I’m looking at getting a kayak to fish out of sometime soon. I’m a big guy(working on that) at around 300lbs. I’d love to get one that would work well in salt and freshwater. Any suggestions? Any questions I need to be asking? Thanks.
I hover around 275-280 so size is a factor for me also. There are some kayaks that are a bit tight for me and I don’t enjoy fishing out of. I use a Hobie Revolution on a regular basis, but also enjoy the Hobie Pro Angler. With the Pro Angler I have room to move around and plenty of tackle and gear. If your not looking for a kayak with the Mirage Drive would suggest the Hobie Quest. The Quest is a great SOT that tracks well and is fast for a SOT.
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I am a little over 300 and have a Malibu X-Factor that is wide stable and dry, it has a weight capacity of over 600lbs so you can pack all you want. I even have the GATOR hatch that is actually a childs seat and play area.
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Gene
I’ve got to chime in for the Ride 135. Rated at 400 pounds, it’s just a great paddling yak. Stability is hard to beat, good speed, pontoon null is quiet and tracks well
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
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I’ll second the WS Ride 135. Wide, stable, and tracks well and will easily keep up with the others. I fish alot of rivers and lakes and spend 6-8 hours at a time in it. I like to sit sideways as I float down the river. Being able to easily change positions will allow you to fish longer. The width that the seat provides lets you relax putting less stress on your hips. Just sitting in a narrow kayak for 30 mins will make a big man cry. The ride is priced well and you can add rod holders yourself, skip the angler addition.
I also use my Ride to deploy baits through the surf 300-500 yards off the beach. It is not the best kayak in the surf but it will get you through. Once beyond the breakers it is like a cadillac on cruise control and I have total confidence with this yak in big water.
I am around 250 , I have had a redfish 14, a ride135 and a Tarpon 160 all good kayaks for handling weight and decent speed. It is a comprimise of speed vs stability in big man kayaks. Usually people will go first with stability and then wish for speed. The best thing to do is demo a bunch of differnt yaks. Time out sports has a nice rental fleet talk with Dave also depending on how soon you are looking at getting one the East Coast Kayak festival is the weekend of April 16th at James Island county park and you could probbaly demo them all in one day side by side. Here is another one to throw in the mix http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/showthread.php?t=57647&highlight=trident
Like I said I am a little over 300 actually 310 and I did demo the Ride 135 at Shem Creek and I was wet when I got out I could have prevented this by putting in the scupper plugs but I can ride the Malibu X Factor without scupper plugs and still stay high and dry.
The other thing is that in the Ride your weight plus equipment will put you close to the limit I’m not one to push the limit that close
but that is just my 2 cents worth.
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Thanks guys! Sure appreciate it.
S1tpilot… SEnt you a message. Not sure if it got through. You coming this way anytime soon? Would like to chat again about our prior conversation. Thanks for all the info man. Craigan.
Was supposed to be home today, but got stuck in Charlotte. Should be home sometime Tuesday and will try to catch up. Been working non stop this month, but supposed to be off till 3 March. Did get the message between flights so sorry did not get back with you today.
Hobie Pro Angler
Hobie Revo
Hobie Outback
Eagles may soar, but weasels never get sucked into jet air intakes