Popularity Of Kayaks

[Western-Mass-Bass]

Ive got to say that I absolutely love fishing from my yak.. I just got a wilderness systems ride 115X. Being able to stand and fish from this is amazing. Plus I can launch it anywhere. These new kayaks are so stable as well. You will fall out of my new kayak before you flip it..  If you havent seen this kayak yet. Its worth checking out..

[FrogFreak]

I own a wavewalk (wavewalk.com). It's the best Kayak I've owned. I have a bass boat and a kayak and I'm not sure which I like better. If I had to choose just one, Id keep the Kayak though. I love how I can put it in the water anywere, it goes on top of my wifes subaru easily and I can sneak up on the bass.

[flyfisher]

This was my solution.  Bestop HighRock http://www.quadratec.com/products/12034_0302_07.htm

 

I like the fact it doesn't require any drilling and is easy to take off so I don't have to have it on all the time.

I saw those racks but the installation involved cutting the plastic retainer around windows i believe and it just didn't seem water tight to me, not that any jeep really is but i try and not encourage it at least  I also am not 100% sure it would work with a hard top either but i my memory could be fading me, as it tends to do lol

 

the rack i currently have also did not require any drilling but the one on my 95 did require 4 holes i believe for the rear mounting brackets.

[keninaz]

It has been a long time since I had a canoe but if I remember correctly although they will handle more weight they do blow around a bit on the water on a windy day. I am hoping that my new kayak does not do that.

I just got this Wilderness Ride 115X and it's set up with a Lowrance Elite 4X HDI fish finder/sonar and an air core elevated seat for fishing.

As I am getting older and just had back surgery (something I don't want again) I decided to put my kayak on this small trailer for transporting to and from the lakes. It's low to the ground and much easier than stripping the boat to get it down to 72# and then putting in on top of my SUV.

I have not been able to fish in almost 2 1/2 years due to my back being so bad and inability to walk well. And I am now ready to get back to fishing!

 

 

[keninaz]

Ive got to say that I absolutely love fishing from my yak.. I just got a wilderness systems ride 115X. Being able to stand and fish from this is amazing. Plus I can launch it anywhere. These new kayaks are so stable as well. You will fall out of my new kayak before you flip it..  If you havent seen this kayak yet. Its worth checking out..

 

I heard that the 115 was very stable, and saw some videos on You Tube of it demonstrating that. I am looking forward to using mine shown above very shortly now.

[Hanover_Yakker]

If you want to top it, you can do it!  I load my Pro Angler 14 on top of a minivan.  It can be done!

 

 

[keninaz]

The problem is that someone put 20' tires and rims on my Yukon before I bought it used. It barely fits through the garage door header as is without anything additional like racks or a kayak on top.

I think it sits a bit taller than your minivan.

Couple that with my recent surgery on my back (fusion) and I will pass trying to put 100# on the roof rack.

[Master Bait'r]

Honestly I don't like fishing hammered-out lakes with boat ramps next to five guys in $50k boats wrestling wakes and I know I can't be alone.  To me, that really sucks and really isn't enjoyable.  I want to be alone and I like hoofing it to remote lakes that normally don't see any traffic at all- can't do that with a glass boat or even most canoes solo.  Once I'm there I'm the only guy out, its completely silent except for maybe a little whisper of Bob Marley and a few birds.  For the relatively low entry cost of a cheap kayak ( I think I paid about $350 for mine) this seems like the biggest single thing you can do for your fishing so it's easy to see why they're so popular and still gaining momentum.  Heck, my gf isn't even THAT into fishing but she loves to paddle around and catch some sun.  A play boat like that just appeals to so many different kinds of people.   I just hope this means I'll be able to find a Ride 115x used for cheap soon haha

[Scott-2]

I have a nice canoe, but it gets cumbersome loading and unloading it on & off my car. I think a kayak would be much easier and most of the time I'm by myself anyway. The big question for me is whether to get a sit-on-top or sit in.

[keninaz]

I got the sit on top with an elevated seat too. But I would think that you would only want that combination with a very stable kayak like the one I bought.

The combination of the sit on top and elevated seat  (sits about 4 inches higher )  make it easier to stand up  for fishing.
 

