Anyone on here fish out of a kayak? I have been doing some research and think I will get myself one. Looks like it would be a blast to fish out of and really allow you to get into some places that not very many others get to fish.
I think the one I am going to start out with is the Field and Stream Eagle Talon 12. It's pretty cheap, so I won't have to invest a lot of money to start with. Just want to make sure I like it before I go all out.
Uh ohhh here ya go Ed :eyebrownod:
I never have but I sure consider it. :eyebrow:
Looks like a good rig. Been thinking about a kayak for fishing so.e of the streams and creeks around me. Just can't decide between a kayak or a inflatable pontoon rig. But the price on that talon and the weight limit has me a thinking kayak
OK Jim,
Ronnie, The Eagle Talon is a very stable kayak and not too bad for fishing. The seat leaves a little to be desired and is not too comfortable after a couple hours. Right now, the best bang for your buck on a lower end kayak is the Ascend FS12T at Bass Pro. $549. Very comfortable and will handle small streams to big lakes. A sit-on-top kayak is best for fishing. Also if you were to flip it in deep water you can get back in it fairly easy where a sit-in type you'll be swimming to shore to dump it out. Your gear, if it's not in your hand should be secured to the kayak. Expect to flip even if you never do. You don't want to loose your tackle. Get a 240cm paddle. Anything shorter will be more work for that size of kayak. You can spend anywhere from $30 to over $200 for a paddle. I use a Bending Branches Angler Scout. But the ones Wal=Mart sells for about $45 are some good tuff starter paddles that will take a beating.
If Jim dosen't mind, I have a Facebook kayak group. You can check us out and get a lot more info here, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1407107272870748/?fref=nf
I'll take that off if you want Jim.
Ronnie, If you do go with the Talon, which isn't a bad kayak, get a package of foam practice golf balls to put in the scupper holes. Plug the ones under the seat and put a square boat cushion under the seat. Raising yourself up 3"-4" makes a big difference in comfort.
One of my sons has the Eagle Talon.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/21/5b6d1eb6c3f9821eb1be888391e9bef5.jpg)(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/21/37aaafd4f743fea1a1e72867b5776fc8.jpg)
Slag, The biggest diference between a kayak and an inflateable pontoon is portability. If you can't haul a kayak on top of your car or in a truck or trailer, a pontoon can be used. But the kayak will cover a lot more water much faster and do better going over shallow rocky shoals in the creeks.
I dont mind the link Ed, but I dont appreciate the pictures of the big ole smallmouth bass. :huh:
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. The creeks around here go from mud to rock bottoms and logs and other debris in the water make me lean more towards the tougher canoes or kayaks
I sort of figure the first upgrade would be the seat, since they do look a little shabby as far as comfort. When I started trying to figure out which kayak I wanted, I had 3 in mind to pick from. The Ascend FS12T, Perception Pescador 12, and the Eagle Talon 12. From looking at them they are all about the same. From the reviews the Eagle Talon had the best that I saw, plus Dick's has them for $200 off.
I'm going to try it and see if I like it, sure looks like fun with a little exercise to boot.
Went to get a talon kayak Saturday and they had sold them all. Looking around I ended up getting something else.
What did you wind up with? I was headed to pick mine up on Sunday after church but found out the sale went off the day before. I would have picked it up on Saturday but I was plumbing a house for a friend of mine. Snooze you loose I guess. So I got on Craigslist yesterday and found me an Ascend 128T for a pretty good price.
Ed, what you think about that kayak; Ascend 128T? It sure looks like a beast but from all of the reviews I have read it's actually a really good boat. They do have a couple of issues but nothing I can't fix.
Ended up with a canoe. Cheaper than the kayak and similar length. Higher weight capacity and I can take another person along if I want.
I just bought one off of craigslist last week. It's a Hobie Outback with a mirage drive. It's incredible (only used it once, though). It's truly a fishing machine. Met the seller at a park along the Raritan Bay around Sandy Hook, NJ. (he upgraded to one with a higher seat, so brought both down on his roof rack). I fished for about 2-1/2 hours and never touched the paddle once. The Mirage drive is a foot pedal system that propels flippers under the kayak. Then there is a rudder for turning (controlled by a small switch with your left hand). Has 4 rod holders with a good bit of space. 12 feet long and very sturdy in the water. Brand new they go for $2300, but on craigslist they sell for $1700-1800. I was patient and found Sam selling this one for $1200. I figure I can get that out of it whenever I want as they are popular around here. I think it's great for lakes and the bay/ocean, but would not recommend it for floating or use on shallower rivers. The flippers extend down 18" (However, they lay flat against the bottom of the yak when the pedals are in the open scissors position).
i used it for trolling for blues (and hopefully stripers soon) and wanted to stay out in it all day. Pedaled for 2-1/2 hrs and never felt any leg pains or suffered cramps afterwards :-)
I think I have to find one for Dante!!!
