Tell us about your kayak

[Brad Reid]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

@Brad Reid that's a really nice hull you got!  I think you'll be fine without the rudder.  The double tunnel style hull tracks well, and is similar to my Commander.  You'll just have to dust off your paddling skills.  Congrats!

J Francho, for sure. And, since this is meant to be a "throw it back in the bed of my truck and tie it down" and get on the water in minimalist form, I think the rudder might be overkill. Most reviews on this kayak that I have read said it tracks well without the added rudder owing to what you mentioned: the double tunnel hull form.

 

I am like a lot of kayakers where I love paddling and pedaling depending on the situation/location.

 

I'll report back once I get this kayak, get it "wet" and see how she performs.

 

Brad

[michaelb]

Does the Fx pro have scuppers? If not, doesn’t that make it a hybrid canoe? I would love to own/paddle one but there are other solo double paddle boats out there like the placid boatworks rapidfire that i would get first (if $ no object). 

[J Francho]

The Rapidfire is a pack canoe.  The hull on the Native Ultimate or Wildy Commander are very different (it's a kayak) than any pack canoe I've been in.  Two different classes of craft, each with their own pros and cons.

[kayaking_kev]

I have a cheap Old Town Vapor 10 sit in kayak that I got before I started fishing 3 years ago and it's what got me addicted to fishing while seeing all the fish swimming in the rivers I was paddling.

 

I only paid $300 for it new and have put it through major abuse by using it in shallow rivers where it often scrapes against rocks on the bottom, but it's held up nicely on hundreds of trips and I haven't flipped it yet. It's pretty light and easy for me to put on top on the car or in back of my truck. I modified it with some rod holders, paddle keeper, and few other small things.

 

I was wanting to buy a Native Slayer a few months ago, but I had a brain surgery that left me handicapped in my left foot and was unsure if I could even operate a peddle kayak, so I spent the money on a bunch of rods and reels instead. I hope to be able to find someone with a peddle kayak this year that will let me give it a try to see if I can do it or not, but regardless I would probably still take the Vapor 10 with me on the shallow rivers, just because I wouldn't be able to use the peddle drive and it would take a lot of abuse. With my current kayak I'm able to go on the river when most won't because it gets to low and they don't want to damage their nice kayaks scraping on the bottom. I've dragged mine for miles and it's still going strong.

 

I have been thinking about getting a cheap Lifetime Tamarack though, just to have a sit on top for lake fishing, just to feel a little safer.

[HookInMouth]

I beat the snot out of kayaks. My Voodoo's look like I fish on a cheese grater. 

 

Nothing like a 25 yard "scoot" in shallow water to let the fish know you're coming. 

[NH Bass Nut]

On 1/20/2020 at 12:06 PM, HookInMouth said:

Kaku Voodoo. Bought two of them. 

 

Pros: 

Very stable.

IMHO the best seat in the business (10" off deck or 24" off deck, or a standing platform for sight fishing).

Open deck.

Tracks well.

Good thick plastic. Durable and well made.  

Paddles well for it's size.

Personal touch from the owner Kevin Hawkins. Very involved and available.  

 

Cons:

Doesn't come with much in the way of holders. Just track. So you add pretty much everything. 

Lists at 77lbs. Feels heavier. Awkward to move at times. 

The open flat deck can get a wave to it in the summer sun. Some add foam to keep this from happening. 

Sitting that high up you become a sail in the wind. Can be a tough paddle against the wind.

 

Couldn't be happier. 

 

 

Great info re: the Voodoo and Kaku in general. I am in the process of upgrading from my former FF Lure 11.5 and the Voodoo and new base model Zulu have my interest. Regretfully the nearest dealer is 500+ miles away so shopping research has been via the web. You mentioned the deck wave issue under cons and I have noticed that in older (pre-2019) posts/videos but heard the issue has been addressed. I was wondering how old are your Voodoos? Thanks for any additional input!

[Patrick Reif]

I have 2 Jackson Coosas.  I bought both used.  The last one had been on the water 4 times and the guy sold it to me for $700.

There are enough pictures of kayaks without needing to post mine.

