Let's Talk Yaks

[XF15-Loader]

Thinking of purchasing a yak for next season.  Looking for something in the 10' length for ease of storage.  Would like to stay in the $6-800 range.  Looking at the Perception Pescador Pro thus far.  Any suggestions?

 

Thanks,

 

-J

[68camaro]

I have a Pro Angler 12 that I love, and have been thinking of adding a smaller yak for certain situations. I recently decided on the 10' Pescador. I think its a really nice platform to fish from and at 57 lbs easy to pull around. At $800 new and maybe less if found used I think its a good deal.

 

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Kayak deserves a look to.

Lets us know what you decide.

[flyfisher]

Tarpon 100 and also a jackson cruise for a little more would be another option in that range.  You also have to consider a PFD and paddle as well as transporting it to the water.

 

I would also say that if you can store a 12' yak you will be happier if you are using it on flat water.

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I’ve been looking around for 10-footers myself. (Just turned 69 and getting out of my sit-in isn’t getting any easier.) I don’t know if it matters to you, but I did notice that the Pescador appears to have paddle stowage only on the port side.  Since I require anchor trolleys on both sides, this could be an issue. Just thought I’d mention it. Nice yak though.

 

Forgot to mention that vibekayaks.com has some kayaks in your price range that might be of interest. Don’t know anything about them but you might want to check the site.  I haven’t figured out how to include links yet.

Edited October 24, 2017 by GrumpyOlPhartte
Added another kayak possibility.

[YaknBassn]

We're getting into the off season, so there's a very real possibility you'll be able to find a "high-end" kayak at a great price. 

 

If it's possible, stepping up another  $200-400 really opens things up.  

 

 

[JustJames]

Do you plan to stand and fish? If yes the pescador pro 100 is not for you.

Pescador Pro 100 for me is perfect size not too heavy and stable enough. I'm 5'8 150 lbs. just like you I bought it becuz of storage and transport where I can just lift and walk without dragging the thing. The seat is good and comfortable enough for me to stay on 4-5 hours. Storage area is not as good as other but if you plan small you should be fine. The rod holder is useless, it is too big and too shallow, you might have to do some mod or install a new rod holder.

Let me know if you have any question, I don't know where you live, if you are in SoCal or wanna make a trip here, I would let you have some seat time with it.

[XF15-Loader]

@flyfisher @68camaro I was looking at the Tarpon 100.  Reviews indicate it's a great boat but when I go to Wilderness Systems' site, they don't indicate that it's a angling kayak.  I've also looked at ACK and they sell it as a fishing kayak but they add accessory rails and rod holders so, I wasn't sure if it was actually a fishing kayak.  

 

I'll definitely look at Jackson Cruise.  I've seen some great reviews but haven't really considered em.  As for Vibe, I looked at a few of their boats but I believe I read some reviews that were unfavorable.  

 

At any rate, the 6-800 range is a starting point.  My wife would like me to stay in that range but everything is negotiable...lol.  thanks for the input.

 

-J

[Turtle135]

18 minutes ago, XF15-Loader said:

I was looking at the Tarpon 100.  Reviews indicate it's a great boat but when I go to Wilderness Systems' site, they don't indicate that it's a angling kayak.  I've also looked at ACK and they sell it as a fishing kayak but they add accessory rails and rod holders so, I wasn't sure if it was actually a fishing kayak. 

I fished out of a Tarpon 100 for four years. It was the first sit on top kayak I ever owned. Great boat, I caught my PB smallmouth out of that kayak.

 

The Tarpon 120 and 100 are two of the more popular kayaks in Wilderness Systems lineup. A lot of recreational paddlers also use them. I think the reason Wildy does not list them in their fishing kayak line is because some of their fishing specific kayaks have extra features specifically for fisherman (like the OS Pod for a fish finder and molded spots for micro power poles).

 

The Tarpon 100 has the SlideTrax rails on the front and on the back tank well. These will allow to you mount extra rod holders, fish finders, camera mounts, etc.

[J Francho]

The Tarpon is indeed an angling kayak, and is a preferred boat by many for it's speed.  It isn't designed to be a stand up boat.  If that's not on your criteria, then it's a very good option.

[Choporoz]

I love my Tarpon 100.  Fish from it a couple times a week.  Six hours without getting out to stretch is my limit.   It pretty much stays on the car from Easter to Thanksgiving.  Definitely not a standing platform, but that hasn't been an issue for me.  The tracks are perfect; the back well holds standard crate; the storage is fine for day trips.   I added a single anchor trolley and sonar with little trouble, even though I'm not particularly handy.  Mine was marketed as 'fishing model', but it wasn't any different than any other, except that it came with a ball-mount rod holder and a  yak-attack vizipole.  Total weight was a concern for me and I wouldn't want one much heavier.  I only use a cart for carrying more than about 20 yards and taking it around back of the house and storing.  Otherwise it goes on and off a full size SUV with relative ease.  I bought mine new in January a few years ago and paid half what it would have cost in the summer.

[Darren.]

Got a buddy who fishes from a Tarpon 100. Fast little yak.

And like @J Francho says, it ain't for standing.

 

If I were you I'd try to get some time at a local shop to sit

in some of these yaks you're looking at. Best is if you can

demo one on the water before buying. I wasn't able to do

that, but I did get a lot of sit-in time which really helped my

decision.

 

You can find some really good yaks in your $ range on

Craigslist, and even demo models on sale at various retailers

like Austin Kayak, Appomattox River Company, et al.

[Caliyak]

Tarpon 100 is the top kayak in that size. The Pescador follows but does not have the accessories. Feelfree Lure 10 is probably the next best. 

[Choporoz]

I haven't paddled one, but if I was back in the market for a sub 60# fishing yak, I'd be wanting test drive a Vibe 100.  Looks a LOT more comfortable than my wildy

[J Francho]

I think I could stand in the Lure 10, but I can't remember.  Is that true?  I definitely paddled it, and it was a decent boat.  Feelfree makes some interesting boats with cool features.

[flyfisher]

Also keep your eyes open for used boats.  It seems this is the time of year for people selling off for the winter or selling off to get ready for the new boats to be debuted.  

[bholtzinger14]

I have a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 and think the 110 would be great. I have friends that love theirs.

If you can scrape up a few more penny's the Nucanoe Flint looks like an awesome yak too. 

Now days as long as you get one with a raised seat you can't go wrong. I liked my 10 foot pescador pro and wish I still had it for my son. I will be buying him something next year.

[XF15-Loader]

Oh...that Vibe is nice, @bholtzinger14.  I thought I'd looked at them but I'm thinking I must not have.  Great features at an incredible price.  I may have found my first kayak!!

[bholtzinger14]

I really like mine. I have a trolling motor added on mine and the center console is perfect to store the connections and wiring. If I did not have a trolling motor on it I would look hard at the new flint.

I stand and fish out of mine all day.