Kayak Fisherman, I have questions

[jad2t]

I want to buy a kayak and like this one a lot. Of course, Ill be buying it from Dunham Sports for about 250 dollars cheaper.

http://futurebeach.com/index.php/kayaks/sit-in-kayaks-2/anglertm-144-12.html

It's not too big that I can't strap it on top of my Grand Cherokee (I think) but plenty big enough for me being over 6 ft tall. It has all the storage, rod holders, etc. that I need. I will be using it to fish the Caney Fork River, often below the dam and sometimes during generation. Of course, Ill stay to the left side of the wall so I won't be in the current. I also will use it around Center Hill Lake to get a lot more access than I'd have from the bank. I commonly see areas I'd love to cast to but can't access from shore fishing. I may venture to other lakes with it too but I'm planning on using it near the shore, not paddling very far away. Knowing this, do you experienced kayak fisherman see anything about this kayak that wouldn't suit my needs? I know there are nicer ones out there but I don't want to spend much more than $500. I don't need all the fancy additions, just the basics to allow me to fish the way I like but have more access than shore fishing gives me.

[Travis C.]

I don't need all the fancy additions, just the basics to allow me to fish the way I like

Boy, I have said that a time or two yet for some reason there is all this stuff around the house... :confused:

:D

[Alphahawk]

MidTNKayakAngler will be able to give you the best advice but I will put my two cents in. I wouldn't buy until I demoed it. That holds true if you are spending 200 bucks or 2000 bucks. I don't have mine fully rigged yet as I am just doing too much fishing in it...but that is why I bought it. My concern from looking at it is the seat. I don't know if you would be comfortable in that or not. Everyone has their comfort level and I have seen same seats in much more expensive kayaks. But looks to me like you would stay wet. I know buying a kayak took me to a whole new level of fishing. I can fish all my great bank spots and I now have tons of water open to me. Owe you a PM and am working on it now.


Regards

[jad2t]

Well that kayak is sold at Dunham Sports and one just opened in Cookeville. I'm moving back there in a month and plan to buy one then so if I was interested in this one I'd be able to check it out first. When you say "demo" it, do you mean actually taking it for a test run in water somewhere? I didn't think that would be allowed.

How can you tell by this one that I would stay wet? I've read reviews on some of the really cheap kayaks where people say their butt stays wet the whole time. That would get annoying in that cold Caney Fork water, especially in cooler months!

[Alphahawk]

Well that kayak is sold at Dunham Sports and one just opened in Cookeville. I'm moving back there in a month and plan to buy one then so if I was interested in this one I'd be able to check it out first. When you say "demo" it, do you mean actually taking it for a test run in water somewhere? I didn't think that would be allowed.

How can you tell by this one that I would stay wet? I've read reviews on some of the really cheap kayaks where people say their butt stays wet the whole time. That would get annoying in that cold Caney Fork water, especially in cooler months!

Yeah get in it and paddle around for a day. I don't know if Dunhams does that but maybe you can find someone who has one of that kind and they could let you try it out. It took me 3 years to get the one I wanted. Something always came up to put it off....3 root canals...caps....surgery...and so on....just life. But I demoed the Coosa before I bought it. It has its draw backs....but all of them have something about them you don't like or want. For me I wanted comfort and stability. Just looking at that kayak I don't know how you could keep from getting your rear end soaked....but I have never been in that one. Plus that plastic hull will get awful hard sitting on it. They do sell seat pads though. Have you looked on Craig's list?....sometimes they have some good ones for sell on there. I am sure Jeremy will see this post and hopefully chime in...as well as other kayak owners.


Regards

[txnative]

The issue with the seat is that it is only a seatback, not an actual seat. Sit on top kayaks have holes in the bottom of the cockpit to allow water to drain out, but water can on occasion come up thru them. Without a full seat, your butt is going to get wet the first time you sit down and force water up thru the holes (scuppers). There are plugs designed to seal them, but I don't use them, I'd rather have a wet butt than sit in a couple inches of water (I fish in rough stuff, on occasion).

