If one could describe the Ultimate Fishing Kayak, what would it be/have?
Ideal length?
Sit On Top or inside?
Features?
Think of the kayaks you have fished from and what you have liked, disliked about them, (seat too low,not enough accessory attachment points,storage area not accesible,good for standing and casting,etc…)
I’m trying to get as much input from serious kayak fisherman as possible. Will put this on SCKayaking as well.
Thank ya’ll for any and all input on this.
(And yeah, prolly dragging out the foam blocks and hot wires again!)
A few tasks for my 5 gal buckets could be built in. Seem to have underutilized space in hull of my Hobie Outback, and forward in my Native Ultimate. Fish locker with wide mouth hatch and above waterline drainage. How about small live well for mudders and shrimp. Could have above WL gated scupper, through-hull inlet. Integral larger, wider stern wheels that rotate down to roll from house-to-truck, truck-to-beach, beach landing up along beach edge (for those trips to Morris Island or similar locales). The wheel that fit into scuppers or other botoom-side holes are awkward, particularly if gear loaded into yak. the forementioned wheels would rotate up on each side to stay next to hull when in water (could be bouyant and add to initial stability).
Let me know when it’s ready. I’ll come pick it up!
Divide needs into 2 issues: Impediments to using yak more frequently and ease of use once on water.
Yak mobility limits usage since they’re difficult to hand carry regardless of weight. Points of launch generally limited to my dock or boat ramps (Folly, Bowen’s, Sol Legare, Crosby’s). Would love to be able to “park-and-roll” or “beach-and-roll” more. Have yet to find a good after-market system.
Paddle- how about a snap-on paddle holder that could work with one-hand; my bungee cord holders need 2 hands- one for paddle and one for cord.
Hmmmm. I’m still thinking. Will it be ready for Xmas?
The paddle/rod holders that rivet to the yaks and hold it flat against the yak work pretty good for holding a paddle or pole and only need one hand to use and are cheap. Know what ya mean about the beach and roll thing, wheels large enough for soft sand are then tough to store on/in the kayak. I have 2 different sets, one for takin in the kayak with you and the other with large wheels for leaving on a beach.
Um, and no, it won’t be ready for Xmas( But keep y’alls eyes open
The drive tops the list. It makes fishing easy b/c you are always hands free. Also, nothing compares when going against the current and the wind while still making a good advance with minimal effort.
The speed the length allows vs. shorter and wider models.
The large rear deck. It provides plenty of space for extra STUFF.
The compartments in front of the seat. The mesh allows for great storage of extra lures and small gear.
The cup holders. Mainly the one right behind the seat. It is out of the way, but still easy to access.
The storage box in the middle hatch.
Things I Do Not Like:
The seat provides no support for a 6’ tall man. It also frequently pops out of the bracket holes in the yak.
The lack of stability it has vs. wider yaks. Do no stand on this model!!!
The poor use of extra storage space. It would be nice to have a ice bag the attched to one of the storage compartments. The inability to access front and rear storage areas rendering them almost useless.
It would be great to have a standing/casting deck to stand on while sight casting or viewing.
The drive does not work in reverse.
I think that is a good start.
The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad. </font id=“size2”>
bf you do anything, check out the native pedal drive- rent one for a day from time out sports (dolphind). i think they give rentl fees back with purchase. regardless, i like the natives- i can stand no prob in the 12- and im a big clumsy burn out! it has all the storage you could possibly need- its just not self bailing…ive never tipped it and have been through stuff i wouldnt want to be out in a boat.
I have checked it out and it is very heavy and you cannot remove the drive. It is a step in the direction that i would like to see, but for now i still like the hobie as my BEST option so far. However, the native seat is amazing.
The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad. </font id=“size2”>