[Master Bait'r]

I have a nice canoe, but it gets cumbersome loading and unloading it on & off my car. I think a kayak would be much easier and most of the time I'm by myself anyway. The big question for me is whether to get a sit-on-top or sit in.

Definitely go sit on top for fishing. I bought a sit in and totally regret it. You can't stand and you can't see down into the water very well either. Also good luck packin your gear, most sit ins only really have sealed storage whereas with a sit on top you can have crates, coolers and all kinds of other gear.

Unless you paddle some serious rivers I don't see the need for a sit in.

[0119]

My kayak is the older generation sit on top, a OK Drifter. It made sense not trying to carry a 16ft canoe in a 6ft truck bed. But every fishing trip I regret not having a canoe. To be able to enter it dry from the bow. Wear jeans when its cold. Not get wet from paddle drip. Attach a trolling motor. But most importantly sit in a semi normal position. Knees bent, feet not going to sleep. Being able to take my wife or daughter or a friend. Newer generation yaks sort of conquer this with a much high center of gravity seat position. But they have really turned the yak into a short plastic canoe with a weight penalty over both the older yaks and standard canoes.

[keninaz]

I agree with many things you said.

And one you did not mention is the stability of some of these new kayaks is just amazing.

[Master Bait'r]

My kayak is the older generation sit on top, a OK Drifter. It made sense not trying to carry a 16ft canoe in a 6ft truck bed. But every fishing trip I regret not having a canoe. To be able to enter it dry from the bow. Wear jeans when its cold. Not get wet from paddle drip. Attach a trolling motor. But most importantly sit in a semi normal position. Knees bent, feet not going to sleep. Being able to take my wife or daughter or a friend. Newer generation yaks sort of conquer this with a much high center of gravity seat position. But they have really turned the yak into a short plastic canoe with a weight penalty over both the older yaks and standard canoes.

 

 

Lightweight options still abound, but of course once you church it up with all the bells and whistles we all love it can get heavy quick.  I guess it's all about just deciding what you really require out of a ride and finding that perfect boat for you.  

[keninaz]

Yes they can get heavy in a hurry.

My new Ride 115X weighs in at nearly 100# ready to go.

I can easily remove the Air Core seat that weighs 15# on it's own and the console that contains the battery and FF that comes in at almost 10# but the boat still weighs in at just over 70#.

But I will put up with the weight in favor of stability on the water almost any day.

[BrianSnat]

My kayak is the older generation sit on top, a OK Drifter. It made sense not trying to carry a 16ft canoe in a 6ft truck bed. But every fishing trip I regret not having a canoe. To be able to enter it dry from the bow. Wear jeans when its cold. Not get wet from paddle drip. Attach a trolling motor. But most importantly sit in a semi normal position. Knees bent, feet not going to sleep. Being able to take my wife or daughter or a friend. Newer generation yaks sort of conquer this with a much high center of gravity seat position. But they have really turned the yak into a short plastic canoe with a weight penalty over both the older yaks and standard canoes.

 

I'm with you on this, all reasons I much prefer fishing from a canoe.  Much drier and easier to get in and out of.  And what I don't like about the kayak is being basically stuck in the same position all day and when you are trying to cover a wide area with your casts you need to move the whole boat, or turn your body at an odd and uncomfortable angle.

 

I find a canoe far more comfortable and versatile.

 

As far as transporting I have a heck of an easier time with my canoe than my friend who has a heavy and very hard to handle SOT. He stopped bringing it along when we fish together and just hops in my canoe with me.  I think his yak is almost 30 lbs heavier than my canoe.

[keninaz]

Just my thoughts but when I started looking at buying a kayak I found that the newer sit on tops for the most part are not a true canoe nor a kayak but a hybrid featuring the best of both worlds for many of us.

[Jim Mac]

Just my thoughts but when I started looking at buying a kayak I found that the newer sit on tops for the most part are not a true canoe nor a kayak but a hybrid featuring the best of both worlds for many of us.

Which models are you talking about?

[RipSomeLips]

To me there is no question that a sit on top is way better for fishing.

[keninaz]

Which models are you talking about?

 

It would appear that many manufacturers make what I am referring to.

