OperationEagle

I think the question is do you really need outriggers. I have a cuda 12 and can stand with no issues if thats what you want to do. Each person is different however in terms of feeling balanced, etc.

You will find tons of reviews, comments, perspectives on any kayak. Just use your search bar or google. I try not to be a fanboy of the kayak that I have chosen as each person has their own needs. In fact I HATE it when someone just gushes about how great brand X is. You also need to know that there are many that are sponsored or on "pro staffs" who's purpose is to spread positive info on their products. I am not saying they are not knowledgeable. I am just saying they typically are biased or have a vested interest in saying what they are saying. YOU have to be the judge as to what YOUR needs are. Each boat design has its pros and cons. Everything seems to be a tradeoff. Stability, weight, comfort, etc. In one keystroke I found a review I thought was informative and pretty fair for the Ride 115X. I THINK much of it can be projected to the Ride 115 but to be fair I am not 100% sure. http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-kayak-review/354-wilderness-systems-ride-115x This is just an example of something that is well thought out giving pros and cons. BTW, you did not mention what kinds of body of water you will be fishing, how you will be transporting ( I think car top ?), what is important to you (ie do you like to sight fish). So much already written on many forums. I suggest you take the time to inventory your needs and digest what hs been published. We can help/provide perspective if there is something that you might think is unique to your situation.

Without seat this thing weighs in at 84lb. With the seat 96lb. If money truly is holding you back I suggest being patient and finding a nicely kept top tier kayak that is more manageable. Just 2 examples: native ultimate (49 lbs), Jackson Cuda 12 (68 lbs w/o seat...76 w seat...but you just lift off the deck when transporting it). Sorry...telling you this is a "great choice" puts you in a trap. You will either... a. not use it nearly as much as you'd hoped because the weight makes transporting and getting it to and from storage such a pain. b. If you do stick with it, you realize that due to the weight you need to "upgrade" spending more money than you would have if you would have just bought the correct one in the first place.

Tim, I have a Cuda 12. My molded plastic hatch cover (one that fits betwen the legs) is made of VERY sturdy plastic. Its sturdy enough that many people mount their fishfinder on it. If it is thin and flimsy maybe the design has changed significantly? I agree that these kayaks (Ride 115's, Jacksons, Natives, etc) are not cheap. I typically try to pinch pennies and fall into the trap of buying a cheaper version of X only to want to upgrade to Y...spending more money in the long run. I am glad I didnt do that with my kayak purchase. Buying right the first time will allow you to start modifying it to your liking from day one. If anything, look for a well cared for used Cuda or Ride if you want to save some $$. You are smart to have gotten some seat time in the Cuda to see if you like it. As hoosierbass mentioned, the Ride is a worthy consideration but heavy. Every lb counts for ease of transporting and storing...a pt that is rarely discussed or often dismissed. A great way to get on the water and catch fish. Best of luck to you.

Picked up some sunclouds for less than $30 (includ shipping) from sierra trading post. you can find some decent deals there of you have the patience to keep looking.

Looks good...careful with that corner edge of the bracket. Looks like it angles just a tad below the skid plate. Even if it doesnt, it could catch on something and bend or really scratch the bed of your truck or side of your car. Maybe just bend the corner in against itself?

Was using a 7 ft medium Vendetta rod w a 6:4 Patriarch. Sufix Elite 14lb. 1/4 oz terminator jig w a baby paca craw jig. pumpkin.

Didnt have the numbers (12 in all) but had some big girls. They were shallow. All texas rigged plastics. Had 2 that were 19.5 inches + One of these weighed in at 4.7lbs. She was a hoss. She was way back i the shallows right up near the bank. Tried a jig for a few hrs (deep) and got just one strike but didnt land her...I swear my jigging technique sucks or I cant tell when there is a bite or something!

All right MNsotans...Less than 26 hours away. Sat look beautiful. 30% chance of TS for Sun and Mon though. 12 mph wind on Sun. Have a feeling Tonka will be busy. Havent finalized my weekend destinations.

Things to consider: a. comfort of the seat: your back will thank you. b. height of the seat: the higher the sitting position the easier it is to get up and down from the sitting and standing positions...for this one your knees will thank you. c. weight of the yak: transporting the boat is not trivial. Call me a wuss but I am not getting stronger with age. 5-10 lbs can make a difference. d. then all of the other things that are easy to think of...stability, cockpit layout, maneuverability, height the boat sits in the water (higher profile yaks will catch more wind). Like others asked you didnt say what kind of water you fish...river, open water, large or small. Having the ability to stand is nice but you have to decide how important that is and what your sense of balance is like. I'd put the Jackson Cuda 12/14, Ride 115/135 on your definite consider list. The Old Town Predator looks interesting but never been in one. Get butt time in as many as possible. If you cant on the water then at least sit in the store to get a feel for what its like to sit in and get up and down in the boat. Look at the hull to try to assess difference in stability (if you cant get it on the water, though this is a less than ideal way). Glad you arent looking for the cheapest thing to get you on the water as that is a sure way to waste your money. Good luck.

