I have become addicted to inshore fishing over the last year or two and would like to expand my horizons into the kayak world. I currently have a 22’ center console and see areas that I would like to get to but cannot. I want to buy a kayak and am looking for some basic info to get started - types, brands, size, needed accessories, etc. Any advice would be much appreciated.
keep it simple. a yak 12 - 16 feet long fits the bill for inshore.
you can add as much stuff as you can imagine, or you can carry 1 combo and a baggie with a couple of extra hooks, split shot, and some leader material.
Every major manufacturer has some great boats on the market. I’m a Wilderness System’s Fishing Team member and use the Tarpon 160 and Ride 135 in the guide service. Tarpon is better at longer distance paddling and the Ride is the stand up fishing machine.
There are other team guys on here with different brands, so I’ll let them give you the skinny on other makes.
Give me a shout if you’re interested in a 4 hour “Kayak Fishing 101” charter.
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
Thanks Too Busy.
Is it worthwhile having something you can stand in ? I saw a used freedom hawk on craigslist and wasn’t sure if their outrigger system was a advantageous or not for the beginner. Also, the brands you reference - where would you find them ?
I would definitely go with toobusy. He’s a great ffisherman and a pretty cool guy! The yaks he speaks of can be found at time out in mt p, and other places. I would go there and talk to dave hamilton, he’ll get you set up with anything you want on a yak. Honestly if I were gonna buy a new kayak anytime soon I would go with the hobie pro angler if I had a crazy budget:P, but the ride 135 on a normal budget you’ll regret not being able to stand up, I stand (and fall) in my tippy old tarpon 100 kayak a lot. Also the new rides have a pretty cool raised seat setup. Start off right and go with him, and get ya some good quality gear don’t cut corners, you’ll regret. A couple important things ya wanna get done right: anchor trolley, anchor pin, rod holders for fishing, good paddle, and a good performance tshirt, a wide brimmed hat, and some good sunglasses with floating croakies.
Toobusy, what are your rates? Thinkin of bookin a charter in september/october
SEAFOX 185DC MERC 125
[MRS KAREN]
14’TARPON 100 paddlepower
[SALTY FLY]
Having a stand up yak is nice, but not required for most of the stuff we do. I like being able to stand and pole across flooded flats looking for reds. What I tell people is think about what kind of fishing you’ll do MOST and buy the kayak that fits that profile.
Plan to paddle long distances or open water in the ocean - Tarpon 160 or similar from the other guys
Pond fishing and small lakes - any yak will do - get what’s most comfortable
river fishing - going with the flow - Tarpon 10 or the Ride 115
Flats stalking or bait shrimping from the yak - Ride 135
Hunter
1/2 day trips are $200 for 1 person, $250 for 2 or $300 for 3
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
Thanks for the comments.
Too Busy, I think I might should hit you up for one of your charters to get a feel for things - maybe you could send me some available dates/info.
One more (maybe stupid) question - does anyone ever put the kayak in their boat, travel somewhere, anchor and then get in the kayak ?
You can do it, but the question is if our comfortable leaving your boat anchored up while your away…
SEAFOX 185DC MERC 125
[MRS KAREN]
14’TARPON 100 paddlepower
[SALTY FLY]