Kayak Anglers, Your Thoughts/opinions

[Jig Meister]

Hey all,

I have been wanting to get off the shores for years now, and was never able to find something that fit my needs like a fishing kayak. While I have been waiting and saving here and there, I have been going rounds about which one I actually want to get.

I am looking for your thoughts/opinions and experiences with SOT kayaks, I am looking for one that is stable enough to stand and cast if I want.

I have looked at most models of all the major brands, and now and leaning towards a Jackson Coosa.

I am willing to invest 1500 which I want to include all the rigging I wish to do also.

I have priced out a cheaper Field and Stream with everything I will need (seat, paddles, PFD, anchors etc) and I have decided to wait to get what I really want now, instead of something to just get me by.

Thanks for all the assistance, not trying to get into this on a whim as this is going to be something I wont be able to repurchase any time soon.

[aceman387]

I just picked up my first fishing kayak three months ago.I went with the wilderness system ride 115.I dont have a lot of experience with other makes and models to compare it to but i have to say i love it.I have reached the point to where i am planning on selling my to pond prowlers because i love the simplicity of kayak bass fishing.If you look on you tube you can see videos of the ride 115 where fisherman are standing and casting out of it,i have stood up in it often(mainly to pee) but with me being 52 i would be a little hesistant to stand and cast away,the guys on the videos must have put there time in(practice) to be that confident.The ride is a great kayak,i fish a lot of time sitting on the edge with my legs dangling in the water with no fear of flipping it over.Kayak fishing is a blast,you will love it.

[Jig Meister]

I have been eyeing the wilderness line for a while now. most people around here in ohio have either wilderness, native or hobie rigs.

My brother does a lot of river kayaking for fun and recommended jackson, and I fell in love with their line of anglers.

[J Francho]

I use a Freedomhawk 12 UL and a Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler:

There's a ton of others out there that stand, Wildy Commander and Ride are two more good boats.

[Gavin]

The Jackson Coosa is a great river boat...my buddy stands on his and fishes all day long, but youd probably want something with a more pronounced keel for still water. The Wilderness Ride or Jackson Cuda would be good choices for flat water. Paddle them first if you can. Good luck.

[Olebiker]

I fish out of a Heritage Redfish 14 right now since I fish for both bass and saltwater species.

If I was going to buy a bass-only kayak it would be a Wilderness Systems Ride 11.5. It is wide enough that you can stand in it. The seat is very adjustable fore and aft and the boat is built so that the water drains away from the seat.

[Jig Meister]

The wilderness systems ride is a rig that keeps coming back around as one of my best options.

I will almost only be fishing lakes and ponds this might be the best option for me.

[Jig Meister]

Next question

I will probably just end up buying my kayak un-rigged, which will save me a few hundred dollars. I have found a good website that I can get my rigging equipment from that I feel is reasonable, and just do all that myself, as I like to have everything where I want it to be.

Question is, does the money self spent on rigging really save over buying it pre-rigged?

I have what it will cost me to get an anchor system, rigging kit to cover almost everything I will need to do, new seat, exrta rod holder

Also, any extra advice would be great, for once I am not jumping into something and trying to do it the right way

[J Francho]

Rig it yourself the way you want it. Do yourself a favor and mock up any new riggings and take her for a paddle before drilling any holes.

[Jig Meister]

Good advice, thanks man.

also, how much did that freedom hawk run you, when it was all said and done.

nifty craft, looks pretty fun

[J Francho]

They are $1100, IIRC.

[CHRGD]

I have a Tarpon 120, pretty much in brand new condition, no holes drilled. It is the angler edition. I bought it new, and it has been in the lake twice. Back issues are keeping me from enjoying it. I have a cart, and crate to go with it, if interested.

[Shaky Head]

The Jackson Coosa is an awesome yak, but designed for river fishing. The bow stands tall in the water to keep from taking water over the front of the boat while navigating moving water. This design; however, is not ideal for lake and pond fishing. The larger or taller bow catches the wind like a sail and will cause frustrating days of fishing when the wind is blowing over 5mph.

[basslovr]

You would not be giving yourself a fair decision if you did not check out the Nucanoe Frontier.....it is hands down the most stable "kayak" hybrid on the market......I don't think anyone has been able to flip it yet....and there are folks that have tried to and couldn't.....I'm just sayin.....It may not have the "prestige" of some of those other names...but if you want a stable ride....you gotta at least give it a test.....you won't find anything more stable.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

I stand on mine. It's an emotion kayaks renegade XT. It's really stable cause it's wider than most kayaks but if you want to stand I would recommend a wider one. Also look for one with an easy accessible dry hatch while on board, trust me. Also, you'll want to consider weight cause I'm sure you'll be doing a lot of your fishing by yourself so you want something you can manage and launch on your own.

Don't skimp on your paddle either. You'll want a nice light weight paddle so you don't get fatigued. Lastly if you get the chance, sit in the kayak before you buy it. You might find it does or doesn't have acceptable back support for you. All kayaks feel different and you want to be sure you'll be comfortable all day.

Good luck.

[elhoward622]

Good advice here. I am glad to see that you are choosing to buy a big brand name; you truly get what you pay for here. If standing and fishing is a priority, then make sure to check out boats that are wide and your feet lie as far down in the water as possible. Wilderness Commanders are ultra stable because of the tri-hull design and your feet are below the water level. I had one for a couple of years and truly enjoyed it. I don't stand and fish anymore because the Jackson Coosa has the high seating option and eliminates the need for it. I am a huge fan of both Wilderness and Jackson, so either way is a win. I lean to Jackson these days because they are more creative with their factory rigging and their seats are far more comfortable that anything wilderness offers. I actually don't even modify my Coosa because it has 4 secure rod holders built in and built in tackle storage under the seat. I also overlook the Coosa's terrible wind handling because it is so functional. Find the boat that "fits" you best so you can spend the most hours in the seat.