Kayaks

[JigMaster4]

Hi I have decided to get into kayaking since I am bank bound right now. I do not have a big budget because I am in high school, but have narrowed my choices down to either the Ascend fs12t or fs128t. I am about 5'10" and 140lbs and will be fishing mainly smaller 500 acre reservoirs and the occasional river. What I want to know is of the fs128t is worth the extra $200 over the fs12t. I would love to be able to stand and fish out of my yak, but my only worry is hook setting in the yak. Does either of these kayaks possess the stability to do this? Just wondering if anyone has used either of these yaks and could give me some input.

Thanks!

[Darren.]

I have no problems setting the hook while standing
in my yak.

I know the 128T is billed as wider than the 12, and 
more stable. I've seen a guy out on a local reservoir
fishing in one and he was standing most of the time.

Unless you do gymnastics or yoga stretches while
setting the hook, you will be fine. You will learn the
yaks secondary stability and get along just fine.

But please, wear your PFD 100% of the time. You 
never know! This way if you fall out due to a 175º
hookset, then hit your head on the side of the yak
and get knocked out, you'll most likely wake up 
still in this world. I wear mine always. Life is too
short to do otherwise.

[Flywatersmallie]

2 hours ago, Darren. said:

 

But please, wear your PFD 100% of the time. You 
never know! This way if you fall out due to a 175º
hookset, then hit your head on the side of the yak
and get knocked out, you'll most likely wake up 
still in this world. I wear mine always. Life is too
short to do otherwise.

This! Get one that you are comfortable in and will wear! I never don't have mine on either. Unfortunately, I have no experience to add on the boats in question but be safe whichever you choose. Welcome to the world of kayak fishing! You never know, I started a bunch of years ago because I wanted to get off the bank and couldnt afford a bass boat. Now I could afford one and dont want one anymore. You may just have a similar experience. 

[JigMaster4]

Thanks for the info guys! Also I might also consider the wilderness systems ride 135, I know it is much higher than the other 2 in price but have read fantastic reviews on it. If it is much better than the Ascends then I would get, but is it that much better than the ascends? 

Thanks!

[MikeJames]

I have an Ascend FS12T and I love it. I can set the hook on 4-5lbers while standing without a problem. Before I bought it I read a few reviews with scuppers leaking and an issue with the seat (the frame didn't sit on the kayak correctly and would cause the seat frame to bend) but they listened to complaints and corrected the issues. My cousin had a FS128T and exchanged it for the FS12T. He said it was just too cumbersome for his needs and the FS12T was much easier to handle on the water. He is 6'2" 190lb and we fish mostly 200-400 acre lakes. He also said the size and weight of the FS128 was a pain to load and unload since he transported it on the roof of his car.

[buzzed bait]

15 hours ago, JigMaster4 said:

Thanks for the info guys! Also I might also consider the wilderness systems ride 135, I know it is much higher than the other 2 in price but have read fantastic reviews on it. If it is much better than the Ascends then I would get, but is it that much better than the ascends? 

Thanks!

i had an ascend, but was a sit in.  i then upgraded to a ride 135 and LOVE it!  i'll say this though, the 115 is a little more manageable as far as weight, transportation, storage, etc.  i don't feel the extra 2 feet would be necessary for the reservoirs and would certainly be easier to maneuver on the river!