Just wanted to know of some opinions. First, I m 6’0 220# and plan to yak and fish every thing from backwater creeks, flats, to big water like the beach and jetties on the good days. I had a 16ft canoe for a while so I understand balancing and paddling and have lots of on the water experience from boating, canoeing, rafting, swimming, fishing and I am a very good swimmer, as well as a quick learner so I feel like I am past or will out grow the the entry/novice stage very quick so I want to make sure I get the kayak that will be best for me. I have not chosen any yak yet nor do I have a preference and I would really like some input from personal users.
17ft Key west
Have you shopped around any? There are a lot of good options out there. I enjoy pedaling my kayak, so I use a Hobie. All the kayak manufacturers have stepped their game up and have good offerings for the kayak fisherman. My best advice would be to go put your hands on one at Time Out Sports…go talk to Dolphin Dave! If you don’t buy new at least you’ll get an idea of what to look for on the used market.
Lowcountry Kayak Anglers - http://www.lowcountrykayakanglers.com
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you will definitely develop a particular style of fishing and therefore a taste in a kayak. Thus you can’t really know your kayak taste until you find your style…by fishing in kayaks.
agree you should try different kayaks if you can. if not, get something used-cheap but quality–that you can transport with the most versatility (weight? cart? length?). if you can car top it or put it in the bed rather than a trailer, if you can carry it to a bank, you will be fishing more than if you can only go to landings on big water.
fish it for a while til you figure out what you really want/need, sell and then go all out. I had an OK trident 13 for 3 years, did a lot of research, worked well for inland rivers and inshore. However, after three years I’m going in a different direction with a set up that will work better for me–nucanoe frontier 10. fairly dissimilar as far as kayaks go.
extra two cents I saw way more comments about “tracking” than i needed, its not a concern for me, skegs are actually really annoying in moving water.
Also, the East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival is coming up in April…there will be on-water demos there for a fee. It is worth it to try out a lot of different kayaks in one place…
https://www.ccprc.com/1542/East-Coast-Paddlesports-Outdoor-Festival
Lowcountry Kayak Anglers - http://www.lowcountrykayakanglers.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups/lowcountrykayakanglers/
Yeah I am still a little ways out from a purchase and my plan was to get a idea of whats good and what I want and then rent or demo to see what feels best. Thanks for the replies and links.
17ft Key west
Thanks for that info Elgeebee! Will be going to that for sure!
Test out the FeelFree lure 11.5
My wife and I each got one last fall. I’m 6’. About 225 and can throw a cast net off it fairly easily. They were a little cheaper than most of the competition. Way cheaper than the Hobies. Great setup. Not fast. A guy in his Jackson saw me tossing the net for bait out by Bowens. Next time I saw him, he had one.
R.M.
Paddle / Paddle / Paddle before making and kayak decisions
Each kayak make /manufacture Paddle very different and have many features ±
I would look at a min of 14ft and consider stability of the kayak if going out in the harbor for safety
WE do many on the water Demos to compare 12ft / 14ft Malibu Fishing Kayaks
Capt Dave
www.facebook.com/FishingKayaksSC
SC Malibu Kayak Dealer