When in the process of designing it to fit your style of fishing, start off small.

 

I personally don't like the rods sticking up along the milk crate.  I float under too many trees for that to be an option and I've snagged my crankbait on the rods when casting and backlashed so bad the rod was done for the rest of the float.

 

My personal favorite modification was to simply tie a rope to the forward carrying handle and attach a carabiner to the other end.  Make the rope long enough to latch the carabiner to the cargo loop in the bed of your truck, and you have an easy to use transport rope that doubles as a tow line when you attach it to your PFD and wade holes along your river.

 

I honestly treat my kayak as a ride down to my favorite wading holes, then it's just a floating rod and tackle storage platform.

 

The two most important things you can buy with your kayak is a quality PFD and the best carbon fiber paddle you can afford

[HookInMouth]

16 hours ago, NH Bass Nut said:

 

Great info re: the Voodoo and Kaku in general. I am in the process of upgrading from my former FF Lure 11.5 and the Voodoo and new base model Zulu have my interest. Regretfully the nearest dealer is 500+ miles away so shopping research has been via the web. You mentioned the deck wave issue under cons and I have noticed that in older (pre-2019) posts/videos but heard the issue has been addressed. I was wondering how old your Voodoos are? Thanks for any additional input!

The key lime is an early model and the orange crush is a later model. The key lime was a demo at a (somewhat) local dealer who had stored it outside. I picked it up last year about this time and we literally had to sweep snow and ice off of it to get a look at it. That's the one I've noticed the wave most on. It's worse in the sun after a long day of fishing and then kind of returns to normal. I could get rid of the issue with some yoga blocks but it just hasn't bothered me enough to do so yet.

 

The orange one was purchased brand new from ACK last year at this time. I've not noticed as much wave to the deck on this one. It gets a slight wave in the hot sun but quickly returns to flat after it gets into the garage. I think the issue is mostly fixed on the Voodoo, but if you're concerned with that, I wouldn't say it's entirely cured. 

 

I'm really not sure how that slight wave compares to other kayaks on the market? Do they all do it slightly? Just the ones with the flat open decks? Just the Kaku offerings? People with more experience might be able to answer that. 

 

I can say that the plastic is solid. There's not a lot of deck-flex in these things, at least in my opinion. The plastic is sturdy. So I don't think it's an issue if poor materials or thin plastic.  

[Brad Reid]

21 hours ago, michaelb said:

Does the Fx pro have scuppers? If not, doesn’t that make it a hybrid canoe? I would love to own/paddle one but there are other solo double paddle boats out there like the placid boatworks rapidfire that i would get first (if $ no object). 

michaelb,

 

No, no scuppers and you are correct that it is really a, more or less, canoe with "fishing" kayak features. Native also has a Ultimate FX Propel 13 which is a bit longer, same general construction  . . . but has the Native pedal drive. It is also not recommended as an offshore vessel since it can't shed water.

 

So, the Ultimate FX 12 Pro one has you seated or standing a few inches lower below the water line since there is no bilge area comprising two skins of plastic with space between the hull's bottom and the cockpit floor. This is an advantage for stability as your center of mass is a few inches lower. The disadvantage is any water sloshing in from the outside, waves or rain or prop wash from a boat, stays inside the vessel. I'll likely use it only in rivers, lakes and Galveston Bay staying pretty close to the perimeter in the last two circumstances.

 

I'll carry a sponge.

 

And, really, almost all fishing kayaks are "hybrids" and not very pure. Some are part stand up paddleboard, some part canoe, some part jonboat, now a few in catamaran orientations.

 

Back to the Native Ultimate FX Pro 12, it has:

 

a high and low seat adjustment, and removable, too;

lots of gear tracks;

rod stagers;

much lighter weight than most other 12 footer kayaks;

standard anchor trolley, underseat storage, front bow hatch cover, etc.

 

Lots of vessel for $854 brand new.

 

I'll use it as my minimalist choice and for specific circumstances. 

