So If I Was Going To Get A Yak...just Asking If

[Smokinal]

Trying to keep the Yak Monkey away but he's pounding on the door. I'm not saying I'm gonna,  but if I was to look into getting a kayak, what are some of the basics I would look for?

I think I would want a sit on top.

What kind of length do most use?

How much should one weigh?

 

And do these look like something I would want to look into?

http://maine.craigslist.org/for/5121441421.html

http://maine.craigslist.org/boa/5121725082.html

 

Thank you

[Rhino68W]

SOTs are great for fishing due to the stability and standing capabilities. SINKs are good too, but I prefer SOTs. I use a 12' Ascend FS12T and love it. Definitely a solid started kayak for the money. Some guys like longer or short kayaks. It really comes down to what waters you'll be fishing. Shorter kayaks are better for moving waters because of maneuverability. Longer kayaks are better for lakes because of stability and dealing with wakes from boats. As for weight, it kind of depends on you entirely. If you have a truck or trailer it won't matter much. If you'll be hauling, loading and unloading it on top of a car like me, you'll want something you can manage alone. I rarely go fishing alone so I normally have help loading it. But I have had to do it on my own plenty of times. Listen to the guys on here. There are a lot for experienced kayak anglers on BR who know a lot more than I do. I have learned a lot from them.

 

Here is my Ascend FS12T review if you're considering that kayak. 

[Felix77]

I am a very proud owner of a Wilderness System Ride 115x.  It is perfect for me.

 

With that said I "tested" a bunch of yak's before settling on this one.  The Ascend series of Yak's are great if price is a big factor.  I almost went there but decided to splurge when I got my Ride.

[Rhino68W]

I am a very proud owner of a Wilderness System Ride 115x.  It is perfect for me.

 

With that said I "tested" a bunch of yak's before settling on this one.  The Ascend series of Yak's are great if price is a big factor.  I almost went there but decided to splurge when I got my Ride.

I have heard a lot of great things about the ride 115. Never paddled one, but I love the deck layout and stand-ability. 

[paleus]

I have a Jackson Cruise 12 and a Native Watercraft Slayer 12. These are both great boats. I got them both on CL, $700 for the Cruise and $600 for the Slayer. 

[DogBone_384]

For fishing, a sit-on-top (SOT) is best.  My first kayak purchased was purely on price: a Ascend 128T.  It's big, stable, and has a great seat.  After a season on that I purchased a FeelFree Lure 11.5.  It's a little lighter than the Ascend, is built a little better and has the best seat I've come across.

 

Questions I'd ask myself if I was looking for my first kayak are:

• What's my budget?  I find the better kayaks are going to run you about a grand, or so.  Top shelf kayaks like Hobie can cost $3,000+.
• Comfort?  How long am I going to be out on the water? My daughter's kayak, a Redfish 10, has a seat good enough for casual paddling, but not for fishing for more than an hour or so.  The Ascend and FeelFree seats are ALL DAY comfortable.
• How am I transporting my kayak to the water?  I drive a Tundra P/U with a ladder rack.  The Ascend is a little heavy to get up there by myself, though manageable.  I can hoist the FeelFree solo even at the end of the day without issue.  Your kayak WILL weigh more at the end of the day.
• The Ascend has tons of storage and the FeelFree has a rail system.  Common accessories are:
  •  Fish Finder
  • Anchor w/Trolley
  • Milk crate with rod holders
• Do I plan on standing while fishing?  SOT kayaks are generally stable enough to stand and fish from.  The Ascend is extremely stable (I call it my aircraft carrier) but doesn't have as nice a platform as the FeelFree.  I fish standing on both.

If you can paddle the kayak you're interested in, do so.  I bought the Ascend because it gets good reviews, is made here in the USA, and is very affordable.  I paddled the FeelFree when shopping for our second kayak and was sold on the 11.5' over the 10'. 

[HoosierHawgs]

For fishing, a sit-on-top (SOT) is best.  My first kayak purchased was purely on price: a Ascend 128T.  It's big, stable, and has a great seat.  After a season on that I purchased a FeelFree Lure 11.5.  It's a little lighter than the Ascend, is built a little better and has the best seat I've come across.

