Buying A Kayak

[jscheetz]

Hey guys -

I've looked into a new boat myself and have read up on the Ultimate 12 so good to see some responses from guys who have one. Here was one review I had checked out if you want some more info. http://www.georgiariverfishing.com/GAartic.../Ultimate12.htm

Having said that... Several years ago I bought a Perception Swifty 9.5 - just a "recreational" kayak from Dick's on sale for like 215 bucks - and it has been fine for all of my adventures. I usually fish small lakes - do occasional ozark streams, and it has even taken me down several rivers in Montana with no problems. I don't take very much gear with me - just don't want a ton of crap - and I am almost always fly-fishing. I really don't like fishing rivers with available sandbars from the boat anyway, so I do a lot of getting in and out - and as long as you don't stand up in it before you beach it - there is no problem getting in and out for me. And at 30some pounds it is nice to throw over the shoulder and take wherever. So really, it is whatever you get used to (or have, and learn to deal with it). It obviously doesn't have much room in it - and being that short it is not much good for when you have to move out - which is why I would like something that could address those issues.

A question for those that use a solo canoe - do you usually use a kayak paddle with it or a regular one?

Anyhow - good thoughts -

JS

[Gavin]

Downstream in my solo....I use a regular paddle...It's easier to make minor corrections, and I can scull it so I dont spook fish with a yak paddle waving in the breeze like a giant yellow butterfly.

Upstream--kayak paddle has the advantage.

[LB&M]

To each his own, but just one note. The Osprey is a short, wide tandem canoe. The Ultimate 12 is a dedicated solo craft. Comparing one to the other is comparing apples to oranges. Most people who dismiss canoes have only spent a lot (or a little) time in tandem canoes. The difference between paddling ANY canoe that is designed to be a tandem, and one that is designed to be paddled solo, is considerable. Try paddling a Pack, or a Wenonah Vagabond, or a Mohawk Solo 13 or Solo 14. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make it move the way you want it to.

You're right. It was apples and oranges. I spoke of the Osprey because it's the only one I recently owned but I logged several years in it on small lakes, ponds, and streams. When I got it I used it for carrying cargo (lot's of camping equipment) - I don't do that any more. I never owned a Pack or Solo 14 but have spent lots of time in them. My bro-in-law has had a Pack for several years and I've spent many hours in it. To me it's a great craft for crossing deep pools to get out and wade fish. I just don't care for it as a fishing platform. Now the Solo 14 is one I like a little better, my Son owns one. I've logged many hours in it. If I were to go back to a canoe I would probably select that one. I haven't had much experience in the other brands. But I have been around canoes awhile. My first experience in one was in 1953.

I think that the biggest reason that canoes are not often used for fishing along the Gulf Coast is the wind factor. Canoes ARE much more affected by wind, which is seldom a real problem on Ozark streams but often is on bigger bodies of water. When I tout the advantages of solo canoe, I'm talking about stream fishing, not fishing big lakes, really big rivers, whitewater streams, or the ocean.

Absolutely agree. That's the kind of places I fish. And the kayaks get pushed around also. But it's the superior stability that make kayaks better in the surf.

Loading and unloading is not the only factor in considering the weight of your craft. I often fish places where access is difficult--long, steep carries to the water, through brush or down rip rap beneath bridges. The difference between carrying 40 pounds of river craft and 70 pounds or more is considerable. And I also often float marginal streams where I have to do some portaging around log jams, or over concrete slab bridges, and again the weight is important.

Sounds like you and I fish in the same kind of places. And I wouldn't want to tote 70lbs around either. But even my Osprey didn't weigh that much. My son's Solo 14 in Royalex actually weighs 46 lbs ( a couple more than advertised.) My Ultimate 12 actually weighs 55 lbs (as advertised) - when I remove the seat which slips right out it cuts the weight to 48 lbs. I usually end up making two trips anyway for paddles, vest, fishing bag, etc so I carry the seat then. I do have a custom made kayak cart that I use to carry it all at once if it's not too rough ground.

Oops...that was more than one note!

No problem --- what it boils down to is personal preference. I find the concept of the Pack great! I just don't care for the application of that concept. I don't dislike canoes - may get another someday. Been around them for over 55 years. But I really like my Ultimate 12 hybrid and it's my current preference. Hope to see you out on the stream someday.

[LB&M]

Downstream in my solo....I use a regular paddle...It's easier to make minor corrections, and I can scull it so I dont spook fish with a yak paddle waving in the breeze like a giant yellow butterfly.

Upstream--kayak paddle has the advantage.

A friend of mine has started using a Ping Pong paddle for skulling while fishing. He swears by it. I haven't tried it yet but plan to. (need to waterproof it good)

[LB&M]

First of all we are glad you are here.

Do you have the seat riser? Curious how much better that makes it.

Thanks for the welcome. Actually I thought about the seat riser but after just a few hours in it I preferred the lower center of gravity to that of a canoe. If I get another canoe in the future I'll probably drop the seat. I have no problem fly fishing out of the low seat with either an 8' 4 wt or 8.5' 6wt. Just takes a little getting used to. But then, I used to fish out of a float tube in Colorado. That's really low! Spinning tackle is a breeze in the U12!

[bigredbirdfan]

Thanks for the welcome. Actually I thought about the seat riser but after just a few hours in it I preferred the lower center of gravity to that of a canoe. If I get another canoe in the future I'll probably drop the seat. I have no problem fly fishing out of the low seat with either an 8' 4 wt or 8.5' 6wt. Just takes a little getting used to. But then, I used to fish out of a float tube in Colorado. That's really low! Spinning tackle is a breeze in the U12!

My back was really sore on day two after two six hour days in the ultimate. Thought the raised seat might mitigate that. And yes I felt like I was down in a hole. I'm sure some people love the seated stable position, but I have never fished like this in my life and I felt really uncomfortable and I couldn't imagine trying to fly fish like that. All My Opinions of course.

[rps]

I just posted a new topic in the Beaver tailwater section that reports on my first paddle with the new kayaks. We wound up with a Rush for the wife and I bought the Ultimate 12. The pictures are in the other thread.

The Ultimate 12 is very stable. I think it will fish easy, but then I am very experienced at belly boat fishing. The low to the water angle will only be a problem for my spook fishing. The adjustable seat is a blessing. Any time I noticed I was tightening up, I simply changed the seat or back angle.

Only cons:

The white will show dirt.

I need to re-learn how to kayak paddle without filling the boat with drips.

After a cruiser tried to swamp me I decided I will buy the forward skirt.

[Bwinkert]

I currently do all my fishing from an Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 13 with a rudder. I also have it equipped with a Humminbird 383C fishfind. At 29" wide I find it very stable to fish from. Here's a few pics of it. Also I'm a lil bit bigger guy and the weight cap is great. I have Scupper Plugs in all the Scupper holes which makes for a very dry ride. So I'm not sitting in water. It has 2 flush rod holders behind the seat, I am able to store a full 9' fly rod inside the kayak. I just recently installed a scotty rod holder on the top of the rod pod. I have made a few camping trips and very long paddles with this set up and i couldn't be happier.

Brad