Kayak Questions - What to Buy???

[bfish]

paddle fishing kayaks--- some generalizations but....lower priced ones are cranked out fast leading to less uniform plastic thickness and faster cooling times (kayaks shrink after leaving the mold, if not careful different areas can shrink at different rates. Take measurements of the same model, they will vary on all brands obviously some have greater variation). Lower end models tend to be thinner (nice when you carry it but not so much when you drag rocks).

The ability to stand up in kayak jumps you up to the upper priced models (designed consideration for wide flat area to stand but not too much width to slow the boat down). For me, I won't be with out an elevated seat even if I don't regularly stand in my kayaks (first 15 years I kayaked fish no kayaks had been designed yet to stand in), although it is must have feature if you plan on flippin/pitchin jigs.

You mentioned river fishing....hull design is different for riverboats. Nice smooth transitions (ie rounded bottom) with minimal keel/rudder is what you want for current. Along with some rocker (banana shape bend from bow to stern). Rocker for quick turns in current and rounded edges for current to slip by (extra long keels catch too much current). Lower priced models tend to have excessively long keels for both stability and to make it easy to paddle straight, but the "super" keel also makes it difficult to turn. IMO it is much easier to learn good paddle strokes than depend on hull design.

As others have mention, demo as many as you can stand. The difference I talk about above, become more obvious the more you paddle. IMO their are only two major players in the kayak fishing (paddle) market, WS and Jackson. Jackson are made here in TN. There are several others that make quality fishing kayaks but more of niche fillers such as Feel Free, NuCanoe, Native and others.

Lastly be sure to leave some money in the budget to get a quality personal floatation device (pfd) that you will wear every time on the water and a quality to paddle (need to figure out if your a high-angle or low-angle paddler first).

Summary, yes there are differences between low end and high end models. You are the only one that can determine if the extra cost is worth it, but that is nearly impossible to do until you spend some time in the yaks. Good luck with your decision. More than likely, you won't be buying your last kayak, so don't fret the decision too much, as it is more important to just get out there and start enjoying it soon rather than later.

PS pedal kayaks Hobie and Native are the only game around.

[Reel Tune]

For electronics, I'm running a Lowrance Elite 7 Chirp. I really like it and I power it with a Werker 20aH battery. It gets me a couple days on the water 2-3. I'll be running more lights next season. Blue to draw in baitfish and black for fluorescent line, and amber for in the cockpit lighting. I will use a separate 35aH battery for lighting.

[mfbab]

So, as far as a boat that will be reasonably good for both pond and river fishing, are the Ride 115/135 going to do well for me?

I understand that there isn't 1 perfect boat for everything, just like big boats....But, when I say river fishing, I'm talking fairly moderate stuff, nothing too technical. Maybe class II at best.
I'll probably be spending more time on still water just because that's what we have the most of close to Memphis, and then hitting the Ozark Streams or Middle Tennessee streams when I can, maybe Pickwick or Wilson Tailrace occasionally, that sort of thing.

It sounds like Jeremy is saying that the 135 is a pretty good All Purpose boat but maybe not the best at any one thing.

I understand that the Coosa is marketed as a river boat, but the reviews say that it isn't all that stable either, and maybe harder to keep straight in the wind? That sounds too limiting to me, am I thinking right?

I guess I'm looking for a good compromise, but probably erring on the still water performance side of the equation.

Also, can anyone advise me on whether a 135 is overkill for me vs. a 115? Again, I'm about 5'9/200 so well within the capacity of either boat, just trying to ascertain whether there are maneuverability benefits with the smaller one vs. maybe better tracking with the longer version.
I'm going to get over to hook1 after the holiday anyway, hopefully I'll get to try at least one of those out and talk to those guys about it as well.

You guys are a wealth of info!

