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I'm thinking about getting a yak. I was wondering what type of kayak's the njfishing crew are using (model and length), what you like/dislike about your particular kayak and the type of water you fish (river, pond, big lake, ocean).

Thanks.

And for a quick report - I fished the Ramapo yesterday evening and caught about a dozen bass (8 SM, 4LM) up to 11" on a small rapala.

You want a Sit On Top, (SOT) as opposed to a "Sit In" touring type boat. The SOT provide better stability and easier access to gear and beer. There are tons of designs out there and no single boat is perfect for every condition.
I have a 16' Wilderness Systems Tarpon w/rudder. It's a great boat for covering long distances and open water. I do everything from ocean beach launches to lakes and rivers. I've also done multiday trips having the boat stuffed with camping gear. I am looking into a second boat right now, probably the WS RIDE 135 because i want something i can stand up on. Jersey Paddler in Brick is great start because they let you test paddle anything they sell.

And I'll second your Ramapo report. I was out last night also and the upper river is loaded with smallie river rats right now.

In a perfect world ($$$ not an option), a sit on top is better suited for fishing for the reasons stated above. Not sure of what your budget is, but you really can't go wrong with either.

To get into the sport without spending a lot, a sit in kayak will suit you just fine. I picked up my sit in about 2 years ago while unemployed and unable to find work. It's a 10ft Pelican that I've modified a little to make it easier for me on the water. I've added rod and oar holders, fish finder, storage crate, GoPro camera, and a few other things. I've landed countless bass easily, as well as big Pike with no issues. Like I said, in a perfect world I'd have a pimped out Hobie sit on top fishing kayak, but I just don't have $1500+ burning a hole in my pocket :p .

Dick's Sporting Goods carries a nice 12ft sit on top fishing kayak for less than $500. Has decent dry storage, rod mounts, and scupper holes in case of a surf launch/landing. My buddy has one and loves it. Doesn't mean he catches more fish than me when we go out though lol.

This is not an easy question to answer, there are a lot of different factors that go into which yak is best for you. How will you transport it ? How tall are you ? What do you weight ? Where will you use it ? etc. etc. If you live in North Jersey go see JonS at " The Kayak Fishing Store" in Fairfield NJ he'll be able to best advise you. He has many different models to chose from, and no one is more knowledgeable or gives better service.

Why a kayak ??? I have a canoe with TONS of room. Flat bottom, very stable.

A kayak for fishing. Hobie is the only way to go. Hands free to fish with and no lost time paddling. Your legs are the largest muscle in your body. You can peddal all day.
From pond to the ocean.
I have the revo model all fitted out.
Prices but nothing compares.
See pat at jersey paddler in brick.
Log on to Kayak fishing stuff . Com key a kayak specific site that is spot with info.
If you want to try mine out after you have tried the rest your mind wil ne made up on what you need to buy.

I have the same dream as skunk, a Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 12 with MirageDrive and optional eVolve™ Electric Motor. If santas real good to me and I get all my ducks in a row I just may have a shot for nexy year.

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/mirage/pro-angler-12/#

If you mostly fish fresh water, a 12 foot Tarpon 120 would be a great kayak. It's a sit on top and when you are ready, it would be good for salt water too.

I don't know where you are from, but if you are ever in the Fairfield area, check out http://www.thekayakfishingstore.com/
and see Jon Shien. He will tell you the exact kayak for you within your budget.

But beware..........when you get your first kayak fish, you will keep wanting newer and better kayaks!

Danny V

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgdan

But beware..........when you get your first kayak fish, you will keep wanting newer and better kayaks!

Danny V

Aint that the truth!

For some reason I like to be the devil's advocate on the Hobie peddle drive boats. They are way more expensive, very heavy, and you will find yourself spending more $ or more time on DIY projects figuring out easier methods for transporting and storing it.

