Kayak VS Jetski

[WOOKIEFISH]

I was reading my newest copy of Outdoor Life and they had examples of tricked out Kayaks and Jetskis for fishing. I have considered buying a yak for fishing after reading all of the posts and threads here but never even considered a jetski until I read about it. Backbays, inshore, offshore anywhere you want to go. And I could afford the gas for it.

I know you Yak guys have opinions on this.

I'd love to hear them.

Thanks a lot. :)

[GoNavy]

It's possible, but you are just increasing the expense.

You'll go faster, have more off-shore capabilities, but other than that - it's no different... You could put a trolling motor on a kayak if you wanted ya know.

The added expense:

1. Gas (Kayak requires a drink and a WaWa Hogie)
2. Maintaining it (kayak requires 1 garden hose to wash it down...)
3. Hauling/Launching (Kayak can be carried on any car, truck, etc.)
4. Storage (You can't hang the Jet Ski from the wall in the garage)
5. Add-ons (Kayak is easy to equip, Ski might require some expertise)
6. Buying it (Good kayak will run you 5 - 600+. Jetski will be 4 or 5 digits...)

[vannstandsmerke]

It's possible, but you are just increasing the expense.

You'll go faster, have more off-shore capabilities, but other than that - it's no different... You could put a trolling motor on a kayak if you wanted ya know.

The added expense:

1. Gas (Kayak requires a drink and a WaWa Hogie)
2. Maintaining it (kayak requires 1 garden hose to wash it down...)
3. Hauling/Launching (Kayak can be carried on any car, truck, etc.)
4. Storage (You can't hang the Jet Ski from the wall in the garage)
5. Add-ons (Kayak is easy to equip, Ski might require some expertise)
6. Buying it (Good kayak will run you 5 - 600+. Jetski will be 4 or 5 digits...)

Missing the bite because you were still paddling=priceless

[dak4n6]

Well...since you asked, here's my opinion. As a kayaker and fisherman, I hate jetskis and jetskiers with a passion. There's something about jetskis that turns normal people into raging idiots. And they turn people who are already idiots into human torpedo death machines. I don't mind if you kill yourself on one of those nasty things but don't take me with you. That being said, I guess if you were to use a jetski for fishing in a responsible manner, it would probably offer some advantages as far as speed and mobility, but I'm wodering where do you put all your stuff? For $5K I would rather just get a small boat.

[Mulv80]

One of the beautiful things about a kayak is the simplicity. I have 2 other boats, a 20ft Wellcraft and a 14ft skiff. There is nothing more relaxing than fishing from the kayak. I'm not worried about an engine, fuel, low water, trailering, or any other things associated with power boating. Granted my range in the kayak isnt as far as the boat but when I want to move I can throw it in the back of the truck and drive to another location and launch. I can literally launch or retrieve the Kayak in under a minute.

The best part is after a kayak fishing trip there is no clean up, no cost, and you just got a little excercise doing what you love.

[WOOKIEFISH]

Well...since you asked, here's my opinion. As a kayaker and fisherman, I hate jetskis and jetskiers with a passion. There's something about jetskis that turns normal people into raging idiots. And they turn people who are already idiots into human torpedo death machines. I don't mind if you kill yourself on one of those nasty things but don't take me with you. That being said, I guess if you were to use a jetski for fishing in a responsible manner, it would probably offer some advantages as far as speed and mobility, but I'm wodering where do you put all your stuff? For $5K I would rather just get a small boat.

Here is a fishing jetski set up.

http://www.zimbio.com/K38+ITALY/articles/5/Jet+Ski+Fishing+News

This is some serious gear. :cool:


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[barrell]

The best thing about the yak is the peace and quiet and the excersize. The jetski isnt goin to deliver either. Jetskis may brak up or put down schooled fish the yak does not as we have sat right in the middle of schools and they dont even know we are there. The decision is not even close in my mind.

[eelball]

Missing the bite because you were still paddling=priceless
The problem with todays society. Everyones in hurry, and they think there gonna miss something.
It's like the old saying. A young bull says to his dad. DAd, lets run down this hill and **** one of those cows.
DAd says, NO son. Lets walk down this hill, and **** them all.

