Kayak haters/lovers Opinions please

[vicdotcom]

Hey all!

 I am really thinking about possibly buying a kayak for some bass fishing down here in Florida.  There are a ton of great ponds and rivers to fish here and MANY spots that I can't reach bank fishing.  I hardly ever fish big lakes unless on a friends boat and I would not venture out on those lakes myself.

Basically I wanted to get some opinions from lovers and haters of kayaks to see what your experiences are to help me come to an informed decision. Good experiences/ bad experiences.  Love it or hate it.  Any information would be great

Appreciatively

Vic

[Marty]

I can't help, I'm just curious how you arrived at a decision to get a kayak as opposed to a canoe, which is not to imply that I think there's anything wrong with a kayak.

[Brian_Reeves]

Kayaks rock.  Canoes are great.  I have a 15ft canoe now only because I wanted to make sure I could take a friend of mine fishing, but my next bass boat is this.... http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_editions/prowler_big_game.html

The reason is because I can stand up on this thing and flip/pitch.  It's hard to do that sitting in my canoe.  I'm terrified to stand up in my boat.  A kayak is more stable as long as it's a sit on top.  I fished from one for the first time this weekend and I was beyond impressed.  I've fished canoes, jon boats, and kayaks now and I can honestly say that kayak fishing is a whole new experience...and a fun one at that.  I'd say go for it.  I am as soon as I have an extra grand to drop into the boat that I want.

[Aluma-Bass]

i love my YAK!! I have pungo 120 angler model....I love it has 3 rod holders, dry storage, anchor system, cuts through water like nothin..Its light enough i can carry myself and floats in like 2-3'' of water. If i could turn back time i think i wouldve gone in with SOT sit on top style bc more room, more stable, and easier to get in and out of...just wear lots of sunscreen on top of your legs bc they will get smoked. Some people go as far as adding depthfinder/gps etc on their yaks..they are very fun to fish out of and stealth!

[vicdotcom]

I can't help, I'm just curious how you arrived at a decision to get a kayak as opposed to a canoe, which is not to imply that I think there's anything wrong with a kayak.

Hey perfectly fine question! My main concern was portability and stability. The canoes that I looked at were all to long for my ability to transport it. I drive a saturn and it will have to be on the roof. The kayaks also seem easier to launch than a canoe. Since my wife doesnt fish, it will always be a one man job. A kayak seemed the better choice for those reasons.

Another consideration was flipping or turning the boat. With a sit on kayak, I can just turn it over and jump back on. For a canoe, it would be a much harder process especially if it filled up with a good amount of water. Again one person, it seemed a better choice.

I do have to admit that the carrying capacity of a canoe was one thing I was thinking about since I will be taking my son out on it in a few years. But I can pick one up for about 300$ arround here at that point.

Brian_Reeves: Its too funny but I was looking at almost the Exact same model for a kayak lol

VA Hawg Slayer: Thanks for the input about the sitin vs siton kayaks also in FL the sunscreen is definately a must also. Awesome website too.  Thanks for the link!

Vic

[misfit1III8]

I have fished from a yak for a few years and I personally love it. I go where no one else does and that in itself is enough reason to get a yak to me.

I looked at the sit on top yaks and they just aren't for me. I prefer to stay lower and I need storage space. I chose the Old Town Predator 140.  It has tons of room, a nice anchor system and few nice storage features and it is very wide and much more stable than I had anticipated. It tracks extremely well but turns better than you'd think a 14ft yak would turn. I also have intentions of taking my young son in this with me in a few years and I will undoubtedly have no issues with fitting him in there with all of my equipment. I also have plans of doing an overnight trip in it this summer and it seems I will have plenty of room for storage for everything I will need.

Good luck out there.

[SnowBass23]

I have been a long time Kayak fisher and I LOVE IT!  Of course, like anything there are pros and cons!  I have a Prowler 13 Angler edition (also by Ocean Kayak, just like the Big Game).  Mine is rigged with several rod holders, a fish finder, an anchor system, and several other features that make fishing easier.

One of the big concerns that you should think about, is the angle you will be sitting in relation to the water.  I know some models allow you to stand, also you might be agile enough to stand and cast.  I however am not that person!  I have used several models and brands of kayaks, and I have never been able to easily stand and fish (or even stand up and look).  I am a thick boy (not fat, but a big weight-lifting bubba!) and not the most agile person around.  So standing has never been an option for me.  Because of this, when you are fishing, you will be sitting in a constant position with your legs straight out in front of you, or bent up to a 90 degree angle.  Sit on the floor in your house and take a rod, and imagine casting back and forth.  Because you have such a low angle, your view in the water is limited, so it makes sight fishing a little more challenging.  

