Lookin to buy a kayak.

[Gator]

Good day anglers,I got a couple of ??? about kayak's.
I was talking to my good friend MNfisher,about buying me a kayak.
Im not really sure what all to look for in a fishing kayak,I know the one Im looking for need's to have a few spots for rod holders,needs a little storage area,
I just dont know about if it should be a sit in or a sit on?
I think I want my first on to be a used on,or should I buy new?
I know there's a few Kayak anglers on here,so if you will,PLEASE give me some info on these things.
Thanks again.
Gator

[Reel Tune]

Hey Gator
Just looking at some of MNfisher’s fishy pics will be more than enough to make you want to buy a kayak.
There are a few things you need to consider (your size). You will need a kayak that will support you plus 100lbs of gear or more. Another consideration is length, I prefer a kayak to be 11’6” to 14’ for most waters. Usually the shorter the kayak the quicker it will turn, but slower it will be. So a shorter in kayak for creeks, and swift narrow rivers, and longer kayak for lakes, and larger rivers. That also goes for the width the wider the slower usually, but with width you get stability. There are several kayaks out there that allow you to stand, this all depends on your physical ability of course, and done at your own risk.
Sit on vs Sit on top vs hybrid
There are primarily three types of kayaks the most common for fishing is the Sit on top or SOT. This is a design where your entire body is above the water and kayak. It’s a hollow piece of plastic that you sit on top of it has dry sealed storage inside. Some come with really comfortable seats. SOT have what are called scupper holes so the water that drips off your kayak, rain, or waves that end up on top of your kayak drain right back into the lake, river or ocean. Most SOT’s have a tankwell this is storage behind the seat.
Example: Wilderness Systems Tarpon, Ride. Jackson Coosa, Cuda. Native Slayer, and many others
The sit inside, or SINK is a hollow piece of plastic with a hole on top that you put your body into. This will provide warmth in the winter and SINKS are generally faster, and quite stable for their general narrow width. Most of your gear you have to store inside the kayak with you due to not many areas outside the vessel for storage. If you take on water via wave, rain, or something else the water stays inside the kayak with you and you will need a sponge or pump to remove the water. Also getting back into a SINK while on the water is much more difficult than getting back on a SOT.
Example: Wilderness Systems Pungo

Hybrid kayaks are very similar to a canoe, but generally sit lower in the water, and have a square stern. There are no scupper holes for water to drain out of the hybrid kayak either. The advantage to the hybrid is you sit low in the water like in a SINK, but the cockpit is all open so you have access to all your storage easily.
Examples : Wilderness Systems Commander, Native Ultimate, Jackson Kilroy

Buying used is good, but only if you can find what you are looking for. You need to decide upon a few kayaks and then find the one you want. A lot of people that buy their first kayak get the cheapest thing they can and decide that kayak fishing isn’t for them and this is mainly because they don’t get a kayak that fits them and their needs. Buying new from a reputable dealer will get you a warranty, customer service, and someone who will help you when needed. If you can find someone like I that’s into the sport, fish’s regularly, takes care of their vessels, buys the best kayaks on the market, and replaces their kayaks ( 4-5) on a yearly to bi-yearly basis than you can come across a good deal, usually about ½ off MSRP. I’ve already sold mine off this year, and in the process of replacing them with 2013 models.
My personal preference is a SOT in the 12-14’ range. I like buying a non outfitted kayak saving the $150 and outfitting myself with what I want where I want it and saving some money. Flush Rod mounts behind the seat, anchor trolley, Silent Traction System, Yak Attack Slide Tracks, Solas Tape, and a couple RAM Rod holders that are removeable.
My suggestion is to stop by Hook1 in Hendersonville, TN and check out several different kayaks. Arrange for a demo of a couple different boats to see what fits you best. With this information you can decide what platform suits you best, and you might be able to find a deal too good to advertise http://kayakfishinggear.com/. Or at least what fists your style best.

I could go and on, but figure this will get you started. If you have any other questions there are several of us on here that are very familiar with different platforms, and know of a couple different good platforms.

