Tell us about your kayak

[Dens228]

57 minutes ago, SuperDuty said:

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. 

 

That's probably about right.  I don't fish a lot of big lakes, mainly quarries and strip pits.  I mainly got it to keep up with the motor kayaks in the small tournaments I do. 

[SuperDuty]

Back to the top. Surely there is a lot more kayakers here than this. Come on let's see em!

[kjfishman]

I have an Old Town Loon 126 sit in. Rigged with Lowrance Hook2 5x, transducer reads thru hull behind seat, anchor trolley 2, home made stake out pole, adjustable rod holders an 2 recessed rod holders behind the seat. Another rod holder on the removable work deck. The adjustable seat is very comfortable.

On 1/17/2020 at 11:52 AM, Tizi said:

Here are a few pics of my new ride:

 

 

[HookInMouth]

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. 

 

[Bass Rutten]

My current ride, a gen 1 Wavewalk, 10'2" long, very light, about 60 pounds give or take, very stable for standing and maneuverable. A true twin hull kayak, the bench seat down the middle makes for an upright sitting position making it very comfortable for them long days. It's for sale too for anyone interested near Chicago. Going to be hopefully upgrading to a native this next spring.

 

[SuperDuty]

33 minutes ago, Bassjam2000 said:

My current ride, a gen 1 Wavewalk, 10'2" long, very light, about 60 pounds give or take, very stable for standing and maneuverable. A true twin hull kayak, the bench seat down the middle makes for an upright sitting position making it very comfortable for them long days. It's for sale too for anyone interested near Chicago. Going to be hopefully upgrading to a native this next spring.

 

Very unique ride!

[Alex from GA]

I have a 10' Perception Pescador that I fish rivers and streams with.  The only add on is a chain anchor.  At 55 lbs it's too heavy for me to carry/drag up hills when I'm done fishing.  I had a 9' Perception Keowee sit-in that weighed 35 lbs ,that someone wanted out of the back of my truck,  that was perfect for my kind of fishing.  Picture of the Pescador on the left. 

[Smalls]

I'm in a BigFish 105. My wife's Pescador is up top. 

 

I've probably mentioned something about backflips and gymnastics on it once or twice here. Definitely stable. The seat is extremely well built, and really comfortable. Tons of room, even for a 10.5' kayak. 

 

Sloooooooooow. Paddling an 8 hour tourney with it takes some recovery time for sure. A little faster now that I have into FeelFree and bought the rudder designed for it, though. 

 

I like my boat, but there's a lot that really irks me about it. It just has "fantastic idea, poor execution" throughout it, and a lot of the reasons I bought it ended up being like that.  It has a spot on either side for horizontal rod storage, except there's no way to actually get a rod into that spot. There's also a storage spot for a tackle tray on either side of you, but getting a hand down there requires being double jointed. 

 

I absolutely love the sonar pod, though. One easily removable all in one graph-battery-wires-transducer spot. I don't think I could ever own a paddle powered kayak without a similar pod after having it. 

 

I complain about it a lot, but it's not a bad kayak, especially for the price. FeelFree makes em big n sturdy, and I don't think I could sink it if I tried. 

 

It'll also be for sale after this season ?

[SuperDuty]

1 hour ago, Smalls said:

I'm in a BigFish 105. My wife's Pescador is up top. 

 

I've probably mentioned something about backflips and gymnastics on it once or twice here. Definitely stable. The seat is extremely well built, and really comfortable. Tons of room, even for a 10.5' kayak. 

 

Sloooooooooow. Paddling an 8 hour tourney with it takes some recovery time for sure. A little faster now that I have into FeelFree and bought the rudder designed for it, though. 

 

I like my boat, but there's a lot that really irks me about it. It just has "fantastic idea, poor execution" throughout it, and a lot of the reasons I bought it ended up being like that.  It has a spot on either side for horizontal rod storage, except there's no way to actually get a rod into that spot. There's also a storage spot for a tackle tray on either side of you, but getting a hand down there requires being double jointed. 

 

I absolutely love the sonar pod, though. One easily removable all in one graph-battery-wires-transducer spot. I don't think I could ever own a paddle powered kayak without a similar pod after having it. 