Here are a few pics
Caught about 4 fish and lost about 4/5 others. Bluefish have razor sharp teeth and you want them completely played out before trying to 'boat' them. In the distance you can see the beach we launched from.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx27/daveandbarb2/image_zpsgc3yqzyn.jpeg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/daveandbarb2/media/image_zpsgc3yqzyn.jpeg.html)
I used a pair of fish grips once the fish was played out.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx27/daveandbarb2/image_zpsyxa6ghgg.jpeg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/daveandbarb2/media/image_zpsyxa6ghgg.jpeg.html)
Here's the guy I bought it from. You can see the NYC skyline in the background (behind and to the left of the navy ships)
Also, you can see he has a fish finder mounted on his kayak.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx27/daveandbarb2/image_zpsee9ikdnu.jpeg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/daveandbarb2/media/image_zpsee9ikdnu.jpeg.html)
WOW!
Here's just the boat for you. Took this pic last week.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/lokanagan/scenics/Vancouver%20Island/IMG_8109_zpsllv5tyou.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/lokanagan/media/scenics/Vancouver%20Island/IMG_8109_zpsllv5tyou.jpg.html)
Ronnie, The 128s aren't too bad. Maybe a little harder to paddle than some others but are a good solid kayak. Very stable and plenty of room for gear. A friend of mine that I fish with sometimes has one. He kept up with us all day.
You all are making me wish I held out for a kayak.
I wish I lived closer to Kentucky, one of the guys on Ed's facebook page has a Hobie Outback for $1000. That is dirt cheap!!! If I didn't have so much going on with my daughter's graduation this week I would make the drive over and get it.
I think I will wind up with one of those sometime in the future. I really like the thoughts of not having to paddle while fishing. Seems like it would make boat control much easier.
That is a great price for an Outback. You should try to buy it and pick it up when you can.
I've not fished out of a kayak other than the one time last week, so I really can't compare one to the other. However, i have talked to a few that have fished out of both and they all rave about having your hands free. They hum along pretty good, too.
I keep going back to look at your blue fishing pics. That looks like serious fun. I've heard of fishing for blues since I was a kid reading SportsAfield and Outdoor Life, but never have even seen one. They have a reputation of being ferocious fighters that attack in schools at times. Always wanted to fish for them. Not likely now but fun to see your pics and read your story. Makes me ponder taking my kayak out in the salt water for coho salmon this summer, not as strong a fighter as blues but should be fun if I can get into them.
Query on technique and equipment: I have been thinking that I should use a shorter rod while fishing in my kayak so that I can net or reach the hooked fish to release it easier. Your experience? Looks like a fairly long rod you are using in the pics. I was thinking about using a 7 foot rod I use on bass and pike. Would also take a fly rod, and all of mine are 9' or more. How to release a fish is a good kind of problem! :biggrin:
Okanagan, 7' rods aren't too bad. Just don't reel the fish up to the tip of it and hold your rod higher. :biggrin:
Actually, what makes the biggest difference in my rods is not having too long of a butt that is always raking your PFD. I use a Fish Grip Jr to land a fish with, if I can't get it with my hand. I have a net, but never take it with me. It's too small anyway. :laf:
Thanks! Good info from experience, the best kind, especially on the length of the rod butt. Some things you don't know till you actually use them on the water.
Had to look up a Fish Grip to see what it was. :biggrin: I'm going to get one. I have a net for salmon, big enough for a king, but can imagine the Fish Grip helping me control a fish to remove a hook and release without lifting it into the boat. Google posts say that grips kill salmon if you use it to lift them out of the water. The salmon skeleton won't survive hanging the fish's weight either head up or down, plus on heavier salmon the jaw will tear through as I've experienced lifting them with my fingers and hand.
Just traded off my canoe. Only had it out 4 times in two years and now I've been spending all my time golfing with Dad so swapped for a golf cart.
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e377/brux3/iphone%20046.jpg) (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/brux3/media/iphone%20046.jpg.html)
Twas fun but decent water almost an hour away just didn't get used.
You can get another boat! But not another dad, great trade in my opinion and I don't even golf.
Dang thats a sweet canoe too :eyebrow:
I bit the bullet this weekend, picked up me a kayak. I found this Ascend FS128T for a steel.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/centerfire_223/00B0B_cehdaXSQoXF_600x450_zpsteiqjasn.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/centerfire_223/media/00B0B_cehdaXSQoXF_600x450_zpsteiqjasn.jpg.html)
I took it out yesterday for a maiden voyage and made out pretty good. It's really a stable boat. I think it will make a great fishing kayak. One thing I did notice is it's definitely not a speed demon. I found out that I will have to fill up the drainage holes with plugs. I get to paddling so fast that water comes up through them. Also how to you keep from getting wet from the water dripping off of the paddle?
