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I posted this some time ago and have since started using the buzz toads as well. I've landed some serious hawgs with those things and no need to worry about a treble hook!! ??

A buddy asked if I would be able to take his son kayak fishing sometime. He's only 8 so I was reluctant to out him in his own kayak for a variety of reasons. Well, I decided to give this a shot...and the Big Rig performed flawlessly!! He sat on the front hatch while paddling and fishing and only turned to get fish pictures.

I have a NRS Chinook. Love it!! Plenty of pockets, light weight and comfortable as can be.

Before I bought the Big Rig, I used a plastic urinal. Those things are great!

Easy storage Easy to transport Easy access to skinny water Proximity to the catch...nothing like a blowup 5' from your boat while your 12" from the water! Ease of customization Cost Everything else others have said that I may have missed. It really is a great experience.

Lats and obliques always get me on a good day like that. Nice work!! -J

Took my Big Rig out for the first time yesterday and I couldn't be happier with the stability of that thing...its nuts! I was able to stand and cast in 15mph winds while I drifted and the rollers had me bouncing. The best part of the day was being able to hide in the reeds and stand up to pee!...LOL.

I used to do the same thing. Then one day I was out in some particularly windy weather when some fishermen on the shore started yelling at me. As I paddled over to them, I realized what they were saying. The tank well had filled up with water and my rear end was inches from being submerged. Getting myself out of that yak onto rip rap in 20mph winds to pull those rear scupper plugs taught me a valuable lesson! Only plug the holes you can see...lol.

I think I'm going to take a shot at building some. Doesnt look THAT difficult and will definitely be less than $170! -J

@michaelb , ideally I'd like to be able to lay the Jackson flat and still haul my Vibe in the j-hooks. I do like the idea of the bunks but everywhere I look they're sold out. I wouldn't be opposed to making my own but I'm at a loss at how to get the angles right or what kind of hardware I'd use. I also like the idea of a Thule DockGlide but OMG, are they expensive! Yakima also has some solid racks but again, expensive and most of them have an 80# load limit. I think, in the end I'll be getting some bunks. I like the look, functionality and simplicity. If the carpet goes bad, replace it. If the wood rots, replace it. I really cant think of a downside to using the bunk system. -J

I've got a trailer covered. I'm just looking to get away from the j-hooks. I've looked at the Malone wing, really like the bunk idea, and was wondering if there was anything else I should consider. -J

Liking the bunk system idea!! Thanks.

This weekend I picked up a Big Rig some 400 miles from my house. I hauled it home on my Malone MicroSport on j-hooks. It rode pretty well but I wasnt exactly comfortable with the idea of that big boat sitting in j-hooks at 70-80 mph. I'm now considering options for laying the kayak flat. I know Malone makes a wing or something but what other options are out there for a boat of that size? Thanks, -J

I've been on Erie in 3-5's, trying to beat a storm, in and the pucker factor was pretty intense. I couldn't imagine a 6' roller...no way...LOL.

Oh...I'm kinda digging the Liska ?. I believe there's a dealer near me. I'll have to go check it out. @TnRiver46 do you have any electronics mounted on your girlfriends Liska?

I currently have a Sea Ghost 110. I feel like I'm sitting on the deck of that boat. Even in the high position, a set of risers and a stand assist strap, I never felt like I could easily stand/sit without getting tossed. Then I saw somebody sitting in a Bonafide SS127 and I knew I wanted a seat/boat like that...lol. While I realize a high seat makes it difficult to paddle efficiently, I think the trade off would be worth it. Being able to sit comfortably, stand with ease, flip, pitch and punch, draw me to the high seat and wide deck, even if I'd have to buy a 250+ cm paddle. As for the Outlaw, I did look at it. I do agree that it has what I'm looking for but, I'm unsure about the rod holders. I guess that shouldnt be a deal breaker but I feel like that space couldve been utilized a bit more efficiently. With all that said, what boats do you suggest that may have a slightly lower seat with a stand assist strap? Thanks again for the input. I'd forgotten what its like to go through this...LOL. The fear of buyers remorse is making me nuts!! -J