 

I complain about it a lot, but it's not a bad kayak, especially for the price. FeelFree makes em big n sturdy, and I don't think I could sink it if I tried. 

 

It'll also be for sale after this season ?

I've read they're slow and heavy but that is part of the tradeoff for going super stability. 

 

So what's your next yak gonna be? 

 

I'm still so much up in the air on what I'm going to get. I'm seriously starting to feel that I need two different yaks - one for creeks and rivers and one for the lake. I'll probably be buying my first one in March. 

[Michigander]

I have a 10' Viper that I got during a Black Friday sale. Due to my circumstances, everything has to be removable for transport and storage so nothing is hard mounted which is an interesting design challenge. I love fishing out of this thing.

 

[clayton86]

I’ve got the wilderness systems Atak 140 and 120. Last season was my first season with the 120. 
 

the 140 is a “rocket” by fishing kayak standards I guess haha. I can cruise at 5.5mph paddling with my fiancé’s “where are you dinner is done” text as motivation lol. I use the 140 for duck hunting also I’ve had it out in Lake Ontario mid January busting through ice to shoot some ducks. It handles those conditions awesome was just a pain to load into the truck all iced over took 4 of us to lift it into the back of a Tacoma. 
 

120 I’ve only had for a season both the 140 and 120 are incredibly stable I can stand and walk around on both. The 120 is more maneuverable for the creeks I frequent. Doesn’t track as well as the 140 but it’s 2’ shorter so that’s a given. 
 

I've got a torqeedo 1103AC on order that will be able to be swapped between both kayaks. 

[M Bruns]

I have two kayaks. Started out with a cheap Aruba 10 from Walmart. It was well worth the money as it's served many purposes over the years. It let me fish ponds that have too much vegetation around the edges during summer and we also use it for hunting (top picture). Where it excelled was for retrieving ducks - it is quick, light, and easy to maneuver. 

For an upgrade, we got a Nucanoe Frontier 10. The first drawback is it's kinda heavy. However, the seat is so much more comfortable, I can stand and cast/fly-fish in any direction, and there's tons more space. I added a makeshift fish finder dash and a pvc transducer arm (bottom picture). 

The common saying in kayak purchasing is to save and buy your "second" kayak first. However, a cheap yak like the Aruba 10 (~$200) is great to finally get off the bank. Be warned, the sit-ins can sink when flipped. If I were to start over again, I'd look at the Lifetime Tamarack Angler, lots of good things said about it and it's a sit-on.

[SuperDuty]

This spring I'm going to search high and low for places to demo some of the kayaks that are on my short list. I want a paddle kayak for the exercise and so I can use it in very skinny water. I also want one stable enough that I can easily stand and fight fish. But I want one that paddles well enough that going long distances isn't going to kill me. That's the hard part, finding that perfect balance of stability and paddle ability.  For the longest time I had my heart set on a Bonafide SS127 because they're so well made and stable. Also really liked the FeelFree Lure. But I'm just afraid they would be so difficult to paddle that maybe I wouldn't enjoy them. I'm use to paddleing skinny yaks that move through the water with ease. 

 

There are a few I have on my short list that I really want to try out and see how they paddle. 

Bonafide ss127 and RS117

Kaku kayak wahoo and Zulu

WS atak 120

Feelfree lure 11.5 and the Moken 12.5

OT predator

 

And finally, I am also giving thought to a Hobie outback and the native propel max. The reason being is I have fished a lot while paddleing and sometimes it can be a real chore trying to deal with the paddle, the pole, and staying where I want to be. Having my hands free would be nice. 

 

 

 

[Smalls]

14 hours ago, SuperDuty said:

I've read they're slow and heavy but that is part of the tradeoff for going super stability. 

 

So what's your next yak gonna be? 

In this price range that tends to be true. But there's definitely faster boats out there that don't sacrifice stability. 

 

I haven't gotten that far, yet. ? Definitely something pedaled. I have shoulder issues, so the whole paddling deal gets old real quick. Leaning towards a Titan, maybe even a Slayer. Kind of interested to see if FeelFree comes out with a Dorado V2, too. 

