Kayak Decisions

[alexandboi]

So I've been debating if I should pick up a kayak during the winter for next year. I've been doing some research and narrowed it down to either the native ultimate 12, or nucanoe frontier 12. Which of these would you guys recommend? I will be fishing reservoirs most of the time, although there is a river nearby that I would like to explore once I get a kayak. I also would like something stable enough to stand on. I am open to other recommendations but in the 1000-1200 price range.

[Felix77]

I am on a search for a kayak this winter as well.  I am eyeing the new Predator 13 by Old Town.  I am also considering the Wilderness Systems Ride and the Moken series of kayaks.

 

Before I make my decision I plan to get around to as many canoe places that I can and actually sit in them.  You can learn a lot about sitting in one to see if it's going to work for you.  Tried it a few times already and have eliminated all sit inside ones as a result.

[moguy1973]

I would look into the Jackson Cuda also...they are a great flat water kayak that probably has one of the best seats for a kayak, and they are stable to stand in.

[Darren.]

So I've been debating if I should pick up a kayak during the winter for next year. I've been doing some research and narrowed it down to either the native ultimate 12, or nucanoe frontier 12. Which of these would you guys recommend? I will be fishing reservoirs most of the time, although there is a river nearby that I would like to explore once I get a kayak. I also would like something stable enough to stand on. I am open to other recommendations but in the 1000-1200 price range.

 

I'm biased here. I have an Ultimate 12 and love it. The new models are even better, more stable, better standing (flatter bottomed pontoons), etc.

 

It looks like you are in the market for a hybrid kayak/canoe, both are fine products, as is the Wilderness Systems Commander. If you can get some sit-in time, that might help you decide on comfort based on your body, etc.

[alexandboi]

Thanks guys. I would love to sit in one before purchasing it, but I do not think there are any stores that carry the kayaks that I am interested in. I will definitely look into the recommendations though. 

[bmlum415]

i just did a kayak tournament and fished out of an ocean kayak and an old town predator. if i had the money to spend, the old town predator is just as good as it gets. its very stable and handles rough water well as well as being very dry. you can also stand up in it comfortably and the seat it has is amazing. its comfortable and you're elevated above the water pretty well. i fished for 2 days on the delta one day in each kayak and the predator was my favorite by far.

[Jrob78]

You have a solid budget, that should get you something really nice.  I paddle a Ride 135 and like it a lot.  Don't forget to put some back for at least a paddle and pfd to get started.

[alexandboi]

Well I figured I'd spend 1000 on the kayak and set about 500 aside for a nice paddle and pfd. Although I also want to put in a fish finder so I guess I need to do some more saving. Anyone have a good recommendation for a fish finder? I've been looking at the lowrance elite 4x dsi. Anyone have experience with it?

[J Francho]

Let your butt decide - get some seat time in both.

[moguy1973]

Well I figured I'd spend 1000 on the kayak and set about 500 aside for a nice paddle and pfd. Although I also want to put in a fish finder so I guess I need to do some more saving. Anyone have a good recommendation for a fish finder? I've been looking at the lowrance elite 4x dsi. Anyone have experience with it?

My buddy and I both have that finder on our kayaks, it works well for what we use them for.