If you're looking for bare bones price, check out the 12' eagle talon at dick's. It's only drawback is the stern well won't fit a milk crate, but a file crate works fine. It retails for $499, and has an ok seat, but you'll have spare $ to buy a seat pad so your rear stays dry, or drier, and it will be infinitely more comfortable.

The seat is a big deal in kayaks. I shelled out almost $200 for a premier seat, especially since I spend anywhere from 8 to 12 hrs in my yak at a time.

If you have any other questions, ask. The more info you have on the fore-end, the better.

Chris

[Alphahawk]

The issue with the seat is that it is only a seatback, not an actual seat. Sit on top kayaks have holes in the bottom of the cockpit to allow water to drain out, but water can on occasion come up thru them. Without a full seat, your butt is going to get wet the first time you sit down and force water up thru the holes (scuppers). There are plugs designed to seal them, but I don't use them, I'd rather have a wet butt than sit in a couple inches of water (I fish in rough stuff, on occasion).

If you're looking for bare bones price, check out the 12' eagle talon at dick's. It's only drawback is the stern well won't fit a milk crate, but a file crate works fine. It retails for $499, and has an ok seat, but you'll have spare $ to buy a seat pad so your rear stays dry, or drier, and it will be infinitely more comfortable.

Chris

Very well put.

[MNfisher]

It's only drawback is the stern well won't fit a milk crate, but a file crate works fine.

Chris

I am curious what the milk crate or file crate is for?

[txnative]

Gear storage. I use mine to carry tackle trays, landing gear, and have attached rod holders I made out if PVC pipe to carry rods. I can carry 6 conventional and 2 fly rods on one crate, not counting the 2 molded rod holders on the kayak.

My kayaks are outfitted with two adjustable rod holders near the forward end of the cockpit, and my primary yak also has two ram tube-style holders just aft of the seat. I have a lowrance x135 depthfinder on my primary yak, and a lowrance mark 5x pro on my spare yak.


Chris

[browntrout]

I want to buy a kayak and like this one a lot. Of course, Ill be buying it from Dunham Sports for about 250 dollars cheaper.

http://futurebeach.com/index.php/kayaks/sit-in-kayaks-2/anglertm-144-12.html

It's not too big that I can't strap it on top of my Grand Cherokee (I think) but plenty big enough for me being over 6 ft tall. It has all the storage, rod holders, etc. that I need. I will be using it to fish the Caney Fork River, often below the dam and sometimes during generation. Of course, Ill stay to the left side of the wall so I won't be in the current. I also will use it around Center Hill Lake to get a lot more access than I'd have from the bank. I commonly see areas I'd love to cast to but can't access from shore fishing. I may venture to other lakes with it too but I'm planning on using it near the shore, not paddling very far away. Knowing this, do you experienced kayak fisherman see anything about this kayak that wouldn't suit my needs? I know there are nicer ones out there but I don't want to spend much more than $500. I don't need all the fancy additions, just the basics to allow me to fish the way I like but have more access than shore fishing gives me.

I would think long and hard before I bought this yak. I have fished out of a yak for the past 3 years and I personally don't think this will do what you have described that you want to do. I would wait and save a little more $ to get what you really want. Also keep your eye on Craigslist for a potential deal. Just my .02 cents worth. Good luck with it.

[BigDfromTennessee]

Here is another kayak you might want to consider:

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_196951_-1?N=670787849

This one is made from the same mold as the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 from about 2009. The Tarpon 120 is a very versatile kayak and comes with a full seat.

As others have said, the kayak you linked in your post would need an add on seat bottom at a minimum and the back didn't look very substantial. Craigslist can occasionally be a gold mine for used yaks if you get lucky on the timing.

Demoing before you buy is definitely the way to go if possible but buying from a big box store usually prevents that. I demoed my Jackson Coosa before buying. It suits my style of fishing well but no kayak is perfect. There are features that are mutually exclusive such as speed and stability.

I hope you are able to get on the water soon but taking a little time on the front end will make for lots more enjoyment down the road. Best of luck to you in your search.

