Kayak ?

[tinner]

My float tube recently had to be retired and I am going to be needing another mode of floatation. Does anybody own a kayak that they fish out of. If so ,how do you like it? I always thought they were easy to roll but I never have had one so I could be totally wrong. Any brands and features for a fishing kayak would be appreciated.

[jdmidwest]

Kayaks are the way to go. Don't worry about the stability, lots better than most canoes. Definitely better than a float tube, you sit higher and dryer. I personally like the wilderness system kayaks, I own a Pamilco 120 that fishes and hunts great. I have a Mainstream Kingfisher sit on top that fishes well and is stable enough to stand up in. I also have a Predator 138 from Old Town that has rigging for fishing and is camo for hunting. It is bigger and handles like a canoe.

Check out some of the older threads on kayaks on here for more detail. 12' is a good size for lakes and streams. Sit on tops are usually more stable and easier to get in and out of.

Look on the web or find a place that lets you try before you buy. Try the above or Heritage kayaks which have been getting good reviews.

[ollie]

Thumbs-up for the yaks too. I own a Pam 100 and the only thing I would trade it in for would be one without a leek! I've had mine for about 5 years now and just recently developed a leak, but remember I am stubborn and don't want to get out of the boat!

[Wayne SW/MO]

I am stubborn and don't want to get out of the boat!

Well I might call it something else, but I'll behave.

Kayaks do provide a stable platform, and unlike a float tube, offer storage and mobility.

I think how and where you would use one would determine whether a sit in or a sit on top would be best.

[Danimal]

I've got a buddy down here in Ft. Smith who has a nice little recreational kayak for sale (I think it's made by perception).$250.00--PM me if interested. Dan-o

[BrianK]

I got an old Wilderness Systems 2man kayak last summer so i don't have alot of experience. Low profile is more stable than a canoe. Very fun and effortless to paddle. For me the 2 man is nice for more space - extra gear or extra person. but i'm 6'4" and space is good. Still gotta go canoe for overnite trips. i'm not that much of a minimalist yet........

Oh, mine has 3 big cracks in it and i'm still experimenting on which repair will hold the best. so far a "high strength" sort of heavy duty hot glue gun has held up. melted the glue thru the cracks to itself and into the plastic of the boat. duct tape is always on board though in a pinch.

bk

[Don]

I could easily prefer a kayak over a float tube. But, what about a kayak compared to a pontoon drift boat?

I know there is give and take between the two, but I'm curious. Why would one prefer one over the other?

Don

[jdmidwest]

Depends on how much you like to paddle. Pontoons create alot of drag and require more effort to paddle. Kayaks are sleek and fast. You don't have to assemble and blow up a yak. And you don't have to worry about ripping a hole in them miles down a river and walking out. I have one but it has been in storage since the yaks come along.

[Gavin]

Kayaks are a lot of fun but I'd also check out solo canoes. After I sold my Old Town Pack Solo canoe several years ago, I was seriously considering a kayak. The two that I was torn between were the Widerness System Pungo 120 sit in kayak, and the Wilderness System Tarpon 120 sit on top. While I was debating, I came across a good deal on a used Wenonah Vagabond Solo Canoe and bought that instead. My solo isnt quite as stable and its a little slower than most kayaks, but I like it because its a lot lighter, and it hauls a lot more gear. I'd take a solo canoe or kayak over a pontoon for most flat water fishing, but if your on a big fast river I'd probably go with a good pontoon boat. Good luck with your purchase. Cheers.

[Danimal]

I got an old Wilderness Systems 2man kayak last summer so i don't have alot of experience. Low profile is more stable than a canoe. Very fun and effortless to paddle. For me the 2 man is nice for more space - extra gear or extra person. but i'm 6'4" and space is good. Still gotta go canoe for overnite trips. i'm not that much of a minimalist yet........

Oh, mine has 3 big cracks in it and i'm still experimenting on which repair will hold the best. so far a "high strength" sort of heavy duty hot glue gun has held up. melted the glue thru the cracks to itself and into the plastic of the boat. duct tape is always on board though in a pinch.

bk

Prijon carries repair sticks made of high performance thermoplast (HPTP) that fit into a hot glue gun. They're pretty cheap and they work great (I've been repairing my whitewater kayaks with them for years). Go to www.wildnet.com to order. Dan-o