Kayak Help

[Capspath83]

Hey All,

I am looking into purchasing a kayak for the abundance of river and lake fishing I want to start doing.

I would love to get a Hobie Pro Angler 12 but I don't make that kind of money to get one.

Can anyone point me in the right direction of something comparable that is as sturdy when standing and has storage space and a livewell?

What does everyone think of the Malibu Stealth 9?

I will need to be able to add my portable rod holders and downrigges to it as well.

I have been trolling Craigslist for something but cannot seem to find anything either.

Any suggestions would be helpful! :confused:

[msgdan]

First, nothing can compare to the Pro Angler for being sturdy...standing and storage. Standing in the Malibu will take tons of practice with many trips in the water.. I know what they say, but a 9 foot kayak is not built to be stood in.

For lakes and rivers, I would look into something like a Tarpon 120. Very good kayak for what you are looking for....except the live well. But very few kayaks have a live well . You can always bring one and rig it in the back.

Good luck !

[Capspath83]

First, nothing can compare to the Pro Angler for being sturdy...standing and storage. Standing in the Malibu will take tons of practice with many trips in the water.. I know what they say, but a 9 foot kayak is not built to be stood in.

For lakes and rivers, I would look into something like a Tarpon 120. Very good kayak for what you are looking for....except the live well. But very few kayaks have a live well . You can always bring one and rig it in the back.

Good luck !

I agree msgdan. I would love to be able to afford even a used Hobie! Thanks for your input on the Malibu. I will definitely check out the Tarpon. Livewell is not that important. I can always tow along my minnow bucket or strap on my gallon herring livewell

[Skunk City]

Do not get a 9ft, or even a 10ft for that matter if standing up and storage are at the top of your list. I used a 10ft predominately for a couple years and looking back, it was night and day compared to my current 12.5ft. For rivers/lakes/res., I prefer the sit-in as opposed to a sit on top, as you can store stuff down by your feet, in between your legs, next to you, or behind you without worrying about gear falling out and into the water. We do a handful of overnight Delaware River float trips with the yaks and I am able to fit my tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, food, water, clothing, and of course fishing tackle in it comfortably without overloading it. I can also stand in it pretty easily to stretch or scout shallow water, but casting isn't the easiest. I've looked at adding removeable pontoons/floats to make it more stable for stand up casting, but as of yet I havent..

Here is a link to my yak to give you an idea: http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/products/sound-125-angler

[Capspath83]

Do not get a 9ft, or even a 10ft for that matter if standing up and storage are at the top of your list. I used a 10ft predominately for a couple years and looking back, it was night and day compared to my current 12.5ft. For rivers/lakes/res., I prefer the sit-in as opposed to a sit on top, as you can store stuff down by your feet, in between your legs, next to you, or behind you without worrying about gear falling out and into the water. We do a handful of overnight Delaware River float trips with the yaks and I am able to fit my tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, food, water, clothing, and of course fishing tackle in it comfortably without overloading it. I can also stand in it pretty easily to stretch or scout shallow water, but casting isn't the easiest. I've looked at adding removeable pontoons/floats to make it more stable for stand up casting, but as of yet I havent..

Here is a link to my yak to give you an idea: http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/products/sound-125-angler


Great!

Thanks Skunk. I will definitely look into yours as well. There are so many out there that it is very overwhelming.

[fishingbuddies]

I'm in the same boat. No pun intended.:) I've been looking for save up for a nice Yak this summer. Instead I used the money to upgrade my Jon Boat. Anyway, I've been looking and reading and comparing... here there... everywhere. Ebay, craigslist etc... watching videos, reading reviews... etc....
I've nailed it down to this one. The Feelfree lure11.5. It LOADED with features. Super stable for standing up, and from everything I've seen and read, the best seat out there period! Spend some time on the site and read and watch the video. Do a google search to and see what others have done with their Lure yaks. Pretty bada$$. The color selections are also a definite plus. Still debating which one I want personally. Thinking Dessert Camo.