[WOOKIEFISH]

I started this thread because I honestly wanted to flesh out the practicality of these two options. I'm not concerned about speed. That doesn't interest me. I'm interested in accessability and cost effectiveness and the overall reward of the experience. I fish 80% of the time on the Delaware River from shore. I have been saving my pennies for something that I could use for the Big D as well as hitting the saltwater. I read all of the forums here daily and the idea of a jetski rigged for fishing piqued my interest only because it would allow me to try and explore things I didn't think were viable. The bottom line for me is to reach fish that I can't reach from the banks. To develop a whole new skill set that I could teach to my son. To broaden my horizons.

I like the idea of the peace and quiet of a yak as well as the stealth. Not to mention that I could stand to lose a few pounds.:rolleyes:

I also like the Idea of chasing stripers in the Big D that only a jetski or jetboat can reach as well as maybe going offshore to some of the wrecks to bottom fish that would only require only couple galons of gas.

I'm keeping an open mind and trying to educate myself.

I appreciate all of your thoughts and responses. Keep um coming.

Especially those of you who have become hooked on yak fishing for life.

Maybe I just need a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks guys. :)

[Pandion]

I found it hard using the yak after you have an engine getting you around. Only use the yak now for short distances. Ski's are doable but not the most stable on the drift, and you need a wetsuit cause you get soaked.

[roctheboat aka pigpen]

:D :D :D :D would you like to race a jet ski versus a kayak with trolling motor:D :D :D

[NJWardy]

I owned a waverunner for 4 years. Try $10k plus all the required maintenance. In the end, in cost me $1800 to fix and a season of no use before I could sell it for $4k. Gas = 18 gallon tank and had to fill it every weekend. I never fished from it but did consider it. I would imagine boating a good size fish would be a challenge as they are not stable if you lean.

It had plenty of storage and one compartment was actually a cooler (drain plug). They can be flipped so any gear would need to be SECURED. All it takes is one yahoo on a cigarrette boat to pass and you are hanging on for dear life to take the wake. :mad:

One of the nice things about a yak would be the fact that you can paddle it to safety if needed. If your waverunner conks on you, you drift and wait for help. Go for the yak.:cool:

[ras162]

i think you'll be shocked to know that a jet ski is not that fuel efficient. My sea doo costs about $100 to fill. and i need to fill it pretty often. For the price of a sea doo you can get a real fishing boat.

[ONEMORE2]

The flexablility of a Kayak is very nice, was up at Lake George last week and wished for a boat or kayak. Jet ski is fun and all, but price, piece and quiet and the ability to throw it on the roof and go from salt to fresh water is key. I've seen a few on craigslist used pretty cheap, give it a shot worst thing, sell it.

[Extract Them From the Piece]

I would consider a small 12-14' jon boat or fiberglass skiff with a 25 horse before a jetski as a motorized fishing platform. But with that said, I use my kayak more than my 13' skiff for fishing in the back. I like being able to launch about anywhere and its fun to have a fish tow you around :cool:

[jettiejock]

WOOKIEFISH,
I have been kayak fishing for about 7 years now. From my experience the large portion of the kayak fishing game is done at night. In my case this is due to less boat traffic. For me it is much safer at night and from experience the fish are much more active. Where I have no problem paddling at a slow pace with no lights on I would not feel comfortable driving a jetski at night at speed in the back without using some type of lighting system. I am sure each has its upside, but for me there is nothing like fishing from a kayak at night for stripers and weakfish. The first time you troll your black bomber along a sod bank and get whiplash from the strike of a large striper your hooked. Not to mention the pure thrill of being towed as the fight in on.

[LBI striper searcher]

jet-ski's draw water for the intake from 3 to 5 below the water level. That takes away fishing skinny water. they will suck up all kinds of stuff too like small fish, seaweed and small crabs. most dealers don't make a lot on the sale but they make a killing keeping them running.

[Extract Them From the Piece]

WOOKIEFISH,
I have been kayak fishing for about 7 years now. From my experience the large portion of the kayak fishing game is done at night. In my case this is due to less boat traffic. For me it is much safer at night and from experience the fish are much more active. Where I have no problem paddling at a slow pace with no lights on I would not feel comfortable driving a jetski at night at speed in the back without using some type of lighting system. I am sure each has its upside, but for me there is nothing like fishing from a kayak at night for stripers and weakfish. The first time you troll your black bomber along a sod bank and get whiplash from the strike of a large striper your hooked. Not to mention the pure thrill of being towed as the fight in on.

Good points. It should also be mentioned that its illegal to operate a jetski at night because they are not equipped with running lights.

