Need Kayak Advice

[cshea4]

Im looking for an inexpensive kayak to fish out of.  I have been looking at the future beach trophy 126 and field and stream12' eagle run sit in kayak.  Im not looking to spend to much money but am open to suggestions.

[jimmykm21]

Couldn't have posted this at a better time  .I'm going to Dicks tomorrow to buy or order the field and stream eagle run 12 foot

They have them on sale for $350.00.

 

Don't know a thing about them or have ever been in one but I also want to get into kayak fishing

 

Only thing I can say is most guys I know that own a boat and a fishing kayak ,  the kayak seems to get used more than the boat.

I know my self there's many times I don't feel like trailering and launching my boat for just 2 or 3 of hours of fishing.

 

I think I will end using this kayak a lot , throw it in the back of my truck and be in the water in no time.

[cshea4]

ya im really excited about getting one and getting out there just want to make sure i look at all options and do my research first.  i live right down the street from a creek so it will be a great investment for me and im hoping for some good adventures.

[jimmykm21]

There's a lot of guys on here that kayak fish and I'm sure will offer some good advice.

The one thing I know for sure with me was I wanted a sit inside with a large cockpit.

 

I know I'll be using mine in the fall when the water gets colder and a sit on top would be too wet I think.

[Jim Mac]

Im looking for an inexpensive kayak to fish out of.  I have been looking at the future beach trophy 126 and field and stream12' eagle run sit in kayak.  Im not looking to spend to much money but am open to suggestions.

You should also look at the Ascend A10 at Bass Pro Shop. It's $299 on their website.

[martintheduck]

Yak fishing is wayyyy different than boat fishing. Its a really fun time, especially when you land a donky! I wouldn't buy anything shorter 12ft. Space is already tight on a yak, and every 10ft I've seen is TINY TINY TINY. (I own a NuCanoe Frontier 12)

[Hanover_Yakker]

If at all possible, get some seat time on the water in the kayak you are interested in.  Check around your area for some kayak forums or kayak outfitters/specialty shops.  You might be able to find someone that has the model you are interested in.  Don't overlook comfort, even when you are sitting in the kayak in the store.  If the kayak doesn't feel comfortable after you adjust the seat and foot placement, then thank the attendant/clerk politely and either choose another model or just walk away.

 

Don't forget the second part of the purchase - a class III PFD and a paddle.  You need to budget anywhere from $100-400 in addition to the cost of the kayak itself.  Many newcomers overlook that part.  When selecting kayak lengths, here are some "general" guidelines....

 

*8-10' hulls are normally wider and more stable, but are easily affected by wind and can be difficult to maintain a straight track

*11-12'' hulls are considered a good small water hull with better tracking and paddling behavior/manners.

*13' hulls are generall accepted as the most flexible in how you can use them (small waters and big waters)

*15-16' hulls are considered to be the quickest of them all but are also the least stable (traditionally a big water boat like major reservoirs and off shore salt)

 

Many newcomers pick a short hull just from a transport and toting perspective - these same folks often times end up selling their first hull and end up buying or at least wishing they had opted for a longer hull.  Remember, the shorter the hull, the less usable space you have for items you will need whne you try to fish.  Just something to keep in mind.

 

With that said, the F&S, Future Beach and Ascend options are decent but can all run a tad heavy.  You may also want to consider the Perception Sports line (also available at DSG) and don't forget West Marine.  They carry a line named the Pompano 120.  It is actually the pre-2008 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 mold and is one of the most popular hulls on the market.  You can sometimes find the Pompano 120 around holiday time for a steal at $379 , but it currently retails for $429 and can be drop shipped to any West Marine at no additional charge.  Here's a link and pic:

 

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=1000321&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50596&subdeptNum=50620&classNum=50621

 

http://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/large/12972444.jpg

[Zoff]

I am the Lead at DSG/Roanoke in the lodge.  The F&S Eagle Run or the Talon would be an excellent choice and get more bang for the buck than the rest.  They have great durability and maneuverability.  As for the paddle and PFD… paddle-$40-$100 and the F&S PFD was on sale for $49.  Everyday you get 15% off PFD and Paddle if both bought at the same time as the Yak.  BOL… “probably” a big sale on Yaks for the 4^th.

[that possum]

Yak fishing is wayyyy different than boat fishing. Its a really fun time, especially when you land a donky! I wouldn't buy anything shorter 12ft. Space is already tight on a yak, and every 10ft I've seen is TINY TINY TINY. (I own a NuCanoe Frontier 12)

I wanna know more about your NuCanoe Frontier! I love how customizable they are and how much weight they can handle.

[bartdude186]

i know some people don't like the Pelican brand but this spring i bought a Pelican Icon 120x angler and i love it, 12' and plenty of room i carry 3 rods, 2 tackle bags and a small cooler and have no problem at all. I can fish all day with no problems and i am 6'1" and 210lbs. It seems to be pretty tough so far as well, i have ran it on top of rocks, gravel, etc with no problems. they sell at Academy for 399 and on sale now and then for 350.http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_751757_-1__?color=Sand&N=670787849&Ntt=kayak&Ntk=All

[Tkramer22]

Just got an ascend a10, great buy! By the way, if you know a bass pro employee, you can get it for 180, like me 

[SCangler91]

What are the pros and cons of sit on top versus a sit in kayak?  I'm thinking about purchasing a kayak to fish in as well and to the naked eye the sit on top seems like it allows more freedom of movement for fishing activities.

[Hanover_Yakker]

What are the pros and cons of sit on top versus a sit in kayak?  I'm thinking about purchasing a kayak to fish in as well and to the naked eye the sit on top seems like it allows more freedom of movement for fishing activities.

