Kayak Fishing

[B A S S E R]

Who fishes from a kayak for bass?

I am really thinking about getting one but don't want to break the bank. I am going to be buying from BPS and was thinking about getting the Ascend FS12T Sit On

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS12T-Sit-On-Top-Angler-Kayak/product/10213830/-1759668

It was pretty good reviews on the site, but does anyone have personal experience with this kayak?

Also any general kayaking or kayak fishing advice would be much appreciated.

[J Francho]

You have to get seat time in a boat, on the water,  before you can really decide whether its for you.  This is a "gateway boat."  Its cheap, works, and gets you on the water.  Something from Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayaks, Hobie, Native, etc. are better boats, but cost more.  I recommend buying a unrigged boat, and rig it yourself.  Lots can be done.  As far as which boat to get, you have to decide what type of fishing you do most, and where you'll be fishing.  River boats are different than lake boats.

Here's my big water boat:

Here's a pre rigged boat from Moken, that has a wheel built in for easy launching:

This boat was designed with fly fisherman in mind.  The outriggers retract for normal paddling:

Some guys adapt sit in models to fishing, as well:

[deep]

I have a little 10' Pelican SOT. It's nowhere near the best, but I got a good deal and bought it new from Dick's. I rigged a little hummingbird on it too.

[0119]

Been fishing out of a yak for over 10 years. The Ocean Kayak Drifter is what Ive used for the last 5 years. The market has gone nuts with improvements since then. I think it best to stick with a brand name and look for a good warranty. When yu get one resist over rigging it and find what you like before making it permanent. Liek I found that with my spare tire, working a spinning outfit is a nuisance in the yak. Ive also found fly fishing easier from the yak, contrary to most everybody else.

[kayakfisher]

I am also using the ocean kayak drifter, picked it up last year used for ~$400 with paddle... It is a great kayak,very stable. Personally,I would try to find something a bit nicer than the ascend brand. They are a decent kayak, but they are also kind of cheaply made. If you do go with an ascend, buy it unrigged and rig it yourself. Watch craigslist for used ones. Also, stop on over at kayakbassfishing.com

[deermaster]

Me and my buddy do pretty good from the kayaks.  Buy a boat unrigged, and put some hours in it, bare bones.  Then you will get a feel of where you want your accessories and then you can rig.

Here is a couple of me fishing from my boat unrigged, just a couple weeks after I bought it

After some rigging

My buddies rigged boat

[Gavin]

Depends on what you want to do...If you want a day trip boat, look at a kayak...If you want something to float & camp on the river or do some wilderness tripping a solo or a tandem canoe might be a better choice because of the extra gear capacity.

If I was going to pull the trigger on a kayak right know....I'd be taking a hard look at the new Jackson Coosa and the Native Ultimates. Cheers.

[laus]

Began kayak fishing years ago when one Maine lake with huge bass was off-limits to anything with a motor. Have since discovered that the stealth possible and the sensitivity of my craft take fishing to a whole new level for me. Let a 5 lb bass tow you in a kayak as it fights and tell me what YOU think. Any kayak to start. Hobies my favorite.

[NateFollmer]

Went once with my good buddy Juan (guides on the Juniata and surrounding waters here in PA) and I've been hooked every since. IMO, its the best way to fish a river or stream. Got myself a NuCanoe and have yet to take it out... The ice finally melted, but now the flippin' rain has flooded the rivers!

[Gatorbassman]

I just took my Perception Caster out for the first time yesterday. I love it.

[B A S S E R]

what kinda stuff are you guys adding to help you fish. I want the ascend brand because I can get it discounted. does everyone wear waders in the kayak? or what is standard apparel?

Also would the 10' Ascend fishing be better?

[bigfruits]

if you can spare some more change, id look into the kayaks that JFrancho suggested.

id try to go 12' if possible with 14' being ideal for freshwater fishing IMO. 16' if youre paddleing long distances.

rudder is nice and can be added later. helps when the wind picks up. if you are on a flowing river or stream, you can keep your hands on the rod and steer with your feet.

i dont use waders but i also dont kayak in the cold months. i wear quick drying pants or swim trunks and good water shoes. you probably dont want exposed toes if you plan on fishing shallow rocky streams/rivers.

i like paddles with a carbon shaft and plastic blades for a compromise between price and weight.

get a comfortable pfd, some rod holders and get her afloat!

[Fishing Rhino]

Take your time, sort through all the data, then make your decision.

You're going to enjoy being right down at the fish's level.  I really enjoy fishing in my canoes.  It's nice being able to do it all from one seat.

While I like my bass boat, and prefer it in some cases, when I hook a nice fish, I eventually end up sitting in the cockpit to land it.  The small ones I can hoist aboard from the bow.

The perspective from both is quite different.

[central.PA.bass]

Went once with my good buddy Juan (guides on the Juniata and surrounding waters here in PA) and I've been hooked every since. IMO, its the best way to fish a river or stream. Got myself a NuCanoe and have yet to take it out... The ice finally melted, but now the flippin' rain has flooded the rivers!

Juan is a good guy.. I'm going out with him when his guiding season is over this year!

[kayakfisher]

what kinda stuff are you guys adding to help you fish. I want the ascend brand because I can get it discounted. does everyone wear waders in the kayak? or what is standard apparel?

Also would the 10' Ascend fishing be better?

Well then go with the ascend...like I said, it is a good brand, just not top of the line (but it floats and thats what matters). As for length, it depends on what you want from the kayak. A 10' will be easier to maneuver is small spaces, but a 12' or 14' will be more stable and track better. Also, you have to look at how much space you want to be able to haul gear. The longer the boat, the more space you have for gear usually. Personally, I like my 12'... it works great for the lakes that I fish. It tracks very well, is stable, and agile.

[J Francho]

On a nice warm day, where you're over the magic number (combined air and water temp of 120°), I wear appropriate fishing clothing...lightweight, zip off leg pants, UV blocking shirt.  I wear waders only on coolish days, but the combined air/water temp is over 120°.  Any lower than that, I use a semi dry kayaking suit from Palm.  When you're fishing in a possible hypothermia situation, there are other precautions to take.  Something you might want to bring up later.

[kllrbee]

Where are you in northern IL?

Im in Lakemoor about 10 miles south of the chain. I fish out of a 12 ft Perception Caster and it is great. Very similar to the Native Manta ray. I rigged it all up myself with rod holders, Cuda FF, anchor trolley, bungees, better seat, etc.

If u want to come check it out, Id be more than willing to let you take it out on the water and see how yu like it.

I never see anyone around here in a yak, and I need a yak fishing buddy so come on over, try it out, then get one so we can be ready for spawn...LOL.

Dont get the Ascend, you wont like it, trust me.  There are too many things that seem out of place and its just not comfortable.  Look on craigslist, or just fork over the money for something you will actually like.  You need to be comfortable in it, cuz its not like a boat where you can get up and stretch your legs, etc. 

Hobie, Ocean, and that new Coosa are all great, but a little pricey.  I love my Caster cuz I got a killer deal, it fits me just right, and I have it all rigged up exactly the way I want it.  It definitley didnt come that way.  But if I had to get a new one for some reason, Id go with the a Native Manta Ray or the Coosa.

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