Looks like it will be my Spring Yak. Got to save up $1200 now.

http://feelfreeus.com/kayaks/fishing-kayaks/lure-11-5/

Good luck

[Capspath83]

I'm in the same boat. No pun intended.:) I've been looking for save up for a nice Yak this summer. Instead I used the money to upgrade my Jon Boat. Anyway, I've been looking and reading and comparing... here there... everywhere. Ebay, craigslist etc... watching videos, reading reviews... etc....
I've nailed it down to this one. The Feelfree lure11.5. It LOADED with features. Super stable for standing up, and from everything I've seen and read, the best seat out there period! Spend some time on the site and read and watch the video. Do a google search to and see what others have done with their Lure yaks. Pretty bada$$. The color selections are also a definite plus. Still debating which one I want personally. Thinking Dessert Camo.

Looks like it will be my Spring Yak. Got to save up $1200 now.

http://feelfreeus.com/kayaks/fishing-kayaks/lure-11-5/

Good luck


Im liking the adjustable seat on that one. $1,200 is definitely a lot better than what Hobie is asking for.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Im also looking for a decent John boat as well. Im starting to get sick of going to the same places over and over on land.

[Ken Lyons]

It's awfully difficult to study all the ads and come to a really good decision.they're all trying to seem you something. I haven't yet read "try before you buy" but it's coming I'm sure. I have owned 5 different kayaks over the last 15 years and found them all to be compromises. Dan has probably spent more time in the water in a kayak than anyone here and he even catches fish. The Tarpon 120 is a fine compromise for most bodies of water. I'm not anxious to stand in it but is maneuverable enough for rivers and fast enough for bigger bodie of water. I have a Frontier 10 from Nu Canoe. It's easy to stand but too wide for anything but slow moving rivers. It's an absolute pig to paddle so I have a motor on itYou also have to take into account how your going to transport it. The Hobie PA weighs about 125 ponds. If you're vertically challenged putting it on the roof of most SUV's is not the most fUn you'll have standing up.
Demo's will be available from some of the retailers soon. If you don' like whatever it is you can probably sell it in the Spring for what you pay for it now. Check out the Kayak Fishing store for theIr's.

[Capspath83]

It's awfully difficult to study all the ads and come to a really good decision.they're all trying to seem you something. I haven't yet read "try before you buy" but it's coming I'm sure. I have owned 5 different kayaks over the last 15 years and found them all to be compromises. Dan has probably spent more time in the water in a kayak than anyone here and he even catches fish. The Tarpon 120 is a fine compromise for most bodies of water. I'm not anxious to stand in it but is maneuverable enough for rivers and fast enough for bigger bodie of water. I have a Frontier 10 from Nu Canoe. It's easy to stand but too wide for anything but slow moving rivers. It's an absolute pig to paddle so I have a motor on itYou also have to take into account how your going to transport it. The Hobie PA weighs about 125 ponds. If you're vertically challenged putting it on the roof of most SUV's is not the most fUn you'll have standing up.
Demo's will be available from some of the retailers soon. If you don' like whatever it is you can probably sell it in the Spring for what you pay for it now. Check out the Kayak Fishing store for theIr's.


Thanks for the recommendations Ken.

Didn't realize the hobie was that heavy. I guess a trailer would be the best bet.

I am also not a very good DIY MOD guy:p...lol so I am a little worried about adding a downrigger on a kayak.

The feel free lure 11.5 seems to have the guide plate that I could attach one onto for when I go for salmon and lake trout.

[XXlyakattacker]

Nobody asked the most important question, how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Skunk is a little guy so he can get away with a sit inside, lol. I'm a big guy so to me a sit inside is a floating coffin. You couldn't pay me to go in salt water or the delaware in one. I have been in some pretty hairy situations on the big D between Belvidere and Pburg that would have put me on the bottom of the river in a sit in side. And the weight capacity of my yak is 600lbs. I would go with a sit on top. It's your kayak and if something goes wrong it's your life preserver. I have an ocean kayak prowler Big Game 2 and love it(except the "lifetime" hull and deck warranty is basically just a role of toilet paper). My buddy has a Jackson coosa HD and it comes ready to fish. If I were a smaller guy the HD would be an awesome start.

[briansnat]

How about something like the Jackson Kayak Big Rig Pro. You can definitely stand up on this one.
http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/big-rig-pro/

Or the Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. Another good one for standing.
http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-kayak-review/1795-wilderness-systems-a-t-a-k

[msgdan]

Another thing to think about......don't look for "the most comfortable seat".....what that means is a seat that is raised off the hull of the kayak....sure it feels great, but it also raises your center of gravity about 4 to 6 inches from the hull.

