing kayaks.

What Are Scupper Holes and Why Are They in a Fishing Kayak?

Scupper holes are intentional openings in sit-on-top kayaks like those often used for fishing. At first glance, it might seem odd to have holes in a boat, but these holes are there for excellent reasons that enhance your kayaking experience. The first time I got my fishing kayak, I was puzzled by these scupper holes. However, as I learned more, I came to appreciate their purpose:

• Structural Integrity
• Water Drain

I remember one fishing trip where a sudden downpour hit while I was far from shore. Thanks to the scupper holes, the water splashed into my kayak quickly drained out, keeping me from having to bail out water manually and allowing me to focus on returning safely.

Gene Jensen, a ProStaffer for Bending Branches, explains that scupper holes ensure that water entering the kayak can easily exit, preventing it from accumulating and causing instability. This design feature can make a significant difference, especially in rough conditions or during sudden weather changes.

Benefits of Scupper Holes

Scupper holes have several advantages that make them valuable features in fishing kayaks. From my personal experience, these benefits have made a big difference in my kayaking adventures.

1. Structural Integrity

As mentioned before, One of the key benefits of scupper holes is their contribution to the kayak’s structural integrity. Providing rigidity to the kayak’s structure, they help maintain its shape and strength.

“I once had an older kayak without scupper holes, which started to warp over time. Even after extensive use, the scupper holes have kept my current kayak in top shape.” – Nathan From Our Team

2. Effective Water Drain

Scupper holes act as natural water drains, allowing water that splashes into the kayak to flow out. This is crucial when you’re paddling in rough waters or when it suddenly starts raining. I remember a time when I was caught in a storm while fishing.

The scupper holes kept the water from pooling inside the kayak, making it much easier to paddle back to shore without worrying about drowning in the water.

3. Versatility

Another great advantage is the versatility that scupper holes offer. Depending on the conditions, you can plug or unplug these holes to adjust the kayak’s performance. For example, I sometimes plug the scupper holes on calm days to keep the kayak completely dry.

On rougher days, I leave them unplugged to ensure any water that gets in can drain out quickly. This flexibility allows you to customize your kayaking experience based on the weather and water conditions.

When to Use Scupper Plugs?

Deciding when to use scupper plugs in your fishing kayak can depend on various factors, including weather conditions and personal preferences. Here are some insights from my experiences and those of seasoned kayakers like Gene Jensen.

Pros of Plugging

Keeps the Kayak Drier: One of the main benefits of using scupper plugs is that they help keep the kayak drier. This is especially beneficial when you want to avoid sitting in a wet kayak in colder weather. During a chilly early morning fishing trip, plugging the scupper holes kept me warmer and more comfortable by preventing cold water from splashing into the kayak.

Enhances Speed and Performance: Plugging the scupper holes can help the kayak sit higher on the water, enhancing speed and performance. On calm, flat water, I’ve noticed that my kayak glides more smoothly and swiftly when the scupper holes are plugged, making for a more efficient and enjoyable paddling experience.

Cons of Plugging

Reduces Drainage Ability: One major drawback of plugging the scupper holes is that it reduces the kayak’s ability to drain water. This can be risky in rough waters or during unexpected downpours. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to unplug the scupper holes before heading into choppy waters; the kayak quickly filled with water, making it unstable and harder to manage.

Increased Wind Drift: When the kayak sits higher on the water, it becomes more susceptible to wind drift. This can be particularly problematic in windy conditions, making it harder to maintain a straight course. During a windy day on the lake, I struggled to keep my kayak on track because the wind pushed it around.

Gene Jensen, a ProStaffer for Bending Branches, suggests a balanced approach. He often keeps the rear scupper holes plugged to lift the kayak’s back end and keep it drier, especially when carrying a heavy load.

However, he unplugged forward scupper holes to allow for effective drainage. I’ve found this strategy quite effective, as it provides the benefits of both plugging and unplugging without compromising too much on either side.

Types of Kayaks and Their Relationship with Scupper Holes

Understanding the different types of kayaks and how they relate to scupper holes can help you make the best choice for your kayaking adventures.