 

Questions I'd ask myself if I was looking for my first kayak are:

• What's my budget?  I find the better kayaks are going to run you about a grand, or so.  Top shelf kayaks like Hobie can cost $3,000+.
• Comfort?  How long am I going to be out on the water? My daughter's kayak, a Redfish 10, has a seat good enough for casual paddling, but not for fishing for more than an hour or so.  The Ascend and FeelFree seats are ALL DAY comfortable.
• How am I transporting my kayak to the water?  I drive a Tundra P/U with a ladder rack.  The Ascend is a little heavy to get up there by myself, though manageable.  I can hoist the FeelFree solo even at the end of the day without issue.  Your kayak will weigh more at the end of the day: you'll likely be tired.
• The Ascend has tons of storage and the FeelFree has a rail system.  Common accessories are:
  •  Fish Finder
  • Anchor w/Trolley
  • Milk crate with rod holders
• Do I plan on standing while fishing?  SOT kayaks are generally stable enough to stand and fish from.  The Ascend is extremely stable (I call it my aircraft carrier) but doesn't have as nice a platform as the FeelFree.  I fish standing on both.

If you can paddle the kayak you're interested in, do so.  I bought the Ascend because it gets good reviews, is made here in the USA, and is very affordable.  I paddled the FeelFree when shopping for our second kayak and was sold on the 11.5' over the 10'. 

What mods did you make to the Ascend? (Sealing, attatchments, ect.)

[the reel ess]

SOT is THE way to fish!!!

Mine is 12', pre-rigged for fishing. A Perception Sport Pescador from Academy. $500 every day. It's held up well for 3 years. Still good as new.

If you want to stand up in the thing, expect to spend some coin.

This hobby can be cheap...or as expensive as you want to make it. I've made no additions to it except for a milk crate with rod holders that I bungee on.

You'll be glad if you get one with at least a back support for the seat. Padded seat is even better.

Mine weighs 55#. That's heavy enough for me.

 

One good thing about the kayak is that it's so much cheaper than a boat to buy and operate that you'll have a lot left over for bait monkey, equipment & beer.

[AdamsEye]

I have a trip angler 10 sit inside as of right now, not mine but I get to use it as a starter. I am totally digging fishing from it, but I must say that this yak is not ideal for me. I have only paddled this kayak, but I would say it has poor tracking. It is pretty stable, but not near standing stable. It is easy to paddle, but does not track well at all. I find the boat likes to spin, and just fishing causes it to turn. I fish small lakes mostly, under 100 acres. Have yet to take it out to bigger water and have to paddle a big distance. But I don't think I want to do that in that boat.

 

What about the seat factor, what seats, and or boats that have good seats? I see some seats are $100's, are you better off with that seat or a more expensive boat that comes with a nice seat?

 

I am considering a lot of options myself, and looking forward to learning a bit more myself!

[HoosierHawgs]

I have a trip angler 10 sit inside as of right now, not mine but I get to use it as a starter. I am totally digging fishing from it, but I must say that this yak is not ideal for me. I have only paddled this kayak, but I would say it has poor tracking. It is pretty stable, but not near standing stable. It is easy to paddle, but does not track well at all. I find the boat likes to spin, and just fishing causes it to turn. I fish small lakes mostly, under 100 acres. Have yet to take it out to bigger water and have to paddle a big distance. But I don't think I want to do that in that boat.

What about the seat factor, what seats, and or boats that have good seats? I see some seats are $100's, are you better off with that seat or a more expensive boat that comes with a nice seat?

I am considering a lot of options myself, and looking forward to learning a bit more myself!

The FS12T comes with a fairly nice seat standard. I'm planning on buying one. $549.

[Felix77]

I have heard a lot of great things about the ride 115. Never paddled one, but I love the deck layout and stand-ability. 

 

If you were a bit closer I would let you try out mine for a little bit.  I just became brave enough to begin fishing in a standing position.  Last year I felt like a newborn learning to walk when I stood up so I held back from standing while I fish.  A few weeks ago I was hooked up on a bass for the 1st time in a standing position and quickly went into a seated position to bring em in.  

 

Little by little.  LOL

[AdamsEye]

The FS12T comes with a fairly nice seat standard. I'm planning on buying one. $549.

Its a toss between that boat, or the field and stream at dicks when it hits $399 again. Or I am going to go for a Feel Free lure just don't know if I should get the 13.5 or 11.5.

 

I want to get out and demo a few, I have the trip for now so I don't want to rush either. I had to hold back really hard that last sale at dicks.

