10Ft Yak Big Enough To Fish And Camp Out Of?

[AmatuerJames]

So ive been looking at getting a kayak primarily for fishing.  I've been eyeing the Ascend f10t because it is inexpensive and more portable than a 12 footer, but would i be able to keep a small tent, sleeping bag, other small camp necessities, and still have enough room and storage to fish?.. worst case scenario i just have to camp near my truck, but i would like to have the option to float a river over two days or something along those lines.. Kind of general but i was just wondering if anybody had any thoughts, suggestion, or anything helpful regarding my idea?  All info is useful and appreciated, thanks!

[flyfisher]

All depends on the size of your gear, the load capacity of the yak and the amount of storage.  10 foot boats generally don't have a very high load capacity but it is doable.  12' boats are plenty maneuverable and have more storage capacity.  I have done 3 night trips in my old coos with no problems and that was an 11' 2" boat.  As far as being more portable you aren't going to see much of a difference in a few feet, now if yo hare talking a 10' to a 14' then yeah but between a 10' and a 12' i wouldn't use that as a primary factor in which boat you want.

[AmatuerJames]

All depends on the size of your gear, the load capacity of the yak and the amount of storage.  10 foot boats generally don't have a very high load capacity but it is doable.  12' boats are plenty maneuverable and have more storage capacity.  I have done 3 night trips in my old coos with no problems and that was an 11' 2" boat.  As far as being more portable you aren't going to see much of a difference in a few feet, now if yo hare talking a 10' to a 14' then yeah but between a 10' and a 12' i wouldn't use that as a primary factor in which boat you want.

so you think i could pull off just one night out of a 10 ft sit on top kayak? 

[awefvawervwae]

Really depends on the weight rating of the yak, the size of you and the size of all your gear. To some people camping is taking an air mattress or cot with a car camping type tent and carry a 2 burner propan colman stove. Now my type of camping when in the back woods is as light as possivle. I carry all ultra light back packing gear and have no problem on my Ride 115. But then again the RIde is wide and hase a large capacity.

[Gaerith]

12' is optimal imo, and the extra 2 feet on the kayak is going to make 0 difference in portability.  I think weight is more important than length when considering how portable a kayak is.

 

I looked into the Ascend line when I was purchasing a kayak and 90% of the reviews I read were very positive.  I did read a few that said some of them  had seal problems.  Check out the FS12T, it has a reasonable price/features.  However, if money is tight try craigslist or purchase a non-angling specific SoT.  You can add all the bells and whistles yourself for pennies on the dollar and it's really easy.

[MacP]

I've got a 10 foot hobie mirage drive.  It's a bit tight to camp/fish out of. 

 

I made a rod holder that fits in the back and it helps.

 

 

My yak hold my tackle crate, sleepingbag, hammock and small cooler.  I do a bunch of overnight trips on the Rivers around me.  It's doable for one night.  I can't carry a big enough cooler for more than 1 days of food though.  I usually have someone else take my chair/cooler though.  If I had a hobie 12 angler, it'd be much better.  The weight difference isn't that great.