Kayak Suggestions

[Even Steven]

Well, was looking for a boat, but started REALLY thinking long and hard about what I would use it for, expenses, etc. Since I really want to be 'on' the water in the back bays and channels, I really only feel that I need a kayak. I never thought about one before today. So, what do you guys like in your kayaks? What features do you like? What features don't you like? Which features can you absolutely not live without?

Any brands favored over another? Any other recommendations?

I do know that I would like to have the option for trolling. I have seen kayaks before, most of which have a foot paddle, like pedalling a bike, just for steering in tight spots and 'trolling'.

Need serious advice guys. Time to pick your brains!

[Bay Stalker]

Get a hobie Talke to Barrell he is the MAN

http://www.rbbsurf.com/

[OVER THE RAIL]

Yeah, if you can afford it, the Hobie with Mirage drive is the real deal. You can pimp out fishing kayaks with just about everything a bigger boat has.

Make sure to get a bright color if you'll be in the channels.

[carnivore]

Contrary to most I still favor a sit-in kayak (Wilderness Systems). It is very stable and dry. I have made hundereds of trips in all weather through the winter... fresh and salt. I probably use the kayak 3 to 4 times a week.

I like to paddle long distances to stay in shape and have no need for pedals. I have tried the Mirage drive... they are very nice but I still like to paddle. My yak has 2 adjustable rod holders I can set for trolling. I also have a Humingbird sounder. Everything I need to catch fish and you will catch a lot in a yak whatever one you decide on.

[akozols]

Steven,

You can't go wrong with yak. I have one and really enjoy it,in fact I'm taking it out tonight. This is my second year with it. I love the simplicity of it. I can load up the car in less than 15 minutes. I have an Ocean Kayak Caper. It's only 11 feet long and weighs about 45 lbs. It's very stable. I'll email you a link to a great kayak fishing site. It will have answers to all of your questions.

Sitting in my driveway is a 14' v-hull with a 25 hp motor on it. It's a great fishing boat. The decks need to be redone as well as new carpet. I pulled the decks off in the Spring with intention of rebuilding the decks. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. With the kayak, I have no real incentive to work on the boat. I'm having too much fun with the yak.

Since you're local to me, we can make yakkin trips together or if I ever get the boat finished, we could take that out.

Al

[FISHBAIT]

I'm new to the kayak thing as well, and I have to say the hobie with the peddle system is awsome. I would not get any other (I'm lazy and paddling a regular yak would be too much work for me). Cathy at STERLING HARBOR in Wildwood is the best tackle shop I've been to and she and George are the nicest people. They sell a few different kayaks including Hobies. You can also test drive them there.

[yaker4life]

Steve,
I have been kayak fishing for a long and have gone through just about every brand out there. I recently went with a Hobie Sport and could never go back to a paddling kayak again. I like the amount of ground I can cover in a day without exhausting myself because there are two things that you deal with – wind and water current. The Hobie allows you to hold a position into a tidal current or wind which is tough to do on a paddling kayak. I like the built-in rod holders even though I still use a milk crate. The hatches give you all kinds of storage below for gear and tackle. I could go on but a kayak is a personal choice like buying a car. Here are a few things I learned over the years about purchasing one.

Try it out first – Each kayak feel different for everyone. What is comfortable for me is not for you. You are going to be spending hours in it and if it is uncomfortable you will stop using it. I once bought an Ocean Kayak Drifter without testing it and it was so uncomfortable for me I gave it away.

Match the kayak with your fishing needs – We all fish for different things. I mostly target fluke and weakies in the summer so I don’t bring tons of gear. But my favorite fishing kayak was my Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL because I could bring everything and had the storage for keepers when the stripers are in. One of the limitations of my Sport is that I have only room for one to two keeper Fluke. No way could I take a 30lbs.+ striper on here because there is no room. I can manage 4 rods, net, a cooler, and tackle boxes on my Sport but it is hard to get to things when before I had a floating barge. I would really consider how much storage space and room you think you need and what fish you are targeting. That will at least determine the length you will need because a Cobra Fish n Dive is great but try loading that on an SUV at the end of the day and you’ll regret that decision.

Hope this helps and whatever you decide to buy you are going to love fishing out of a kayak. And never bring a large bluefish or any other toothy fish into your kayak or you can learn the hard way like I did.

[barrell]

How big are you? Height and wheight. And how old are you? What vehicle you have for transport should also be considered in your choice of yaks.

[DJ COAST]

Steve when I get a chance, I got about 20 links to send you.

[chops67]

I'm thinking about selling this Tarpon 120. It's rigged with a Ram Rod holder, Eagle Fish Finder, and an anchor trolly with a drift sock. I have a six year old son, recently bought a boat and haven't had the time for the yak. Although, it is great fishing from a yak, the quality time with my son is beyond words. I'll consider a resonable offer.

[barrell]

Those are the best and most expensive kayak wheels money can buy on that tarpon.

[chops67]

Tell me about it. I built a pvc cart first, it held up until a run in with a curb. $200 well spent if ya ask me. I walk it about 8 blocks each way, bay or ocean... Alot easier than loading and unloading out of pick-up.

[loosedrag]

We did 2 days in a row Bought 2 outback/mirages bright azz orange (pedal and paddle)Got one on saturday and went back sun and got another We wouldnt buy a yak anyplace else John hooked us up big time and we couldnt be happier. Thanks again barrell By the way my mom was out last nite for her first yak experience and she loved the pedal drives and was suprised how easy it was

[barrell]

Thanx again, Your mom seemed like a class act. Now you need to think about a trailer for when you get the third Hobie!!!!!!!!!!!

[gone_fishing]

The hobies are great but I couldn't afford it...got 2 oceans for less than the hobie. It does help when fishing to have the pedals. I wouldn't get a yak unless you either have a house at the shore or are down there a lot. We use ours in the bay and for lagoon cruising.