Fishing Kayak Options

[MagikSmallie]

Check out this photo of the seat in a Hobie pro Angler and you'll see what I mean, its so high off the floor you really never have to worry about getting wet, most all other fishing kayaks are also designed this way. I'll add that I have spent as many 15 hours straight in the kayak and never felt uncomfortable, the seats they are putting in these kayaks are very very comfortable!

[King31]

As much as I would love to have a Hobie, I can't seem to justify the extra expense. I will likely only use it 15-20 times a year depending on my work schedule.

[procastinator]

As much as I would love to have a Hobie, I can't seem to justify the extra expense. I will likely only use it 15-20 times a year depending on my work schedule.

King31 --- I have a Jackson Cuda 12 I bought a year ago , it has new depth finder, anchor system, paddle, crate in back , used it twice on small lake got over $1600 in it I'll sell you for $1100 it's in absolute perfect condition

[SLP]

I have a couple of Wilderness Systems I really like. They are both sit on top and I would agree that is the way to go for a fishing kayak. As far as length one of them is 11.5’ and I really like that length. Plus it is fairly wide and stable, more that enough room and I am heavier than you. My problem is I have serious back and neck issues so have a lot of pain and the wieght is more than I can handle unless I have someone to load/unload for me. So I also got a lighter 10’ I will more often use. I still like it a lot but do miss the leg room and space of the larger one at times. If you don’t have any physical limitations I would recommend larger than ten for that reason alone. I think I go from 80 to 50 lbs when I use the 10’ so it is easier to get into the water.

With my physical limits I don’t go out all day and I haven’t entered any tournaments so I can’t speak to the advantages a peddle drive gives you in those cases but for myself, I really enjoy paddling. For me that is all part of it and what I enjoy. Maybe it’s also because I used to go canoeing as a boy but I feel at home with a paddle in my hand and enjoy it.

I agree that if you can test drive some that is ideal. I wasn’t able too so my first one I bought from LL Bean because they have a 100% return policy if you are not happy with your purchase. I got the WS Ride115x angler and other that the weight for when alone loved it, still use it. I Liked the WS so much went with a Tarpon100 for my smaller one.

But there are so many options you can probably find a lot of brand and models you would like.

Besides the obvious things like comfort, things worth looking for imo is easy reachable storage and a built in track system to where you can easily slide into it accessories you may decide to add.

Good luck!

[dabassking]

As much as I would love to have a Hobie, I can't seem to justify the extra expense. I will likely only use it 15-20 times a year depending on my work schedule.

Just do it... you know you’ve got the money.