kayak questions

[GoNavy]

Hi all,

I am looking into purchasing a kayak for striper, weakfish, and (if I keep my feet out of the water) bluefish... I don't plan on fluking, trying to paddle to the canyons for tuna, or anything too advanced.

My real question is -

What should I look for?

Yeah, I know comfort is probably over looked by people looking to outfit a super fishing yak. And yeah, I know to pick up a good and comfortable life vest.

But what type of kayak would suit me? I am in good shape. I have a really good knowledge of the waters I plan to fish. (Both open/near shore ocean and the back bays - both open and near bridges/structure) I don't fear that this will be a short lived fad and that i'll suddenly wish i'd saved my money for something else, but I don't want to refinance my house to pick up a boat either.

I am a veteran fisherman with experience in plugging, casting, drifting/chunking, and even salt fly fishing.

What would be some general tips?


Thanks,
and GoNavy! :D

[crojo]

Ocen prowler, angler version
good price, great starter fishing kayak

[maine_sport]

Read Kayak Fishing Secrets @
http://www.rbbsurf.com/

Read Choosing a Kayak @
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/

then call The Root Beer Barrel (609-266-2505) ask for John (shop owner). He will answer any questions you have. He's the best! I bought my kayak there.

[Librarian]

Originally posted by maine_sport:
call The Root Beer Barrel (609-266-2505) ask for John (shop owner). +1

Got Mine (two over the years), and my Bro-in-law and his buddy just picked theirs up. When you check kayaks out ask them if they will let or take you out FISHING in the yak you are looking at. John does.

I drove over to Brigantine even though there is a dealer that sells the same yaks a block away from me.

[KeysKid]

maine sport gives good advice..read those articles.
The right yak depends alot on you...your height and weight, how much gear you take with you, how far do you plan on paddling to your fishing whole etc...
One aspect that is far too often over looked is VISIBILITY...Out in the salt we deal with nit wit boaters all the time. Get something bright...the strongest colors are bright yellow and bright orange. Dont worry you wont "spook" fish or some other silly myth like that. Bottom line, you wanna be seen! I see guys out there in tan,green or blue yaks and camo waders and the like and its just an accident waiting to happen. Plan on fishing at night? Get a stern light! Its a very safe sport if you apply some common sense! Good luck

[ 04-05-2006, 10:31 AM: Message edited by: KeysKid ]

[Roddy Roddy Striper]

i have a prowler and its very fast and very stable. it comes with 2 rod holders by default and plenty of room for upgrades. Also, keep in mind the paddle you purchase. a good fiberglass shaft is preferred over aluminum. The tarpons are very good too. Whatever you get make sure you go after a sit on top. Check out, www.kayakfishingstuff.com (http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com) Jon Shein knows what he's talking about.

[GoNavy]

Thanks for all the information. I have checked out some other Kayak related posts and everything has been very helpful.

Thanks,
and GoNavy

[barrell]

Go navy, Your wheight and height are important in getting a yak that is dry and has enough legroom to be comforatable. Definatly dont buy one if you havent demoed it first.
Barrell