D

[jad2t]

Here is another kayak you might want to consider:

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_196951_-1?N=670787849

This one is made from the same mold as the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 from about 2009. The Tarpon 120 is a very versatile kayak and comes with a full seat.

As others have said, the kayak you linked in your post would need an add on seat bottom at a minimum and the back didn't look very substantial. Craigslist can occasionally be a gold mine for used yaks if you get lucky on the timing.

Demoing before you buy is definitely the way to go if possible but buying from a big box store usually prevents that. I demoed my Jackson Coosa before buying. It suits my style of fishing well but no kayak is perfect. There are features that are mutually exclusive such as speed and stability.

I hope you are able to get on the water soon but taking a little time on the front end will make for lots more enjoyment down the road. Best of luck to you in your search.

D

Fortunately I won't be buying one until I move back to Cookeville which won't be for another month so I have time to shop around and get advice from the people on this forum like yourself who are experienced kayak fisherman. That kayak you linked certainly looks like it has a more comfortable seat! Since I won't be fishing in any rough waters, mainly in lakes and the Caney Fork river, could I just buy scudder plugs to plug them up and that way won't have to worry about water coming in through them and getting my butt wet?

One thing I'm much more worried about than the speed of the kayak is the stability. Not that I'm scared to tip it over and have to swim to shore but I'm scared that I might flip it in the Caney during winter months and the whole hypothermia thing. That worries me. If tipping them once or twice is just inevitable then maybe I'll use the kayak only in warmer months when taking a dip in the river might actually feel nice!

I have found a couple on Craigslist that I like. I emailed the seller with some questions and am waiting for a response. In that case, they may actually be fine with taking me to some body of water and letting me try it out.

Given the type of fishing I plan on using this for, do you think the kayak you linked will suit my needs pretty well? If so, I'll keep looking at other kayaks similar to this one.

[Alphahawk]

One of the things I learned was to get a dry bag and put clothes in it for times should I flip in cold weather. You just get to the bank and strip off...dry off....and change clothes. I fully plan on using mine for trolling for winter crappie. The better kayaks have much wider beams now and the new tunnel hull designs that flipping is not as common as years ago. But don't let anyone tell you you can't flip so and so name kayak. Some are harder to flip than others but they all can flip. It is a tough call buying a kayak. I knew that the wind would push a Coosa around but I was not prepared for just how much. So now am in the market for a Wilderness Ride 115 to use on lakes...but am keeping the Coosa. I am hoping the new Ride 115 will come out with the so called "lawn chair' seat. Once you get used to those seats like they have in the Coosa...Hobie Pro Angler.....Native kayaks....you just don't want to sit in anything else....IMHO. I too had concerns about just how stable my kayak would be. But using it for 5 days a week on small lakes before going to the river I learned what I could do and could not do. Hope you can find a good one that suits your needs.


Regards

[jad2t]

One of the things I learned was to get a dry bag and put clothes in it for times should I flip in cold weather. You just get to the bank and strip off...dry off....and change clothes. I fully plan on using mine for trolling for winter crappie. The better kayaks have much wider beams now and the new tunnel hull designs that flipping is not as common as years ago. But don't let anyone tell you you can't flip so and so name kayak. Some are harder to flip than others but they all can flip. It is a tough call buying a kayak. I knew that the wind would push a Coosa around but I was not prepared for just how much. So now am in the market for a Wilderness Ride 115 to use on lakes...but am keeping the Coosa. I am hoping the new Ride 115 will come out with the so called "lawn chair' seat. Once you get used to those seats like they have in the Coosa...Hobie Pro Angler.....Native kayaks....you just don't want to sit in anything else....IMHO. I too had concerns about just how stable my kayak would be. But using it for 5 days a week on small lakes before going to the river I learned what I could do and could not do. Hope you can find a good one that suits your needs.


Regards

In the future I'd like to build some sort of easily removable (for storage and transport) stabilizer similar to what you see on some canoes with big pieces of styrofoam on each side. That will solve my tipping worries.

What do you think of plugging the scudders? Since I won't fish in any rough water, I most likely won't have a need to drain water out of them and that way won't have to worry about water coming in getting my butt wet. I imagine that would annoy me.