[NismoFish]

I have a Coosa. I've had it for 3 weeks. I'm glad it is a loaner (extended borrow) because I do not like it. It doesn't track well at all, the seat is uncomfortable, and you can almost forget about standing up in it. There is also a lack of storage options, given the small aft deck. I barely have room for a milk crate.

The scuppers in the hull are large and low profile, and I feel like more water comes on board than goes out the holes.





If I were going to buy a kayak right now, it would be a Ride 115 with the AirPro seat. I had narrowed it down to the Lure 11.5 and the Ride 115, but after picking up a Lure at HOOK1, I found that it is way too heavy for me.

[mfbab]

Originally Posted by NismoFish

I have a Coosa. I've had it for 3 weeks. I'm glad it is a loaner (extended borrow) because I do not like it. It doesn't track well at all, the seat is uncomfortable, and you can almost forget about standing up in it. There is also a lack of storage options, given the small aft deck. I barely have room for a milk crate.

The scuppers in the hull are large and low profile, and I feel like more water comes on board than goes out the holes.





If I were going to buy a kayak right now, it would be a Ride 115 with the AirPro seat. I had narrowed it down to the Lure 11.5 and the Ride 115, but after picking up a Lure at HOOK1, I found that it is way too heavy for me.

Thanks Nismo, that mirrors some of what I've read in online reviews regarding the Coosa.
There are some things that sound really good about it as well, but I don't think it's made for what I want to do.
I'm glad you were able to get it as a loaner only

[Alphahawk]

I have owned a Coosa now for almost 4 years. It is one of the best examples of why one needs to know about their needs....wants....and uses for the boat. I spend the vast majority of my fishing time chasing pan fish on flat water. I need to stay on station once I find the fish. Boat control with a Coosa on a lake even in a small breeze is a nightmare.....meaning if you fish mostly flat water stay away from the Coosa. Yet I still have it for river use....and on the river it shines. On the river it makes up for a lot of my short comings handling a kayak in faster water. If I did not periodically fish the Caney Fork River the Coosa would have been sold a long time ago. This, and many other reasons for one who is buying their first kayak for fishing needs to get to a kayak shop..."HOOK1"....to talk all of the issues out and have professionals help you out on purchasing a kayak.



Regards

[jad2t]

I won't say too much because there isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said but I can give you my perspective of the Ride 115 since I own one and fish in it every week. The only con I have is wishing I had the 135 for the extra cargo space behind me. Other than that, it's a fantastic kayak.

I've caught everything from bluegill to rockfish in it and it holds up well. Very stable. In the warmer months I'm standing and fishing 90% of the time. I can paddle standing up, give a hard hookset, and cast all I want with no fear of falling. It's all but impossible to flip but that doesn't mean I can't fall out of it while standing so that's why this time of year I stay seated.

I also recommend going into HOOK1. That's where I bought mine and I never once felt pressured to buy a more expensive model. The staff are all avid kayak anglers so they really know what they're talking about and will get you into a yak that best suits your needs. They will even drop you off at Old Hickory with any kayak you'd like to demo for free. I paddled and fished the Ride 115 around for a couple hours and was sold.

[bfish]

Originally Posted by mfbab

So, as far as a boat that will be reasonably good for both pond and river fishing, are the Ride 115/135 going to do well for me? ...

Along with the Native Slayer/ultimate/manta ray (non-stander) and the Feel Free Lure and the NuCanoe frontier and the Jackson Coosa (for river use), soon to be released Coosa HD for both along with often overlooked Cruise (fantastic price point IMO), also the Kilroy does great too. WS also has the commander and tarpons (non-stander).

You really need to get out and try several types of kayaks from several companies.

[bfish]

Originally Posted by NismoFish

,,, It doesn't track well at all, the seat is uncomfortable, and you can almost forget about standing up in it. ....

As Alphahawk touches on, you don't want a river boat that tracks "well". A good tracking boat on flat water is upside down boat on moving water.

As far the Coosa tracking in the lake, an experience paddler (ie someone that uses correct form) it tracks just fine. Now it does get blown around by the wind but that generally is non-issue on a current filled river.