Preferably I'd like something similar to the SS127 as far as seat height. I did consider the SS107. Have you paddled one? If so, whatd ya think? I was concerned with tracking on such a short boat. As for the Recon, I think its hard to go wrong with Wilderness Systems. I've rarely, if ever, heard anything negative about em...atleast with the ATAK line. However, I keep going back and forth on it. The things that I like are also they things that detract from it. 38" beam...rock solid casting deck but will certainly be SLOW. High seat....but no low position. Its funny you'd mention the VooDoo. That was one of the boats I looked at when I bought my Vibe. At that time there were maybe 2 or 3 companies in my price range. Now there are 6 or more and making things much more difficult to decide...lol. At any rate, thanks for your input. If nothing else, its made me truly consider my options and the pros and cons of each.

So, I was going to buy a used yak but I just can't see paying a coupla hundred under MSRP for a used kayak and I haven't found any deals I'm happy with. Therefore, I've decided to research, source, and buy a new one. Ideally, I'd like something with a higher seat and good stability. At 5' 10" and 240, every year past 45 has gotten more difficult to get my arse out of the seat...lol Anyway, I've looked at the Jackson YuPik. Love all the track and the high/low seat has good height but I'm a little put off by the lack of in hull storage. I've also looked at the Wildy Recon. The seat height is great but not adjustable and the beam is 38" which, imo screams stability. But, I'm sure it paddles like a brick. So, there's a $1400 boat and a $1000 boat. Any suggestions in that price range that meet my criteria? High seat and good stability. Thanks, -J

@Dwight HottleI was thinking more of the seasonal aspect of things. I read that they might be moving up to spawn in FL whereas they're still hanging deep here.

Good morning, all. Tomorrow I'm heading to Haines City, FL to visit my FIL. I plan on buying a rod on Amazon and having it shipped down there. I'll be taking a reel and some tackle. Aside from terminal tackle, any suggestion on what may work best while I'm down there? Not sure what waters I'll be fishing but it will most likely be pounding the banks. Any suggestions? Thanks, -J

Good morning, all. Tomorrow I'm heading to Haines City, FL to visit my FIL. I plan on buying a rod on Amazon and having it shipped down there. I'll be taking a reel and some tackle. Aside from terminal tackle, any suggestion on what may work best while I'm down there? Not sure what waters I'll be fishing but it will most likely be pounding the banks. Any suggestions? Thanks, -J **Edit** cant figure out how to delete so I reposted in Local Fishing Forum

Well, looks like there's a new contender...lol. FeeFree has their Lure 13.5 on closeout. 899 from 1400. Problem is, the only color they have is the pink camo...I ain't scared! What's your thoughts on Feel free?

@CountryboyinDC agreed, I think they're kind of high as well. I spoke w the OT owner and he said he'd think about it. I'm still kicking around making an offer on the Bonafide. He sent pics and there's a lil more rash than I would like to see. Kind of feel like the 700-750 could be better spent elsewhere.

@CountryboyinDC WOW, that was a very informative reply. Thank you. The guy with the RS117 is asking $900...I plan on offering him $750 and see if he'll bite. The guy with the OT is asking $1200 and I plan on offering $1000. The OT seems like a more substantial boat but I'm leaning towards the Bonafide, especially if the seat sits as high as the SS127 in the high position. My dilemma is which one do I make an offer to first...lol. From the sounds of it, I should take a shot at the OT and see how that goes. Thanks again for the reply. It's greatly appreciated!! -J

Well, my wife has finally relented and agreed to allow me to buy another kayak. I realize that I can get more bang for the buck if I buy used, so I'm looking at FB Marketplace. I've narrowed it down to an RS117 (Id love a 127) and the Bigwater 132. I have no experience with either but I do know that I want to stand and do some sight fishing this summer. Anyone have any input or experience with these 2 yaks? Thanks, -J