I would really take a good look at canoes.  My wife and I recently bought a fully loaded bass boat.  I like the bass boat because she can go with me, and it is nice to fish without always paddling.  But I still want to be able to fish smaller waters, AND take her.

Even if your wife doesn't like to fish, and claims no interest in the kayak, DON'T BELIEVE IT!  My wife is the ultimate girly-girl and she had no interest in kayaking.  After I started yak fishing we finally went and rented a tandem kayak just to paddle around in for the afternoon.  Since that day all I have heard is how she wants to go with me.  Also if you plan on fishing with a child (or even if you get a buddy into it) you can easily get into a canoe that can go to most of the same places, and it is always cheaper to buy what you want from the start, instead of upgrading later.  On canoes vs. kayaks, kayaks are infinitely faster than canoes.  When you have a couple of strong paddlers in a canoe, and you get into a decent shaped sit on top kayak (they are generally not known for speed, more for stability!) the kayaker will still be able to soar past most canoes.

Personally, since my wife and I have the big boat now, I plan on trading the kayak for a canoe for those occasions when she wants to go too.  For the person that mentioned getting a SIK for the room,  I took a 4 day trip with a buddy last summer.  We both took our own SOT kayaks, we each carried our own camping/food supplies as well as tackle and we still had room to spare.

Good luck with your decision!

[NinjaFishin]

I can't help, I'm just curious how you arrived at a decision to get a kayak as opposed to a canoe, which is not to imply that I think there's anything wrong with a kayak.

I've been considering a kayak myself and I see it more as an ease of use and portablity over a canoe.  A kayak is easier for one person to pick up and go.  Most canoes are more of a 2 person deal and I am more looking for just a personal craft. My friends have boats for when there are more of us.  To me it all boils down to just pickin up a yak, throwin' it on top of my jeep and going. 8-)

it's really all about the person who uses it in the end.  Some (like snowbass) have other people to account into the equation and a canoe will be much better choice, but those looking for just a singular ride a yak is that happy "just right" spot.

[Popeye]

I'm kinda CONCERNED about you using a 'Yak in your area: FLA. Do you have those nasty 'gator beasties to deal with?? In a 'Yak you'd be REAL close to the waterline and a hungry 'gator could easily pop up and grab you and that would put a serious damper on your fishing trip! A canoe would be much safer, in my opinion. Or you might want to consider a kayak/canoe hybrid like my NuCanoe with stabilizers/outriggers for added stability so you can stand and fish or just stretch your legs. Also with the NuCanoe comes the ability to easily clamp on a trolling motor. Check them out on their website. In any event, I'd still opt for a canoe over a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak, especially in your area.

[vicdotcom]

Hey everyone,  Great info so far and I realy thank you for taking the time to reply.

misfit1III8: certainly taking my family fishing with me is one of the factors. My son is only 1 right now so I have some time before I get him out on the water.  At that time Im pretty sure im going to invest in a bass boat or at least a dinghy.

Snowbass23: Awsome post and I really appreciate the time you took to post it.  One day I dream of getting a dedicated bassin boat lol  But I have to wait untill I get a car strong enough to tow one, not to mention the boat and trailer lol  but Hopefully my wife would enjoy getting on the water as much as I do.    The low angle is a concern that is why I want a kayak able for me to stand with semi-stability.  

As far as the casing position, I am certain that it can get uncomfortable after long periods.  Does sitting with your feet hanging out of the boat and into the water help any?  Kind of like straddling the kayak with your feet hangning out over each side.  It seems like a good way to relieve the stress of sitting with knees bent or legs straight out.

Enjoy your bass boat !!

Ninjafishin: portability and easy of transport/ getting on the water is one thing that I always try to do also.  Im not one for a big prep list lol

Popeye:  That post seriously made me laugh thinking of a kayaker floating past a gator lol  Here in central florida there is a gator in just about every body of water.  They are a concern but they usually dont attack unless in mating season or when protecting their nest.  One day while canoe fishing in a spring river, a hard wind blew me into a bush that had a nest nearby and the mama gator growled at me!  I neary crapped myself lol  normally im not to concerned about gators, but in this instance I knew was a dangerous situation.  I quckly paddled away.  In that situation a canoe would certainly be a little safer than a kayak i would imagine.  But if it really wanted to get at me, its jaws could really easily get over the rim of a canoe or a tail could easily knock me over.  Just something we have to watch here in FL LOL

As for the hybrid canoe/kayak  it is something that Im currently looking into also.  I havent found one yet that I can try out.  How stable is it compared to a normal kayak?  I see that you have some stablizers on yours and I think that is a great way to stay steady while fishing.  Are you able to stand up on it?  What about without the stablizers?  I like the idea of a canoe/kayak hybrid but Im still not 100% sold on the stability of them.