I had to use a Pro angler in Panama 3 years ago and for the first time in my kayak fishing life, got pulled over by a little 30 lb. yellow fin tuna ! (held onto the rod, got back in and landed it...and ate it ! ) But also have landed many big sharks, bigger tuna, halibut and many other much bigger fish without ever even getting close to going over.

I will take the old Hobie Revolution seats and tarpon seats where I am sitting close to the water .....every time !

Danny V

[Capspath83]

Nobody asked the most important question, how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Skunk is a little guy so he can get away with a sit inside, lol. I'm a big guy so to me a sit inside is a floating coffin. You couldn't pay me to go in salt water or the delaware in one. I have been in some pretty hairy situations on the big D between Belvidere and Pburg that would have put me on the bottom of the river in a sit in side. And the weight capacity of my yak is 600lbs. I would go with a sit on top. It's your kayak and if something goes wrong it's your life preserver. I have an ocean kayak prowler Big Game 2 and love it(except the "lifetime" hull and deck warranty is basically just a role of toilet paper). My buddy has a Jackson coosa HD and it comes ready to fish. If I were a smaller guy the HD would be an awesome start.

Thanks Yakattacker....Im 6'1" 220 lbs. im right with you on the coffin thing...I never was a fan of sit in. I like having my legs free. I am looking for something that I can pedal as well. It looks alot of kayaks have rudders, but not sure if they have pedals. Hobies clearly have them.

[Capspath83]

Another thing to think about......don't look for "the most comfortable seat".....what that means is a seat that is raised off the hull of the kayak....sure it feels great, but it also raises your center of gravity about 4 to 6 inches from the hull.

I had to use a Pro angler in Panama 3 years ago and for the first time in my kayak fishing life, got pulled over by a little 30 lb. yellow fin tuna ! (held onto the rod, got back in and landed it...and ate it ! ) But also have landed many big sharks, bigger tuna, halibut and many other much bigger fish without ever even getting close to going over.

I will take the old Hobie Revolution seats and tarpon seats where I am sitting close to the water .....every time !

Danny V

Very true...they say they built the stability around the chair, but then again, salespeople will say whatever it takes.

[Capspath83]

How about something like the Jackson Kayak Big Rig Pro. You can definitely stand up on this one.
http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/big-rig-pro/

Or the Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K. Another good one for standing.
http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-kayak-review/1795-wilderness-systems-a-t-a-k

Thanks Brian.

Both of these seem pretty good as well.

I will have to do more research on them.

I appreciate all of the feedback!

[Eskimo]

.


I bought a Native Redfish 10 from the Kayak Fishing Store.

The guys at the store said a 12 foot is superior to a 10 foot kayak, but I drive a tiny car and live in a little apartment, so I need my kayak to be small, so I bought the 10-foot model.

I am very happy with the kayak, even though I can't stand up in it. I'm a klutz and would probably just fall in the water if I stood up, anyway.


https://scorpiold.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/native-redfish-10-12.png

[Ken Lyons]

Lots of good points. Let me disagree slightly with Dan. There is nothing wrong with a higher seating position although not too high, if you're fishing in smaller bodies of water or slow moving rivers. That does not include the ocean or even Raritan Bay. Big powerful fish are always a consideration too. My Frontier 10 has a raised seating position but it's the lower of the two available. I tried the higher one and never quite felt comfortable. I also took a very ill advised trip down the big D I must have dumped 6 times.
Too, most of the advertised weights are Wishful thinking.

[msgdan]

Lots of good points. Let me disagree slightly with Dan. There is nothing wrong with a higher seating position although not too high, if you're fishing in smaller bodies of water or slow moving rivers. That does not include the ocean or even Raritan Bay. Big powerful fish are always a consideration too. My Frontier 10 has a raised seating position but it's the lower of the two available. I tried the higher one and never quite felt comfortable. I also took a very ill advised trip down the big D I must have dumped 6 times.
Too, most of the advertised weights are Wishful thinking.

