Inflatable Kayaks

[ozark trout fisher]

I was curious about how effective inflatable kayaks are on our Ozark streams. I have used mine several times on our slower streams to paddle up, and fish down, (as well as pond fishing) but I have never used it for a float trip. My question is, are they practical for a day of floating on any Ozark streams. I certainly wouldn't take it out on anything with whitewater, but I thought it might do the job on some tamer streams like the Meramec, Gasconade, and Bourbeuse.

What do you all think?

[hoglaw]

You're as good a judge as anyone. If it's stable, dependable, and durable, I don't see why it would be a problem. I'd hate to be in the middle of a 20 mile overnight and spring a leak, but if you're confident in it I'm sure it's just fine. Practicality is all up to the user. The boat in my "fleet" that gets the most use is a pelican canoe with all the seats and supports stripped out. It's basically just a shell of ram-x or whatever the hell it's made out of. It doesn't track nearly as well as a decent boat, and I may get a few looks form some of the buffalo or old town users. But I have a camping chair that's a comfortable as can be for it. On really easy water, I'll even take the chair with the leg rest. I have a trolling motor mount for lake fishing. Plus, I can store more gear than you can shake a stick at. It's the most stable canoe on the water...I have no qualms about standing up and walking around in it. Personally, I don't care what anyone thinks about it. It is a platform for fishing, and it has more miles on it than just about any boat out there.

[creek wader]

I've used my inflatable yak on quite a few streams now. I couldn't count them all. As far as a shuttle is concerned. I've used it on the Meramec from Meramec Springs down to Scott's ford. I've also, used it on the Big Piney. I've also, have been on the Osage River near Jeff. City numerous times. It was pretty deep, where I floated.

I've developed a few holes now, in the bottom. I've patched them with the patch kit, that came with the yak. It fixed them. I don't have any leaks, now. I've bought another patch kit from Wal-Mart, that I carry with me at all times, also my foot pump. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long float. Good luck ...wader

[ozark trout fisher]

I've used my inflatable yak on quite a few streams now. I couldn't count them all. As far as a shuttle is concerned. I've used it on the Meramec from Meramec Springs down to Scott's ford. I've also, used it on the Big Piney. I've also, have been on the Osage River near Jeff. City numerous times. It was pretty deep, where I floated.

I've developed a few holes now, in the bottom. I've patched them with the patch kit, that came with the yak. It fixed them. I don't have any leaks, now. I've bought another patch kit from Wal-Mart, that I carry with me at all times, also my foot pump. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long float. Good luck ...wader

Glad to hear it. The Meramec was actually the stream I was thinking of floating.

I've got a patch kit, and needed it a few times when hooks go where they shouldn't.....

[creek wader]

Glad to hear it. The Meramec was actually the stream I was thinking of floating.

I've got a patch kit, and needed it a few times when hooks go where they shouldn't.....

Ok, good luck. Let us know how your trip goes. ...wader

[eric1978]

Ok, good luck. Let us know how your trip goes. ...wader

CW,

As much floating you seem to do, if I were you I'd just bite the bullet and buy some cheap or used solo canoe. It's just gonna be better, easier and more fun to use on smaller waters like you often float. Go back and read Agnew's posts on solo canoes...you'll have one a week later and you'll be really happy you do! Old Town Guide 119 is $400 brand new at Dick's right now. It's the same as the Pack except it's 10 pounds heavier.

There's nothing wrong with an inf. yak, or a regular yak, or a toon, or a jon boat or a jet boat or whatever...a solo canoe is just the best and most versatile vessel for small or medium sized streams for day trips or extended trips. Cheers!

[creek wader]

CW,

As much floating you seem to do, if I were you I'd just bite the bullet and buy some cheap or used solo canoe. It's just gonna be better, easier and more fun to use on smaller waters like you often float. Go back and read Agnew's posts on solo canoes...you'll have one a week later and you'll be really happy you do! Old Town Guide 119 is $400 brand new at Dick's right now. It's the same as the Pack except it's 10 pounds heavier.

There's nothing wrong with an inf. yak, or a regular yak, or a toon, or a jon boat or a jet boat or whatever...a solo canoe is just the best and most versatile vessel for small or medium sized streams for day trips or extended trips. Cheers!

I would love to have a nice (solid) fishing yak or a solo canoe. But, the inflatable fits my situation. I live in St. Joe. I'm a RR engineer. I take trains from KC to Jeff. City. I lay over in a motel between 12hrs. - 24hrs. So, while I'm down there, I either wade fish or use the inflatable yak. I have a Ford Explorer, that I keep the yak in. The yak fits in a duffel bag. I could put a "hard" yak on top. But, then I have to worry about it being stolen. I know I could chain it on. Also, in another month or so, I'll be taking it back home for the winter. It's much easier hauling a duffel bag on an engine, than a kayak or solo canoe. I think the train management would frown on that. ...lol ...Believe me, I've been considering all options for quite a while. Even, renting a storage unit down at Jeff. But, I'd have to keep that a secret from my wife. She thinks I fish too much as it is. .... Thanks for your suggestion. I'm always open for any suggestions. ...wader

[ozark trout fisher]

I would love to have a nice (solid) fishing yak or a solo canoe. But, the inflatable fits my situation. I live in St. Joe. I'm a RR engineer. I take trains from KC to Jeff. City. I lay over in a motel between 12hrs. - 24hrs. So, while I'm down there, I either wade fish or use the inflatable yak. I have a Ford Explorer, that I keep the yak in. The yak fits in a duffel bag. I could put a "hard" yak on top. But, then I have to worry about it being stolen. I know I could chain it on. Also, in another month or so, I'll be taking it back home for the winter. It's much easier hauling a duffel bag on an engine, than a kayak or solo canoe. I think the train management would frown on that. ...lol ...Believe me, I've been considering all options for quite a while. Even, renting a storage unit down at Jeff. But, I'd have to keep that a secret from my wife. She thinks I fish too much as it is. .... Thanks for your suggestion. I'm always open for any suggestions. ...wader

Yeah, I got a canoe, but its too difficult to load up for just a short trip... So I just generally use the inflatable for short trips where I only have a couple hours to fish. Never tried a real float trip with it, just paddling up and down from accesses.

[eric1978]

Yeah, I got a canoe, but its too difficult to load up for just a short trip... So I just generally use the inflatable for short trips where I only have a couple hours to fish. Never tried a real float trip with it, just paddling up and down from accesses.

I guess I'm spoiled. I have a pickup and a big ol' trailer so it's never a problem. I guess I can see how an inflatable would be convenient, I'd just hate blowing it up and deflating it all the time.

[ozark trout fisher]

I guess I'm spoiled. I have a pickup and a big ol' trailer so it's never a problem. I guess I can see how an inflatable would be convenient, I'd just hate blowing it up and deflating it all the time.

Yeah, I got a rack I have to put on my truck every single time I load up my canoe or jon boat... Not that hard, but not really worth it when I'm just going the Bourbeuse or something for an hour or two.

The canoe is nice to have when I'm going out for a full day though. You just don't have to worry about it popping, plus it handles a lot better. With the kayak, mostly I just paddle up to a riffle, and get out and fish it.