Looking For First Kayak

[redskinsfan360]

I am looking to get my first sit on top kayak.  I am looking at the 11' 6" 60lbs Pelican Castaway Kayak from Dicks sporting goods.  It is on sale or $480.  Does anybody know anything about this yak?  Any suggestions for other yaks?  What are things I should look for in a yak?

[madjake]

Just my 2 cents...

I do alot of saltwater fishing in Florida and just started bass fishing.  I own a Native Ultimate 14.5 which is sort of a cross breed between a canoe and yak (easy to stand and cast in).  For bigger water and longer distances, I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160.  Both are a bit on the steep side in terms of cost 850ish to $1000.   Both are great for bass fishing.

While I'm not a big fan of the Pelicans, $480 seems like good price and I'm sure it will do what you need.  If you're looking for a smaller boat, there are many 12' options out there.  Check Craig's list and kayak fishing forums in your area.... you'll find some great deals there.  If you have a kayak fishing outfitter in your area, you might want to check them out too.

Good luck to you

Mike

[eddieinva]

If your looking for a quality SOT you can keep for a number of years, look at natives/tarpons/ocean kayaks/heritage/or hobies.. i researched this for quite a while before deciding on a heritage redfish 12..  

If your looking for a fishing kayak, i personally think this is the way to go.. but  that is again my opinion..  if your not doing much fishing on it.. who cares..  

check out www.kayakfishingstuff.com .. a great link, and tons of help if you have questions.

[JKay]

If your looking for a quality SOT you can keep for a number of years, look at natives/tarpons/ocean kayaks/heritage/or hobies.. i researched this for quite a while before deciding on a heritage redfish 12..

If your looking for a fishing kayak, i personally think this is the way to go.. but that is again my opinion.. if your not doing much fishing on it.. who cares..

check out www.kayakfishingstuff.com .. a great link, and tons of help if you have questions.

Great suggestion for Kayak Fishing Stuff.  They are about 45 min from my house and that's where I got my yak.  

I would definitely tap into these guys.  Great bunch and can help with the selection.  I cover some bigger water sometimes and my kayak is just for fishing.  I got the Hobie Revolution with the Mirage drive.  It works so great that you can fish or rig up gear while peddling.  When you're way out in a reservoir and your buddy had to paddle all the way back to the take out, you smile and are glad you have the peddle drive

[macmaster761]

Personally I would never get a pelican SOT after seeing my bosses.  It is a solid yak but has serious tracking problems and is not a very streamlined design and takes a lot of energy to get it up to speed.  My boss did get a brand new heritage redfish 12 angler edition kayak and the thing is awesome.  We take it out in boston harbor fishing for stripers for 12 hours at a time catching 34 inch hogs almost every weekend.  I absolutely love heritage and have a 12 ft sit in model myself.  They run about 700 bucks but my buddy got a steal on his for 550.  Good luck picking out your yak!

[macmaster761]

oh and the seat in that kayak is wicked uncomfortable I have sat in that seat and thought it was terrible

[redskinsfan360]

After getting advice from a couple of different forums, and kayak review sites.  It looks like I should be choosing between a redfish 12 and a tarpon 120.  Thanks for the advice, and I can always use more on what kayak to choose.  I am still gonna give it couple weeks of thought before I purchase one.

[eddieinva]

if you ever want to see the redfish 12 in action, your more than welcome to try mine out..  although, i have to admit i really wouldn't mind having a tarpon as well..

[J Francho]

I have a Prowler Big game, and it fishes very comfortably.  Standing is not an issue, as it has a stable, 34" beam.  It isn't the fastest hull in the world, but I bought it to fish from, not race.  If you get a SOT, get the rudder option.  I would not live without it.

[macmaster761]

d**n son u have more electronics and gear on that kayak than in my car!!!  

[J Francho]

LOL, yeah, not your typical fishing yak.

Here are some close ups:

And a jigging "money shot" for you:

[redskinsfan360]

Thats awesome!  I notice everyone puts the gear behind them.  Is it easily accessible?

[J Francho]

Yes, it is pretty easy to get at on this model.  Its literally sight behind me, and even in rough Lake Ontario chop, I can get to it without getting up.  The old milk crate is the ticket.

Here is pic that shows where everything is in relation to me:

There is also a big hatch just in front of the seat, where I keep my cooler, emergency and 1st aid kit, binoculars, a dry bag with my DLSR camera and lenses, and whatever little creatures have taken up residence in there.  Well, I might be kidding for the last one.  There is even a molded aerated recirculating livewell that can be fitted to the center hatch!  I think its about a $200 kit.

[macmaster761]

heres my striper setup

two front mounted rods one for trolling one for casting

small cooler in the back for a snack attack

my freshwater setup is completely different

[eddieinva]

heres mine.. not done yet.. looking for a crate set up..

[eddieinva]

i keep everything in front for easy access..but keeping extra stuff in a crate i think would be essential..

[J Francho]

Eddie, what brand/model rod holders do you have in the triple RAM mount up front?

[eddieinva]

Close, not RAM.. it's Scotty all the way..  check out kayakfishingstuff.com.. they have it for sale..

[J Francho]

OK, I have four of the monster Scotty holders now, but I picked up a smaller universal unit.  That is probably what you are using.  The smaller ones work much better for me.  I was just wondering if you were using another brand that I missed.

Sweet rig, btw