I find it odd that you find the seat uncomfortable, I spend 8-10 hrs on mine with no issue. I am sure the other armchair stadium seats out there that some may find more comfortable but I have yet heard of anyone saying the seat is uncomfortable. To each there own...and another reason to demo.

[mfbab]

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I have owned a Coosa now for almost 4 years. It is one of the best examples of why one needs to know about their needs....wants....and uses for the boat. I spend the vast majority of my fishing time chasing pan fish on flat water. I need to stay on station once I find the fish. Boat control with a Coosa on a lake even in a small breeze is a nightmare.....meaning if you fish mostly flat water stay away from the Coosa. Yet I still have it for river use....and on the river it shines. On the river it makes up for a lot of my short comings handling a kayak in faster water. If I did not periodically fish the Caney Fork River the Coosa would have been sold a long time ago. This, and many other reasons for one who is buying their first kayak for fishing needs to get to a kayak shop..."HOOK1"....to talk all of the issues out and have professionals help you out on purchasing a kayak.



Regards

Alpha,
Thanks for the additional input on the Coosa.
As far as your 115, did you like the way it handled on rivers reasonably well?

Again, I'm definitely going to make the trip to Hook1 before I buy anything, it's just good to have an opportunity to speak with guys who've owned these too.

[mfbab]

Originally Posted by jad2t

I won't say too much because there isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said but I can give you my perspective of the Ride 115 since I own one and fish in it every week. The only con I have is wishing I had the 135 for the extra cargo space behind me. Other than that, it's a fantastic kayak.

I've caught everything from bluegill to rockfish in it and it holds up well. Very stable. In the warmer months I'm standing and fishing 90% of the time. I can paddle standing up, give a hard hookset, and cast all I want with no fear of falling. It's all but impossible to flip but that doesn't mean I can't fall out of it while standing so that's why this time of year I stay seated.

I also recommend going into HOOK1. That's where I bought mine and I never once felt pressured to buy a more expensive model. The staff are all avid kayak anglers so they really know what they're talking about and will get you into a yak that best suits your needs. They will even drop you off at Old Hickory with any kayak you'd like to demo for free. I paddled and fished the Ride 115 around for a couple hours and was sold.

Thanks, I can't wait to try one. I'll have to take a day off to get over there but it will be worth it. I checked their website and they've got some closeout sales going right now too, might be dangerous!!
We have several stores in Memphis that sell Kayaks, but there's nothing like hook1 here geared towards fishermen.
I'll learn more in a couple of hours there than I'd probably learn in the first few months on my own
Between the advice given here and a trip over to Hendersonville I should be able to get off to a pretty good start.

[SAMBOLIE]

Most yakkers on this forum should concentrate on a yak that can be used to tow another yak to carry all their equipment.

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by mfbab

Alpha,
Thanks for the additional input on the Coosa.
As far as your 115, did you like the way it handled on rivers reasonably well?

Again, I'm definitely going to make the trip to Hook1 before I buy anything, it's just good to have an opportunity to speak with guys who've owned these too.

The 115 handled the river very well. As another example I wouldn't even put the BG II in the river. But I can guarantee you if you ask someone who is loyal to a brand they will tell you the BG II is a great river boat. I am not loyal to any brand of kayak. I just want what is best for my needs.

Regards


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by MidTNKayakAngler

For electronics, I'm running a Lowrance Elite 7 Chirp. I really like it and I power it with a Werker 20aH battery. It gets me a couple days on the water 2-3. I'll be running more lights next season. Blue to draw in baitfish and black for fluorescent line, and amber for in the cockpit lighting. I will use a separate 35aH battery for lighting.

Where did you buy your Werker battery? I still have a LMS-522 that I may use in the front of my boat with a separate battery. Ill just use the sonar part so I don't need much battery.

[FOXZILLA]

I buy mine at the Battery store in Providence.