Jeremy

[browntrout]

Hey Gator
Just looking at some of MNfisher’s fishy pics will be more than enough to make you want to buy a kayak.
There are a few things you need to consider (your size). You will need a kayak that will support you plus 100lbs of gear or more. Another consideration is length, I prefer a kayak to be 11’6” to 14’ for most waters. Usually the shorter the kayak the quicker it will turn, but slower it will be. So a shorter in kayak for creeks, and swift narrow rivers, and longer kayak for lakes, and larger rivers. That also goes for the width the wider the slower usually, but with width you get stability. There are several kayaks out there that allow you to stand, this all depends on your physical ability of course, and done at your own risk.
Sit on vs Sit on top vs hybrid
There are primarily three types of kayaks the most common for fishing is the Sit on top or SOT. This is a design where your entire body is above the water and kayak. It’s a hollow piece of plastic that you sit on top of it has dry sealed storage inside. Some come with really comfortable seats. SOT have what are called scupper holes so the water that drips off your kayak, rain, or waves that end up on top of your kayak drain right back into the lake, river or ocean. Most SOT’s have a tankwell this is storage behind the seat.
Example: Wilderness Systems Tarpon, Ride. Jackson Coosa, Cuda. Native Slayer, and many others
The sit inside, or SINK is a hollow piece of plastic with a hole on top that you put your body into. This will provide warmth in the winter and SINKS are generally faster, and quite stable for their general narrow width. Most of your gear you have to store inside the kayak with you due to not many areas outside the vessel for storage. If you take on water via wave, rain, or something else the water stays inside the kayak with you and you will need a sponge or pump to remove the water. Also getting back into a SINK while on the water is much more difficult than getting back on a SOT.
Example: Wilderness Systems Pungo

Hybrid kayaks are very similar to a canoe, but generally sit lower in the water, and have a square stern. There are no scupper holes for water to drain out of the hybrid kayak either. The advantage to the hybrid is you sit low in the water like in a SINK, but the cockpit is all open so you have access to all your storage easily.
Examples : Wilderness Systems Commander, Native Ultimate, Jackson Kilroy

Buying used is good, but only if you can find what you are looking for. You need to decide upon a few kayaks and then find the one you want. A lot of people that buy their first kayak get the cheapest thing they can and decide that kayak fishing isn’t for them and this is mainly because they don’t get a kayak that fits them and their needs. Buying new from a reputable dealer will get you a warranty, customer service, and someone who will help you when needed. If you can find someone like I that’s into the sport, fish’s regularly, takes care of their vessels, buys the best kayaks on the market, and replaces their kayaks ( 4-5) on a yearly to bi-yearly basis than you can come across a good deal, usually about ½ off MSRP. I’ve already sold mine off this year, and in the process of replacing them with 2013 models.
My personal preference is a SOT in the 12-14’ range. I like buying a non outfitted kayak saving the $150 and outfitting myself with what I want where I want it and saving some money. Flush Rod mounts behind the seat, anchor trolley, Silent Traction System, Yak Attack Slide Tracks, Solas Tape, and a couple RAM Rod holders that are removeable.
My suggestion is to stop by Hook1 in Hendersonville, TN and check out several different kayaks. Arrange for a demo of a couple different boats to see what fits you best. With this information you can decide what platform suits you best, and you might be able to find a deal too good to advertise http://kayakfishinggear.com/. Or at least what fists your style best.

I could go and on, but figure this will get you started. If you have any other questions there are several of us on here that are very familiar with different platforms, and know of a couple different good platforms.

Jeremy

Yeah what he said. Lol. Very good explanation. I would also highly recommend Hook1. Chris is awesome and you can get all the stuff needed to really trick out a yak. I would really look and try out all the different kinds of yaks. Lots of good options out there right now.

Roy

[Dakota]

Check out Jackson kayaks made n Sparta tn. A bunch of us just took them on the Collins river w a couple guys from Jackson kayaks. They r made for fisherman.
Good day anglers,I got a couple of ??? about kayak's.
I was talking to my good friend MNfisher,about buying me a kayak.
Im not really sure what all to look for in a fishing kayak,I know the one Im looking for need's to have a few spots for rod holders,needs a little storage area,
I just dont know about if it should be a sit in or a sit on?
I think I want my first on to be a used on,or should I buy new?
I know there's a few Kayak anglers on here,so if you will,PLEASE give me some info on these things.
Thanks again.
Gator

[ditz1]

The Jackson Cuda looks to be an almost ideal fishing yak but I am not ready to spend quite that much on a yak. Now if I could find a used one.....

[Reel Tune]

There are several guys in the area with Jackson Kayaks. My wife and I each had Coosa's and they were sold a few months ago. The only kayaks we currently own are the Hobie Pro Angler, Hobie Revolution, and Tarpon 120. We have possession of a Commander 120 to see how we like it. I have made up my mind to not buy another kayak until I have researched it extensively, and paddled it in several different bodies of water, in different conditions.

Remember there is no "perfect, do it all kayak" you can make a kayak do about anything but it won't perform at it's best if it wasn't designed to do that.