Looks like a good rig. Looking forward to pics of your catches from it.
You can get a foam rubber ring to put on your paddle witch helps with the dripping. Kind of like dough that stops the water from running down the paddle shaft.
Quote from: centerfire_223 on June 01, 2015, 05:38:52 AM
Also how to you keep from getting wet from the water dripping off of the paddle?
Drip rings. Better pics in the post that follows this one.
http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog/Kayaks/Harmony_Kayak_Paddle_Drip_Rings_KK4608/index.asp?gclid=CK3x8cTm7sUCFUiPfgodsq8AIw
Google drip rings and click on Amazon and you can find a half dozen designs, some very cheap. They slide on the paddle shaft and divert water that runs along the paddle shaft from the blade.
Nice boat, BTW! Way to make a decisive plunge. Maybe there is a better figure of speech than plunge :huh: :eyebrownod:
Drip rings on a paddle shaft.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/lokanagan/gear%20artifacts/boats/IMG_8186_zpstmgbpuyn.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/lokanagan/media/gear%20artifacts/boats/IMG_8186_zpstmgbpuyn.jpg.html)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/lokanagan/gear%20artifacts/boats/IMG_8187_zpswch6xzen.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/lokanagan/media/gear%20artifacts/boats/IMG_8187_zpswch6xzen.jpg.html)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/lokanagan/gear%20artifacts/boats/IMG_8188_zpsfuok7gqa.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/lokanagan/media/gear%20artifacts/boats/IMG_8188_zpsfuok7gqa.jpg.html)
Yes, that is a lanyard with a small carabineer clip on the end which I attach to the kayak. Tie absolutely EVERYTHING to your boat that you do not want to lose. Don't ask how I have learned this wisdom. :biggrin:
Ronnie, You can use these splash guards on your paddle. They work great!! I put them on my paddle.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DHN4P8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
You can get a 6 pack of foam rubber practice golf balls for a couple bucks. They make good scupper plugs to keep water out.
I found the golf balls and got those installed. Now for those splash guards, that looks like the ticket. I am headed out this weekend on a fishing trip to Santee Cooper lakes, Moultrie and Marion. I hope to slime it up big time. That is if I can get everything finished on it, that I am working on. I am working to get my tackle crate (igloo cooler) strapped down and some rod holders put on it. Made a kayak dollie to roll it on, but still have to get the axle. Hopefully I can find one of those here at work today. I'll post some pictures when I get it finished.
Nice looking kayak, Ronnie. Be sure to leash your fishing rods to your kayak. I didn't. :pout:
I'm jealous :sad: Can you wait a few weeks before you post any fish you get while out in it?
Before the storms hit last night I got to work on some modifications to my kayak. I got the axle installed last night for the dollie. Moved the anchor trolley so it goes the entire length of the boat instead of only half way. That should help with anchoring in the wind. Going after work to pick me up a 8' tomato stake to make me a stake to anchor down in shallow water and get some stainless steel screws and such.
From what I have read anything that you don't want on the bottom, that's what you don't tie down. I understand tying off your rods while they are in the holders but do you tie off the one your using? Seems like that would get in the way.
Quote from: centerfire_223 on June 04, 2015, 04:47:25 AM
I understand tying off your rods while they are in the holders but do you tie off the one your using? Seems like that would get in the way.
Yep, a lanyard line on a fishing rod in use gets in the way a little but is well worth putting up with. I use strong small diameter line for my rods, what the climbers call spaghetti cord. Some 150 lb. test ultra thin diameter braided line would probably work.
Figure out the most of the way place for your use to tie but where it cannot slip off. Around the rod between trigger spur (if the rod has one) and the reel seat is an option. On spinning rods with no trigger spur, I have tie around the rod at the reel seat with a wrap around the reel leg. Keep ends short or tape them off so they don't get sound into reel, etc.
I own two very nice rods that I pulled off of the bottom, one of them a high end custom. :innocentwhistle:
Another option for leashing would be an old coiled phone cord (or a car charger phone cord). The coils allow it to spring out when needed and sort of stay out of the way and small when close to your body (or attached to the yak). I just ordered some velcro so I can tape some velcro on to the end of the cord. The velcro attaches around the foot of the reel. The other end of the phone cord gets some type of clip for quick clipping off the kayak and attach to your life vest.
