Kayaking

[baetis]

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.

[ScowardNJ]

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.

[Skunk City]

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 .

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.

[FJR]

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.

[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?