CC268 Posted September 12, 2013 Posted September 12, 2013 I am having a tough time deciding between a kayak and a pond prowler. I will mostly be fishing smaller lakes and the Verde River here in AZ. I have a friend who does both of these things with a Pond Prowler and does it effectively. I would be getting a trolling motor for the Pond Prowler. I WILL MOSTLY BE FISHING TWO PEOPLE! Fishing two people has really led me towards the Pond Prowler. I could get two kayaks but it would be pricey, and paddling across some of these lakes would be a lot of work. Of course I could get a trolling motor for the kayak, but at that point I figure the Pond Prowler would be the way to go. I also think the Pond Prowler would be a lot more comfortable to fish from. Just trying to see what your guys' opinions are I guess. Quote
Jim Mac Posted September 12, 2013 Posted September 12, 2013 Since it's for 2 people, the Pond Prowler. Quote
Tony L. Posted September 12, 2013 Posted September 12, 2013 Sounds like you already have your mind made up, and I think you are making the right choice with the prowler. Nothing against the kayaks, they are an excellent way to fish -- maybe just not the perfect fit for what you are wanting to do at the moment. Good luck on your purchase Quote
HeavyDluxe Posted September 12, 2013 Posted September 12, 2013 I won't dispute your choice... But, just for a comparison, check out the Jackson Big Tuna: http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/kayak-fishing/big-tuna/ I know people who fish out of it solely as a tandem (two people) and also some who occasionally use it solo. I think that there are trolling motors for yaks that will mount to the Tuna. No agenda... Just offering a point of contrast. Given your needs, the Prowler might definitely be the right decision. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 Tandem kayaking is possibly the worst experience I've ever had, and that wasn't even fishing. They're fine if you want to take a kid along, but two adults - no way! I vote two kayaks, or a bigger pond prowler, if fishing for two is a must. 1 Quote
CC268 Posted September 12, 2013 Author Posted September 12, 2013 Tandem kayaking is possibly the worst experience I've ever had, and that wasn't even fishing. They're fine if you want to take a kid along, but two adults - no way! I vote two kayaks, or a bigger pond prowler, if fishing for two is a must. I can't imagine fishing in a tandem kayak with me and my buddy (buddy is 200 pounds) haha. Two kayaks or the pond prowler are definitely the way to go for me. I am going to pick up the pond prowler this weekend and a trolling motor. If I find I need a kayak for certain situations I will get one this upcoming summer. Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 Tandem kayak fishing is way less than ideal. I like kayaks so i would say go the two kayak route becasue then you would always have one to lend out and loading and unloading it by yourself is easier than a prowler. And let your buddy buy his own kayak lol Quote
HeavyDluxe Posted September 12, 2013 Posted September 12, 2013 There, the experts have spoken. Consider my post set aside! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 There, the experts have spoken. Consider my post set aside! The big tuna is a pretty cool boat....so much room when rigged for single person fishing. It's a good suggestion, if a kayak is what the OP decides on. As great as kayaks are, tandems are just miserable. At the shop, we called them "divorce boats," lol. Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 The big tuna is a pretty cool boat....so much room when rigged for single person fishing. It's a good suggestion, if a kayak is what the OP decides on. As great as kayaks are, tandems are just miserable. At the shop, we called them "divorce boats," lol. You can add in tandem bikes too..... Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 You can add in tandem bikes too..... I saw a tandem-recumbant-tricycle the other day. I almost ran a stop sign I was laughing so hard. Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 I saw a tandem-recumbant-tricycle the other day. I almost ran a stop sign I was laughing so hard. huh?? Were they side by side? Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 No, front and back. I should have gotten a pic. Looked "home engineered." Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 No, front and back. I should have gotten a pic. Looked "home engineered." Interesting. Were they both pedaling or was it like a rickshaw? I guess it wouldn't be to hard to take a tandem recumbant and just widen the rear wheel area to take two wheels... The bigger question would be....why? http://www.terratrike.com/tandem.php Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 Tandem - both pedaling. Imagine a tandem recumbent. Just add two wheels in the rear. Goofiest looking thing I've seen in a while. Quote
CC268 Posted September 12, 2013 Author Posted September 12, 2013 Two kayaks would be an option, but but it would be pricey...Pond Prowler will do everything I want to use it for, and possibly a bit more comfortable to fish in and more room. Plus like I said I will be fishing with a buddy as well. Anyways, it seems like there are a lot more kayak lovers than Pond Prowler lovers haha, maybe the kayak is better, but like I said I think I will at least get the Pond prowler for now and pick up a kayak if I feel that I need one down the road... Quote
Super User J Francho Posted September 12, 2013 Super User Posted September 12, 2013 If you are gong for distance fishing, and possibly bigger waters, a kayak is a better platform. If you just want to get out on calm waters with a buddy, a two seat prowler is probably a better choice. It comes down to what you'll be doing more of and what kind of waters. Quote
CC268 Posted September 12, 2013 Author Posted September 12, 2013 Hmm...yea...it is a tough decision but if I got a kayak I would be leaving my roommate out and I don't necessarily want to fish by myself. I could get two kayaks, but I would want to upgrade the seat, get a trolling motor, etc...not sure how pricey that would get. When I go to bass pro I will look at both and talk to some people...get some opinions and see how much it would be to rig a kayak up with a trolling motor Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted September 13, 2013 Super User Posted September 13, 2013 Unless you are going really long distances i wouldn't look at a trolling motor. I am not sure about your state but putting a trolling motor on any boat here in VA requires registration and then you have to factor in the cost of a battery and charger too. And i wish i had a roommate like you in college.....buy a boat so i can go fishing. Quote
CC268 Posted September 13, 2013 Author Posted September 13, 2013 I'm not to worried about registration...its pretty cheap. I wouldn't want to paddle around a pond prowler! Anyways, everyone has there differing opinions...I appreciate all the help! If I feel the need for a kayak I will pick one up this summer Quote
HeavyDluxe Posted September 13, 2013 Posted September 13, 2013 Do you have any way to demo them? I imagine which one to choose would become more obvious then. Quote
CC268 Posted September 13, 2013 Author Posted September 13, 2013 Do you have any way to demo them? I imagine which one to choose would become more obvious then. I don't but I have been on a Pond Prowler as well as a kayak Quote
aceman387 Posted September 14, 2013 Posted September 14, 2013 I have a pond prowler and a kayak and i haven't used the pond prowler for a couple years since buying my kayak.I take my days off from work during the week to avoid the masses on the water during the weekends so i solo it most of the time,I think for you the pond prowler would be the way to go since you like fishing with a friend.I like my pond prowler but i prefer the simplicity and stealth of being in a kayak and not having to drag motors,batteries around. If you go the pond prowler route look on craigslist for some used ones,sometimes you see some cheap ones on there. Quote
CC268 Posted September 14, 2013 Author Posted September 14, 2013 Well I got a pond prowler, so whether it sucks or not I got one... Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted September 14, 2013 Super User Posted September 14, 2013 Well I got a pond prowler, so whether it sucks or not I got one... Awesome!! Any type of boat is better than being on the bank. have fun and rig it up and post some pics. Quote
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