A picture's worth a 1,000 words
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx27/daveandbarb2/image_zps6f8lelv1.jpeg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/daveandbarb2/media/image_zps6f8lelv1.jpeg.html)
I don't tie down the rod in my hand. I usually take 3 rods with me, and between the 2 flush mount rod holders, my rods get changed from one side to the other a lot as I switch rods during the day. The 2 that I'm not using at the moment have a piece of 1/4" bungee cord with carabiner clips on the end that I clip around the rods while in the holders.
Can't wait to see the big fish pics! Have fun!
I took a little trip this past weekend down to Santee Cooper lakes and fished. Caught several nice bluegills in the lake but got lucky when a neighbor of my friend came by. He invited me to fish his 20 acre pond. All I can say is AWESOME fishing in there. Wound up fishing 2 mornings and one evening, caught about 30 nice 2-3 pound bass. They would hit almost anything. Caught the biggest majority on a fluke, didn't matter what color it was. If I could have caught everyone that bit, I would have 75 fish. Can't wait to go back!! Here are a couple of hero shots.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/centerfire_223/SAM_0460_zpsubkgfssm.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/centerfire_223/media/SAM_0460_zpsubkgfssm.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/centerfire_223/SAM_0457_zps9yddiiwh.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/centerfire_223/media/SAM_0457_zps9yddiiwh.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/centerfire_223/SAM_0456_zpssfarci9p.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/centerfire_223/media/SAM_0456_zpssfarci9p.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/centerfire_223/SAM_0459_zpscoyiybbs.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/centerfire_223/media/SAM_0459_zpscoyiybbs.jpg.html)
Damnit Ronnie! :doh2: :thumb2:
Oh shoot, sorry about that Jim!!
You got a couple of magazine cover shots! Great pics and better fishing.
Ronnie, now that you've had the kayak out and tried it, what do you think about it?
The first time I had it out I was just paddling it around, trying to get the feel of it. I liked it but wasn't that impressed with it, if you know what I mean. To start with I felt like it was a little wobbly when I stood up. But the more I stand in it now the more comfortable I feel. Plenty of room in it, couldn't ask for more in a kayak. The paddling, it's a little slow but not that bad. I bought a 230cm paddle but I really need a 240cm or maybe even a 250cm. For a first kayak I don't think you can go wrong with it. Will I keep it, maybe for a while till I find another deal on what I really want.
Wow! That's a nice find - a 20 acre lake full of willing bass.
I just made four of these leases in about half an hour or so.
Very simple process - here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwGAkC4o_xY
I used a wooden dow and about eight feet of .095" weed eater line. Also, you need to drill holes in either end of the dow for the line to go through.
Be sure to watch the trick for getting them to be so tightly wound. Really compresses the leash and keeps it out of the way.
I used velcro to attach the leash to the boat and then the cork grip. The leash is about 6" long.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx27/daveandbarb2/photo_zpszmxhwfub.jpg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/daveandbarb2/media/photo_zpszmxhwfub.jpg.html)
That is really nifty, especially reversing the coil. Gotta make some of those. Wonder how they hold up when mashed or bent sharply in the middle of the coil etc. as happens sometimes in field use.
Quote from: centerfire_223 on June 09, 2015, 07:52:25 AM
Oh shoot, sorry about that Jim!!
I don't think that you REALLY are sorry. :innocentwhistle:
Jerry
Yah :pout: I dont think he is either.
So whats it like when some hot headed, urban born, concrete jungle monkey, blazes by you with a 200hp Evinrude while your out there? Does it get overly sketchy or not really?
Quote from: FinsnFur on February 26, 2016, 11:40:08 PM
So whats it like when some hot headed, urban born, concrete jungle monkey, blazes by you with a 200hp Evinrude while your out there? Does it get overly sketchy or not really?
No problem in my sit inside kayak (SINK). I don't even turn the bow into such waves anymore but pretty much ignore them and just ride them out. Can't speak for the sit on top (SOT) kayak fishermen. In my waters, big whirlpools and strainer log jams are my only concern. Power boats whizzing past at night concern me and I shine my head light to show as much of the boat as possible on the side toward the approaching boat. Nobody has ever come close to me.
A few years ago a guy who fits your driver description blazed past a few of us as we fished a gravel bar island. We all waved and yelled frantically to warn him that he was going warp speed toward a shallow gravel bar but he hit it full speed. Spectacular racket. Would have liked to see the bottom of his hull and the prop end of his outboard. He had a kicker raised up to get him home, but he was still drifting silently down river the last we saw him.
I love it. Carma can be a bitch.
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Quote from: FinsnFur on February 26, 2016, 11:40:08 PM
So whats it like when some hot headed, urban born, concrete jungle monkey, blazes by you with a 200hp Evinrude while your out there? Does it get overly sketchy or not really?
