8' Vs 10' Kayak

[Justin Spencer]

I've trapped out of a little otter before, even stuffed a 50# beaver in it once, that was pushing it a little, but fishing from it is not a problem albeit a little tight. Easily can use it to get from spot to spot if you like to wade fish.

[UnCivE]

Thanks for the replies. My son and i bought a couple 8's from Cabellas when they had them on sale, mainly due to the price and not sure how often we would use them. We haven't used them yet and i read something on the internet that a 10' makes a huge difference, so we were trying to decide if we should take the 8's back and save up for something bigger.

They're perfect for fun floating. If I was just gonna take em out every once in awhile and have a float, I'd probably prefer the shorter boat. I need a bigger one because I'm a bigger guy that most, and I fish standing up alot.

[Haris122]

What are some things to consider when shopping for an "all purpose sort of" cheap Kayak? I've been thinking of getting one, and would like it to be one that isn't completely open (one that you slip into, as opposed to ones that don't cover your legs) but I also want to be able to occasionally fish right out of it while on the river, as opposed to go to make my way to a gravel bar or something, get out, and then fish.

[Al Agnew]

In my opinion (although I'm a solo canoe guy, not a kayak guy), the sit in kayaks (the ones that cover your legs, are far inferior as fishing craft on Ozark streams compared to the sit on kayaks. The sit on type is much easier to get yourself on and off, something you'll be doing quite a bit on shallow streams, and rod stowage is easier as well. The sit in is a drier ride, which may be very important if you want to go in cool or cold weather, but that's about the only advantage I can see to them.

[Haris122]

I'll check out if I can find any open ones for cheap. If not, I might still go with the enclosed one. Definitely very soon will get me one.

[woodman]

Kayaks and the wind! Paddling a couple miles in a head wind heading back to the take out! Short stubby kayaks suck at tracking and long distance paddling......A stitch and glue or a skin-on-frame boat are so easy to build.....give it a try ..A 16' 25'' beam 30-40lb boat.....once you use one you will never go back to a Tupperware boat.....