 

Most of the lakes I fish are about 50-70 acres, and paddle only. Some allow electric only, and I don't fish really any waters that allow outboards. One place I fish is like 600 acres, but they only allow electric. So rather then spend the extra $1000 for a foot drive, I would rather invest in a trolling motor setup and paddle when I have too. I don't mind the workout, but I don't want to drain myself getting across a big lake either.

 

So many choices makes it hard.

[ThatZX14Fella]

I'm starting out in a Pelican sit in. Took it out for the first time today. Didn't do much fishing since I was mainly exploring and trying to get used to it. Stayed out about 2 1/2 hours. Got kind of an idea of the mods I'd like to do. The two main ones would be a better seat (the one I have in it now is just too far down my back and feels like it's making it blister) and a couple of rod holders. Other than that, there's a few mods that I'd like to do that can wait. I mainly just need to get used to fishing out of it.

[boostr]

If you want stability at 36" wide the FeelFree Lure is the way to go, plus the comfy seat. I just read the new Lure 11.5 that is coming out in the late summer is gonna have the removable sonar and electronics pod the same as the Lure 13.5 and similar to what the Wildy Ride 115X has. I have no problem setting the hook and playing a fish while standing, but they are also coming out with a stand up bar for the 11.5 model which is something that has peaked my interest. All the brand's so far mentioned are good yaks. It's all about what your budget is, and your style of fishing. One thing everybody is gonna urge you to do is try to go out for a demo paddle.

[DogBone_384]

What mods did you make to the Ascend? (Sealing, attatchments, ect.)

Here are my Ascend mods: 

• I took the hatches off and resealed them with RTV silicone. 
• I installed my Lowrance's transducer through the hull by using a 3" PVC plumbing flange and rubber cover.  I use a RAM mount for the control head.  Pictures of the install here: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/149282-kayak-bass-fishing/page-3
• I swapped the Ascend rod holder for a Scotty.  Our other two kayaks use Scotty.
• I took the foam supports out and duplicated them in 3/4" MDO (marine grade plywood).  It better supports the hull's midsection better. I built a small tray on the rear support for the Pelican case I keep my battery and Lowrance control head in).

[AdamsEye]

If you want stability at 36" wide the FeelFree Lure is the way to go, plus the comfy seat. I just read the new Lure 11.5 that is coming out in the late summer is gonna have the removable sonar and electronics pod the same as the Lure 13.5 and similar to what the Wildy Ride 115X has. I have no problem setting the hook and playing a fish while standing, but they are also coming out with a stand up bar for the 11.5 model which is something that has peaked my interest. All the brand's so far mentioned are good yaks. It's all about what your budget is, and your style of fishing. One thing everybody is gonna urge you to do is try to go out for a demo paddle.

 

Do you think the 11.5 tracks well enough to make long runs, or would the 13.5 be better? I do really like the electronics pod and have time to wait. I seen the stand up bar too, is that just for standing up with, or for leaning on while fishing too? I am guessing that a rudder will help the 11.5 track well enough to make longer runs?

[boostr]

Do you think the 11.5 tracks well enough to make long runs, or would the 13.5 be better? I do really like the electronics pod and have time to wait. I seen the stand up bar too, is that just for standing up with, or for leaning on while fishing too? I am guessing that a rudder will help the 11.5 track well enough to make longer runs?

You have to remember it's a wide boat so it's not fast, but I think the 13.5 would be quicker because of the length. The 11.5 does track pretty good for the type of hull design which is the same on the 13.5, and the rudder would definitely make it better. These boats aren't really made to cut the water as efficient as the Moken, or a boat that's narrower. If your not worried about speed its a good yak.

The stand up bar is made to hold on to for balance, or even lean against. I just hope it comes with something to place my rod or lean my paddle against our on so I don't have to keep on bending down to lay it down our pick it up when I'm standing and paddling.

[Mike2841]

Hands down the most important part of the kayak is the seat. I don't care how long it is, how stable it is, how many rod holders it has, if you're not comfortable in the seat you're not going to be out on the water very long.

[Choporoz]

Dog Bone, that's a great guide for any first time buyer of a fishing kayak!!

 

I, too, am a 'beginner'.  I spent about 4 months scouring Craigslist and store sales.  I didn't test-paddle any --- not all too smart, but I was shopping in the winter mostly.  I was pretty concerned with overall weight - I planned to put it on top of full-size SUV and store it in back of the house (no driveway.)  And....I'm not 20 anymore.  After some research I began to think that I was giving weight too much emphasis since so many recommended yaks were far above what I was targeting....I mean...I'll get used to it...or it will be easier than I think...right?