I doesn't bother me at all on my sit-on-top. It just bobbles over the waves. My kayak will take a bigger wave than my bass boat ever would.
Interesting
Sent from my Galaxy using Tapatalk
I'm with Weedwalker, I don't even pay it any attention. My kayak is really stable, I have stood on one side to try and tip it. So far I haven't turned it over.
I'm surprised they are so stable, but thats definitely a good thing.
I cant stop thinking about this. I been looking up different kayaks and things regarding fishing with them for two weeks.
I'm kinda convinced I want one.
Pros and cons..The thoughts of getting into some holes others cant, excites me. Getting the *@%! away from the mainstream is always a bonus too.
The confinement/restriction of being in a boat that small though kinda has me wondering. :wo:
Quote from: FinsnFur on March 05, 2016, 10:51:40 AM
I cant stop thinking about this. I been looking up different kayaks and things regarding fishing with them for two weeks.
I'm kinda convinced I want one.
Pros and cons..The thoughts of getting into some holes others cant, excites me. Getting the *@%! away from the mainstream is always a bonus too.
The confinement/restriction of being in a boat that small though kinda has me wondering. :wo:
Go for it! You will love it.
I have a SINK but would guess that a stable SOT would be a better choice for your kind of fishing. I like what I hear about them being stable enough to stand up in, access stuff inside hatches while on the water, get back on if you fall off or overturn the boat, etc. With a sit inside you are kind of trapped in the confining cockpit. You don't get in or on a sit inside -- you put it on and wear the boat. You feel every ripple and can move the boat by shifting your hips etc. and you either love that feeling of being connected with the water or you hate it.
Both kinds of kayak have very low center of gravity when sitting and waaay more stability than you might expect.
damn damn damn :doh2:
Had to get some groceries so we swung into Cabelas to see if they had the one I've been eyeballing on line. The Emotion Stealth 11 Angler.
Of course they did. :huh:
On sale $70 bucks off which places it at $379... right into my very small window budget. :innocentwhistle:
I rubbed my hands over it a lil while, looked at Kristee and said we better go. Shes like Dad...just get it. If not now...then when?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ixtx7s.png)
I feel like it's an impulse purchase that I"ll regret :sad:
Someone is going to have fun soon.
Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.0 C HD using Tapatalk
That looks like a steal of a deal to me. You're gonna love it.
So I take it you pulled the trigger on it then
Nope...not yet...we left and I'm still throwing it all around in my head
"Just buy it Dad!!" :alscalls: :alscalls:
Yeah it's a tough decision to make with the impulse buy thought. On the other hand at that price you shouldn't have a hard time selling it later for your initial sale price investment. Just sayin. :innocentwhistle: :innocentwhistle:
Buy it when it's on sale. You'll need a few accessories for it & that'll free up a few $$ for those.
Jim zombie's can't swim!
Just another reason for you to ponder.
Aside from the virgin fish you can get to.
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I'd vote "buy it!" Life is short and uncertain.
I bought my kayak after I recovered from several years of fighting blindness and disease, five surgeries, etc. It was a "got well" present and a welcome to the rest of my life. While sick and blind I thought about what I'd like to do if I got well and buying a kayak was on top of my toy list. I decided that I had been stingy with myself in my middle years as much as I'd been responsible and frugal. I didn't want to swing over to selfish and self centered, but wanted to open up to enjoying life opportunities a little more. FWIW
Yeah, Just buy it dad!
I have my canoe but still want a kayak. I am trying to decide if I want a sit in or sit on. Leaning towards a sit in cause I have some creaks around here that would be a lot of fun when the waters up and a moving. Dont think I want a sit on for doing the rapids.
Ronnie, you look like your dressed for cold weather. Im pretty sure one can bank on getting wet at some point when in a kayak, so what do you wear like from the waist down? In cold weather.
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Jim when I am in my canoe in cold weather I wear wool and or wool blends under some frog toggs. It does the trick for me
What about your feet? You can keep your feet dry in a canoe if you have to. I dont think your gonna in a kayak the whole trip.
Well as you pointed out a canoe is diffrent than a kayak but I just were good quality waterproof boots. Either a lace up or some slip on muck boots
My fishing conditions are quite a bit different so take anything I say lightly for your situation. I have high top wet suit boots that I wear quite a bit in warm to cool conditions and when wearing them just step into the water. Our water is always cold. Feet stay warm. None of the wet suit boots I've tried, low top or high, have stiff enough soles to handle really rough rocks when wading. If you keep upper body warm your lower legs can handle getting wet. I've tried Teva shoes and don't like them because sand and gravel get into the shoe.