[Reel Tune]

The Future Beach Trophy will get you on the water, and to those places that are unable to be reached by foot. There have been many kayak anglers who started on the Future Beach Trophy, it’s not the fastest, most stable, driest, or most comfortable kayak out there, but it will get the job done.

Most of the people who decide to try to fish from a kayak decide to due to the economical standpoint. Some end up liking it, and some don’t. Some buy a 3K kayak, and decide 3 months later that kayak fishing isn’t for them. Some buy a $350 kayak and decide it is for them and using that kayak for a year, re-selling it for just less than they paid for it, and upgrading to a faster, more stable, comfortable, drier ride. Unfortunately most who go the cheap route complain that it’s too unstable, their back hurts, and they lose feeling in their toes due to poor seating position.

I have not personally paddled this kayak so I can’t say it’s going to be good or not. Some of the things I don’t care for are (small front hatch, ribbed foot rests, few and small scuppers, and poor seat. The seat can be upgraded with an aftermarket (I prefer Surf to Summit). All these things can be worked around.

I wouldn’t just jump into buying a kayak without paddling and attempting to fish out of a few first. I would hate to see you drop a lot of money into something and decide it’s not for you. Because you will need a paddle, PFD, and like others have said dry bag and other accessories. The PFD, and paddle are items that may not be cheap. You will want your PFD to fit well with the kayak, I have 3 different PFD’s for different kayaks and range from $40-$150, and I have one paddle that I really like.

I would keep an eye on Craigslist for a used setup, and like others have posted Perception from Dicks, and Ocean Kayak from West Marine are also good options. I prefer the SOT (Sit on Top) kayaks over the sit inside. Like said earlier some of the kayaks that may interest you from Dicks may be the Field and Stream Eagle Talon, Perception Sport Pescador, or Perception Sport Caster. West Marine has the Ocean Kayak Pompano, and others. I don’t know your body type, or type of waters you plan to fish to really tell you what kayaks would be best.

Longer narrower kayaks will be faster, but harder to turn which will be better for larger lakes. Shorter wider kayaks will be better for rivers, and small ponds they will be slower, and turn quicker. A good middle ground is 12’-13” and around 30” wide this would be around the dimensions of a good all around kayak.

Get out there try a few out, and don’t over analyze, it’s supposed to be fun, and simple.

[Reel Tune]

In the future I'd like to build some sort of easily removable (for storage and transport) stabilizer similar to what you see on some canoes with big pieces of styrofoam on each side. That will solve my tipping worries. Yep, you can buy outriggers, and I've seen some that people have made that are nice also.

What do you think of plugging the scudders? Since I won't fish in any rough water, I most likely won't have a need to drain water out of them and that way won't have to worry about water coming in getting my butt wet. I imagine that would annoy me.

Plugging the scuppers is acceptable, but you will have paddle drip and that will accumulate. You can pull the scuppers at any time allowing the water to drain out. Rough water or not you will still accumulate water like lifting fish over the side, rinsing off your hands and anyother activity.

[Greasy Ham]

If you (or any of y'all for that matter) can wait until the get together in october, there will be a few of us out there with kayaks. I'm sure most of us do not mind letting you guys take our different kayaks out for a short test drive.

[Doc Marshall]

I bought a Coosa after trying out MidTNKayakAngler's. I was sort of set on buying one no matter what.

Negatives: takes a lot of wind, slow on lakes.

Positives: stable, comfortable chair, easy to stand in, not too heavy etc. Great on rivers, though I have flipped it(!).

When I first moved to Nashville I'd injured my back, so comfort was paramount to me. The Coosa is extremely comfortable and relatively affordable (I got a good sale price at the end of the season). Being able to stand is a huge plus (mostly for relief and a change of pace). I'm usually sitting down when fishing on lakes as I like to keep the kayak in position.

No kayak is perfect but I'm very happy with my purchase. Getting off the shore and fishing close to the water (all while getting a little exercise) has been a revelation. Seriously, if someone had told me how much fun I'd have fishing out of kayak I never would have believed them. Pure childlike joy.

