SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 Okay so there are lots of people getting into kayaks these days. Besides myself, I've got three other people who are currently researching for yaks the want to buy this spring. I thought it'd be nice to see a thread where everyone can showcase their kayak and tell us what you love, like, dislike, or flat out can't stand about it. Or about one that you owned prior. Feel free to show us pics, tell us all about what you've got on it currently, or plan to add later. If you're planning to upgrade then go ahead and share what your next one will be and why. And why not share what kinda waters you primarily fish, too. I don't currently own a kayak. I've borrowed a cheap one off my BIL few times and have rented a few different ones. My plans are to pick one up this spring and I'm pretty sure it'll be either a Kaku wahoo or Zulu. Fishing lakes and streams but no white water action. Will also use it to bow fish out of. Quote
Super User Bird Posted January 17, 2020 Super User Posted January 17, 2020 I love most everything about kayak fishing, the solitude, simplicity and efficiency of just throwing it in the truck and going. My boat actually has a motor pod.....Jonnyboats Bass 100 made by FeelFree. My only gripe: I lost the casting accuracy I had on the big standing platform of my Nitro but firmly sticking with the kayak. 5 Quote
VolFan Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 Nucanue Frontier 12 and Pursuit - I love the huge deck space, and the ability to take my son along. The F12 is the most versatile boat out there. They can be heavy sometimes. 3 Quote
GTN-NY Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 2018 Jackson Big Rig Not the HD or FD. Paddle only but I really like the exercise! 14’ and 35” wide its big it’s heavy it paddles like a barge(but that’s probably just me, 60 and out of shape) but it’s very stable and that’s the most important thing to me as I like to stand when fishing. My wife has a Jackson Liska. Nice kayak but not as stable as mine. Paddles nicely. I’ve added a crate with 4 rod holders, anchor trolley with clothesline reel for anchor line, Lowrance Hook2 5. For transporting both kayaks I got a used jetski trailer the holds both kayaks side by side or when I’m alone 1 up the middle. 5 Quote
Brad Reid Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 For competitive kayak tournament fishing, my guess is the new Hobie PA *** 360 models have jumped back into a strong lead as the best vessels. Holding water and positioning is a big deal and these vessels will do it better than any others. A guy or gal who specializes in fishing boat houses, around docks, etc. will be able to pick one apart with great detail and accuracy. Well, from there it so much depends on how one fishes. I still have a Native Slayer Propel 10 and it is an absolutely outstanding kayak for anything but large lakes. You might need more speed to cover more water in those circumstances. But, one can throw a Propel 10 on the back of a truck, no trailer, no bed extender and be on the water very pronto. At 34" beam, it is very stable, almost as much as my much larger Big Rig was. And, oddly, it paddles very well if you need to kick the drive up to work across a weed bed. It was my first kayak and is still my favorite. Just moved from Lake Athens, TX to Galveston Island . . . so I will need to learn how to fish for flounder, reds and sea trout. Can't wait to hit the bays and bayous. 5 Quote
Bass Ninja Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 8 hours ago, Bird said: I love most everything about kayak fishing, the solitude, simplicity and efficiency of just throwing it in the truck and going. I totally agree. I grew up fishing with my dad in a canoe, and the occasional trip on a boat with friends who had one. I still can't afford to get one yet, but I'm so obsessed with kayak fishing that I don't think I want one anymore. I just throw my kayak on my car in minutes, and it takes me about 7 minutes to unload and launch. Something about pushing off in the early, foggy morning, being closer to the water, the calm stillness while watching the world wake up around me just hits me on a spiritual level. As for my kayak, its an Ascend FS12T that I got used on FB Marketplace for half price. I raised the seat and added a trolling motor with foot peg steering, which is a huge upgrade for me. Its a good starter kayak...it paddles like a tank and doesnt track the greatest, but it gets the job done. 1 Quote
SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Author Posted January 17, 2020 I love seeing how people have their yaks rigged up and all the different cool ideas out there. Keep them coming guys! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 17, 2020 Super User Posted January 17, 2020 https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Fishing-Journal/i-nw7vt3s/0/80963f73/X2/IMG_1037-X2.jpg 1 Quote