If I was into surf zones or significant white water it would be a wetsuit, and a shorty wetsuit might be a good idea for both the warmth and flotation in spring or Fall weather. I may yet get one if I start fishing salmon in salt water more. Most of my river fishing I travel in the yak and fish from shore much more than from the boat, so wear breathable chest waders with cinched waist belt and keep my life jacket on all of the time, even when wading and fishing.
Jim here is my opinion on that particular boat. Make sure you get one with a comfortable seat, without that you won't like it. A raised seat is even better, not so much strain on your body, sitting flat down all day. I would hit Craig's list and buy a used one with a good seat over a new one without. Like I said, just my opinion.
As far as clothes, normally around here when I start out at daylight it's only 20-30 degrees. So I just wear a pair of jeans then throw my Frog Togg rain pants over it. The only reason for the rain pants is my paddle is a little bit to short and water drips down on my legs. Normally I wear I just wear hiking boots, though if you have a pair of rubber boots that does make it easier to get in and out without getting your feet wet. My kayak is stable enough I just walk to the front and get in and out on the bank, so I don't have to worry about wet feet.
I will list a few boats that I would look at, now some of them are a little more expensive than others but none really outrageous.
FeelFree Lure (really stable, plenty of open floor room)... new $1200
Jackson Cuda ( great kayak, stable, not much floor room) New $1400
Native (Another great kayak, not a lot of floor room) New $1400-2500 according on what you get
Acend (you can find these on Craigslist pretty cheap and they have a good seat)... great seat, cheap plenty of floor room...BassPro New $699 to 799
Hobie (great kayak but expensive)... $1500 to 3500
Go ahead and bite the bullet and get one. It will take your fishing to another level of fun and enjoyable. It's really nice to get off of the bank. I have two gas powered boats sitting in the shed and they never get took out. I always joke with my friends about being able to fuel up my kayak with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Interesting stuff! Thanks. I guess most of my fishing will be warm weather FISHING also, so a pair of boating shoes or even barefoot would be no big deal. I was just wondering how you kept your feet dry and warm in this cold weather, Ronnie.
I'm sure I'll be stepping into the water to get in and out of anything I decide to buy especially considering all the examples you listed up there are way out of my budget lol.
I've been doing some reading and watching videos on reviews of the different boats and stuff and trying to figure out how they decide what paddle to buy. So you're concept on yours being too short and dripping water in the boat was pretty informative. I can see that happening.
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Your paddle is determined by your height and the width of the boat. Right now my boat is around 36 inches at the widest point and I am 6 feet tall. I use a 230cm paddle but a 240-250cm paddle would be better.
Normally in the summer I fish in flip flops but now it's just a pair of hunting boots. Since they don't get wet it's no big deal.
Those were new prices I gave you on the kayak I listed. Keep your eye on Craigslist, I found mine for $275 and it has the good elevated seat. I have seen several down here for around $300. One thing is your getting a WAY better or more comfortable kayak. Just takes a little patience waiting on the right deal.
A little water dripping in the boat is a given, even if you have an ideal paddle and drip rings. You can eliminate most of it and cheerfully live with what's left or get an ulcer fighting it. :nono:
In my SINK I have a spray skirt in place all of the time so take waves over the boat, drips etc. without a drop getting into the cockpit. A skookum bungee edge keeps the spray skirt tight to the cockpit rim and a draw string cinches it to my waist under a rain jacket if I'm wearing one. I often wear a thin rain shell to keep my arms and upper bod dry from normal spray, waves and drips. With the spray skirt inside the bottom edge of the short rain jacket, water runs outside rather than in. I love to paddle in a driving rain with the surface churned while I am dry and warm in a hooded rain jacket with lower bod protected by the spray skirt. In summer I often wear thin nylon pants and shirts that protect me from sunburn and dry quickly if they get wet. Avoid cotton underwear. It takes forever to dry... :innocentwhistle:
It is significantly more difficult to fish out of a closed cockpit however compared to an open sit on top.
One more bit of free advice: :alscalls: whatever boat you get, in warm, still, safe water practice at least once turning it over or falling off and get the boat upright and back in it yourself. When leading groups in kayaks or canoes, the first day we ALWAYS had everyone turn over their boat in water deeper than their heads, and they had to get back in their boat with water out of it, unaided by anyone or anything outside. On cold hypothermic days, I'd build a big bonfire before hand on a nearby shore.
Quote from: centerfire_223 on March 07, 2016, 10:05:14 AM
Normally in the summer I fish in flip flops but now it's just a pair of hunting boots. Since they don't get wet it's no big deal.
My all time favorite summer wade-fishing boots were an old pair of nearly worn out crepe soled upland hunting boots. They protected my feet and ankles in rocky swift places and had enough sole to walk on big sharp rocks.
