Thinking About My First Kayak

[hoglaw]

I've always been a very dedicated canoe person. I have two, neither are nice, but they have served me well for a long time.

In any event, my girlfriend absolutely loves to kayak. She will go canoeing (read - fishing) with me any time, but I know she would love it if I would get a kayak. Therefore, I'm thinking about switching over to the "dark side." She has a little one...a dagger something or other. Seems like a short whitewater/creek boat to me.

I'm assuming that a fishing kayak and a whitewater kayak are at different ends of the kayak spectrum, and the best of each would not be good for the other use. I'd like a boat that is a "sit in" that I can use a skirt with so I can do whitewater, but at the same time a boat that would be suitable for fishing. When I canoe, I take a giant tackle box, four rods, and a host of other stuff I probably don't need. I'm not a minimalist, but I understand I would have to downsize for kayak fishing. I don't know much about storage capacities, etc., but what I'm looking for are reccomendations for a boat that would be suitable for doing whitewater and doing some fishing. I don't think I'd ever use it for overnight fish camping trips, though that kind of storage would be nice if it didn't totally rule out doing the mulberry or upper buffalo in high water.

I figure if I really like the kayak thing, I'll probably get another "creek boat" suitable for doing some of the more serious whitewater stuff anyway.

Anyway, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to kayaks, and I would definitely value feedback from the forum members.

[Stoneroller]

check austinkayak you can view many of the popular models there. The Pungo is made by wilderness systems and is probably close to what you might be interested in.

[eric1978]

If I were to stray to the dark side, it'd be with a Jackson Coosa, hands down...if you can find one.

[Justin Spencer]

That Jackson is a sweet boat, I'll be getting a few for the canoe rental, but 5 month waiting list. It is a sit on with "dry" storage. For a sit in I would look at the old town dirigo, you could put a skirt on it and it has good storage and a big cockpit (which the ladies like). They make several sizes depending on how much storage you want. Longer boats are better tracking but harder managing on small or tight creeks.

[flytyer57]

Check out Ozark Mountain Trading Co. in Garfield, AR.

They won't stear you wrong.

Good selection of yaks and equipment. Friendly and knowledgeable.

I bought my yak there.

[GloryDaze]

http://www.dagger.com/product_subcategory/index/product_homepage/recreational_touring/approach/

[timinmo]

Many dealers have Paddle Days where you would be able to paddle a variety of boats. I'm not sure any whitewater boat would make a good fishing boat but that may be more my opinion than truth. In any case check out as many as you can before you buy. I know that the Alpine Shop in St. Louis and KC Paddler in KC both have Paddle Days but don't know about any in your area.

[flytyer57]

I'm sure you know of this place. I haven't been in there, though I'm sure they could also help.

Pack Rat Outdoor Center

209 West Sunbridge

Fayetteville, AR 72703

877-521-6340

[ollie]

I would go with a Dagger blackwater if you can still find one. They don't make them anymore, but is as close as to what you are wanting it sounds like. I have a WS Pamlico and have taken it down the Mulberry when the water is flowing, but it really isn't designed for that. If I could find one I would love to have a Blackwater. Oh yea, Pack Rat is the bomb when it comes to help and top notch people who all get outdoors and will bend over backwards to help out.

[Zack Hoyt]

Check out Ozark Mountain Trading Co. in Garfield, AR.

They won't stear you wrong.

Good selection of yaks and equipment. Friendly and knowledgeable.

I bought my yak there.

I second this. I have got to know Larry and his brother very well. They are both top notch guys and have the best deal on boats and gear around.