I'm sorta lazy so I haven't outfitted my vessel at all (no extra rod holders or depth finders; not even a drag chain). I also keep things simple in terms of tackle: rubber worms, rooster tails, a few cranks, and possibly to some worms & panfish hooks. A small cooler for beer and water. A good sandwich.

You really can't wrong, man. Enjoy.

[jad2t]

So far I've liked the Pescador the most that Academy Sports and Outdoors sells. Based on customer reviews and advice from experienced kayak anglers it seems like a good buy. I went to check it out the other day and... let's just say I didn't quite realize how big a 12' kayak is! One year of college left means one year of living in a small apartment and I'm almost positive that thing isn't going to fit where I'm moving. Maybe renting a small storage unit won't cost an unreasonable amount of money. I'll have to look into it. I'll really be bummed if I can't buy one now, I was so excited about it!

[Alphahawk]

So far I've liked the Pescador the most that Academy Sports and Outdoors sells. Based on customer reviews and advice from experienced kayak anglers it seems like a good buy. I went to check it out the other day and... let's just say I didn't quite realize how big a 12' kayak is! One year of college left means one year of living in a small apartment and I'm almost positive that thing isn't going to fit where I'm moving. Maybe renting a small storage unit won't cost an unreasonable amount of money. I'll have to look into it. I'll really be bummed if I can't buy one now, I was so excited about it!




Of course I am a bachelor...so I can do as I please about my home. I had put off getting a kayak for 3 years because of always something coming up that required a considerable sum of money but in March I got them. I had thought I would be able to store them in my spare bedroom....that idea was not going to work....found that out as soon as I got them home. So I turned my living room into a kayak/fishing room.....and spare bedroom into a nice den. It is not like I entertain a lot at my small cottage. Being much older than you I am in the mode "I am going to do what I want". I realize that many folks have other obligations and can't take that attitude...I am a blessed man. The point is to think out of the box for storing it...hang it from the ceiling.....hang it on the wall. Am buying PVC to make the racks that MIDTNKayakAngler had plans for on another forum. Storing one outside is just not a good idea...unless you have shed.....carport....or something that can cover it from the weather...Sun. Hope you get it worked out. Fishing from a kayak is one of the best moves I have made in fishing. It is not for everyone....as evidenced by the adds you see where an almost new kayak is for sale. But I think you will really enjoy it.

Regards

[agelesssone]

J, you can store your yak at my place til you get a bigger place. We can put it out back in the yard or find a way to hang it it the garage, no problem.

I can give you the code to my garage so you can get at it whenever you want.

[jad2t]

Thanks for the offer! I don't think I'd use it in that area though. I primarily wan't to use this for floating the Caney and trout fishing there. I'm actually thinking about something like this instead.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sevylor174-Fishhunter/701692.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20 %26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26N tx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253 BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form _state%3DsearchForm%26recordsPerPage%3D20%26search %3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26searchTypeByFilter%3DAllPro ducts&Ntt=INFLATABLE+BOAT&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

The only downfall is that it wont be as fast on the water. It's cheaper, bigger, and will accomplish my goal of having access to much more water. It's not ideal, but I think it will work for what I'm trying to do. When I move into a bigger place one day I'll get what I really want.

Can anyone weigh in on the pros and cons of something like this? This particular model I may pass on, I've read complaints of the bottom getting ripped too easily. I've found some that customers say are much more durable. I'd be able to store it easily and I'll get a 12v pump so I don't sit there with a foot pump for an hour.

[Travis C.]

Thanks for the offer! I don't think I'd use it in that area though. I primarily wan't to use this for floating the Caney and trout fishing there. I'm actually thinking about something like this instead.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sevylor174-Fishhunter/701692.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20 %26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26N tx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253 BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form _state%3DsearchForm%26recordsPerPage%3D20%26search %3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26searchTypeByFilter%3DAllPro ducts&Ntt=INFLATABLE+BOAT&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sevylor174-Fishhunter/701692.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20 %26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26N tx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253 BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form _state%3DsearchForm%26recordsPerPage%3D20%26search %3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26searchTypeByFilter%3DAllPro ducts&Ntt=INFLATABLE+BOAT&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products)

The only downfall is that it wont be as fast on the water. It's cheaper, bigger, and will accomplish my goal of having access to much more water. It's not ideal, but I think it will work for what I'm trying to do. When I move into a bigger place one day I'll get what I really want.