But I will most likely own one in the future because once you drop that tub into the water and fish from it, it's in a class all by itself...:D

yeah, the hobie's ain't cheap but i'd be using "found" money. with the extendable roof racks loading and unloading one end at a time and using a dolly system it looks like it would be manageable. one of the things I like is the leaning post for standing. not sure how either the paddle or electric drive system would hold up to hitting shallow underwater structure though, any hobie owners available that can comment?

As to which kayak to buy it all depends on where you plan on using it and where you may plan on using it. If you're only going to fish smaller lakes, ponds and rivers then you can get a 10' kayak with seat, paddle and rod holders for under $400. However if you want to venture into the salt regularly or think you might in the future then go with a 12'er. Still you don't have to break the bank. You can get setup for $500 used and a couple hundred more new.

I'm new to the site but I see a few contributors already recommended that you talk to me. Here's a bit of my background. I'll keep it brief. I've fished well over a 1000 days from a kayak over the past 13 years from Alaska to Baja to the Caribbean up to New England, both fresh and salt. When I wrote my book I spent 7 months on the water in the Everglades averaging 5 days a week on the water. I've easily fished from at least 75 different kayak models for 100 species of fish. Obviously our local species and exotics like billfish, tarpon, tuna, bonefish, dorado, sharks, cobia... There isn't much people have done fishing from a kayak that I haven't done. I was the kayak fishing columnist for NJ Angler for 6 years until it shut down. I'm also author of the book 'Kayak Fishing'. I lecture around the area. I'll be speaking at the Salty Flyrodders on September 12th for the 2nd time and at Hudson River Fisherman's Association for the 3rd time in November. I'm a local too. I live in northern NJ and more than half my fishing has been in the region. I consult with several companies. My first article in 'On the Water' is in this month's issue. There's a pic of msgdan in it. I'll stop now. ;)

Getting back to the subject. Hobies are nice kayaks. I've logged a few hundred days in them but I sold my Revo 3 years ago to become an electric kayak fisherman and I've never regretted it. For the same money as a Hobie or less you can have an electric kayak (EK) and there isn't any comparison as a fishing vessel. EKs are awesome. They can do things a human powered craft can't and fish environments paddles and pedals can't. A lot of guys have traded up recently. FJR just did. He came into my shop and announced no more pedaling and lifting a heavy kayak. He's in an EK now. If you do want a Hobie look used first. I've spoken with quite a number of folks who plan on selling theirs when the new Eddyline Caribbean 14s arrive at the end of next month.

As msgdan mentioned something equivalent to a Tarpon 120 is a good choice. These kayaks are versatile craft that will do many things. There are a number of kayaks in it's class. Some are less money and perform even better.

There are a number of exciting new kayaks coming out. The Native Slayers are really cool and I already mentioned the Caribbean 14. It's smaller sibling, the 12 is my favorite kayak but I can't wait for the 14. I had some significant input in it. It's going to be a rocket and should weigh under 52#s! :eek:

If I can be of help in any way please don't hesitate to drop me a line.

does EK have a website?

EK doesn't but ET might.

Hi Jon,

Is electric kayak (EK) a brand, a type, or a term for a yak with a motor mount? I get no results googling EK or ET, is there info on your website? Let me know, thanks.

I run a tarpon 100 (sot) & the gf a ll bean 10' sit in.

we usually fish the big D & lakes (Mercer, Furnace, Carnegie, etc).

Both are different but have been great. The access to fish & new spots has been well worth it. :)

One of our parameters was size/weight to make them manageable & loadable on a Jeep roof rack.

If you're covering more ground or salt water I'd say look at 12' (+)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tycomps

Hi Jon,

Is electric kayak (EK) a brand, a type, or a term for a yak with a motor mount? I get no results googling EK or ET, is there info on your website? Let me know, thanks.

EK is a term for a kayak with a motor.

what is 'ET', and don't say "phone home"! :)

EK is a term we use for Electric Kayak. It means the propulsion is with an electric motor. ET is the extraterrestrial/alien and isn't a term I know that's used for anything in kayak fishing. Sorry it took me so long to answer.

My dream !!!http://bassyaks.com/

and they have exactly what i would need fer my liquid logic-manta ray 12