Fishing kayak

[EGbassing]

14 hours ago, Riazuli said:

I started kayak fishing with a sit in kayak and loved it.  It was great to be out on the water and having just started then, I was just happy to be out on the water - but I began to notice where things became difficult...managing rods, paddle, etc...they do have paddle clips (easy to use ones that clip on and don't require drilling, etc.: https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Creek-YAKCLIP-Paddle-Holder/dp/B000TQB7VG/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1527459417&sr=8-19-spons&keywords=yak+gear+paddle+clip&psc=1&smid=A2SI41RLEE9XR9)

 

I started with one rod, then moved to 2...had to keep the second in my lap if I wanted to have easy access to it - or I could just fold it up and keep inside my front bungie straps...well, eventually I wanted to use more rods...and I wanted to be more comfortable and having more freedom and mobility for casting...and I wanted something more stable and secure for my added investments of rods and such...so, it only made sense for me to upgrade.  The main feature I was looking for was stability - and ability to stand up comfortably and fish while standing.  I also did not want to spend over 3k on a Hobie (although they look like great kayaks and are probably some of the best, if not the best on the market for kayak fishing, and I might look to get one one day when it seems feasible in terms of transportation, storage, etc...I drive a coupe vehicle (scion Tc), so a Hobie would be a bit tough to manage...and I don't want to burden my wife by using her suv.)

 

I ended up with a Feel Free Lure 11.5 - I am so happy with this kayak.  It really allows me to comfortably fish and enjoy my outings so much more than before.  I am grateful I was able to start out with something, but the difference between this stable sit on kayak is incredible compared to my old sit-in kayak, in terms of casting, mobility, room for gear instead of having stuff on me, between my legs, or stuffed around my legs and in the way...

 

I see this as in investment into something I love that helps me recharge for work and school, and keeps me in a better mood for my wife, family, and others.  The cost is completely justified when I think of it like that - and completely true for me.  The center console (feel free sonar pod) has a fish finder mounted to it now, with plans to upgrade to a pedal drive, and then a motor module in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks. I'm leaning towards one with a seat like the one in that picture now.  

[Riazuli]

2 hours ago, EGbassing said:

Thanks. I'm leaning towards one with a seat like the one in that picture now.  

That seat is standard on the lure models and I think some others.  It is said to be one of the best seats on the market.  I can fish all day comfortably with it.  

[EGbassing]

19 minutes ago, Riazuli said:

That seat is standard on the lure models and I think some others.  It is said to be one of the best seats on the market.  I can fish all day comfortably with it.  

Yeah, it looks really nice.

[LadiMopar]

18 hours ago, Riazuli said:

 

I ended up with a Feel Free Lure 11.5 - I am so happy with this kayak.  It really allows me to comfortably fish and enjoy my outings so much more than before.  I am grateful I was able to start out with something, but the difference between this stable sit on kayak is incredible compared to my old sit-in kayak, in terms of casting, mobility, room for gear instead of having stuff on me, between my legs, or stuffed around my legs and in the way...

 

How on earth did you get that on top of your car? And aren't you concerned that it might come off while driving?

I have a Lure 10, which weighs in at 70 lbs, that 11.5 just be pushing close to 100 lbs.

 

Inquiring minds want to know! ?

[Riazuli]

3 hours ago, LadiMopar said:

 

How on earth did you get that on top of your car? And aren't you concerned that it might come off while driving?

I have a Lure 10, which weighs in at 70 lbs, that 11.5 just be pushing close to 100 lbs.

 

Inquiring minds want to know! ?

The roof rack I have by Yakima is solid.  No vibration or shaking - I take this on the highway at speed limit at least and have no worries about it.  When I strap it down, I can move my whole car by moving my kayak.  That's how you know it's stable.  

 

I'm able to get it on there and off by myself with the boat loader bar attachment.  It's a extendable bar that comes out of the front roof rack bar, where I lift the nose of the kayak on to and then I can manage the kayak on to the car by lifting up the back end.  Only way I'd be able to manage this.  

 

For the Lure 11.5 I have an interesting process where I have to get under it to get the kayak over the Yakima Jaylow ramp system - after that I can push the kayak into the j bars - it's not the easiest thing to do after a day on the water, but I'm able to manage it alone without straining myself too much, which is all that matters. 

 

The video is low quality, and this looks easier than managing the Lure, but you get the idea:

 

 

[JLBBass]

Bass Pro Shops carries the Ascend fishing kayaks. I own an Ascend 12T, sit on type. AWESOME kayak for under $650!!!

 

[Bass Junke]

On 5/21/2018 at 1:53 PM, NYWayfarer said:

Is it this thing? http://www.backwaterpaddles.com/hand_paddles.htm  I have been thinking about getting one.

 

Paddle in my lap while fishing. I have made one handed paddling adjusments to my position using the forearm of my rod holding arm as leverage. Rod is in its holder or between my legs while paddling.

 

NO issues yet losing my paddle but I did purchase a set of paddle and rod leashes after losing a combo overboard when grabbing for my paddle.

I have the backwater paddle. I guess I am part of the minority. I will not lie my paddle in my lap it always gets parked. I also use my backwater paddle alot. I pretty much park my paddle and sometimes troll all the way back to the boat ramp with the assault paddle. Kinda funny I have a pretty expensive paddle and it usually is just parked and I am maneuvering around with the assault paddle that costs 30 dollars. 

[CountryboyinDC]

Another lap-paddle-rester here.

[Pogues2300]

In my 170 dollar non fishing kayak i installed a taco clip for the paddle. Then i took a milk crate and zip tied 4 pieces of pvc pipe with a diameter that fit my fishing rods and a net to each corner and secured that directly behind me with just the bungee cord it came with. I use this sometimes 5+ times a week for 2 years and i did have to replace the clip because it cracked. Works pretty well. 

[Paul Roberts]

I've never had a problem with the paddle, and I have a small 10ft sit on top. Paddle lays alongside me, one end in a bungie strap at the bow.

However, I do not paddle and fish at the same time. I paddle to get somewhere, stash the paddle out of the way, and almost always drop an anchor. I'm a position control freak as I fish so I'm almost always anchored. So easy to do, esp with an anchor trolley.

 

I fish from a float tube too, which is highly maneuverable. Still, I anchor a lot there too. It's just too easy to drift and lose track of things.