alexstep88

For me, it depends if you are in a sit-in (SINK) or a sit-on(SOT) . I had a heck of a time casting in a SINK, but no problems when I switched to a SOT. I can cast a 7'3" rod no problem sitting down. The only problem I've had is when I started out, I would whack the rods stored behind me every once in a while. I learned to position my yak at a bit of an angle (right handed=point yak to the right of target) so my back-cast would not go that far back. Using a high seat or standing should resolve any other problems that may arise.

I use this: http://www.***.com/Plano_FTO_Elite_Speedbag_4807/descpage-P4807.html Fits perfect in the center hatch of my kayak (since I know you are looking at getting a yak)

Ups for sure. I always have problems with FedEx.

I've used the OK prowler 13 quite a bit. Don't know if it is similar to the trident. I could stand in it, but I had to focus on keeping balance. Not very easy to do while fishing. I'm sure it wasn't made for it, so I can't complain. It was a great yak. Very light. Wish my ride 115 was that light.

I have the 2013 ride 115 with the air pro seat. Only been out twice, but it is the BEST YAK IN THE WORLD....for me.

My first kayak was a 12' pelican. Don't know if it is the same model, but it looks the same. I don't want to bash pelican, but I can't express how much I disliked this kayak. I got it really cheap so I could get on the water, which is about all it was good for. It tracks very badly. Basically impossible to paddle straight. I thought I was a horrible paddler, but that wasn't the case when I tried other yaks. The seat is also very poor As far as price goes, I paid $350 for it new and sold it on Craigslist last year for $250 with an aluminum paddle. Since you're fishing from it, consider a sit on top. Trying to fish in a sit in was a complete headache for me. Also, consider one you could stand in. Even if you don't care about fishing while standing, your time will be more enjoyable if you can get away from a seated position every now and then. Let me know if you have any questions.

Looks great. My dad has the pescador 12, and it is great. This looks similar. If you took it out, how did you like it?

Quality of life improves after using a buff collar. I was fed up with my face hurting and the raccoon tan line. I do hate when it fogs up my glasses, but you can pull it under your nose. I think Columbia makes one with vents. I may try it out.

deer jerky or almonds to keep me from getting hungry if I'm out 4-6 hours. I'll swing by subway and bring a cooler if it'll be longer. When It is hot, I like to freeze a couple bottles of water to keep it cool.

That sounds awesome. Have fun! They may be able to take off WI tax at the expo, so you won't have to pay double tax. I just remembered, Quest watersports was at the Bloomington fish and feather expo, and said they do hobie demos. They are in Ottawa.

Just a heads-up, in Illinois, you have to pay sales tax (6.25%) to the department of revenue if you buy from an out of state dealer. You also have to title and register through the DNR, then renew every 3 years like a normal boat. Kind of a headache to figure it out, but ask me if you have questions. You'd be surprised the number of canoe/ kayaks I've seen on state lakes that are not registered.

here are some pics of my yaks.

hey.. its the buzzbait guy i just replied to! ha ha. I just joined the site, and am searching Illinois stuff. I basically only use a kayak now. I have a 16' bass boat and a 14' jon boat, and I MUCH prefer a kayak. A big reason (and probably a reason for most people) I got into it because of gas prices, always charging batteries, hauling a boat around, just the typical hassles of a boat. But now I prefer a kayak for the many advantages it offers for fishing. Mainly, it is super stealthy. I've caught bass on beds in my yak 3' away in 2' water. I didn't mean to get that close, but when I saw I had drifted up on it and it was facing away I dangled a senko in front of its face. That is when yak fishing took over. It gets in your blood...bad. I have no desire to use my bass boat anymore, but a lot of that has to do with a comfortable yak. I have the 2013 Wilderness Systems Ride 115. It has a comfortable seat, and you can stand in it. Being able to stand and stretch your legs will make yak fishing a million times better. We share Emiquon as a favorite lake, so I'll use it as an example. I fish this lake now more than any since I can see it out my living room window and it produces soooo many fish. A kayak is the perfect choice for this lake. You wouldn't think so because it is so big, but it is not as bad as it seems. If you are only using one trolling motor and one battery (Since it is a trolling motor only lake) you are limited on how far you can go anyways. More often than not, I can go faster with a normal rate of paddling than most people can trolling. I've even towed people who ran out of power. Another reason a yak excels at Emiquon is the weeds. At a certain part of of the year many people will just stop fishing here. Trolling motor+weeds does not make for a fun day. With a yak, you can paddle right through or on top of it. It takes some muscle sometimes, but it's a lot better than pulling weeds all day. Plus when it gets really windy, you can pop up on some mats and stay in place. This is hollow frog paradise. My favorite thing in the world. There are many days in the summer where I can do this and catch 50 bass in 4 or less hours. I kid you not, last season I caught 9 bass in 9 casts, with the smallest being 16.5". The best part... jon boats cant get in this slop. The worst part is paddling back when you're bleeding from bass thumb, but it is worth it. Once I started using a yak at Emiquon, I started catching way more. I believe the biggest reason is stealth. The lake is shallow and they aren't used to loud noises (outboards) This causes them be pretty spooky. It gets breezy there pretty easily, and the splash off of an aluminium boat scares them as well. One time, I was nailing them bumping squarebills off of old concrete. A guy in a jon boat came close to see how I was catching them, and as soon as he did the bite turned off like a switch. Before you buy, do TONS of research. It is hard in central Illinois, because quality fishing yaks are not really available. If you want, we could meet some time and I'll let you try out some yaks. Along with the ride 115 I have a Wilderness Tarpon 100 and a Perception Sport Pescador 12, which is the 2008 model of the wilderness tarpon 120. I know someone who would also probably let you try some different ones as well. It would be really helpful in your decision making, especially if your gonna spend 1500-2000. Keep in mind you'll have to buy a paddle and a high back pfd. Account for $400-450 If you want nice stuff. Some trolling motors made for yaks: http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-1170/BassYaks-Motor-Kits-dsh--Wilderness/Detail http://kayakfishinggear.com/torqeedoultralight403kayakmotor.aspx If you want to mount your own, I would think the wilderness commander would be good. It is a hybrid (canoe/kayak) Yes, you can install a fish finder. There are many ways to rig them now. Check out kayakbassfishing.com You can learn anything you'll ever want to know here. Sorry for the long post, but I really would like to see more kayak fishers in central Illinois. Maybe get a group going. Let me know if you have any questions. I live for kayak bass fishing.

I was there last Saturday, and most lures were 70% off. It is pretty thinned out though. Got a pair of waders at 50%.