1 hour ago, SuperDuty said:

 

There are a few I have on my short list that I really want to try out and see how they paddle. 

Bonafide ss127 and RS117

Kaku kayak wahoo and Zulu

WS atak 120

Feelfree lure 11.5 and the Moken 12.5

OT predator

FeelFree just released the lure V2, definitely worth a look. 

[Harold Scoggins]

BG2

[michaelb]

I have 5 kayaks (+ 3 paddle boards + 2 canoes) and have been kayak fishing for about 15 years. But last year I finally bought one specific for kayak fishing. I wanted a paddle kayak, since I also bike a lot during the summer, and so wanted a boat that was reasonably fun to paddle. Fishing on a large lake, with ever present winds and waves, I also wanted something that could handle chop and rough conditions. So, with a leap of faith, I ordered the Kaku Wahoo 12.5.

 

 

I was attracted to this boat based on the unusual and aggressive hull shape. I also really liked the look of the open deck, without any clutter at my feet and simple rails that I could rig as I wanted. I wanted a stadium seat as well.

 

 

Overall, the boat has been great. Standing up while fishing is a game changer; I get grumpy now if it is too windy to stand. The kayak is fun and easy to paddle, and it definitely rides up and thru waves and wake with ease. It does not paddle like a wide slow barge at all (I have another boat that paddle likes that). I can hit 5 MPH if I am working really hard and can cover .5 miles averaging 4 mph; but the cruising speeds of this and most fishing kayaks is 2-3 MPH.

 

It is stable enough to stand and fish and I love that. But that definitely involved a learning curve too, to get my balance and confidence. My guess is that the wahoo may be slightly less stable than some of the other wide boats here; a price to pay for a boat that paddles so nicely. I am pretty sure I will manage to fall in some day; when the anchor line is slack, and then the boat moves with a new wind, hitting the end of that line is a sudden stop of the boat underneath the feet. For testing, when I fall the boat mostly stays upright. this would be good for the gear on top; but in a strong wind it also means the boat could be sailing away. If I flip it, it takes some work to get it back right side up.

 

I like a lot of the boats mentioned in this thread and would love to try them too. But the kaku is the perfect blend of paddling and fishing for my needs.

 

[LadiMopar]

My first yak on its maiden voyage...Feelfree Lure 10

 

And the upgrade last season to the Feelfree Dorado 125 with peddle and motordrive:

 

Both of these are super stable, the Lure 10 doesn't track quite as nicely as the Dorado but it has a generous deck; the Dorado weighs in at 125 lbs before the 50lb 12V 75AH Battery [so definitely needs a trailer]...but the wiring is fully integrated, comes with LED lights [port/starboard - stern -and fully lit cockpit for safety], built in battery box with integrated USB charging, retractable transducer arm...and the best seat I've ever seen in a yak. The peddle drive comes standard, but I added the motor (40# thrust), which just slides into the housing in the peddle drive. My only complaint is the motor is a tad loud compared to a standard 40# thrust trolling motor..

[VolFan]

Im going to tske some flack for this - but many of these things are so far from why I got into kayak fishing that it loses me. My Nucanoe, that I could put an outboard on - weighs in at 70+ pounds. I can carry it and car top it. All of the wiring and add-ons and weight just turn these into small bassboats, not as much the simplicity and mobility that I love about kayaking. I also only fish dry flies...?

 

PS - If you're not in a Nucanoe, you're not in the best yak.

[CHIP-MAINE]

had one and bought a pelican from dicks last year for the rest of the family. like the pelican better for fishing. easy to carry and great for fishing.

[the reel ess]

I used to take part in the bassboat rat race at the local big lake. It got to be more work than reward. So I bought a canoe. After using it a few times, I wanted a kayak. I just sold the bassboat. Practically gave it away. I know the guy I sold it to. It's now his permanent yard art.

 

I bought a Perception Sport Pescador SOT, which was really the previous generation Wilderness Tarpon. It was an entry level model I got on sale at Academy for $500. I still have it and use it for small or very shallow places. Its light and easy to throw in the truck and take off at the drop of a hat. But it has limitations. You can't stand and fish. It's a little less stable than the expensive ones, but not so unstable you worry about flipping. It has a molded in seat and thin seat pad, which I removed and a back rest (a must for fishing). I use a stadium cushion. Even so, it will put your butt and feet to sleep after a few hours. Another downside is, since you sit low to the water, you can get a wet butt in rough water or if you have to paddle hard. Not nice in cold water.