Example: I can stand in a Tarpon 120, but it wasn't designed for that, I can stand and fish from a Ride 115, or 135, and those boats were designed for that in mind. I can fish a large lake on a Jackson Coosa, but if I want to do it do it more successfully then I would use a Cuda. Most manufacturers have boats that are better suited or designed for particular type of fishing.

Jeremy

[Alphahawk]

There are several guys in the area with Jackson Kayaks. My wife and I each had Coosa's and they were sold a few months ago. The only kayaks we currently own are the Hobie Pro Angler, Hobie Revolution, and Tarpon 120. We have possession of a Commander 120 to see how we like it. I have made up my mind to not buy another kayak until I have researched it extensively, and paddled it in several different bodies of water, in different conditions.

Remember there is no "perfect, do it all kayak" you can make a kayak do about anything but it won't perform at it's best if it wasn't designed to do that.

Example: I can stand in a Tarpon 120, but it wasn't designed for that, I can stand and fish from a Ride 115, or 135, and those boats were designed for that in mind. I can fish a large lake on a Jackson Coosa, but if I want to do it do it more successfully then I would use a Cuda. Most manufacturers have boats that are better suited or designed for particular type of fishing.

Jeremy

Jeremy is giving some great info. I wish I had known him before I bought my kayaks. My son and I each have a Coosa....great boats...for a river. It just does not do well in the wind on a lake. While we are keeping those boats as we both do fish rivers....we do more fishing on lakes. The Jackson boats are very comfortable and I can tell you they can take a beating. But there are other companies that make boats just as rugged and comfortable. I will have a flat water boat by spring....waiting to hear more from Jeremy and see what boats he has demoed before I start trying a new one out.

Regards

[Reel Tune]

Jackson, Hobie, and Native have some of the most comfortable seats out there.

Wilderness Systems just released the Air Pro Seat and they have hit a homerun for a seat not having a frame. This is a great seat. They also have a new high seat that's awailable for the Ride 115, and 135. I haven't been able to check out this seat, but it looks awesome as well. I have paddled both the Ride 115, and Ride 135, and are good boats that give you the ability to stand, but standing from a low position is more difficult than standing from a higher position so the new high seat makes great scense.

With the many great manufacturers out there the competition is so great each company is coming out with very innovative features, some are needed more than others.

Jeremy

[Alphahawk]

Jackson, Hobie, and Native have some of the most comfortable seats out there.

Wilderness Systems just released the Air Pro Seat and they have hit a homerun for a seat not having a frame. This is a great seat. They also have a new high seat that's awailable for the Ride 115, and 135. I haven't been able to check out this seat, but it looks awesome as well. I have paddled both the Ride 115, and Ride 135, and are good boats that give you the ability to stand, but standing from a low position is more difficult than standing from a higher position so the new high seat makes great scense.

With the many great manufacturers out there the competition is so great each company is coming out with very innovative features, some are needed more than others.

Jeremy


I had been wondering if you had tried that seat out. How would you compare that seat to the Coosa? Was hoping to make it to the TKA event but the knee blew out.....looking at a total knee replacement.....unless the doc has some other option when I see him next week.


Regards

[Reel Tune]

I had been wondering if you had tried that seat out. How would you compare that seat to the Coosa? Was hoping to make it to the TKA event but the knee blew out.....looking at a total knee replacement.....unless the doc has some other option when I see him next week.


Regards

Sorry to hear about you knee, that sounds very painfull.

I really like this new seat. The Coosa seat is to high on the back rest and hurts my back because it causes my back to lean forward near the top, and the top corners of the back rest dig into my lats. Now with a Mustang PFD, or no PFD the Coosa seat is very comfortable.

The new Air Pro seat lets water, or air travel thru it easily due to the mesh design. It's a softer mesh than the Coosa seat, more like a cloth. The adjustments are great, with the leg lifters, hip support, and adjustable height back rest. I would like to try the new high seat on the Ride 115, or Ride 135.

Jeremy

[Alphahawk]

Sorry to hear about you knee, that sounds very painfull.

I really like this new seat. The Coosa seat is to high on the back rest and hurts my back because it causes my back to lean forward near the top, and the top corners of the back rest dig into my lats. Now with a Mustang PFD, or no PFD the Coosa seat is very comfortable.

The new Air Pro seat lets water, or air travel thru it easily due to the mesh design. It's a softer mesh than the Coosa seat, more like a cloth. The adjustments are great, with the leg lifters, hip support, and adjustable height back rest. I would like to try the new high seat on the Ride 115, or Ride 135.