 

Wrong.   I ended up with a 61 lb Wilderness Tarpon 100 and I'm glad it doesn't weigh a pound more.  At 10 ft, I'm not going to ever win any races, but thus far, I'm perfectly happy giving up some speed with the weight.

 

So far, I'm pretty happy with it.  Best part about it was that I got it on sale (in Jan) for under $500 (tax, paddle, fishing pkg incl)

 

Hard to go too far wrong with any that are personally recommended here -- but don't discount weight if you're putting on a high vehicle....or carrying any distance....or are just old (and weak) like me 

[AdamsEye]

Double post sry!

[HoosierHawgs]

<p>

Here are my Ascend mods:

• I took the hatches off and resealed them with RTV silicone.
• I installed my Lowrance's transducer through the hull by using a 3" PVC plumbing flange and rubber cover. I use a RAM mount for the control head. Pictures of the install here: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/149282-kayak-bass-fishing/page-3
• I swapped the Ascend rod holder for a Scotty. Our other two kayaks use Scotty.
• I took the foam supports out and duplicated them in 3/4" MDO (marine grade plywood). It better supports the hull's midsection better. I built a small tray on the rear support for the Pelican case I keep my battery and Lowrance control head in).

What do you mean when you took the hatches off and re sealed them? Did you have to seal the scuppers? Or did the plugs keep water out? Thanks for the advice I'm figuring out what I should do for my first yak.... Would you go with and Ascend or wait? I have until February to make a decision.

[Big C]

I have had Ascend D10T for over a year.  It's 10' long and 34" wide.  So it doesn't track very good, but it is super stable.  In fact I have never even come close to tipping over, and I stand in it almost exclusively.  One time I was standing up paddling backwards, I hit a log pretty hard lost my balance and still didn't fall in.  I use it more like a fishing paddle board.  Overall I'm pretty happy, the one thing I wish was different was the tracking but I think it could be fixed by adding a rudder of some sort.  

[Basspro3106]

Best advice I can give you is try the kayak for comfort before you buy it. My friend bought a kayak and had to sell it after a couple of outings because it was uncomfortable. I can comfortably fish on my kayak for more than six hours before taking a break to eat, use the bathroom and go back at it again. 

 

One thing I wish i could change on my kayak is that I have to side saddle it to reach the back of my gear box. 

[DogBone_384]

What do you mean when you took the hatches off and re sealed them? Did you have to seal the scuppers? Or did the plugs keep water out? Thanks for the advice I'm figuring out what I should do for my first yak.... Would you go with and Ascend or wait? I have until February to make a decision.

Like other 128T owners found out is that the sealant Ascend uses at the factory doesn't always keep water that gets on the deck out of the hatches.  I unscrewed the hatches and applied a bead of clear RTV silicone around the hole and reinstalled the hatches.  Problem solved.  

 

I read some owners experience leaks in the scuppers where the upper and lower bodies are bonded together.  My scuppers don't leak into the hull. 

 

The 128T is a great kayak at its price point, even with its minor flaws; probably the best 'value' fishing 'yak out there.  It's big and stable (I call it our aircraft carrier.), and the swivel seat is all day comfortable.  It was my first fishing kayak and cost just over half of what I paid for our FeelFree Lure  11.5.  It's heavier than the Lure, but not so heavy I can't muscle it onto my truck's ladder racks, even at the end of the day.

 

Another plus the Ascend has over the FeelFree is that it's made here in the US.  I believe the FeelFree is from Korea, though I might be mistaken, off the top of my head.

 

I really can't answer your question regarding waiting or buying now. That's up to you and what you tell yourself what you want to spend on a fishing kayak.  I bought the 128T first because it got great reviews and was very affordable: I wasn't risking a ton of dough if it turned out I didn't like kayak fishing.  I bought the Lure as a second one after paddling it and being able to hoist it onto my ladder racks more easily than the Ascend.

 

Good luck with your purchase.  Regardless of what brand you buy, fishing from a kayak frees you up to fish waters those 'big & fancy' bass boats can't. 

[DogBone_384]

Hands down the most important part of the kayak is the seat. I don't care how long it is, how stable it is, how many rod holders it has, if you're not comfortable in the seat you're not going to be out on the water very long.

X2