Kayak Help
 

I have a large SOT yak that I use for saltwater and have used in the Passaic but it is not terribly functional there
I am going to get a second yak specifically for River and small lake fishing
Given the wealth of knowledge here please share with me your opinion and recommendations
Appreciated

Re: Kayak Help
 

I personally own a Feel free Lure 10. It's a fantastic size for working any freshwater body except for the extra large ones. It has a great adjustable seat so you can sit and cast, or stand because of how stable it is. I also really like the tracks that they have for mounting peripherals. It makes it a breeze, although you have to buy the track mounts and hardware. They also have a 11.5 foot version if you feel 10 feet is too small.

Re: Kayak Help
 

Re: Kayak Help
 

6' 1" 190
Thanks

Re: Kayak Help
 

Take a trip to the kayak fishing store in Fairfield, and talk to Jon . He will put you in the beast kayak for what you are looking for. . My choice would be a Tarpon 120 for what you are looking to do.

Danny V

Re: Kayak Help
 

I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 that I really love. I use it on rivers and lakes. It is very stable and tracks well. Has a GREAT seat which I think is critical given the amount of hours you will be sitting on your ass. It is well built for the fisherman in mind and has lots of options for accessories. I have had it for 3+ years now and have no complaints.

Re: Kayak Help
 

Re: Kayak Help
 

Agreed. Ask Jon at the Kayak Fishing Store and he'll know. Also you'll be supporting a small independent business.

Don't waste your time asking the nose-picking sales clerk at Sears or wherever people buy their kayaks at.
Their address is:
Address: 125 Clinton Rd #7, Fairfield, NJ 07004
(973) 227-3251

Their webpage is:
http://www.thekayakfishingstore.com/



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Re: Kayak Help
 

I'll go against the grain and suggest a canoe. I've fished from SINK (too confining and very little room) and SOT kayaks (heavy and slower than a herd of turtles in peanut butter). In most cases a canoe is a far better fishing machine. Being able to sit, kneel, stand up and and carry way more gear and have it readily accessible are all huge advantages. It's also easy to add a trolling motor and easier to carry, especially vs a SOT. The only advantage I've seen in a kayak is that it's not as susceptible to wind, which would probably not be a huge issue on a NJ rivers and smaller ponds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kal03UaftTI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsPLpOHgCoU

Re: Kayak Help
 

SOT's come in all kinds of shapes and sizes as do canoes. Generally speaking though I would put my money on the SOT in a race and lay odds. SOT's lend themselves well to modification so its easy to add rod holders and mounts for a ff. There aren't a lot of guys I know who used to own kayaks and switched to a canoe but more than a few that went the other way.

Re: Kayak Help
 

10 to 12' should be fine. I own a 14 tarpon because I also use it for overnight camping fishing trips. I owned a sit in wilderness systems which is why I bought the tarpon but I was and am still very disappointed with the quality. Hatches leak, poor hatch design which pools water, sharp edges that will easily cut a wet or dry finger, rudder cord that when dry shrinks which limits movement, certain speeds you'll get a vibration/humming from scupper/hull, rudder bungee broke after one year, all other bungee are poor quality (my sit in kayak was 8 years old before I replaced bungees) this sit in only made 2 and rubber cargo net broke first use.

Re: Kayak Help
 

Your def looking for a 10-12 footer.... There is so much out there now, I haven't stayed up to date. My only recommendation is go for stability over speed. I paddle a WS Ride 13' and i can stand and fish from it in calm water and mellow currents with no problems. Getting something you can stand up in makes things a lot more comfortable to fish IMO. I know WS makes an 11.5' Ride. The Tarpons are great boats also. A little faster and less stable, but still way more stable than any sit in.

Re: Kayak Help
 

I've got a revo for bigger water and a native ultimate 12' for smaller/calmer water. The ultimate is great because you can stand. I'll echo others as well, go see Jon, he's extremely knowledgable.

Re: Kayak Help
 

Thank you for all the help and appreciate the advice I will go see Jon