 

I bought a Feelfree Lure SOT from a buddy for the bigger places. It has a stern mount, foot steered, 36 lb thrust, saltwater trolling motor with variable speed control. It keeps me from having to paddle for miles and is a bit more hands-free. You can stand and fish. It even has a standing brace, which I don't use. The drawback is it weighs almost double what the Pescador weighs. It has a wheel in the stern, but that's because it almost has to. It really needs a cart or a trailer (someday). I had to buy it because I got the whole package for less than the kayak alone costs new. But it's a load and requires some motor and battery setup when I put in and take out. It takes a little longer to get ready and I have to recharge the battery.

[TimberTodd]

I have 2 2017 Nucanoe Frontiers. I bought them for the stability and open deck plan. I can easily place my tackle bag in front  while fishing and have easy access to my gear. I made my rod storage in the back so I can house 4 rods. Tried the crate with rod tubes but didn't like them standing straight up. The drawback is skinny water and remembering they are sticking out the back to catch tree limbs. The Frontier isnt a speed demon and takes a little to get moving but I can paddle at a comfortable pace all day. I do wish they would have put scupper holes in front so one could be used for mounting the transducer. The Yakattack transducer arm works well though. I also wish they would have put in hull access in the back for ease of mounting options like more rails. The dowel on the side of the rod storage holds my safety flag which is made out of a broken rod I found laying on the bank.

 

[SuperDuty]

21 hours ago, VolFan said:

Im going to tske some flack for this - but many of these things are so far from why I got into kayak fishing that it loses me. My Nucanoe, that I could put an outboard on - weighs in at 70+ pounds. I can carry it and car top it. All of the wiring and add-ons and weight just turn these into small bassboats, not as much the simplicity and mobility that I love about kayaking. I also only fish dry flies...?

 

PS - If you're not in a Nucanoe, you're not in the best yak.

I've tried but I just can't like the Nucanoe's. There are several things I don't like about them. The lack of hull access, their appearance reminds me of a canoe, they don't have storage or handy pods for mounting FF easily, they just seem as bare bones as it gets. The flint is on the skinny side for stability and the wider model is so dang wide it'll paddle like a sofa. I've read several people who like them but they just aren't for me. I think there are better options on the market for me. 

[James Engle]

I’ve got a pair of old town predator PDL’s. Awesome awesome boats. My previous kayak was a native slayer 10, it was much slower, less stable, cheaper quality, and my customer service experience from the remaining dealers closest to me was poor.  I went to old town and haven’t looked back. I will say the kaku voodoo has always caught my eye and I would love one of those one day. The nucanoe lineup is a similar style as the voodoo so you might like them as well. 

[VolFan]

2 hours ago, SuperDuty said:

I've tried but I just can't like the Nucanoe's. There are several things I don't like about them. The lack of hull access, their appearance reminds me of a canoe, they don't have storage or handy pods for mounting FF easily, they just seem as bare bones as it gets. The flint is on the skinny side for stability and the wider model is so dang wide it'll paddle like a sofa. I've read several people who like them but they just aren't for me. I think there are better options on the market for me. 

If you havent paddled one properly set up, I cant help you. The Frontier 12 paddles great for sit on top with it's stability, and fishes like a plastic bassboat. Never had a problem mounting ram mounts on the rails for fish finders - but I dont be cause I like a clean deck for my dry fly fishing ?.  Not sure what you want for hull access - the front hatch is huge.

[SuperDuty]

11 hours ago, VolFan said:

If you havent paddled one properly set up, I cant help you. The Frontier 12 paddles great for sit on top with it's stability, and fishes like a plastic bassboat. Never had a problem mounting ram mounts on the rails for fish finders - but I dont be cause I like a clean deck for my dry fly fishing ?.  Not sure what you want for hull access - the front hatch is huge.

I'm sure they're a fine yak, I just don't care for them. You certainly don't see many out there.