I am think about getting a yak for fishing and general cruising and I would wonder what you guys might suggest.
I live just past the 41 bridge on the Wando so I need something that would handle open water as well as in the creeks that one comes across in our area. No plans for the fresh but one never knows.
I am 6ft 5" and weigh in at a trim 250 so I need something bigger than Lance Armstrong might use.
Fish mucho in my bay boat but want to go undercover in the yak.
Thank you for your advice.
Im interested in this topic also, I want to get started in this sport. I havent bought one yet but seems from what I read and heard from people that the Ocean Kayak brand may be the way to go. I’ll probably get one next spring, would like to hear what yall have to say and suggest…
bud
don’t for get to look at the Wilderness Systems Tarpon.
a good buddy test paddled the 14’ model and loved it, loved it so much he sold his 16’ touring kayak!
I’ve looked at them, would like a second kayak some time in the future for the wife and for ease of fishing when she’s not along (I have a 16’ perceptin vizcaya touring yak)
Yankee sand flea on a Southern beach.
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I was really gung-ho on the sitontops till recently. Noticed a few of my paddlin partners getting wet in them. I guess there is no such thing as a dry ride with one of these, which means a lot in the colder months. Don’t discount the sit-in yaks. And, the fish don’t flop out as easy:smiley: tell em’ Red.
I used to paddle a sit on top until I got my pungo 140(closed cockpit). I do most of my paddling in the cooler months (especially winter) and with the closed cockpit I don’t get wet at all. I also have found it is easier to stand up and pole this boat than a sit on top because with the rounder bottom it is more forgiving and easier to balance.
Cayman
For fishing, The Tarpons are one of the best boats I have paddled. Everything is easily within Reach. As far as getting wet, a simple pair of dry pants will take care of that problem. Check out Time Out in Mt. Pleasant, they have a good selection of both.
I have also thought of getting a kayak for some backwater fishing and duck hunting in the upstate and to bring on vacation to IOP.
How well do this things work for fishing off the beaches??
Also how hard is it to battle the tide changes/currents
1999 Sea Pro 210cc
Suzuki 225 EFI
Tprice,
Not an expert but I went ahead and bought a perception 16ft carolina which is a blast to paddle. No prob with the wind and current/tide to a certain extent but I start against the tide and ride with the tide on the return.
Fishing one rod is easy but I am looking into rod holders to handle 2 rods.
As far as duck hunting, I think it would be tough to shoot from what I have but may be a good way to get to a blind in shallow water.
Good luck with your search.
big dog
Hey guys
Im moving up there in the next 6 mos or so, I have an outback by Hobie, which is nice in open water and on the troll, and they just made a Dodger that covers your legs to keep you dry, im an avid Outback fan.
Wando how do you like the Carolina 16, I am in the market for a Kayak I like the look of the Carolina but was thinking of a sit on top…
5151
Easy to cover a lot of water IMHO and stable for what I use it for which is fishing and some cruising. Seems to be ample storage and a tie down area for the ever present cooler
big dog
Wando did you get a skirt for it or just go open , could you stand in to pole?
I’ve got a tarpon 140, I use it mainly in the creeks and the flats. I also put in on the beach and fish back into the surf for reds.It already comes decked out and is easy to rig. Check out kayakfishingstuff.com its got alot of info on it.
MudRoc
I use the skirt in the cooler weather.
Have not tried standing to paddle or pole but I think I will wait until the water warms up to attempt.
big dog
mudrock,
Do you have a rudder on your Tarpon 14? If not, how manuverable is the 14 on the flats? I am trying to decide between the 12 or the 14. The 12 is supposed to be extremely manuverable without a rudder, but you sacrifice ride and weight with the smaller boat. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.
Hey MudRoc, if you have some time and are not too much in a hurry, maybe you could rent the 12 and 14 from timeout sports in MT P. They had told me last year that they would apply the rental towards the purchase of my kayak. I didn’t rent, but purchased a tarpon 140. I did not get a rudder and don’t think I will need one. I just manuver by switching up on my stroke. When I get on target, I slowly deploy my anchor and make my casts. I would not hesitate to have the 12’ for ponds and streams. For the Fall/Winter, I invested in some rubber plugs to keep the cooler water out. They come packaged in sets of four. I also wear gortex bottoms just to make sure I can keep a dry ride. I have practiced casting and paddling while standing, but not much room the get a good stance. I did see one vendor that offers an outrigger setup to offer more side to side stability. I would be interested in one of those if it could be attached and removed without too much hassle. With so many good kayaks on the market here in Charleston, you should be able to settle on something that will suit your ventures. Best of luck.
v/r tf
Hey dawg, yes I’ve got a rudder and to me it makes a difference. In the flats and the grass while the reds are tailing I don’t use it. Alot of times I drift with the tide and thats when it comes in handy. While using the rudder I generally don’t have to use my paddle so I’ll troll with one rod and cast with the another. Tracking is good but while I’m trolling I don’t want to track, I want to put the bow in a direction that helps me cast and troll. As far as the 140 goes I think it’s the best for me. It’s large enough for all my crap and short enough to handle skiny water. Plus In big water and windy conditions it allows you to keep a strong forward stroke(that is using the rudder).
mud
Sorry dawg, as far as weight goes. I made a cart with six in. tires plastic wheels, and two in. pvc so I can load my boat at my truck and then roll it to the water. It work great in the pluf mud and the sand at the beach.
mud