Ken, thanks for the input ....(from someone that knows what he is talking about !!!!).......Yes...I was talking about the raised seat, not being the best option for ocean fishing and big fish.....but for rivers and lakes, I really don't see it being a problem.......but I still like being as low as I can !! LOL

[Trident 13]

Tons of options for u.i've had my fair share of yaks.best ride i believe is ocean kayak.all what ur looking for.easy for shallow launch,able to carry.tracks and drifts well.also bought hobie outback,things pain in the ass,floating bathtub without the peddle drive. I sold my prowler 13 regret it everytime,walking past the outback. As for the native alot of water slaping underside of bow,little noisy. Would sell the outback if anyone intersted. For the guy on the big d. Took my prowler 13 from delaware water gap to free bridge in pburg,foul rift was a blast

[NJSquatch]

Definitely check out demo days at Ramsey outdoors. Not sure but bob's canoes and kayaks in lake Hopatcong might let you demo units too.

Have you considered a canoe? Check this video out from a fellow NJ fisherman. Not sure if he is on this site.

Really in depth review. I considered getting one for the electric only lakes but then learned the sheds don't allow canoes. BOO!!

http://youtu.be/JsPLpOHgCoU

[Ken Lyons]

I would give Chris Parson at the Kayak Fishing Store a call. He should have a lot of demos available after Labor Day.

[Heronimo42]

http://freedomhawkkayaks.com/freedom_pathfinder.php

[Ken Lyons]

I owned a Fredom Hawk briefly. It was the absolute worst. There is so much flotation behind you that the front is pushed down into the water making for a very wet ride. It is also really slow. I have forgotten what it weighed but it was a beast.

[ScowardNJ]

I paddle a wilderness systems Ride 135. It's super stable, i stand all the time on it, and it can handle a LOT of weight. I've done 3 day trips in the Adirondacks and mutli day river trips with it loaded with camping gear, food, beer, fishing stuff etc..when its weighted down its a tank. When i test paddled it i compared it to the Jackson Cuda and Coosa and the Ocean Prowler. What i noticed about the Ride that sold me was when i paddled all the other yaks, they would quickly come to a grinding halt on the water, while the Ride would continue to track, plus it was the most stable of all of them for ease of standing. Mine is pushing 10 years old and i know there has been a ton of stuff developed since, but I still love it.

[Capspath83]

Wow...Thanks for all of the guidance guys! I have a lot of homework to do now and will definitely be making a stop at the Kayak Fishing Store to see what they offer. I have an ocean kayak at my beach house and I love it, but its only for recreation.

You all definitely put me on the right track to find something I think I will love to get out on the water with! :D

[Captiva]

I swear by Hobie, but I don't like the Pro Angler - it is too heavy to put on your roof so you may as well get a boat! Ditto for Malibu kayaks, which are about as sturdy as you can get, and cut through the water well for a heavy kayak, but loading and unloading is a PIA - you most likely need to trailer both unless you have a pick up truck. If given a choice between the two, I'd choose the Pro Angler because of the mirage drive.

I've been using Hobie kayaks for 9 seasons and highly recommend the revolution or outback even though you can't stand. They are somewhat lightweight (especially the revo) but very stable in heavy wind or current in big water. I have used my revo for everything from ocean launches, trolling big lakes like Lake Ontario and Lake Winnepesaukie to casting to pike on the Passaic, to fishing muskie in some of the jersey lakes. No, you can't really stand on either, but the other attributes make up for it and I never regret not having the ability to stand (with the exception of musky fishing where it is a disadvantage for sure).

For fishing with a paddle kayak, I'd highly recommend wilderness systems kayaks, and I've used them in Florida a few times and have a few friends who use them - they rig them for fishing better than hobie kayaks and you can stand in most of them. When I fish with my friends with wildy kayaks, it is surprising to me that they don't miss a beat and keep up with me in my revo, even in places with open water exposure and current like the Watch Hill Reef in Rhody. I think wildy has the best of both worlds and is a very good all around kayak for fishing.

I have friends that are pros for wilderness systems, malibu, and hobie - shoot me a PM if you want to contact them for more information as these guys are really experts in their boats.

Others have mentioned Chris Parsons who is very knowledgeable about fishing kayaks - he was once a hobie guy but knows about all of them and is a great resource and a hardcore fisherman.

[Capspath83]

I swear by Hobie, but I don't like the Pro Angler - it is too heavy to put on your roof so you may as well get a boat! Ditto for Malibu kayaks, which are about as sturdy as you can get, and cut through the water well for a heavy kayak, but loading and unloading is a PIA - you most likely need to trailer both unless you have a pick up truck. If given a choice between the two, I'd choose the Pro Angler because of the mirage drive.