Jeremy


Thanks for the reply Jeremy. I know what you mean about the Coosa seat. It is very high and while it is comfortable it is quite high and it does cause some discomfort when wearing a PFD....but I always wear one. I have a new PFD in the corner up at HOOK1 waiting on me to pick up....it will help make the seat a little more comfortable. I will try the Ride 115 with new seat as I have read the boat does fit well for lake fishing. Will be following your posts about what you get to replace the boats you sold. It seems the Native Slayer has been pushed back and also have read that Native has been bought...part of company sold off....or something to that effect.

Regards

[Doc Marshall]

I would highly recommend trying out different yaks before purchasing. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to figure out what your priorities are: comfort? speed? weight? tracking? performance? standing? etc. I would also definitely think about the bodies of water you plan to fish (rivers vs. lakes).

For me, comfort was key. I was suffering from some back pain at the time and the Coosa seat, which is raised, was ideal. I especially liked the idea of being able to stand and cast (this also gives me the opportunity to stretch). Lastly, I wanted a kayak that wasn't too heavy (i.e. easy to car top).

I'm very pleased with my Coosa. It's a highly durable, safe fishing kayak that's given me hours and hours of great times on rivers and lakes alike. As a river vessel, it's ideal - easily maneuverable, turns on a dime, and offers a stable platform for standing & casting.

That said, the boat isn't perfect. It's not the best ride on a windy lake. The storage is ample, but I find that water definitely finds its way inside (not ideal if you want to keep reels or clothes dry). Really, in spite of all the hype, it's just a big chunk of molded plastic with a chair and some rod holders.

I believe fishing kayaks are going to improve year after year, as anglers give manufacturers more specific feedback on their needs.

So try out a few and just pull the trigger. You won't regret getting off the shore!

[Alphahawk]

I would highly recommend trying out different yaks before purchasing. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to figure out what your priorities are: comfort? speed? weight? tracking? performance? standing? etc. I would also definitely think about the bodies of water you plan to fish (rivers vs. lakes).

For me, comfort was key. I was suffering from some back pain at the time and the Coosa seat, which is raised, was ideal. I especially liked the idea of being able to stand and cast (this also gives me the opportunity to stretch). Lastly, I wanted a kayak that wasn't too heavy (i.e. easy to car top).

I'm very pleased with my Coosa. It's a highly durable, safe fishing kayak that's given me hours and hours of great times on rivers and lakes alike. As a river vessel, it's ideal - easily maneuverable, turns on a dime, and offers a stable platform for standing & casting.

That said, the boat isn't perfect. It's not the best ride on a windy lake. The storage is ample, but I find that water definitely finds its way inside (not ideal if you want to keep reels or clothes dry). Really, in spite of all the hype, it's just a big chunk of molded plastic with a chair and some rod holders.

I believe fishing kayaks are going to improve year after year, as anglers give manufacturers more specific feedback on their needs.

So try out a few and just pull the trigger. You won't regret getting off the shore!

Oh yes by all means get a kayak. I like my Coosa and will not get rid of it...just need a flat water boat. It is very comfortable and stable. I fish a lot but the kayak has made it much easier...opened up more water....more comfortable than bank fishing....and it is a hoot to catch fish out of a kayak.

Regards

[Reel Tune]

Shoot Gator, I see your in Hermitage. Send me a PM sometime and I'll get you on the water to check one out before you drop some coin on one. A good PFD, and paddle are also a must.

[Gator]

Thank you all for all the Info,And Ill shoot you a pm,when this weather gets a bit warmer.I would hate to go swimming when its this cold,lol,
Thanks again.
Gator

[Reel Tune]

I was on the water last night, temps were 32 when I got off. Stayed dry, and mostly warm.

[Alphahawk]

I was on the water last night, temps were 32 when I got off. Stayed dry, and mostly warm.

I envy you guys night fishing. It's a great time to fish.



Regards

[txnative]

I envy you guys night fishing. It's a great time to fish.



Regards

I wish the fish would've known they were supposed to bite. This is the first time in a long time I got skunked while targeting trout and walleye below the dam. I think it's because the fish got used to me being in my yellow kayak, and since I was in my blue one, they didn't realize it was me. That's my theory, anyways.


Chris

[Doc Marshall]

Don't feel bad about getting skunked. I caught zero trout yesterday at the Center Hill dam. I'm heading there this afternoon to reclaim my honor.

[txnative]

Doc,

Do you have any fishing plans for Sunday ? I will be on the water, just not sure where yet.


Chris