Kayak Fisherman, I have questions

[Reel Tune]

Originally Posted by jad2t

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.

Originally Posted by jad2t

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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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/Sevyl...h-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.]

Originally Posted by 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%2 Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26 Ntt%3DINFLATABLE%2BBOAT%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallp artial%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-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]

Originally Posted by Travis C.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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/Sevyl...h-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.