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted January 17, 2020 Global Moderator Posted January 17, 2020 8 hours ago, Brad Reid said: For competitive kayak tournament fishing, my guess is the new Hobie PA *** 360 models have jumped back into a strong lead as the best vessels. Holding water and positioning is a big deal and these vessels will do it better than any others. A guy or gal who specializes in fishing boat houses, around docks, etc. will be able to pick one apart with great detail and accuracy. Well, from there it so much depends on how one fishes. I still have a Native Slayer Propel 10 and it is an absolutely outstanding kayak for anything but large lakes. You might need more speed to cover more water in those circumstances. But, one can throw a Propel 10 on the back of a truck, no trailer, no bed extender and be on the water very pronto. At 34" beam, it is very stable, almost as much as my much larger Big Rig was. And, oddly, it paddles very well if you need to kick the drive up to work across a weed bed. It was my first kayak and is still my favorite. Just moved from Lake Athens, TX to Galveston Island . . . so I will need to learn how to fish for flounder, reds and sea trout. Can't wait to hit the bays and bayous. Sweet! You will be dangerous in the salt with that thing. 1 Quote
Dens228 Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 My current Vibe Seaghost 130.. I have a Vibe Shearwater on the way and will be transferring all this over to it but also upgraded my FF to a Garmin Echomap 73SV UHD 3 Quote
Hook2Jaw Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 My current kayak is an Old Town Predator. It is the fastest kayak I've ever owned, and that's saying something -- I sold a Hobie Pro Angler to fund it. Switching from forward to reverse without input from my hand is a boon. The kayak tracks well, and that coupled with forward and reverse motioning keeps me in a very stable position. Speaking of stable, it's very stable. Casting to the left or the right while standing is a breeze, and I can jack a jig hookset with ease while on my feet. The kayak only feels like its slightly tippy while leaning into a turn. The Predator turns well. It turns as well as or better than any Hobie I've owned. I was worried about the radius upon purchase, because the rudder is narrow. It completely distracted me from how long it is. It moves a lot of water and puts you in the direction you desire, quickly. It's 13'2", if I remember correctly, and has a good bit of well thought out storage. The integrated tracks on the cockpit plates as well the tankwell plates make mounting accessories quick and efficient. The front plate is gonna conceal my through hull fittings for my electronics, which I like. The hatch inside my drive is great. It's water tight and makes my drive float should I drop it. The tankwell width is a complaint. Overall, I am very pleased with the performance of the Old Town Predator, and would recommend it to anyone. 2 Quote
CRANKTHAT Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 Grew up fishing and camping out of a canoe. When moved out on my own did not have the lifestyle or money for a boat of my own. (To busy chasing skirts and drinking beer) In my twenties I got back into fishing and camping. Always streamside as was living in a area where much of the year the water was to shallow to allow a boat. Did not mind as being a few miles from anything but wilderness suits me well. Found a job working 3 days a week with great pay and had even more time to hunt fish and camp. My boss did whitewater kayaking and took me under his wing. Was hooked the first time out! Lost the urge to fish and gave it up for the pursuit of adrenalin. My life became snowboarding and whitewater in the winter and rice rocket riding and whitewater in the warm seasons. Moved to mainland coast of North Carolina a few years back where the rivers are plentyfull and big the sounds and ocean are always acessiable, no snow and the roads are to straight for me to enjoy riding. Found myself to be a fisherman again. Started fishing out of one of my old whitewater kayaks. Not ideal but it was what I had at the time. I learned to surf the waves on the rivers and sound to get back and forth quicker. Was a ton of work in a smooth rounded hull. And even more so in the small rivers or in calm conditions. Wanted to expand my traveling so I bought a field and stream eagle talon already set up and well used. A good boat but tracking in the winds and the bigger waves make it not ideal for the ocean and bigger rivers. Great for small rivers and streams