 

The major advantage of a SOT (Sit On Top) vs. a SINK (Sit INside Kayak) is actually safety.  SOTs are designed with scupper holes to allow water to freely enter end exit the kayak.  Very important when you fish areas like I do - ocean, saltwater bridge complexes with waves and boat wash.  Also handy in areas like tidal inlets and rivers where you may encounter moving water.  If water gets in, it channels itself to the scupper and out.  With a SINK, you need to carry a hand operated bilge pump, perhaps a couple of large sponges or chamois cloths.  If you are fishing calm smaller waters, either is fine.  If you are fishing moving waters with a chance of waves or water entering the kayak hull frequently, then a SOT is the best and safest option.The SOT also affords you the opportunity to egress out of the kayak in the event of a "turtle" or flip.  You might lose some gear but you'll at least be able to right the hull and get back in.  With a SINK, once a large amount of water enters the hull, you will have a harder time getting the water out.  Most people I know end up beaching the SINK and turning it upside down unless it has a drain plug.

 

As you mentioned, the SOT also affords you greater range of movement and ease of entering and exiting the hull.

 

Once you figure out which water types you will fish 70% of the time, you will be able to hone in on which hull style works best.  If you are considering a SINK, don't forget to look into the hybrids like the Wilderness Systems Commander 120/140, the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12.5/14.5 and NuCanoe Frontier 12s.

[HeavyDluxe]

The SOT also affords you the opportunity to egress out of the kayak in the event of a "turtle" or flip.  You might lose some gear but you'll at least be able to right the hull and get back in.  With a SINK, once a large amount of water enters the hull, you will have a harder time getting the water out.  Most people I know end up beaching the SINK and turning it upside down unless it has a drain plug.

 

As you mentioned, the SOT also affords you greater range of movement and ease of entering and exiting the hull.

 

Hanover's post is *solid gold*, baby.

 

I fish flat water in New England with an occasional outing on a slow-moving section of river being the most current I'll face.  I picked a SOT for two reasons:

• Safety/righting... As a larger guy, I was worried that I'd have an easier time turtling a kayak when fishing (shifting my weight around the boat, etc).  The self-bailing aspects of the SOT were attractive.
• Comfort... The low profile of the SOT makes entry easy and angling very comfortable for me.  I felt crowded in the hybrids and SOTs I tried.

Again, wherever possible, getting out to paddle boats you are considering is a MUST.  You'll learn more about what you like and don't like in a few minutes of seat time than you'll ever learn from reading other people's post - no matter how well-intentioned or informative - online.

[SCangler91]

Thanks for the insight Hanover.  One more question, is it more difficult to cast with a baitcaster when on the kayak?  It seems like it may be tough to get that pinpoint cast being so low to the water when in a kayak.  I'm fine with using a spinning setup so it wouldn't be much of an issue but I was just wondering if its something that you had an opinion on.

[Hanover_Yakker]

Thanks for the insight Hanover.  One more question, is it more difficult to cast with a baitcaster when on the kayak?  It seems like it may be tough to get that pinpoint cast being so low to the water when in a kayak.  I'm fine with using a spinning setup so it wouldn't be much of an issue but I was just wondering if its something that you had an opinion on.

Not an issue at all. I have baitcasters, spinning, fly and conventional lever drag reels and cast them all. I will say that skip casting and dock shooting is way easier though since you so close to the water. I typically use a side arm or 3/4 overhead cast and avoid snagging rods behind me just fine.

[jimmykm21]

Hanover's post is *solid gold*, baby.

 

I fish flat water in New England with an occasional outing on a slow-moving section of river being the most current I'll face.  I picked a SOT for two reasons:

• Safety/righting... As a larger guy, I was worried that I'd have an easier time turtling a kayak when fishing (shifting my weight around the boat, etc).  The self-bailing aspects of the SOT were attractive.
• Comfort... The low profile of the SOT makes entry easy and angling very comfortable for me.  I felt crowded in the hybrids and SOTs I tried.

Again, wherever possible, getting out to paddle boats you are considering is a MUST.  You'll learn more about what you like and don't like in a few minutes of seat time than you'll ever learn from reading other people's post - no matter how well-intentioned or informative - online.

I live in New England also , I bought a sit in side but am also considering buying another kayak  for summer months.

This would be a SOT  , do you fish out of your SOT during the spring and fall when water temps are in the 50's and 60 's ?

 

If so how do you stay warm ?  wet suit

 

I tried my friends SOT and really liked the open feeling but he only fishes out of it the summer months when water temps are in the 70 's or even 80's

[HeavyDluxe]

I'm a new kayak angler, having started with my WS Ride 115 in May.  So, take everything I say with a huge grain of salt.

 

My first kayak was a SINK, and I'd clearly agree that it is a generally warmer ride - the walls help you retain heat, keep the wind off our body, and obviously keep you dry.  I think a more normal sized angler might be quite content to fish out of a SINK exclusively.  However, given my size, the SOT was just way more manageable (getting in/out of the boat, body mobility, overall comfort).

 

I don't know much about cold-season use.  Though I would point to NDYakAngler's YouTube channel (and this video, in particular) as illustrative of what's possible.  I'm afraid I don't know enough about cold weather equipment to comment much, though.

[Jwood]

I'm currently getting into kayak fishing and it's a blast!  I'm using a 10' SINK great little boat small rivers and lakes but I'm in the market for a SOT.  The SINK can kinda be a pain trying to land a fish.  Plus, I like the ability to swing my legs off the side of a SOT.