A week or so ago i was lookin at peoples paddles as i watched these videos. I thought to my self...i wonder how they keep thier nuts dry, that water has to run right down the handle with every raise of it. I thought hell thatd be an easy fix. The same day I discovered they DO come with drip rings lol. Well alrighty then.
I figured if I get one...I'll take it to the beach and turtle it before I venture out in it. I did see some clips on how to recover. I definitely wanna know that I can do it ahead of time.
Im getting closer to pullin the trigger 😎
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What Ronnie said about looking for a better used one is good advise. Keep checking Craigslist. Bass Pro also has a payment plan if you get a new Ascend kayak. A raised seat makes all the difference in comfort. Sitting flat on the floor getting your butt wet sucks, especially in cooler weather. All the ones he listed are good comfortable stable fishing kayaks. And they're a blast to fish out of. I've had mine in small creeks and big lakes like Guntersville. It handled them all with ease.
I have been looking on Craigslist since May :sad: And the other local classifieds. Everything I found was either all beat up and patched or 4 hours away. :laf:
The one I looked at while at Cabelas I just found out wasnt even the one I'd been eyeballing. It was actually the little sister to the one I want. One's a Stealth Angler and the other is a Stealth 11 Angler.
I wanted the 11 because it had a better seat, better storage and more features, plus it's longer.
So anyway... I pulled the trigger. :eyebrow: :shrug: and ordered it tonight. They dont have it in stock.
Specifications (http://www.emotionkayaks.com/product/detail/306)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/30bmv6t.jpg)
I dont want to tie a bunch of money up in one of these yet. So this will either be a starting point for me and I'll upgrade down the road..or I wont. :wink:
Welcome to the world of little bitty boat fishing.
Bravo! Admiral Jim, fleet commander of the Fins and Fur Navy.
And a bravo to your daughter as well!
I will be looking for some water pictures in the future.
The way you fish I'm sure you'll love it. Get a 240cm paddle. And you'll have to downsize your tackle box to mostly your favorite baits. Get a drybox for your wallet and stuff. Retractable ID card holders work good for your clippers and pliers. And the Fish Grip Jr works good for landing bigger fish so you don't have a bulky net with you.
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Congratulations on a fine looking kayak Jim!! I'm sure you'll love it so much you get a 2nd one so your daughter can join you!! :yoyo: :yoyo:
The foam rubber practice golf balls are cheap and make good scupper hole plugs too.
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I look at our kayak's and think about Ed getting in one and laugh until I can't see. :alscalls: They is cheap, fun and the boys use them for hunting, fishing, trapping and to chase girls. :readthis:
Good tips Ed. Hell yah i was wondering about finding the right size scupper plugs. Great idea.
Barry..ya can chase girls in these?
HaMeR, Katie asked last night how shes suppose to go fishing with me now.
I said you dont go with me anymore, your busy being a mom.
She says what if Sydney wants to go. Whos gonna teach her?
I said Grampa will get her one too 😆
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:laf: :laf: Do they make side kayaks?? :eyebrownod: :eyebrownod:
Quote from: HaMeR on March 08, 2016, 02:55:22 PM
:laf: :laf: Do they make side kayaks?? :eyebrownod: :eyebrownod:
They will if Sydney wants to go fishing. Not only that Jim will get it for her.
Jerry
Quote from: FinsnFur on March 08, 2016, 09:11:54 AM
Barry..ya can chase girls in these?
And he had kids too. :doh2:
They do make side kayaks, well more like tow behind kayaks.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiR97zqlbLLAhXFyyYKHaSCB8cQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCk73aGaZ6H0&psig=AFQjCNFkd59cuIFiTcsqSct_TCnejYmCSw&ust=1457563628719964
Kayak kaboose lol I love it.
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I'm thinking Jim just dropped some more coin!!!! :laf: :laf:
pretty neat jim. I know the kayaks years ago were pretty stable. I'm sure the ones now a days are even more stable.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/09/7fff40fb91c31408491e4dff80200edb.jpg)Barry, this is the kayak I get in.
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This is exactly the type of boat I'm thinking about. More so than the pedal boats. Used to have one of these & really enjoyed it!!
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/bass-hunter-ex-96-boat?a=670576
Quote from: HaMeR on March 09, 2016, 08:17:30 AM
This is exactly the type of boat I'm thinking about. More so than the pedal boats. Used to have one of these & really enjoyed it!!
