Fishing kayaks

[Mark Sides]

Another consideration for those who kayak in the ocean….. here is a comment from the phototographer on the very famous image he captured ……..

The photograph is real, no photoshop, no digital manipulation, no nothing, in fact it was shot on slide film Fuji Provia 100 using a Nikon F5 Camera and 17-35 mm lens. For those conspiracy fans who still doubt its authenticity please read how I took the photograph.

http://www.thomaspeschak.com/kayak-great-white-sharks-/

[lee terkel]

Has anyone fished the freedomhawk kayak line?

[p.j. petiniot]

Figured I would bump this to see if anybody else has anything to add–

P.J.

[Bob Riggins]

I’m going to try not to muddy the water to much, but the first thing you need to do is decide what is important to you.

[p.j. petiniot]

My list is simple and straight forward–

Weight is not much of a consideration, at least to the point that if a particular kayak weighs 10 pounds more than another, it could be out of the running-

I’m 6’2″ and 230— if one kayak weighs 70 pounds and another weighs 90–I can still load either one, if that makes sense–

I have a Yukon Denali XL (PITA to load anything on the racks) I also have a 5×10 utility trailer that I plan on making kayak racks for–So I will have options that include both wrestling a clumsy kayak onto the roof or a huge SUV or gently placing it into custom made racks on a low profile trailer-

For this particular kayak, I am more interested in stability, comfort and ease of fishing, than tracking, speed etc-

I am looking for a kayak that is big enough and stable enough for myself and my 8 year old son to tool around in and catch fish in fresh water, brackish water, inlets,

[Bob Riggins]

Given that list, there are three kayaks that I would recommend, most of which have already been mentioned.  Niether of them are tandems, which would really restrict your choice.

Jackson Cuda 14
Native Slayer 14 (just released and is very similar to the Cuda)

The only tamdem I would recommend is the Native Ultimate 14.5, but in my opinion, the only good tandem is two kayaks.

[Shannon Drawe]

As a Pro Angler for Diablo, I am glad to see the so many folks have discovered Diablo as well. It’s the ultimate short distance standup boat in my opinion. I can typically get someone standing on the Adios, someone who may have never kayaked before, in less than 30 minutes. And it fishes in 360 degrees – meaning I can turn around on it (standing) and not have to adjust course.

[craig phillips]

PJ – sounds like you are describing the Big Tuna.

[p.j. petiniot]

Shannon-If I were to be looking for a single at this point in time–The Diablo would be on the short list– I really want a tandem so I can work with my young son and teach him how to handle himself in a kayak and teach him how to fish from one as well-He’s young and inexperienced and I want him at arm’s length for now-I also have a 15 year old daughter and a wife that are unsure about paddling and a tandem will allow me to work with them and allow them to get more comfortable in a kayak-

Craig, I have been leaning towards the Big Tuna for this purchase, and I am certain I will be ordering one within the next week or two-

I have to figure out which color I want to order 😉

Now I have to figure out what paddle to buy–

[Chad Simcox]

I’ve been running over kayak options lately and based only on internet research, I’ve decided that the Jackson Cuda 12 is my top choice. It appears to be very well thought out for usability of a fishing platform. Designed to be able to stand in yet have speed and good tracking you’d find in other kayaks. I like the high/low seating, storage design, rod stays, rod protectors, paddle holder, etc. It’s just a well designed fishing boat. Not to mention I like that I’d be supporting a company from my home state, with headquarters near one of my home waters while I was in college.
The downside is it’s weight. Loading it into my truck wouldn’t be tough but I wouldn’t want to port the boat by myself over rough terrain.

But, the truth is, I’m not going to buy a boat without demoing first. And right now all the lakes and reservoirs here are iced up, so I’m in no rush.

http://society6.com/grainfarmer Fly Fishing and Landscape open edition Photography prints.

http://grainfarmer.vsco.co/ iPhone photos
http://instagram.com/chad_simcox Instagram

[p.j. petiniot]

Chad, I have paddled the Cuda-Its nice and tracks well-The stability wasn’t as solid as I thought it would be–I think some of that is due to the fact that I had the seat in the higher position–secondary stability was great, but it was a little shaky for me–I only paddled it for about 20 minutes and I was much more comfortable towards the end of the ride-

[david frank]

As Kayaks are used widely and adapted by many people, so it can be
useful for many outdoor activities including diving, fishing, wilderness
exploration and even for rescue during floods.

