looking for a kayak

[jason41987]

id really like to get a kayak for fishing, but theres a lot of options out there, id like to find something with a higher capacity so i can also use it to carry camping gear.. i want something with a low seat, that can easily be upgraded and modded for rod holders, fish finders, etc.. but what are some thoughts on pedal kayaks (paddle or propeller) or using oars/paddles?.. and does anyone use an enclosed kayak for fishing?.. it seems the open style is better for storing fishing equipment, but i could be wrong, id imagine you could probably modify the enclosed kayaks much the same?

[Alan Reed]

You sounds very similar to where I was a year ago. I decided to go with a Radar 135. It is big enough to carry lots of stuff. You have the option of pedals or not, the seat has a high low adjustment. Can accept pretty much any modification I can think of. I got mine in March and have loved every minute of being on it.

[flyfisher]

There are a lot of great kayaks out there so you are getting into the sport at a fantastic time.  Let's take a look at the two styles of kayaks first, Sit inside (SINK) or Sit on top (SOT).  The majority of anglers prefer the SOT for the reasons you mentioned.  They are easier to modify and move around.  They also have self bailing capability which is a nice feature to have.

 

Next up is the modification piece.  There are a ton of modification options out there from the factory or after market.  Gear tracks make things very easy to move things around where you like them.  One thing I will say is don't go drilling and modifying your kayak until you have fished it a few times first.  My recent kayak purchase last season was my 7 or 8th kayak and I still didn't mount anything until i had about 8 trips out in the boat.  I would also recommend that if you are going to mount a fish finder to look for a boat with an electronics pod of some sort as it makes things much easier and cleaner.  And seat comfort is huge when you are out all day long.

 

Next is the age old question of paddles versus pedals.  They both have their advantages and disadvantages.  In a nutshell paddle kayaks can go shallower, cost less and are generally easier to paddle than pedal boats.  Pedal boats give the advantage of using larger muscle groups so you can maintain a speed more easily for a longer period of time.  They can't go as shallow, are a lot heavier but do allow for hands free fishing.  Some also have easily utilized reverse capabilities which can be beneficial in certain situations.  Pedal drive boats also are more difficult to manage in grass choked areas.

A third option that you didn't mention is adding a motor to your kayak.  Lots of people do that as well.

 

Oh and one more thing, try and demo as many boats as you can because what looks good on paper or what your buddy says may not fit your fishing style or body type. 

 

For me, I have gone with a paddle boat but wouldn't mind having a torqueedo added to my boat or a pedal boat for a few of the lakes i fish that involve some longer paddles.  I have a wilderness ATAK 140 and it is my favorite kayak that i have owned.  It has the electronics pod, is super stable and has a comfortable seat.  It also allows for a lot of mounting options for modifications.  I kept my boat simple though with 6 flush mounts behind me.

 

There are quite a few kayak fishermen on this board so feel free to post up any more questions or do a search and you might find the answer you are looking for.  

[68camaro]

I have a Hobie Pro Angler 12 with the Mirage Drive. It is unbelievably stable to stand and fish, you can put a lot of accessories on it. Mine has Hobie Crate, Lowrance Elite Ti7, several rod holders attached to side H bars, River Stik manual anchor pole plus just put on Water Snake TM with 35ah battery. Yak has big storage area up front, and small area in front of seat, there is a lot of room.

 

What's nice about Hobie is they have a Lowarance spot with cover already under kayak so transformer easy to install. If you want total transducer there are third part covers to protect that work perfect.

 

The seat is seriously comfortable for all day fishing and Mirage drive works so great I decided to use it with my TM on side motor mount.

 

Down side is cost Pro Anglers ain't cheap:(

 

The Mirage drive IMO is best peddle drive out there, the only negative is you need to pull cord to get into reverse and vice-versa. However, Native has peddle drive that has a easier more natural reverse, but in all other areas Mirage Drive is better IMHO (yes, I used both).  There are a lot of youtube videos and reviews on pros/cons of each.

 

A lot of people replace the Hobie Mirage drive with a Water Snake Trolling Motor but in the shallow and weedy area I fish I find both have major advantages so I use both.

