Kayak considerations

[kc]

I have been seriously thinking of a kayak too and although have no direct experience with kayaks I have spent a fair amount of time on the internet researching options. First off I agree with Geo's thought that the only way to go is with a kayak designed for fishing. I don't know what to think about the sit-in or sit-on-top but I have kind of become fixated on a Native Ultimate (which is a sit-in). As Geo said they are a bit pricey but I think they would work exceptionaly well. They are more like a solo canoe but the hull design is kind of like a pontoon which gives the boat good stability in the water. They claim you can even stand up and fish from them they are that stable. Plus they sport a comfortable seat that appeals to me to. I also learned that Canoe Ky carries them and you can rent one to try them out. That has been on my todo list for some time now but I can't find a day to get down there when my schedule and the water levels have cooperated...

kc

[nonamesleft47]

I would be leary about taking a sit in on the Ohio. There isn't anywhere for the water to go if it comes in over the sides (boat wake). If you get enough water in you are going to need something to bail with. Also if you get tossed (which you will eventually) there is no way to reenter a sit in while on the water (not to mention being stuck in a kayak upside down in the water). If you are on a sit on top you can flip and reenter and go right back to fishing. Another thing to think about is that if you are a "big boy" like me
5'10 250lbs a sit on top is going to be more comfortable with a good seat and you'll be able to get in and out without the help of several bistanders.

Go to kayakfishingstuff dot com and look at the forum and articles there. They are a bunch of saltwater guys who take theirs out in the surf all the time. I've tried both sit in and sit on tops the sit on tops were to me more stable and I wasn't worried about flipping it all the time (I was using it in the ocean). To me, if you can use it on the ocean it will be good enough for the Ohio.

Only looking for models made for fishing is just about useless in the kayak world because with most models all that means that it has rod holders installed. You are going to pay an extra hundred dollars for two 15 dollar rod holders. If you get a standard model you can rig it the way you want. If you are close to my size look for one in the 13-14 foot range, it will be faster than short wide models.

I'd really like a Wilderness System T14 but I'm also looking at the Ocean Kayak brand. My absolute choice would be Hobie Revo but I don't have $1800.00 to sink in one. You might check Craigslist or ebay for used ones. If I can't get the cash up for the one I want I'm going to wait until fall for people to start cleaning out their garage.

[kc]

I can see what you are saying about a sit-in and waves. My interest in a kayak is smaller waters - small lakes, ponds, and creeks and that's where I liked the thought of the ultimate. It also has that comfortable seat and with my not-so-good back that was attractive too. Plus I perceive it to be a stable small boat although I have yet to try one out. In the end it is all up to what you are looking for in a boat and if you do different things you may need different boats. I already have a 17' canoe but that is not worth a darn for solo fishing. I may also want to try a sit on top to see how that may work. I must admit the thought of not filling with water is a plus with them.

kc

[GeoFisher]

I have been seriously thinking of a kayak too and although have no direct experience with kayaks I have spent a fair amount of time on the internet researching options. First off I agree with Geo's thought that the only way to go is with a kayak designed for fishing. I don't know what to think about the sit-in or sit-on-top but I have kind of become fixated on a Native Ultimate (which is a sit-in). As Geo said they are a bit pricey but I think they would work exceptionaly well. They are more like a solo canoe but the hull design is kind of like a pontoon which gives the boat good stability in the water. They claim you can even stand up and fish from them they are that stable. Plus they sport a comfortable seat that appeals to me to. I also learned that Canoe Ky carries them and you can rent one to try them out. That has been on my todo list for some time now but I can't find a day to get down there when my schedule and the water levels have cooperated...

kc

Man, I saw one of those up close and personal in Madison, WI this past spring at canoecopia.....

The guy who owns the company and DESIGNED the Ultimate for fishing redfish flats in louisiana was giving the seminar.

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/fishing/fishing.cfm

Talk about a WELL THOUGHT OUT design........WOW.

AND he thought about LOTS of things........like the anchor system (notice the pulley system on the side). It is meant so you can anchor front, back, middle, etc, etc.

AND then the Poling system......his paddle breaks apart at one end, allowing you to stick the paddle through the anchor loop and STICK the pointed end into the mud, sand, whatever........keeping the boat ANCHORED in a specific spot without using an anchor bag.

CHECKOUT their site..........it is NEAT.

Later,

Geo

[kc]

I have been on that site bunches of times in the last few months. With a tight budget currently I haven't been able to plunk down the money for one yet so every week or two I find myself back on the site oodling the video clips and pictures. Although my info is purely from research on the internet I have been very impressed with the Native boats as some of the better fishing kayaks available. One of these days I hope to have one in my garage.

kc