I've been using Hobie kayaks for 9 seasons and highly recommend the revolution or outback even though you can't stand. They are somewhat lightweight (especially the revo) but very stable in heavy wind or current in big water. I have used my revo for everything from ocean launches, trolling big lakes like Lake Ontario and Lake Winnepesaukie to casting to pike on the Passaic, to fishing muskie in some of the jersey lakes. No, you can't really stand on either, but the other attributes make up for it and I never regret not having the ability to stand (with the exception of musky fishing where it is a disadvantage for sure).

For fishing with a paddle kayak, I'd highly recommend wilderness systems kayaks, and I've used them in Florida a few times and have a few friends who use them - they rig them for fishing better than hobie kayaks and you can stand in most of them. When I fish with my friends with wildy kayaks, it is surprising to me that they don't miss a beat and keep up with me in my revo, even in places with open water exposure and current like the Watch Hill Reef in Rhody. I think wildy has the best of both worlds and is a very good all around kayak for fishing.

I have friends that are pros for wilderness systems, malibu, and hobie - shoot me a PM if you want to contact them for more information as these guys are really experts in their boats.

Others have mentioned Chris Parsons who is very knowledgeable about fishing kayaks - he was once a hobie guy but knows about all of them and is a great resource and a hardcore fisherman.


Thanks Captiva! I appreciate it. I definitely need to demo these. The next time I am at my beach house in Manahawkin i am going to take a ride down to Wildwood to check out the Kayak Store. If I need any other info I will definitely reach out to you. I am looking at rail systems too so I can get an idea of what I would need in order to mount a downrigger. It looks like Yak Attack Gear Tracs would be the best and most sturdy trach I can get in order to be able to hold everything in place.

[phil]

im probably late to the party, but I didn't see anyone mention buying used and trolling craigslist (and even ebay if you sort by distance). you will get a MUCH better used boat and your $$ will go much farther and re sell value will be = or maybe even > depending on how good of a deal you got originally.

the gear tracs are awesome and don't limit you to putting stuff in specific spots. I use the gt90s on my revo11. love my boat, but I also have a smaller 9.5 sit in that I love using in the river because I don't feel bad about beating it up on rocks and shallows.

[briansnat]

im probably late to the party, but I didn't see anyone mention buying used and trolling craigslist (and even ebay if you sort by distance). you will get a MUCH better used boat and your $$ will go much farther and re sell value will be = or maybe even > depending on how good of a deal you got originally.

the gear tracs are awesome and don't limit you to putting stuff in specific spots. I use the gt90s on my revo11. love my boat, but I also have a smaller 9.5 sit in that I love using in the river because I don't feel bad about beating it up on rocks and shallows.

Buying used is a great way to save bucks. And you can often get a fully tricked out fishing kayak, already equipped with PFD, after market rod holders, anchor, fishfinder, paddle, etc. included in the price. When you buy a new kayak, figure you may be spending another $500 or more on this stuff.

I know how people love the idea of putting a spanking new boat in their driveway. I know love that feeling. But consider after the first time you take your boat out, it will be used.

[Ken Lyons]

Good point. I put a certain value on the "patina" of scratches and stickers on my yak. Sort of like a lawyer's well worn brief case as opposed to the guy on the first tee with 5 grand worth of stuff that can't hit the ball 200 yards.
Incidentally, the one kayak that really holds its value well is the Hobie.

[Capspath83]

I totally agree. I have been searching craigslist, letgo, and a bunch of other site for a while now and cant seem to find anything relatively close to me along with pricing. Nothing tricked out that I can see, but I will continue to look.

[phil]

Incidentally, the one kayak that really holds its value well is the Hobie.

this used to be true, until they started upgrading the seats, drives , ff mounting and stuff that isn't backwards compatible like going in reverse. great for people looking to get into a hobie for "cheap" because theres going to start being a ton of 2012/13/14 boats for sale when guys see how much more comfortable and better the newer stuff is.

[briansnat]

I totally agree. I have been searching craigslist, letgo, and a bunch of other site for a while now and cant seem to find anything relatively close to me along with pricing. Nothing tricked out that I can see, but I will continue to look.

Check here, I sometimes see fishing kayaks for sale (there is a Hobie there at a pretty good price)
http://www.paddling.net/Classifieds/