[BrianSnat]

If you need to carry camping gear, then why not a canoe?  You can load it up with far more gear than a kayak, with large coolers, camp chairs, portable grills, etc.  and still have plenty of room. If you like the kayak style of sitting on the floor with a double paddle, there are canoes that do that or you can rig many canoes to do it. Something like the Old Town Next or various "pack" canoes are the best of both worlds.

I know kayaks are hip and canoes have that old "summer camp" image, but canoes are one of the most versatile boats that mankind has ever invented.  I find that canoes are in most cases a better fishing platform.  Stand, sit or kneel . Easy access to gear on the water without having to beach it and get out.  Easy in and out.   

I've fished from kayaks and canoes and most of the time the canoe is the better choice.  Kayaks are better in the wind, but for nearly everything else, canoes have the edge.  

[YaknBassn]

BrianSnat has a point.  If you plan on multi-day camping trips, a canoe is worth looking into.  If you just plan on simple overnights, then you could probably get by with a kayak.  

 

Just think of what you want to do.  First question is your budget.  Kayaks range from $200 all way up to $4000.  Anything around the $1500 mark puts you in a rock solid fishing platform.  

 

Do you want to be able to stand comfortably and fish?  Do you want to be comfortable enough to fish for hours or just quick trips?

[68camaro]

I wonder if you can tow a cheap light kayak that can hold gear with a bigger one????

[Alan Reed]

On 11/4/2017 at 6:13 PM, 68camaro said:

I wonder if you can tow a cheap light kayak that can hold gear with a bigger one????

I’ve seen several people do that. They tie the small kayak to the back of the larger fishing kayak. Not a good idea on a river with current but a lake it isn’t an issue.

[flyfisher]

One thing not mentioned about a canoe is the lack of self bailing capability and maneuverability combined with stability. I haven't seen a canoe that can do both well but I have seen plenty of kayaks that fit that bill.  

I do agree that if you are car camping out of a boat then a canoe would make it easier but I have done many 4+ day trips in a 12' kayak with no issues.  Now the caveat there is i treat my kayak fishing trips as backpacking trips and have the gear to do it easily.  Less weight to paddle too.  

 

I have seen those tow behind kayaks and I am sorry, but i think that is ridiculous.  For the price of one of those you could invest in some high end lightweight and small camping gear and not even need the "trailer"  

[68camaro]

35 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

 

I have seen those tow behind kayaks and I am sorry, but i think that is ridiculous.  For the price of one of those you could invest in some high end lightweight and small camping gear and not even need the "trailer"  

Good point, I used to be huge into ultralight backpacking. I haven't done lately but a 4 day long weekend I could be about 17lbs without water, and you won't need to carry water:)  Ultralight will definitely save room and done right you can easily make fit your needs onto kayak. Since you don't need backpack you can probably save 1/2 lb or more right there.

 

Be careful though, counting ounces becomes an addiction.

[Hanover_Yakker]

If you are thinking of camping, you need to practice packing your kayak on dry land several times and take into consideration points of access, portage, freshwater storage (most significant weight variable), etc.  Most of your higher end kayaks have a load capacity of at least 350-400lbs.  Some even more.  For day trips or simple overnight trips, the key is to pack lightly as it relates to fishing gear (basically items you can fit in small stowable boxes or items that fit in their product bags). Also keep in mind that some outings may involve maneuvering your kayak through areas of low hanging or overhanging items (trees, bridges, etc) where your rods would need to be either stowed or lowered.  Check out this summary of a tour Kayak Kevin did back in 2008 - granted it was for a lengthy trip but it gives you a feel for the amount of gear he packs as a veteran kayak tourer.  Before every tour, Kevin spend times practicing how he will pack his kayak and do short paddles to test stability and handling.

 

http://www.kayakkevin.com/chesapeakebaytour/vabaytour08.html

 

 

[thinkingredneck]

Personally, I think you are asking a lot from one boat.  I like the simplicity of a yak.  I like that it goes shallow (  no pedals for me).  It gives some exercise.  It is stealthy.  I think you need a canoe.  I am sort of a minimalist, though.  At least for fishing.