Who all here fishes out of a kayak? What kind do you have? I’m kicking around the idea of a kayak for some ponds around here that the boat is too big for. Any and all help is appreciated
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Who all here fishes out of a kayak? What kind do you have? I’m kicking around the idea of a kayak for some ponds around here that the boat is too big for. Any and all help is appreciated
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Fishing Tackle Retailer magazine this issue has a Jet Kayak - battery powered. I haven't read the article yet.
I have a Native Titan, Native Slayer and two Lifetime kayaks. If small pond and you’re hiking in I recommend something light. The Titan is heavy but very stable. Plenty on the market now. If possible I’d go to one of the stores and see if they have demo days where you could try them.
I have a piece of plastic with a hole in it basically a 300 dollar model, it works but not real comfortable. Good enough for what I do with it.
I paddle a Feel Free Moken 12.5 with a rudder. It's the old model, but paddles well and it's pretty stable for a 34 inch wide kayak. Some folks claim to be able to stand and fish out of it, but I'm a little too old to try that. Paddles and handles rough water pretty well. I've had it for five years and I'm really satisfied with it.
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A jet, battery powered kayak sounds cool.
Be careful in one. Game Wardens just today recovered the body of a 21 year old Kentucky man who drowned on Toledo Bend Reservoir pre-fishing a BASS Kayak Tournament.
As with any watercraft, exercise caution.
I read that as well about the guy on Toledo Bend. That’s terrible. We’re not promised tomorrow for sure.
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I have a good friend who is a professional kayak fishing guide and also follows the kayak tournaments, he and I have been out a few times chasing crappie on kayaks.
He only fishes out of Hobbie versions , the sit on top types with paddle drives. He used to win lots of tournaments , not sure if he uses any other brand of yak.
I found it to be exciting, but still never bought one , thought about it though .
My good buddy H bought one a while back , used it ONE time , went swimming in January that trip,lost his favorite combo and almost drowned ….
Bet you could buy it pretty cheap , it’s collecting dust in our shop warehouse, up in our storage area on our mezzanine currently.
Not trying to discourage you , but be careful in one and for sure it needs to the sit on top type and stable enough to stand in , just saying
P.S. a thinly insulated wet suit type of outfit might be something to think about if you’re planning winter trips
I will have to ask him , it has 2 inflatable pontoons on outriggers and he bought it used …
It isn’t very stable though , just saying
I would highly recommend you look around for a nice used one , this time of year they should go away pretty cheap , you can likely find a high end one for about half what it sold for new :highfive
Hobie makes really killer boats bro , the paddle drives I rode in are the bomb ….
Might be able to get one in decent condition for around 1500 to 2000 ….
They sell for well up over 3 new is what I think I remember ….just saying
Attachment 510153 They be pretty well equipped;););)
All I fish in are kayaks. You’ll need to be more specific about the waters you plan to fish and the species you plan to pursue as kayaks are pretty diverse nowadays. If it is truly just for pond fishing you can do a lot with an entry level Pelican or Lifetime brand kayak from big box stores. These will be light yet still pretty durable and help you launch from the bank when there isn’t a good ramp.
One thing to consider is that more expensive pedal kayaks are really helpful at moving around and making position adjustments with your legs and keeps the fishing rod in your hand instead of a paddle. Yes, more expensive but also a kayak with more features that make fishing more enjoyable.
2023 Nucanoe Unlimited with a Newport 180 electric motor, 24V lithium ion battery, have floaties on my rods, all other equipment is tied down. Made my own "box" (milk crate) with rod holders (PVC, used a heat gun and a bottle to flare the 3 pieces). Also use it for duck hunting. Remove the crate, hunting bag and small deke bag goes there, dog blind goes up front and the pup is between my legs. Here are a couple of photos. Also...always where a PFD, no matter what.
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You got ya a good looking hunting partner! I miss my lab.
If I get one, it’ll be mainly ponds or small lakes. I think I definitely want a pedal unit. I’m not good enough to have to paddle and fish too. At one time, I thought I wanted around a [emoji637][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]]]ft kayak, but the older I get, I want something a little longer and stable. I don’t know what features are a must have and which one to skimp on. I’ve got a pelican fishing kayak now, but it doesn’t paddle worth a crap. Maybe I need to suck it up and try it again
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It's width, get the widest one you can afford. For balance and room.
Old Town kayak has a very stable model that comes with a small minn kota trolling motor built into it with spot lock.
If I was getting one primarily for crappie fishing I'd probably go for that one.
Whatever you get though, definitely practice getting in/out of the kayak in a safe place before you go out in open water with it.
I kayaked all over Alaska when I lived there as a teenager. Even at peak physical condition I almost couldn't get myself back in after rolling in some icy water because I hadn't practiced.
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I fish out of a Lifetime kayak I got from Tractor supply. Very basic and I love it for fishing in ponds and rivers. New it cost 200 bucks. No issues.
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I've fish from a Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 sit inside. No such thing as standing up in it. It tracks well enough, but like most kayaks, it doesn't like rough water. I've put more fish in it than I did my bass boat, because I cover water slower and more thoroughly. I'd like a pedal over paddle, but haven't found what I want yet.
Jim
I have a few kayaks for the family. I like my Heritage Featherlite Angler 10 the best. I've added another Scotty rod holder up front. A Mr Crappie 4 rod holder for trolling. Added a trolling motor. Added 2 more rear rod holders for homemade outrigger. Added a better seat with tall back support. Got it when the model 9.5 came out on clearance.
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