Not looking forward to seeing the winter kill here in MN. Hope the coming storm wont have too much of an impact by melting quickly. The lake I like to fish is no more than 7-8 feet...I fear the worst for it. I wonder how long it will take before the fish population recovers. I know it could depend on how aggressive the DNR is with stocking. Thoughts anyone?

Interesting thought...2 additional ones...improvements in and availability of affordable electronics and the emergence of the fishing kayak.

I have the HBird 346C. Use a Tducer arm that I would say is just OK. I tried the electrical puddy inside the hull but my DI didnt work and the sonar signal seemed to be cut buy at least 30%. With the Tducer in the water the picture is clear and teh signal strong. Have it mounted on a battery box that gets strapped to the center console of my Cuda 12.

Many coming from canoes I agree but I have always wondered if most were coming from people that have always coveted a bass boat or had a boat and realized the expense, time for upkeep, storage space, gas, insurance, time to prep for the day, time to get it in the water and get it out. I think the recession also was a huge catalyst with resources being constrained, people were looking for an affordable alternative to the traditional bass boat. If you love to fish, I cant recommend this mode of getting on the water enough. Can't wait for that ice to melt!!

I bet if you call down to Jackson they would help you out by telling you what they do specifically and where they should go. Even might suggest the kind of glue to use if necessary. They are responsive. Mine are all still intact as I assumed they are there to add structural integrity to the boat but I may be wrong.

DevilDog: Seems you are selling your canoe for a SOT yak. I have never fished from a canoe but I would think a SOT platform (designed for fishing) would be a bit more manageable to fish out of. As for spooking the fish. I have seen many kayakers strategically line their boats with STS to dampen the sound of their feet or rods, etc. against the kayak. Casting distance can also help. I am sure many members can chime in on the factors affecting distance...rod, reel, practice, etc.. The point of the kayak (which is similar to the canoe) is to get you off of the bank and into productive fising areas...in fact areas that can be difficult for motorized boats to travel. This in itself increases your chance of landing more and better quality fish. I am about to start my third season with my Jackson Cuda 12 and am really enjoying it. There are many quality boats out there. Find one that suits the water you are fishing and maximizes your comfort (standing stability and sitting comfort). Take your time (buy it once and buy it right as they can be spendy...but worth it) and good luck.

When you pass by a Walmart, drop in to check out the rods they have available. I just bought two more Vendetta 6'6" MH casting rods for $29 and change each (on clearance). $30 for a rod like that is a steal imo. So check them out...as they are still out there!

I have the HB346C on my kayak and really like it. The DI produces a nice image. I first tried the thru hull install. Once I switched to a dedicated trandsucer arm, however, the images improved seemingly 3X. The DI sees the fish as dots. I would say that it would be tough to use the DI to seek out fish? As for seeing the contour/depth, the unit has put me on some nice fish...I wont fish without it. I highly recommend it. I bought a plastic dry box from WalMart and put a deer feeder type battery in it. Mounted the HB on top of that and it is completely portable. Sits on the hatch between my legs in front of me. Color to me has been very useful.

I missed my window this morning. Looks like I am completely done for 2013. No ice fishing for me.

I might as well introduce myself as well. Name is Mel and I mostly fish the south Metro. Just completed my first full season out of a kayak and can't seem to get enough. Been a lurker for a while and decided to jump in a few weeks ago on this site. Lots of good stuff on here so thanks guys! Anyone heading out this weekend for one last hoorah? If it gets close to 50 will the fish be active? Just don't want to head out and get skunked.

I find Crystal's cousin (Orchard Lake) to be frustrating as well. One day I slay 'em the next I am skunked....actually its more like for every day I slay them, I seemed to get skunked 7 days.

Great feedback guys thanks. FT, yes I find that thread informative. Was just hoping to get some more recent feedback as the thread was starting to slow significantly. Thanks for being easy on a noob!

OK either no one was fishing...or no one is seeing success consistently at least? C'mon Minnesotans, where are you?

Was out on my yak this weekend both days. Tougher than I expected for fall fishing. Out on a small lake SAT and Harriet on SUN. Caught three on Harriet. Largest was 16/17 inches. Caught all in about 7-10 FOW. All hit a pumpkin sweet beaver. I have fished Orchard Lake a few times this fall. A couple of 18+ a few weekends ago down deep...more difficult recently. Hope the weekend fishing conditions improve for this fall. How deep are you finding them and what baits are working in the metro?