Wtb A Kayak For Current River What To Get?

[Duncan1473]

Need help picking a kayak for Current River. I will probably use it for more recreation than fishing. But would like to do both. Also like to have room to put a cooler and the other necessities .Never owned one just don't want to buy something and wish I got something else. Any info helps

[Gene K]

Yaks are great on the upper Current. Personally, I have a Mad River Synergy 12 (no longer made). My friends have some different sit on top yaks from Wilderness Systems. Also nice yaks. One thing I'm eager to try out is a NuCanoe. Saw it at the boat show and thought it was interesting...

[Gavin]

I'd get a solo canoe if you intend on camping but the Jackson Coosa is a pretty nice Sit on top day tripper. Could go over night or longer with a Coosa but you would have to economize on space. Current solo canoe is 14' 8" model. Would not want one under 14'. Maybe a 15-17' used tandem canoe if price is a concern. Probably float my 17' tandem canoe more often than my solo. Tons of space for gear and a friend or my two kids wife and a 45lb dog.

[ScottK]

Dont know what kind of budget you've got for a yak, but the Perception Pescador 12 (Around 499.00 at Ozark Mountain Trading Co. and Academy) is a pretty darn good boat for the money. It's the same boat as the 2008 Wilderness Systems Tarpon (Perception and Wilderness Systems are both owned by the same parent company). I got one last year and really like it, but I had a moment of insanity this spring and got a Jackson Cuda, which is a fantastic boat but more than double the money of the Pescador. IMO, if you're looking for recreation mixed with a bit of fishing in the warmer months, a sit on top is the way to go.

[Gene K]

...the Jackson Coosa is a pretty nice Sit on top day tripper.

Those look sweet!

[Duncan1473]

Trying to stay under 700 for sure. Just like the independence of a solo yak. I found a pescador on clearance for 399. Think I may pick it up after work. Don't think I would loose much if any of it. Anything to look for on a paddle? I'm 5'9"

[ScottK]

For the pescador I use a 230cm paddle (I'm 5'11"), Bending Branches makes a "Whisper" model that's a great paddle for about 50 bucks.

[Terrierman]

I've got a Pescador 12 and I'm perfectly happy with it. You can spend a lot of money on a Kayak, but they're all basically river transportation to me. Day tripping transportation. When I river camp, it's the canoe or Shawnee. More into comfort with about a ton of gear than the lightweight mode.

[Gene K]

Bending Branches makes a "Whisper" model that's a great paddle for about 50 bucks.

I have had 2 BB whispers, and neither made it more than one season before splitting at the point where the spring loaded lock ball enters the female side (female side broke both times).

I checked out the Jackson's today at the alpine shop. Cuda looks like my next yak ticket, but I'm going to test paddle against a few others. FWIW - if you're in StL, the Alpine shop has demo days at creve coeur park about once a month.

[ScottK]

I've got 2 of them and haven't had any issues yet, I just really like the weight (lack of) and feel of them. One is a little over a year old and the other is new this year but it's been used quite a bit. However, I'll keep an eye on that joint now. Thanks.