Kayaking

[AndyS]

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

[NJ Dave]

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.

[tycomps]

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/#

[msgdan]

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

[ScowardNJ]

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...

[tycomps]

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!

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