Thansk again all for all this info.  it has given me a lot of food for though and I appreciate any other comments!

Have a great day!

Vic

[Marty]

I bought a canoe a year ago. Even though it's a tandem model, it's being used by me only. I can't help myself, but I bring along too much stuff for a kayak. The wide canoe offers stability and offers easy access to all the stuff I bring. This style of canoe is the least paddling efficient, but that wasn't a factor because all the places I go, no fishing area is more than 1/2 mile from the launch.

Although I haven't kept count, on a popular county park pond that I fish, I see more kayakers than canoeists.

[armesjr]

I have a tarpon 120 angler rigged up with a piranhamax 240 depthfinder.   I really like it, and currently have no complaints about it.   I drive a Xterra so it is easily transportable.  Its my 1st time with being able to consistently get off the bank, and using a fishfinder and my fishing has really improved.  I have also fished in a canoe, which i also liked.  kayak is good if it is just you.  

[Sharkbite]

I was thinking about getting a Kayak too. I have alot of large lakes near me and I would like to get on the water. This wil give me alot of info I needed Thanx

[Brian_Reeves]

I'm kinda CONCERNED about you using a 'Yak in your area: FLA. Do you have those nasty 'gator beasties to deal with?? In a 'Yak you'd be REAL close to the waterline and a hungry 'gator could easily pop up and grab you and that would put a serious damper on your fishing trip! A canoe would be much safer, in my opinion. Or you might want to consider a kayak/canoe hybrid like my NuCanoe with stabilizers/outriggers for added stability so you can stand and fish or just stretch your legs. Also with the NuCanoe comes the ability to easily clamp on a trolling motor. Check them out on their website. In any event, I'd still opt for a canoe over a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak, especially in your area.

Gators are generally not interested in eating anything near their own size.  I've never had a problem with any gators with the exception of getting too close to nests (on the bank).  If a gator gets too close, just crack the water with the paddle or pop it on the head.  It'll leave you alone.  They generally won't bother anything nearly as big as a full sized adult on a kayak except in defense.

Now about that NuCanoe.  I can't seem to find a pricing anywhere for them.  How much does their 12ft angler boat go for roughly?  I'm trying to shop around for the best prices/quality.

[Popeye]

NuCanoe info can be found at:  www.nucanoe.com   If you email them they will send you a pricelist and shipping costs. Great company, great product.

My 10' wasn't as stable as I thought it would be UNTIL I fabricated the outriggers/stabilizers for it. With them on it is VERY stable and I was able to comfortably stand to fish. I do think the 12' version of the NuCanoe is much more stable without stabilizers than the smaller 10' version I have.

You can carry a LOT of stuff in one, much like a regular canoe.

[Bassyak]

As my screen name suggests, I do the majority of my fishing from a kayak, even though I also have a 17' Bass Trackeer taking up space in my garage.  I tend to fish a lot of smaller lakes so I can avoid jet-skiers and such, so the kayak is perfect for me.  I have a Hobie Mirage Sport and it's the ultimate fishing kayak.  It's less than 10 ft long, almost 3 ft wide and weighs less than 50 lb, so it's easy to get in and out of the bed of my pickup (or on your roof if you have a smaller car), easy to get in and out of the water, and easy to get in and out of tight spots on the water.  Hobies are a bit more expensive than most kayaks, but that extra cost is worth it for the pedal system that allows you to fish continuously without having to put your rod down to paddle.  I've rigged mine with a Eagle FishEasy 320C fishfinder and addtional rod holders and am working on an anchor system as well.  I don't stand in mine, but I don't really find a need to either.  Check out the Hobie website for details on the Mirage pedal system and there are several other kayak fishing websites that you can find easily on Google that will give you detailed reviews of all the Hobie Mirage kayaks (I have the smallest one, but there are 12 and 16 ft models as well).  A lot of other "fishing kayaks" have some neat little features, but none of them compare to the unique propulsion of the Hobie, in my opinion.  I'll try to take some pics of mine and post them later.  Good luck!

[vicdotcom]

I have a Hobie Mirage Sport and it's the ultimate fishing kayak. It's less than 10 ft long, almost 3 ft wide and weighs less than 50 lb, so it's easy to get in and out of the bed of my pickup (or on your roof if you have a smaller car), easy to get in and out of the water, and easy to get in and out of tight spots on the water. Hobies are a bit more expensive than most kayaks, but that extra cost is worth it for the pedal system that allows you to fish continuously without having to put your rod down to paddle. Good luck!