Sit-In Kayaks

Sit-in kayaks are designed without scupper holes. Instead, they rely on spray skirts to keep water out and have a rear drain plug for water removal. I used a sit-in kayak during a summer camping trip, and it worked great in calm waters. The spray skirt kept me dry, and the kayak felt snug and secure. However, getting water out was a bit of a hassle, especially after a big splash or rain.

Sit-On-Top Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks are designed with scupper holes for effective drainage, making them very popular for fishing and recreational activities. These kayaks offer excellent stability and a self-bailing design, which means any water that gets in can quickly drain out.

I switched to a sit-on-top kayak when I started kayak fishing. The scupper holes made a huge difference, especially when I was out on choppy waters or when unexpected rain hit. Staying relatively dry and stable on the water made my fishing trips much more enjoyable.

During the recession, sit-on-top kayaks became more popular as kayak fishing emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional boating. Their ease of use and stability made them a favorite among many outdoor enthusiasts, including myself.

Pros

• Prevent sinking by allowing water to drain out.
• Enhance stability and structural integrity.
• Offer flexibility in managing water levels inside the kayak.

Cons

• It can let water in, making the ride wetter.
• Require management, such as plugging or unplugging based on conditions.

Users have shared their experiences, indicating that scupper holes are beneficial but can result in a wetter ride if not managed properly. For instance, plugging the scupper holes can keep the seating area drier but may prevent drainage in rough conditions. Balancing these pros and cons can help you maximize your kayaking experience.

You should read our article on Why Kayaks Flip Over.

Practical Tips By Fish Chart Team

Managing scupper holes effectively can greatly enhance your kayaking experience, keeping you dry and ensuring your kayak performs well. Here are some practical tips based on my own experiences and those of other kayakers.

When sealing the scupper holes, foam golf balls or specially designed scupper plugs work great. They are easy to insert and remove, providing a quick solution for keeping water out. During one of my fishing trips, I forgot my scupper plugs but found a couple of foam golf balls in my gear. They fit perfectly and kept the water out for the rest of the day.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, pool noodles can be a great alternative. Cut them to size and fit them into the scupper holes. They’re inexpensive and easy to find. I once used pool noodles on a budget, and they worked surprisingly well in keeping the water out.

Also, check: How To Set Up A Fishing Kayak

Adjusting Seating Position

Adjusting your seating position can help minimize the amount of water in the scupper holes. By sitting slightly higher or adjusting the angle, you can reduce the amount of water that splashes up. This was particularly useful during long paddles, as it kept me more comfortable and less wet.

Many kayakers, including myself, often mention the balance between keeping dry and allowing for proper drainage. One user noted that plugging the scupper holes kept their kayak drier but required careful attention to avoid water accumulation.

I’ve had similar experiences where I had to decide between staying dry or ensuring my kayak could drain effectively, especially in changing conditions.

Considerations for Kayak Quality

Cheaper kayaks may also not handle the weight, leading to more water coming in through the scupper holes. This can be challenging, especially when balancing a dry ride with maintaining the kayak’s drainage capabilities.

I started with a budget kayak and noticed it let in more water when fully loaded. Upgrading to a better-quality kayak made a significant difference in managing water ingress.

Holes Repairs

Accidents happen, and when they do, you can fix holes by melting similar plastic to fill the gaps. Using a heat gun and plastic welding rod, I’ve repaired small holes in my kayak, restoring its watertight integrity.

Use marine-grade HDPE that matches the kayak’s material for durable repairs. This ensures the patch is strong and long-lasting. I used this method to repair a crack, which held up well, even in rough conditions.

Modifying Scupper Holes

Customizing scupper holes can benefit specific needs. For instance, adding wheels for easy transport can be a game-changer. I added small wheels to the scupper holes of my kayak, making it much easier to move it from my car to the water.

It is crucial to understand when to plug and unplug scupper holes based on water conditions and kayak usage. During calm days, plugging the holes keeps you dry, but in rough waters, keeping them unplugged ensures proper drainage. Learning this balance has helped me enjoy my kayaking trips and stay safe on the water.

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