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/bass-hunter-ex-96-boat?a=670576
Have you considered one of these? https://www.loweboats.com/jon-boats/l1040-jon/
Yes I have Johnny. Don't want to trailer a boat around. Altho with a little help it could be loaded & strapped into the bed. Might have to R&R the motor on each trip. Thank You!! :yoyo: :yoyo:
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Have you considered one of these? https://www.loweboats.com/jon-boats/l1040-jon/
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My kayak has a 500 lb capacity. More than that jon boat.
I cant do nothing but be envious of that giddyup Ed. 😆
HaMeR I think something like that would be kinda handy.
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Yeah Ed set the bar high for sure!!
Jim-- You sign up for Ed's kayak facebook page yet?? :wink:
Quote from: HaMeR on March 09, 2016, 10:56:03 AM
Yes I have Johnny. Don't want to trailer a boat around. Altho with a little help it could be loaded & strapped into the bed. Might have to R&R the motor on each trip. Thank You!! :yoyo: :yoyo:
That little 10ft jon boat weighs 87 pounds. That boat you are looking at weighs 135. Might be a little easier to load. :laf:
Quote from: HaMeR on March 10, 2016, 07:21:47 AM
Jim-- You sign up for Ed's kayak facebook page yet?? :wink:
:nono: Tennessee Kayak Anglers? Not yet. Those guys are in a league several notches above me right now. Plus with the southern states having typically bigger bass then us northerners...they make me angry when they post pics. :laf:
:shrug: WTH hell Johnny!! I could load that boat by myself!! Well,,,, maybe!! :laf: :laf:
:laf: :laf: @ Jim!! Time for you to show em up then!! :yoyo: :yoyo:
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Quote from: riverboss on March 11, 2016, 06:09:06 PM
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Couldn't have said it better myself
Quote from: FinsnFur on March 10, 2016, 07:56:52 PM
Quote from: HaMeR on March 10, 2016, 07:21:47 AM
Jim-- You sign up for Ed's kayak facebook page yet?? :wink:
:nono: Tennessee Kayak Anglers? Not yet. Those guys are in a league several notches above me right now. Plus with the southern states having typically bigger bass then us northerners...they make me angry when they post pics. :laf:
That's Kentucky Kayak Anglers Jim. :iroll: We aren't no big league, we just like to fish. :biggrin: You probably got more of those bigger smallmouth up there than we have down here.
Did you just roll your eyes at me? :laf:
I thought I saw your name by the Tennessee one...my bad.
Quote from: FinsnFur on March 11, 2016, 06:50:47 PM
Did you just roll your eyes at me? :laf:
I thought I saw your name by the Tennessee one...my bad.
Tennessee???? Them's fightin' words to a Kaintuckee boy. :laf:
Ah, Tennessee's OK. I "m a member of the Tennessee Kayak Anglers too. They've got some good fishing there too.
And all I have is a canoe :sad3: :sad3:
Quote from: slagmaker on March 13, 2016, 01:57:31 PM
And all I have is a canoe :sad3: :sad3:
That's OK, I'll still fish with ya. :wink:
Quote from: weedwalker on March 13, 2016, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: slagmaker on March 13, 2016, 01:57:31 PM
And all I have is a canoe :sad3: :sad3:
That's OK, I'll still fish with ya. :wink:
Cool. Might have to set up a trip.
Scupper holes...Mine arent round.
Some of the reviews say I'll want to plug the ones under my seat. Some say dont bother in calm waters.
Will the foam golf balls work in these type of scuppers? I'm guessing not.[emoji53]
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160325/32aafe3f315e5626d0f800a45f6f1153.jpg)
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I would get me a wine cork and just stick it in the little part. If you don't want a wet AZZ then you better plug those holes under the seat. All it takes is a boat wake and then your wet, which isn't a big deal in the summer but winter time...hmmm.
The foam golf balls will work. Just smash them down to size and cram them in there.
You only need to plug the ones under the seat.
Am I reading this right? Jim, your new kayak has holes in the bottom!!?? :confused: :laf:
And the top! They go all the way through![emoji31]
https://vimeo.com/160488655 (https://vimeo.com/160488655)
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Well....the practice balls wouldnt fit. Cut in half I could force them in enough to stop the water comin up but then they absorbed water and heaved water from me getting in and out.
I stopped at the harware store tonight and got these. I'll find out if they work tomorrow.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160423/0f1c198ce26091e5e022072fd430213f.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160423/90f1d1fb1dada660b6e884541e0139e7.jpg)
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Dang!! :confused: Now that you're finger's in the picture, either those are very small scupper holes or you have big azz fingers. :eyebrownod: Hopefully they will work.
They worked so far this weekend. I figured they'd work loose from the hot sun and colder water causing the kayak to expand etc, but nope. So far so good.
The scupper holes in mine are about 1-1/4" in diameter. Wow you got a small scupper!! :biggrin:
That hurts Ron :doh2: