Anyone Fish Taney Trophy Area With A Kayak?

[polock]

I am selling my aluminum canoe, and as soon as I do I am going to get a kayak, I started thinking, this would be much easier than pulling my boat down to taney when I fish. Anyone have good luck out of a kayak???

also a little kayak advice. I am looking at 2 a sit on top and a sit in, both are 12' and built for fishing. I think the sit on top would be more stable but it lacks the dry storage of the sit in. what do you guys think?

[Gavin]

Should be doable, but you have a big downside if you wipe out during a high generation event...PFD on at the very least...but I'd probably buy a pontoon boat for that type of fishing and get a kayak or canoe for stream use.

In Kayaks...Sit on Tops are better for fishing IMO...were some waders and just stand up when you want to get out. Was looking at a SOT before I got my solo canoe...The Wilderness System Tarpon 120 was highest on my list. Cheers.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Kayak on upper Taney would be less than ideal. During even moderate generation you got 250 HP boats screaming upriver - so good luck in a SOT, you're braver than me. Make sure its a bright color!

Dead low-water in summer, eh, okay, but you will still be competing with some boats just past the 1st bend. Be careful.

[bikehikefish]

I'm glad you asked this question, since I'm going to Taney on Sunday and was considering bringing my kayak. I don't think I will now.

I have a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 120 and a Pamilico 100, both have the big cockpits for easy entry and exit. Fishing with a spinning rod from them is great, a fly rod, not so much. For fly fishing, I beach the yak and get out and wade.

I like the storage inside the kayak for gear for overnights, and longer (did 5 days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with it, against all advice).

The only other advice I have is to go no shorter than 12 ft. A 10 ft boat is very maneuverable, but a pain to paddle in a straight line.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Depends, I think you could do some good in the last couple of miles. I don't think you would want to during generation however.

As to kayaks, with the exception of the 10' sit-ins, I would go with a SOT for fishing. They aren't as restrictive, the difference in storage is minimal and you don't have to worry about an upset. The wilderness Tarpon in 12' is a little heavy, but not something even a small adult can't load car top. If I were going to use one exclusively on wide water I would go with a 14'.

[fishin_addict]

I have both a sit-in and a sit-on and there is no question the sit-on top is better for fishing mainly for stability purposes. Biggest concern to you on Taney in a kayak is inexperienced boaters - off peak times would be recommended. Way more accessible storage in my particular sit-on compared to my sit-in.

I may have actually caught more fish from my sit-in, but I think that is just coincidence. If you plan to fish a fair amount from a kayak, I highly recommend the Hobie Outback (pedal driven). Hands down the best fishing kayak available due to the hands free option. A little more expensive and it is a little on the heavy side too, but is worth it if you know you'll use it a fair amount. I can stand and fish (even when fly fishing)in my sit-on if on fairly calm water, I've even had my wife and two kids on it with me all at once in the great lakes with no stability issues.

Also, if you plan on going upstream when fishing rivers or taneycomo in the trophy area the pedal drive on the Hobie's should really help. Haven't tried it yet, but I think I could handle 2 units or less in an SOT. More than that may limit your ability to fish unless you stayed in some slack water along the bank or something.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Way more accessible storage in my particular sit-on compared to my sit-in.

I'm not familiar with the Hobie's layout, but my SOT's have considerable room behind the seat, and its not inhibited by the hull. Its possible, depending on an individuals size, to reach the front, but I'll admits its not something you would want to plan on doing.

I just think for fishing, in my experience the SOT is superior. The exception is a 10' or less sit in on tight waters.

[fishin_addict]

I'm not familiar with the Hobie's layout, but my SOT's have considerable room behind the seat, and its not inhibited by the hull. Its possible, depending on an individuals size, to reach the front, but I'll admits its not something you would want to plan on doing.

I just think for fishing, in my experience the SOT is superior. The exception is a 10' or less sit in on tight waters.

Sounds like we agree the SOT storage is more accessible. I can reach the front or rear storage without much problem because it is so stable, though my pedals do get in the way a bit. I can climb all over the thing really. My wife has riden on the storage area in the back and then we will occassionally switch spots on the fly and haven't gotten wet yet!!

[Wayne SW/MO]

The only reason I believe the storage is very similar between the two is the fact that the height of the rear storage areas is only limited by balance.

I don't think many realize that you can sit sideways in a SOT without the slightest hint of tipping. In deep water you simply slide around and throw your legs in the water, sit sideways in the seat and reach in the back.

[Gavin]

The sit on tops are much better for in and out...Nothing to knock your knees on, just stand up..Add a Milk Crate for tackle storage and some rod holders and your set to cruise on open water. Cheers.