I bought the Wilderness Ride 115X myself and here is a link to it.  http://www.wildernesssystems.com/pages/index/angling/angling_kayaks/ride_angler_2012/ride_x

They also have the Commander which certainly does not look like a typical kayak to me http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product_subcategory/index/angling/angling_kayaks/Commander_angler

Also within the Wilderness lines I see that the Tarpon is an open style. 

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product_subcategory/index/angling/angling_kayaks/angler_tarpon

 

It would appear just taking a glance at kayaks designed for angling that this types of boats are more popular than the enclosed cockpit style.

And many manufacturers make this type of kayak.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I'm the party-pooper...

 

Before buying one, try one out. For big guys, fat guys and big fat guys, you might

feel a little crowded. If you are stiff, like RA, this isn't for you. On top of that, what

I really hated was wind effect. It seemed like I was always fighting the kayak instead

of concentrating on fishing.

[A-Jay]

Before I purchased my canoe I looked at as many options as possible.  I sat in and paddled several different vessels including both types of kayaks.  For me it boiled down to space and comfort.  I do have some lower back concerns and though I am not a huge human ( 5-9 180lb) being stuffed in that seat for hours wasn't going to work for me.  

The canoe I chose allows me to fish standing, bring a second angler and carry too much tackle ( a serious personality flaw of mine).  I use a small trailer so transporting the boat could not be any easier.  And to help me get into remote waters, I use a small two wheel collapsible cart that straps on one end.  I can haul that thing anywhere and do.  I'm only limited by my own ambition.

 

 It's a matter of preference and need as well as the areas / type of water one fishes.

 

A-Jay

 

[Hanover_Yakker]

On 3/27/2014 at 8:41 AM, keninaz said:

The problem is that someone put 20' tires and rims on my Yukon before I bought it used. It barely fits through the garage door header as is without anything additional like racks or a kayak on top.

I think it sits a bit taller than your minivan.

Couple that with my recent surgery on my back (fusion) and I will pass trying to put 100# on the roof rack.

 

I hear you on the back issues.  Been seeing a chiropractor for over 12 years now.  I have no issues what so ever loading my PA14 on top of my van.  The height to the rack from the ground is a shade over 6', and the dry weight of the PA14 is 118lbs.  They key is to use leverage and physics to your advantage. 

 

I realize not everyone can shell out the funds for the Hobie Pro Angler models, but the key point here is that if you have limited funds, there is a kayak model that you can find within your budget, and there are racks and methods to transport your new kayak if you look around hard enough.

[flipin4bass]

Well, I'm the party-pooper...

 

Before buying one, try one out. For big guys, fat guys and big fat guys, you might

feel a little crowded. If you are stiff, like RA, this isn't for you. On top of that, what

I really hated was wind effect. It seemed like I was always fighting the kayak instead

of concentrating on fishing.

Wilderness Systems was thinking about us fat guys when they came out with the Ride and commander series yaks. Ocean Kayak also has the Big Game II that could probably handle a sumo wrestler with no problem. Yeah, we yakers have to contend with the wind sometimes, but there are just as many days when the water is smooth as glass and that makes for an excellent day on the water, fish or no fish. I've fished out of "bass boats" my entire life, but nothing can compare to the experiences I've had since sitting in my first kayak. Sold my boat this past fall, it had been sitting in the garage the past five years since getting my first kayak...I don't think I'll miss it.

[basshead1]

Kayak fishing is addicting but my kayak does not get much use since I got my Bass Raider.

My biggest bass and biggest snook were both in a sneaky little kayak. I have been in my share of canoes and was never a big fan, always prefered john boats. Kayaking is really popular in my area because we have lots of no motor zones and flats which usually have the best fishing inshore. 

 

Most of my friends have ditched the Pro Anglers lately and moved on to the Cudas Predators and Slayers. They mostly complain about the weight when I asked them why they got rid of their Hobie. Plus they don't paddle well in the wind or current and the fins can be useless on the flats in a low tide. I can paddle my 12' Pescador faster than a 14' Pro Angler with turbo fins also. My buddy has a 16 foot Tarpon and he leaves us all in his wake while barely putting in any effort. 

 

I plan on upgrading soon and like the Old Town Predators myself. I will have to test drive a couple first but I want one I can paddle and stand in.