When you get a new kayak, there are many things that will “do the job” if you need them for a day of fishing. However, serious fishermen who know what they want, need something that meets their specific needs. The BKC UH RA220 Fishing Kayak is an excellent choice for all fisherman, as you will see in our thorough review below. We will discuss a few things about this great kayak, from the quality of the construction and the storage space to the comfort and the qualities of travel.
The short version is that the UH-RA220 actually has almost everything a fisherman could want. From a lot of features to an impressive range of storage options, it has it all. It is also very stable, considering that it has a length of 11’5 ”, as well as a width of 34”. If you are wondering, yes, you can sit on it while fishing. Thus, without worrying about wasting any more time, let’s get into the details.
The quality of the construction is stellar
The UH-RA220 is made of high-quality polyethylene. It is the material chosen for many kayaks nowadays. This is because it is lightweight, very durable, and quite affordable. The capacity of the kayak is 440 pounds, which is, frankly, more than enough for most anglers.
However, this also results in a total weight of 70 kilograms, which could be a bit difficult to handle if you fish alone. You don’t have to worry about transport to and from the water, as you will get the transport handles mounted on the side. There is also a carved handle on the bow, which makes it easier to launch or land if you are a solo fisherman. There is nothing missing here.
It has a lot of storage space
It is quite obvious that it is a kayak for one person. However, this does not mean that it does not have enough storage space. You can keep all your equipment safe, no matter what you carry. For starters, you have three different watertight compartments. All are in front of the chair, so you can easily access them.
There is also a large loading area at the stern, where you can store the larger things you are carrying. It has elastic bands that prevent anything you may have inside from slipping into the water. Although, a potential downside is that there are no level-mounted rod holders.
How is the comfort?
When you go fishing in a kayak, you will most likely spend a few hours in it. Therefore, you want to be comfortable and you want to be sure that you will not be more tired than you would like. The best way to make sure of this is to have a good and comfortable seat, and the one on the UH-RA220 is easily among the best.
To be honest, the adjustable seat with a high back is amazing. And it’s not for one type of person, but it suits everyone. The only potential disadvantage is that you may need to stretch once or twice when you are on a very long trip. But what kayak doesn’t need that?
As we said, most of the storage space is upfront. This means that all the essentials are conveniently located so that you can easily access any part of your gear without the risk of tipping over. The cockpit is surprisingly spacious and gives you plenty of legroom. Even if you have to stretch from time to time, you absolutely have room to do so.
Let’s talk about rowing skills
The first thing you want to consider in a fishing kayak is stability. It’s extremely unlikely that the UH-RA220 will tip over and throw you and all your equipment into the water. We still haven’t found anyone who doesn’t feel confident standing while fishing, partly due to the included permanent platform. Most fishermen find it very easy to get in and out of the boat. Last but not least, it is undoubtedly stable enough if you want to fish standing up.
The long, deep, and molded body channels, as well as the angular design of the bow, ensure that you have the maneuverability to position yourself perfectly next to one of your favorite fishing spots. If you want to have precise control, there is a foot-operated rudder, which also allows you to handle almost any type of water condition that comes your way.
However, we must mention one thing. With a length of 11 ½ feet and 70 kilograms of weight, this is not the lightest kayak when it comes to maneuverability. Nonetheless, it is maneuverable enough to be able to focus on fishing.
In conclusion
When you need a kayak specially designed for fishing, you will love the UH-RA220. It has almost everything, from a robust and durable construction to decent water performance. More so the price of this kayak makes it become an even more attractive kayak. Thus, for the best price ranges on the market, we strongly recommend you go on Amazon.com. Even if it is not the lightest or most agile kayak available, it absolutely does the job. However, it is certainly not for everyone. If you need flush rod holders or if you want something light and very easy to handle, we recommend you try your luck elsewhere. However, if you can afford to compromise on these two and get much more in return, the UH-RA220 could be a great option for you.