The pedal system is something I looked into also a lot. It certainly has a great advantage. The 10 foot length is also a good advantage also for me. My only concern when asking about the pedal systems is how it holds up in the weeds and pads. Here in FL the veg gets pretty thick. Of course im sure I can clean it after every trip and paddle for the times it mucks up during a trip. Is that a concern or something you have to deal with in WA also?

Thanks for the tip. Im seeing some store experts this weekend to get more info before making a 100% choice

Thanks all so far for all the input both negative and positives. It all helps in the decision making process!

Vic

[vicdotcom]

LOL my wife just told me that we should get one of those tandem paddle boats to fish out of.  That way she, my son (when old enough) and I can get out onto lakes with in the future.

Might look funny but hey its still fishing with the family!  and its one step closer to that dream bass boat lol

Vic

[Bassyak]

I run into weeds all the time, and the pedals too a pretty good job of plowing right through them.  They're pretty solid and pretty much self-cleaning, as far as weeds and pads.  The rudder picks up more stuff than the fins, and it has a lever in the cockpit for raising if necessary.  Plus if it's really thick, you can just take your regular kayak paddle (included with the kayak) with you and paddle your way around.  I usually carry a short wooden canoe paddle with me, just so I can back up if I need to.  Like I said, earlier, it's pretty much the ideal small fishing platform.

[vicdotcom]

Hey all!

 I just wanted to thank everyone for all the information and help.  After reading all the various opinions, I decided to go for it and get a Kayak for bass fishing here in florida. (traditional tackle and fly)  I decided on the Malibu Mini-X.  There were many great suggestions here and I appreciate them all.  I figured to choose a kayak that fit what I was looking for most.  Small enough to transport alone and with a small car and very stable.  

Thanks again all!  much appreciated.

Vic

[Popeye]

I had a Malibu Mini-X and it was nice BUT not all that stable (at least not as stable as the adds led me to believe). I would not try standing in it without outriggers/stablilzers like the ones I built and installed on my NuCanoe. I fished for around 7 hours in the Mini-X and besides getting very wet, when I got out of it I could hardly walk. In fact, I had to roll out of the kayak into the water on my knees. OK, so I am a little old:o) The Mini-X is a nice, easily transportable kayak but since it's only 9' long, it isn't too fast. There is ample room in it and for someone in decent physical condition it's a good choice. IMO.

[sneaker]

Been fishing bass for many years out of waders to bass boats. Each have their advantages. Waders have the cost advantage and are very portable. BBs go like mad and you can cover a lot of water, but the monthly payments and now fuel costs are a downer. A kayak is a good start but most need more dry, accessable storage and an electric motor. The motor can provide precise boat control when there is a breeze blowing or current flowing, and it comes in handy for the long paddle back at the end of the day. No such boat now available so I built one. The object was to be able to control the boat with only ones feet providing control of start-stop, fwd-reverse and of course left-right, and leave the hands free for other things. Paddling along with the motor assisting is WAY better than the paddle and no motor and greatly increases the fishing range of the boat and paddler.

Fishing from a kayak is a slower paced fishing with time and stealth to see much more than I ever did from a power boat. With a foot controlled electric boat there is no paddle flashing in the sun alerting wildlife to your presence and when you are detected you do not have a threatening appearance. So otters come by just to have a look, ducks are not disturbed and spawning fish sometimes bump into the boat. Shallow water is fun to explore and you can access water a trailered boat cannot get in to. After the fishing trip the boat just hangs from the rafters in the garage, taking up no floor space and it remains clean for the next trip.

Fishing a class 2 or 3 river is not for the inexperienced paddler. There are many hazards to look for and the threats are ever changing as you drift along in the current. But you will not soon forget the feeling of hooking a steelhead that feels like a freight train that can jump. Here boat control is critical as you deal with the fish and the river hazards. Usually it is necessary to beach the boat and land the fish. This is probably not an option in your part of the country, but these boats are small enough to take along on a vacation to such places.

So electric kayak fishing is a unique way to enjoy our lakes and rivers. I am no longer in need of a continuous adrenalin rush (way over 40) and the peace and wonder of fishing in complete silence seems to fit. You may not be inclined to build your own boat, but when looking for a boat these are the features I most wanted, and was willing to make the effort to get them. After 4 years of fishing from a boat like this, I regret not having done it years ago. Good luck and be safe...