plus it tracks well enough for most smaller rivers. Stable enough and comfortable enough with a good seat to spend a few hours a day on. Decked it out with night lights more rod holders and made a decent crate setup. You really need the lights around me for all the stumps near shore + the boat traffic. Realized I was tired of pushing the (tank) through the water and needed more beer carrying capacity so was keeping my eyes open for something else. Had a yard sale come up on one of my Facebook feeds and noticed a kayak in the background. Decided to have a look as it was only a ten minute drive. The boat is a Prowler 13 ft by Ocean Kayak. They only wanted 200.0 0 for it as it had sun fading, had not been used in a few years and the owner just wanted it gone. 200.00 was a steal. I do not think the weight capacity is any more then the Field and Stream I own, but it takes all the weight much better. Tracks better, takes the waves better, and paddles so much easier. The front hatch design leaves little to be desired as it will take in some water on the rough days. I installed a bilge pump as I like to go out a few times a week for extended trips and it is a concern. I have only used the pump a few times when the weather has gotten out of hand. I would think that their are better boats out there for the same price new but I am happy with it. The canoe I started out my life in? My mom is giving it to me next time I go to visit. It is older then me. Still in really good shape. (aluminum) I am looking forward to some extended camping trips, being able to take the dog with me, and room for even more beer. 3 Quote
SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Author Posted January 17, 2020 1 hour ago, Dens228 said: My current Vibe Seaghost 130.. I have a Vibe Shearwater on the way and will be transferring all this over to it but also upgraded my FF to a Garmin Echomap 73SV UHD The shearwater definitely has my attention, too. I’m really kind of stuck between it and the kaku. Leaning more towards the kaku BUT I’m also worried about storage space, transducer mounts and some other things on the kakus. But one thing i love about the kakus is the wide open floor. i think Vibe has really laid out the SW 125 very very well. I think it’ll be a top boat for 2020. Can’t wait to see your review once you get it. 1 Quote
CRANKTHAT Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 (edited) https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/26060160_1800565099974516_4280612819802273083_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&efg=eyJpIjoibCJ9&_nc_ohc=wDHnvVVehF0AX8Fa1Py&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=12&oh=d97c16620c34d523ced8cec210fc1a22&oe=5E9D070E A hosting site is a bit to much work for me. Will see if I have any kayak pics posted anywhere. Edited January 17, 2020 by CRANKTHAT Info. Quote
Dens228 Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 1 hour ago, SuperDuty said: The shearwater definitely has my attention, too. I’m really kind of stuck between it and the kaku. Leaning more towards the kaku BUT I’m also worried about storage space, transducer mounts and some other things on the kakus. But one thing i love about the kakus is the wide open floor. i think Vibe has really laid out the SW 125 very very well. I think it’ll be a top boat for 2020. Can’t wait to see your review once you get it. I didn't get any of the center hatch add ons, and I'll be keeping my Bixby on the rudder of the Shearwater. That will give a lot of open deck in front of me. Quote
SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Author Posted January 17, 2020 5 minutes ago, Dens228 said: I didn't get any of the center hatch add ons, and I'll be keeping my Bixby on the rudder of the Shearwater. That will give a lot of open deck in front of me. Are you referring to the peddle drive and motor or are there other add on I'm not seeing? I've watched a few videos on the Bixby but not sure if I like it or not. Seems to me that it would be awkward having it on my rudder. Also, maybe I'm missing something but, the Bixby can only be used with their own battery, correct? So you'd have to buy a spare battery from them for extended range. I'm leaning more towards a trolling motor so I can control what battery I use as well as the power I want. The majority of my needs will be paddling but I will want some electric power when I have long distances to go on the big lake. Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 I have the NuCanoe Frontier 12. I bought it for it's versatility. It's under 13 feet long so I don't have to register it in Iowa. It has an open deck so I have plenty of room for gear or whatever I want. The long gear tracks on the deck are great for seat adjustment and adding extras like a pedal drive or a second seat. I have the H2Pro pedal drive on mine and it's a great addition for fishing tourneys. NuCanoe kayaks have a flat transom which easily allows the addition of an electric or gas motor. NuCanoe makes great accessories for their kayaks like the bow mount adapter for adding a trolling motor to the front. My ultimate goal is to add a trolling motor to the bow of mine. The Frontier 12 is wide and pretty big so I don't car top it. It's size makes it extremely stable though which is a big advantage because I like to stand and fish a lot. I did a lot of research when deciding on a new kayak and the Frontier checked off almost everything for me. I've been very happy with it and don't see changing from it anytime soon. 3 Quote
SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Author Posted January 17, 2020 You really never see much talk about the Nucanoe. Not a bad looking boat. One thing I have noticed is that very few manufacturers are putting much effort into producing nice looking colors. Maybe it's a difficult process that adds a lot of cost, dunno. To me, it seems like Feel Free and Kaku are offering the best colors of any of the makers. Kaku IMO, is the best looking boat on the market today. Bonafide is making some nice colors too even though they're solid. They look amazing with a wrap. A few of the big name companies are putting out downright horrible colors and completely steering me away from any of their offerings just because of the appearance. Quote
Dens228 Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 22 minutes ago, SuperDuty said: Are you referring to the peddle drive and motor or are there other add on I'm not seeing? I've watched a few videos on the Bixby but not sure if I like it or not. Seems to me that it would be awkward having it on my rudder. Also, maybe I'm missing something but, the Bixby can only be used with their own battery, correct? So you'd have to buy a spare battery from them for extended range. I'm leaning more towards a trolling motor so I can control what battery I use as well as the power I want. The majority of my needs will be paddling but I will want some electric power when I have long distances to go on the big lake. There's the peddle, the motor, and a storage option. You don't even know the Bixby it on the rudder. It is so small and light. Yes, you need the proprietary battery. Only time will tell if it will be worth the cost. I like the 9 pounds total weight of the battery/motor. I have yet to use even 25% or the battery life in an outing. My big test will be on Lake Tomahawk in Wisconsin this summer. I plan on some long treks to a couple of spots. Quote
SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Author Posted January 17, 2020 3 minutes ago, Dens228 said: There's the peddle, the motor, and a storage option. You don't even know the Bixby it on the rudder. It is so small and light. Yes, you need the proprietary battery. Only time will tell if it will be worth the cost. I like the 9 pounds total weight of the battery/motor. I have yet to use even 25% or the battery life in an outing. My big test will be on Lake Tomahawk in Wisconsin this summer. I plan on some long treks to a couple of spots. I thought I read somewhere that the Bixby would give 10 hours of constant use at it's lowest speed and roughly 1.5-2 at full speed. Of course this all depends on the weight it's pushing. basically one trip across a good sized lake and you're paddling back. I dunno, I'd want my motor to handle whatever I threw at it for a good 6-8 hours. The one very nice thing about the Bixby is how small it is and out of sight. It would be ideal for a person who's just using it to free up their hands while their moving slowly along the banks. I just don't see it as a mode of transportation for long distances from one hole to the next. Basically just boils down to what your needs are I reckon. Quote
Tizi Posted January 17, 2020 Posted January 17, 2020 Agree with others, love fishing from my kayak, good exercise, solitude, and I am more in-tune with what is going on around me. Easy to transport and move around. I have fished out of a Jackson Cruise Angler 10 for several seasons. It is a paddle kayak. Very happy with it. At the end of 2019, I purchased a Old Town Topwater PDL 106. I am in the process of setting it up and have not fished out of it yet (been snowing here lately). I will use the pedal kayak for larger waters and windy days. This also allows me to bring someone with me, since I have 2 kayaks. 1 Quote
SuperDuty Posted January 17, 2020 Author Posted January 17, 2020 Man that's pretty slick! I'm sure you've got plenty of great fishing outings in the near future in that dude. 1 Quote
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