Can anyone weigh in on the pros and cons of something like this? This particular model I may pass on, I've read complaints of the bottom getting ripped too easily. I've found some that customers say are much more durable. I'd be able to store it easily and I'll get a 12v pump so I don't sit there with a foot pump for an hour.

How much do you think you'd use it in a year? Actually get to use it not hope to use it.

The reason I ask is... You can rent a yak from big rock for about $40 from the Dam to Happy. That would give you at least 5 float trips in the next year without having to waste money on the inflateable boat to which you won't use after getting a yak. Also you can test for yourself what you may or may not want out of a kayak.

[jad2t]

How much do you think you'd use it in a year? Actually get to use it not hope to use it.

The reason I ask is... You can rent a yak from big rock for about $40 from the Dam to Happy. That would give you at least 5 float trips in the next year without having to waste money on the inflateable boat to which you won't use after getting a yak. Also you can test for yourself what you may or may not want out of a kayak.

Yea I see your point. I think in a year I'd use this much more than five times. I'd hope to use it a few times a month on average so I'd get my money's worth. I like that this would be so much roomier inside rather than being all cramped up in a kayak. I'd be fishing by myself mostly so I'll have plenty of space inside for tackle, a cooler to keep fish in, lunch, etc.

[Doc Marshall]

By the way, you can rent a Coosa for use on the Caney. I did that a few times (I think it was $40), well worth the price for a day on the water. A weekday is best, but a weekend would be fine too.

The Caney is an easy float, not too long, so it's the perfect solo trip. I may go this Friday myself.

[jad2t]

By the way, you can rent a Coosa for use on the Caney. I did that a few times (I think it was $40), well worth the price for a day on the water. A weekday is best, but a weekend would be fine too.

The Caney is an easy float, not too long, so it's the perfect solo trip. I may go this Friday myself.

I've rented a canoe before for the Caney. It cost 50 dollars for however long it takes to float from the dam to Happy Hollow, a few hours is the maximum they'll let you float if you want to take your time so you can fish. Not worth it in my opinion. It was a fun thing to do with the lady but not something I'd consider doing to fish. I'd rather wade for free, or get that inflatable boat if it's a good idea.

[SAMBOLIE]

Thanks for the offer! I don't think I'd use it in that area though. I primarily wan't to use this for floating the Caney and trout fishing there. I'm actually thinking about something like this instead.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sevylor174-Fishhunter/701692.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20 %26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26N tx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253 BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form _state%3DsearchForm%26recordsPerPage%3D20%26search %3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26searchTypeByFilter%3DAllPro ducts&Ntt=INFLATABLE+BOAT&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

The only downfall is that it wont be as fast on the water. It's cheaper, bigger, and will accomplish my goal of having access to much more water. It's not ideal, but I think it will work for what I'm trying to do. When I move into a bigger place one day I'll get what I really want.

Can anyone weigh in on the pros and cons of something like this? This particular model I may pass on, I've read complaints of the bottom getting ripped too easily. I've found some that customers say are much more durable. I'd be able to store it easily and I'll get a 12v pump so I don't sit there with a foot pump for an hour.

I once owned a 3 man inflatable raft. Not as nice as the one in the link, but still an inflatable.
It had lots of room and was much much more stable than my kayak. I could sit on the sides with no thought of flipping it.
You have to be careful with hooks or any sharp object. Bet you knew that.
THE BIG PROBLEM IS WIND. You will likely be going where it sends you or paddling so much you can't fish. I also spent a lot of time turning in circles on very windy days. Traveling against the wind is slowwww.
I would not buy an inflatable without trying one first.

Of course you can always invite a friend and let them operate the trolling (paddle) motor. They won't likely beg to go again.:)