Reply With QuoteI would look at Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort
http://www.canoeky.com/
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Junior Member
Hi. I have been thinking of getting a kayak for fishing. I've never used a kayak before and don't want to waste money on something that I won't use. I know you can rent regular paddle type kayaks for recreation to try them and I may go that route to get an idea of how I like it. The one I've really been interested in was the kind I saw on Kentucky afield. I like the looks and thoughts of the native propel (pedal type) kayak. They aren't cheap so I don't want to buy one to see if I even like them. My question is does anyone know where I could rent one of these native propel type kayaks to try one out? I looked at them at canoe Kentucky and liked them but they don't rent that kind because of the creek depth where they let you use them. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Bmc96
Senior Member
I would look at Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort
http://www.canoeky.com/
Junior Member
I've been to canoe Kentucky already. They were very friendly and helpful but they don't rent out or have trial propel type kayaks. I think I found a place in Dayton Ohio that has one to try so I may try and get up there and try it. Either that or just take the chance on one and hope I like it.
Is there anyone out there that has one or know someone who does that can tell me what they think about them from experience?
Member
I don't think I would buy a pedal kayak as my first kayak. First you may not stick with it and you will have spent quite a bit you will lose when you resale. Two, if you plan on using it in small rivers in ky, pedaling isn't that big of an advantage. Only going long distances is the pedal really helpful. I have 4 kayaks, and I have taken mine to Florida to fish. Only in Florida do I wish I had a pedal kind so long distances would we easier on me. Hobie Is the type of go with. Fins will fold up tight to the bottom if your fishing shallow. The propeller type would not be good in most small rivers that at shallow in my opinion. You don't paddle that much River fishing anyway. I'd spend $350 on a traditional kayak and play with it for a while. Comfort is more important in my opinion, but I'm 50 and my back gets sore.
Member
I own a Native Watercraft, Mariner. Its what Tim Farmer used on KY Afield in the first year or two before switching over to the Slayer. Both have the Propel drive and both are fantastic kayaks. The Slayer is a newer hull and has a few advantages over the Mariner with things like gear track (for attaching things like a fish finder and rod holders), a higher seat (more comfortable, better vantage point, and easier to get to the standing position from), and a more efficient hull for going further with less effort. Both kayaks are quite easy to stand in which might not seem important now but if you are a bass fisherman it will be.
As far as the pedal vs. paddle, it's no contest in my opinion. I fish a lot of bigger lakes like Cumberland, Laurel, Cave Run, Dale Hollow and without pedals I wouldn't have been able to reach the areas that held fish in some cases. With pedals you spend less time getting to the next spot, and less time positioning the kayak which means more time with your lure in the water. If you want to fish a creek or small river, then pull up the drive and paddle when you get to a shallow section, or just leave the drive out completely and paddle the whole time.
As the other poster suggested, Hobie also makes a great kayak worth into. I would highly recommend trying out as many kayaks as you can before you buy. There are so many differences that you just won't notice until you are on the water. I have experienced this first hand and anyone that has kayak fished for years will tell you the same thing. When I bought my 3rd kayak I went to a demo day and tried 4 or 5, 2 of which were at the top of my list. After demoing I realized that those two models that looked so good on paper were not for me and a totally different one fit the bill perfectly.
Make sure you know how you are going to transport the kayak as well. Most of the pedal kayaks aren't very light and can be a pain to lift onto a roof rack. I trailer mine with a cheap Harbor Freight trailer.
Hope this helps.
Tacklebag23 liked this post
Junior Member
Thanks for the replies. They both make great points and help a lot.
Member
Check out the brand Ocean Kayaks... They aren't pedal powered, but they are solid fishing kayaks. I'm actually ordering the Big Game II.
If you've done some research, you've probably already come across it, but in case you haven't, check out austinkayak.com. Great website with detailed specs and comprehensive information on a ton of kayaks. Good overall company too if you choose to buy thru them.
Junior Member
Thanks. I'll have to check them out. I appreciate all the help.
Senior Member
I'm not sure where you are located,but Thaxton's canoe and kayak rents them and offers various trips on the Main Licking River and South Fork of the Licking,and possibly a couple trips on larger creeks in Northern Ky,see linkOriginally Posted by Bmc96
http://www.gopaddling.com/
Member
There is NO comparison between pedal vs paddle. I have a Native Slayer Propel 13 and that is what I recommend for inland freshwater fishing. On the coast I would go with Hobie.
I take my propel to the cumberland river and slay the trout by pointing my bow up current and slowly pedaling to keep myself positioned in one spot. I use the rudder to make small adjustments and can "creep" closer to shore or farther out all the while I am fishing. I have gone with friends who had paddles and I catch way more fish than them because I am stationary burning up a tree lap or eddie while they are swept downstream and constantly having to paddle back to me and only getting a couple casts in before having to pick the paddle up again.
Buy the pedal kayak. You will NEVER regret it and the re-sale is actually very good. Paddle kayaks are a dime a dozen but you rarely see a slayer propel or hobie for sale and when you do they still arent giving them away.
Member
I would kayak Cumberland River but I've kayaked a lot. That can be a dangerous River. Very cold and can be very swift. Also to stay in one spot, an anchor works pretty good. The pedal kind are great, and I'd buy one too, but now if I'm going to large water I take my bass boat. Still would buy a cheap paddle type to see if kayak fishing is for you. If you really like it you will want more than one anyway. You will want to take your family and friends and extra kayaks come in handy.
Junior Member
I'll have to try that website. Do you know if the rent the pedal type or just the paddle type? I think I would like a pedal type like the Native propels but I'm not sure. If I could rent one and try it would help me make a decision. I may end up just renting the regular paddle type kayak or purchasing one to see how I do with it. I think I'll like fishing from a kayak so I'm sure I'd end up wanting the pedal type eventually anyway to at least try. I like to fish but I prefer to get more away from everyone and secluded. I can't really do that bank fishing at boat docks or most any public fishing hole. Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I really appreciate it and all information helps.
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