[Gtrpunk23]

Personally I fished the bass run on my jetski this year 2-3 days a week out of Manasquan. It usually cost me about 25 bucks a day depending on how far I ran and it was worth every dollar. I can personally say that my two buddies and I that fish together fish very responsible and are what I'd like to consider good fisherman. A lot of the times we'd out fish just about anyone we hard of. Its very convenient to run 50+ mph from pod to pod and still be able to sneak up it it if you know how to operate your machine well. I just use a piece of pvc as with two slits in it and hose clamp it to my bar behind my seat and bungee the rod into the holder. Cost me less than 10 bucks to equip lol. And worst case scenario if you dont catch anyfish you went for a jetski ride, so its win win in my eyes. Anyone looking to do this type of fishing in the manasquan area feel free to give me a shout...I did a real lot of it this year and can help you out with anything you might wanna know. Looking to get in on the fall run too, its a good thing I surf through the winter and have a suit to take care of the cold. Ps. the key to jetski fishing is to fish/ride respectfully and calmly so you don't give all of us a bad wrap or more importantly get hurt. No matter what there will always be people that hate/disrespect jetskier but I laugh when I hold up 30+ pounders consistently and prove I'm not just another idiot on a jetski.

[Papa Bear 56]

Good points. It should also be mentioned that its illegal to operate a jetski at night because they are not equipped with running lights.


Don,t you have to have running lights for a Kayak if you run it at night?

[smellinfishy]

Personally I fished the bass run on my jetski this year 2-3 days a week out of Manasquan. It usually cost me about 25 bucks a day depending on how far I ran and it was worth every dollar. I can personally say that my two buddies and I that fish together fish very responsible and are what I'd like to consider good fisherman. A lot of the times we'd out fish just about anyone we hard of. Its very convenient to run 50+ mph from pod to pod and still be able to sneak up it it if you know how to operate your machine well. I just use a piece of pvc as with two slits in it and hose clamp it to my bar behind my seat and bungee the rod into the holder. Cost me less than 10 bucks to equip lol. And worst case scenario if you dont catch anyfish you went for a jetski ride, so its win win in my eyes. Anyone looking to do this type of fishing in the manasquan area feel free to give me a shout...I did a real lot of it this year and can help you out with anything you might wanna know. Looking to get in on the fall run too, its a good thing I surf through the winter and have a suit to take care of the cold. Ps. the key to jetski fishing is to fish/ride respectfully and calmly so you don't give all of us a bad wrap or more importantly get hurt. No matter what there will always be people that hate/disrespect jetskier but I laugh when I hold up 30+ pounders consistently and prove I'm not just another idiot on a jetski.

Nice stuff, I was thinking about getting one for that but opted for a 18' action craft. But would love to try the jetski once or twice, it saves a fortune on gas.

[LBI striper searcher]

Don,t you have to have running lights for a Kayak if you run it at night?

The only requirement for a kayak is to have an accessable flashlight for signaling. Most kayakers also have an anchorlight installed on their yak as well. Whistle, flashlight, life jacket and paddle are really all that you need besides your fishing gear.

[Papa Bear 56]

The only requirement for a kayak is to have an accessable flashlight for signaling. Most kayakers also have an anchorlight installed on their yak as well. Whistle, flashlight, life jacket and paddle are really all that you need besides your fishing gear.

A little scary out there at night without marker lights:eek::D...sounds MUCH better and cheaper for the back bay than a jetski though.

[LBI striper searcher]

It's a little scary at first but you quickly warm up to it. I also have reflective tape on the sides of my yak. Added things like the anchor light and/or a headlamp make things a little more comfortable out there. It's the stealthy sneaking around in the dark that gets your heart pumping though.

[Joseph Lamberty]

One of the beautiful things about a kayak is the simplicity. I have 2 other boats, a 20ft Wellcraft and a 14ft skiff. There is nothing more relaxing than fishing from the kayak. I'm not worried about an engine, fuel, low water, trailering, or any other things associated with power boating. Granted my range in the kayak isnt as far as the boat but when I want to move I can throw it in the back of the truck and drive to another location and launch. I can literally launch or retrieve the Kayak in under a minute.




The best part is after a kayak fishing trip there is no clean up, no cost, and you just got a little excercise doing what you love.


That exactly Right....!!! ....Great Pros to a Yak!

[Vitalsigns]

I like a strobe for indicating your position, it doesn't destroy your night vision. Forget the ski once you go yak you never go back!!!