[Peter E.]

From what you described, this would be what feel to be the best choice.

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/boat.cfm?id=7

[ken b.]

I’ve started researching kayaks for fly fishing, too, and I have to begin with a thank you to everyone that’s replied to this thread thus far. Great information!

I’m looking at a kayak for a number of reasons. First, more often than not, the afternoon wind comes up on most of the northeasthern California and western Nevada stillwaters I like to fish. I’d like to get into something with oars or a paddle to aid in the return to the launch site. Second, it’d be nice to have a multipurpose vessel – one that would be suited to occasional light recreational paddling. Third, it could be transported on the roof of my SUV, leaving the cargo space open for other stuff.

The one big disadvantage I see to kayak fly fishing, at least for me, is this: A very effective way to fish many of our stillwaters is to move along parallel to the shoreline, casting into the shallow water and stripping the fly out. With a float tube or pontoon boat, it’s easy to kick slowly and move. Unless I get into a pedal kayak, it seems like too much effort to cast, paddle a few feet to reposition, repeat, etc..

I’d appreciate any thoughts on this. Have you modified your fishing techniques for the kayak? I’ve never fished from one so perhaps I’m missing something obvious here. And I will, of course, demo a few models should I continue with this quest. Thanks!

[Clay Smith]

So I’ve been looking around (think I’ve settled on a canoe probably an Old Towne Guide or Saranac in the 15′ range) and from what I see my cost differential between new and used is a couple hundred bucks (which isn’t surprising since the new cost is in the $500-$600 range).

[Clay Smith]

ran across this offer on craigslist this morning

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/boa/3671798144.html

Unfortunately I can’t imagine the wife letting me put a boat & trailer at my house so it doesnt work for me but man this would be awesome if she would.

[Zach Matthews]

That’s not dissimilar to a Gheenoe, Clay, but that boat would be a bear to handle alone.

[Clay Smith]

Zach,

I agree 100% and the Guide is what I’m looking for (unless I run across a cheap one on craigslist that doesn’t perfectly meet my specs-saw one for $100 last week).

[Aaron Christensen]

I have a Hobie Outback.  The hands free feature is convenient.  Also, I can usually set the rudder in a locked position by putting a shim under the lever that controls the left and right.  So I would say the boat is pretty good at tracking shoreline.  

However, there are downsides to this boat and every other boat.  In particular, on the Hobie, it is easy to get the fly line tangled in the pedals (maybe a basket would solve that), the seat back is horrible (maybe a replacement seat would solve that problem), it seems less stable than other options for standing and has no flat surface intended for standing.  It is also HEAVY to put on the roof top.  I can do it, but my truck has a good dent from where I dropped it one time.  Oh yeah, the pedal drive is a real PITA in shallow, rocky water – a toon or regular kayak would be better for that.

The new Hobie Pro Angler seems to address several of these issues, but by the price, its seems they are especially proud of their accomplishment.

Lots of boats are good for some applications.  I have yet to find one that is good for a wide variety of applications.  (Recently sold my inflatable and have not used my Grumman canoe in years).  Still, I continue on the quest and have high hopes for my new boat.  😉

The one big disadvantage I see to kayak fly fishing, at least for me, is this: A very effective way to fish many of our stillwaters is to move along parallel to the shoreline, casting into the shallow water and stripping the fly out. With a float tube or pontoon boat, it’s easy to kick slowly and move. Unless I get into a pedal kayak, it seems like too much effort to cast, paddle a few feet to reposition, repeat, etc..

I’d appreciate any thoughts on this. Have you modified your fishing techniques for the kayak? I’ve never fished from one so perhaps I’m missing something obvious here. And I will, of course, demo a few models should I continue with this quest. Thanks!

[Clay Smith]

Well I got the 14 foot guide last night.

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