Kayak Fishing?


 
JimK

JimK

TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
Random thought on a BBQ/Grilling site, but I'm thinking about getting a fishing kayak (primarily lakes and rivers, but possible sound/inshore). Any kayak people out there with recommendations?
 
I’m an Old Town fan, my canoe is an OT and the kayak I’ve got my eyes on is also an OT. Have heard good things about Crescent and Hobie. Honestly, the Lifetime kayaks at Walmart aren’t too shabby, we have two of those as well.

Might check YouTube as well. Headwaters Kayak has some excellent vids with different price points.

Are you thinking strictly paddle, or peddle or even one with a motor?
 
Strictly paddle at this point. I've seen a lot of the Headwaters videos now and they've got me looking at the FeelFree Mokens. Seem to be a good marriage of quality, features and price. The Lifetime Teton Pro seems good for the $$ as well.

Don't want to spend a ton of money, but also don't want to find myself wanting to upgrade in two years either. The classic dilemma of finding that balance.
 
Check out the beautiful small craft that Mark and “Nomad Boatbuilding” makes, very clever builder, no idea of what the pricing is like but, WOW!
I’ve been watching a couple of his builds on YouTube for some time and he seems like a “thinker”. I think my brother told me that Mark has built some twelve-fifteen pound wooden kayaks! He’s in British Columbia I believe. I have not dig into it very deeply. But I might right now.
 
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I do a lot of kayaking.
We have 3 kayaks.
2 are cheapo Walmart $400 units and than there is a $1,000 one for the ocean.
The cheapo ones are sit inside and don’t cut water good but they are fun and crab better than my sit on top.
When I say “don’t cut water good” I mean the bow moves at each paddle stroke and works inefficiently.
They are still fun for short trips though but not suited for much open water work.

My kayak recommendation for you is to borrow or rent before you buy.
 
My go to kayak for fishing or diving is my Trident 13.
It won’t crab though.
It‘s hard enough not getting attacked by crab with a sit in side.
A crab pot resting on my legs is no bueno.

If you are ever in the Pacific North West I will loan you all the gear you need to fish or crab.
There is a BIG party/GTG here every 4th of July.
 
I live in Northern NJ and there are lots of rental places, organized trips, and clubs by me. I would suggest going that route for awhile before making a major purchase. Kayaking does seem to be exploding around here. We also have the ocean and lots of lakes/rivers.

We have a really big canoe that is hard to car carry and two Walmart kid kayaks that work like crazy for what they are.

I've seen guys happily fishing off everything from inflatable kayaks to ocean goers and stuff on trailers. I think the size and type is more important than the brand.

Tread carefully with the tidal stuff by yourself in any small craft.
 
Get a really good, well padded, seat. Adjustable footrests are useful. As Andy said, the Trident 13, by Ocean Kayak, is a good example of a good fishing kayaks, but when I owned kayaks the Ocean Kayak seat wasn't that great. I replaced mine. Sorry Andy, maybe that's changed. Get an inflatable life vest and wear it. I was impressed by the Wilderness Systems line and loved the Perception Fisherman I bought used but it's not made any more. Take as many test drives as you need to decide. Have fun.
 
No, my seat seat could be better.
That darn Trident 13 does ocean waves like it was built just for that.
Proper PPE is a must on kayaks.
Comms are pretty darn important too.
 
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