 

Brad

 

 

[Harold Scoggins]

On 2/24/2020 at 5:52 PM, michaelb said:

I don't see how weathercocking in the wind would be a design feature

You're correct, it is not. All kayaks experience weathercocking, some more than others depending on the shape of the hull. All kayaks have a bow and stern, the bow creates a high pressure zone as wind travels along the side. The stern creates a low pressure zone, therefore presenting less resistance and allowing the wind to push it around until the bow is turned into the wind.

"I only believe in Science."

[Dens228]

Well, the Shearwater I pre-ordered early December is cancelled, I ordered a Bonafide SS127 at 10:00 at this morning and got shipping notification at noon.  

 

I know the shipping issues with Vibe is out of their control with the virus in China but I can't base my summer of fishing on the uncertainty.  

I can't wait to see how the SS rigs up, I already have some ideas. 

[Jason.Domingo]

Me and the wife picked up new Slayer Propel 10’s. For her its the perfect size since shes only 5’ tall. I dont mind it either. Nimble boat although it just strikes me as a bare bones peddle kayak. Im a sucker for storage compartments sadly lol.

[Boomstick]

On 1/17/2020 at 12:52 PM, Tizi said:

Here are a few pics of my new ride:

 

I just put a downpayment on a Topwater 120 non PDL today. This one is for my youngest son. Ironically, I mentioned to the guy at the shop how I met my savings goals, nothing broke too badly this year so I'm getting kayaks for myself and the kids. On my way home, my truck got stuck in "auto" and feels like the front may be stuck in 4x4 low while the back is normal. Probably a new transfer case

 

Anyway here's what I do plan to buy, assuming this doesn't set me back too badly.

 

Myself: Bonafide SS127

Accessories: Yak Attack Swingblade rudder, YakAttack BlackPak, YakAttack Leverloc Anchor Trolley, Anchor Wizard, 3 track mounted rod holders, and a Yak Attack Landing Net.

 

For my oldest son: Crescent SUP+

Accessories: Cooler, Milk Crate & Rod Holders, a short handle net since he's closer to the water, a couple paddle holders and rod holders

 

For my youngest son: Old Town Topwater 120

Accessories: YakAttack BlackPak, YakAttack Leverloc Anchor Trolley, Anchor Wizard, a Yak Attack Landing Net. Didn't need the track mounted rod holders because this kayak comes loaded with three already.

 

And then build a Harbor Freight trailer by adding PVC Pipes to the bottom, some truck rails and pool floaties to store a second kayak up top. Eventually I will get some kayak racks to hold the SUP up top as well but I can initially put that in the bed of my truck.

[HookInMouth]

On 2/27/2020 at 8:44 AM, HookInMouth said:

I'm going to a local shop tonight to look at a couple 2019 Model year SS127. They have two, a Hondo Orange and a True Grit Sand. Since the colors have been discontinued for 2020 they are 25% off. Honestly, I'll probably by both at that price. I'm keeping my Kaku Voodoo though haha. 

Only bought one of the SS127 on Saturday. I'm just so happy with the Voodoo that it didn't make sense to buy both. So we just grabbed one for the wife. She went with the True Grit Sand. The SS127 is pretty impressive. Can't wait to give it a try and compare it to the Voodoo. 

[Dens228]

21 minutes ago, HookInMouth said:

Only bought one of the SS127 on Saturday. I'm just so happy with the Voodoo that it didn't make sense to buy both. So we just grabbed one for the wife. She went with the True Grit Sand. The SS127 is pretty impressive. Can't wait to give it a try and compare it to the Voodoo. 

My SS127 is being delivered to my house tomorrow morning.......excited to start rigging it up for the season. 

 

[HookInMouth]

2 hours ago, Dens228 said:

My SS127 is being delivered to my house tomorrow morning.......excited to start rigging it up for the season. 

 

Congrats man.

 

They've really thought of everything with those things. Everything has a function and place. It's a stark contrast to the Voodoo where nothing has a place haha. Don't get me wrong, I love my Voodoo. Just a different line of thought with the whole "ready to fish out of the box" vs the "blank slate customize it to fit". 

 

Warm weather can't get here quick enough.

[schplurg]

On 2/27/2020 at 12:26 PM, Patrick Reif said:

I have 2 Jackson Coosas.  I bought both used.  The last one had been on the water 4 times and the guy sold it to me for $700.

There are enough pictures of kayaks without needing to post mine.

When in the process of designing it to fit your style of fishing, start off small.

 

I personally don't like the rods sticking up along the milk crate.  I float under too many trees for that to be an option and I've snagged my crankbait on the rods when casting and backlashed so bad the rod was done for the rest of the float.

 

My personal favorite modification was to simply tie a rope to the forward carrying handle and attach a carabiner to the other end.  Make the rope long enough to latch the carabiner to the cargo loop in the bed of your truck, and you have an easy to use transport rope that doubles as a tow line when you attach it to your PFD and wade holes along your river.

 

I honestly treat my kayak as a ride down to my favorite wading holes, then it's just a floating rod and tackle storage platform.

 

The two most important things you can buy with your kayak is a quality PFD and the best carbon fiber paddle you can afford

 

How do you store your rods?

 

I've seen rod holders that tilt (somewhere), and I have two mounted on the rails that can be tilted down, but I use a 3-rod holder on my milk crate. I don't carry many rods so maybe I can rig up something.

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, schplurg said:

How do you store your rods?

My Coosa will hold two rods horizontally.

[Patrick Reif]

5 hours ago, schplurg said:

How do you store your rods?

 

I've seen rod holders that tilt (somewhere), and I have two mounted on the rails that can be tilted down, but I use a 3-rod holder on my milk crate. I don't carry many rods so maybe I can rig up something.

I lay them between my legs.  I generally start off with 4-5 rods.  Once the fish show me what they want, I'll slide 2-3 of those rods in the forward dry hatch and store them away.

 

The Coosa has a big enough dry hatch to slide my rods into the hull.  By the end of the float, I'll have 2-3 rods on deck.  If I have a singular technique that is working, I always have that bait tied on two rods and everything else in the hull of the kayak.

 

Keep in mind, I only use my kayak in super shallow rocky rivers.  My kayak has never seen a lake or pond. 

[Porkrind]

I basically started bass fishing in general back in the beginning of 2016 and at the ripe age of 37. I remember not knowing much at all regarding fishing for sport I’d fished my entire life but never for sport so I wasn’t completely inexperienced. I remember turning to the great group of members on this website and used their knowledge and experience lead me into my journey. Besides all of the equipment and tackle I purchased the one thing I was missing for a couple months was something to fish from and found bank fishing to be very limited. At that time I remember having a hard time finding something in my budget that I felt comfortable standing in and could hold my large frame and weight so I took a long hard look. I took the leap and bought a Heritage Osprey 12.9 which I have been very pleased with. It’s been 4 years now and other than being heavy and designed to carry a bucket behind the seat rather than a milk crate it’s been great. Unfortunately Heritage has since went under I believe. Sorry I don’t have any pictures of my actual rig.

[kayl.]

I've had a Native FX 15 since 2016 and it's a great kayak. Very roomy and stable; I've had me, my wife, and our 3 kids in it! 

 

That said, I'll be picking up my new Hobie Outback soon and can't wait! Pedal drive will be a game changer for me!

[Smalls]

On 3/5/2020 at 12:12 PM, schplurg said:

How do you store your rods?

 

I've seen rod holders that tilt (somewhere), and I have two mounted on the rails that can be tilted down, but I use a 3-rod holder on my milk crate. I don't carry many rods so maybe I can rig up something.

https://gatling-fishing.myshopify.com/

[Tizi]

My maiden voyage!  Love this kayak. Better than expected. A true pleasure to fish out of it.  Now I need to set it up with sonar, crate, etc.

 

[bh91]

Just seen  hoodoo , anyone seen it in person . Company seems relatively new and for 1250$ shipped a new pedal drive kayak doesn’t seem too bad 

[Dens228]

My new ride.  A Bonafide SS127.  The Bixby motor isn't attached to the rudder in any of these pictures but you can see the battery attached to the front of the crate.  I think I have it all set up how I like it.......famous last words.  LOL