fishing kayak for me and my gf

[gator-tailman]

anyone have any recommendations for a tandem fishing kayak for me and my gf? that is reasonably price

will mainly be fishing bays and fresh water...would like it to be a sit on top version...would also be nice if you can take out one of the seats if the significant other does not want to come...thanks!

[Domo]

I see two options: 1st is the native magic 14.5 tandem and runs about $1500, 2nd is the hobie mirage outfitter and runs about $2500. I haven't tried either boat myself but I do believe their are a couple of people in the club that fish the magic 14.5 tandem and take the extra seat out. The hobie has you pedaling instead of paddeling which can be easier for some. Hope this atleast gives you a starting point to begin your search.

[Branch_Office]

Check the Texas forum....there is always a couple of tandems on there with some good deals.

[ReelThrill]

I had an Outfitter for a while, it's a good boat for tandem and solo use.

[Surfmonkey]

Do not get a tandem....you will be much better off getting two yaks...

[marshdaddy]

Do not get a tandem....you will be much better off getting two yaks...

+ 1
When fishing, there is such a thing as too much togetherness.

[yak-aholic]

Find 2 good used 12'-13' kayaks and go to town, but if you're dead-set on a tandem, I would say the Native Magic 14.5' is hard to beat. Can be set up solo or tandem. The seats are some of the best in the kayak industry. Instead of sitting flat in the bottom of the kayak, you are slightly elevated.

Magic 14.5 solo... http://www.nativewatercraft.com/magic_14.cfm

Magic 14.5 tandem... http://www.nativewatercraft.com/magic_14T.cfm

These are both the same boat, just remove one of the seats and re-locate it to center position for solo use.


If you think $1500 is a bit steep, you could possibly go with a Malibu Two XL. This one can also be set up for single or tandem use. I don't really like the lack of a spacious tank well, but when paddling solo you could use the rear seat position as a place for your tackle, etc... The link shows the tandem set-up. If you look just in front of the rear seat, you will see the yellow sticker that is the seat position for solo use.

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandems/malibu_two_xl.html


These are just a couple of SOT options that I am aware of, but as was said earlier, I think ultimately you would be better off with 2 solo yaks as long as you're talking about 2 capable paddlers. The only time I really see using a tandem would be like in marshdaddy's avatar where you're paddling around with a youngster. Just watch out for that back-cast.

[gator-tailman]

well what would you recommend as a good starter kayak for fishing

[gator-tailman]

How much do you weigh and how tall are you?

6 foot and around 230

[Yellow Submarine]

If you go tandem, what ever you do don't let your girl friend sit behind you. She will have a tendency to blame you for everything that happens. And you don't want someone sitting behind you shouting out orders on where to fish or how to set an anchor. Tandems do sound very romantic, but they aren't. Get two kayaks eventually she will let you go on your own anyway once she discovers the complexities of taking a leak.
I've looked at pictures of countless books and never saw a tandem kayak in a romantic scene, I donno they just don't have any romantic value i guess.

[Coomz]

I had a rtm ocean quattro for a year up until march. I sold it to get a outfitter. It's a nice kayak that's very stable and has a nice layout. It has a max weight of 550 lbs. It works great as a single as well. The price is around 700 but it's been on sale lately for around 500.

[Yak-a-Lou]

Boats you might look at on the lower end of the price scale:

Pelican Castaway
Bass Pro Ascend
Ocean Kayak Prowler ???

May want to consider a Hobie Quest. It seems expensive BUT it comes with a seat, paddle, etc... and is ready to fish.

Keep your eyes open for used deals as they are your best bargain. Have cash ready at hand. Good deals don't stay on the market long. Keep your eyes peeled here, on the Lafayette club's website and on Craig's List.

[gator-tailman]

what is the lafayette's club website?

also anyone here fish vermillion bay around the point?


and yes ive spoken to her and have decided to get a single kayak....i know i will like it, she wants to "try" it before we get her a kayak (not fish ready, she doesnt like fishing much just being on the water).

[Branch_Office]

Lafayette site: http://www.lafayettekayakfishing.com/
Texas site: http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3
Mobile site: http://www.mbkfa.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=12&sid=352eeaac476e031c282cf4efcfb2ea58

All good sites to watch for used yaks. Hope this helps...

[gator-tailman]

ive done a little bit of research on the bass pro assend FS12T Sit On Top Angler Kayak and it has great reviews...seems like a good starter one, anyone have personal experience with it?

[Branch_Office]

Search the forum, a member purchased one a while back and you might speak with him.

[gator-tailman]

apparently i dont have access to search :(

[Yak-a-Lou]

ive done a little bit of research on the bass pro assend FS12T Sit On Top Angler Kayak and it has great reviews...seems like a good starter one, anyone have personal experience with it?

Since it's relatively new on the market, reviews from experienced yak-fishermen will be very hard to find. It looks as if it should be one step better than the Castaway for just a few dollars more. All in all it APPEARS to be the new "best" started boat in the $500 or less range. If someone knows something else in that bracket please speak up. I haven't shopped much in recent years and I haven't been keeping up much with new models and developments.

[Branch_Office]

Gator-tailman...pm midcitygumbo. He is the member who I think purchased the Bass Pro Ascend yak. Maybe he will share with you.

[all_in]

The best advise I have seen in this thread is DO NOT GET A TANDEM. You are far better off with 2 kayaks. Fishing from a tandom is the opposite of romantic and it is not fun, trust me on this. Fishing by yourself you will occasionally tangle your line or catch a rod on the backcast. Fishing together this happens twice as often and takes longer to untangle the mess. Plus, in the excitelent of seeing a tailing red, you run the very real risk of being hooked or hooking that special someone, say, in the neck (compeltely on accident, of course) and having to explain to the ER doctor how your romantic fishing trip took such a serious wrong turn.

Buying a tandom yak for fishing means working a lot harder to paddle a big heavy tandom boat by yourself when you realize what I've said above is true. The exception is the native watercraft ultimate 14.5, which is really a solo boat that you can add a second seat to. That way, when you figure out how seldom you will use a tandom, you can store the second seat and fish solo.

[marshdaddy]

Buying a tandom yak for fishing means working a lot harder to paddle a big heavy tandom boat by yourself when you realize what I've said above is true. The exception is the native watercraft ultimate 14.5, which is really a solo boat that you can add a second seat to. That way, when you figure out how seldom you will use a tandom, you can store the second seat and fish solo.

I store my second seat, except when I take my grandson out fishing. He's not old enough yet to paddle his own boat. As soon as he is,..... out he goes.

[MDR]

Looks like you have already decided on the single idea. Good choice. Tandem looks cool and sounds like a good idea, but isn't. The other guys already pointed out why. I can add that the resale on the tandem is not going to be what a single will be. Very good idea to have the gf check it out and see how she likes it. If you are lucky she will love it and you guys have something new to do together. ( Do not be surprised for other members to disagree with this statement-some of them love to yak to get away from the wife or gf, lol)

Take a little time on your decision. Read as much as you can from here and other sources on the web. If you can make it to the member's family day (and of course you should join before then, lol) you may find a number of different yaks for you and the gf to try out. I like the idea of starting out with something fairly inexpensive and then stepping up as you figure out what you really want in a yak. The personal experience of a couple of trips is invaluable.

Like Branch and the other guys said; our forum, the Lafayette forum, Craiglist, and even the Sportsman are good sources for finding a used yak. In a couple of months Backpacker and Pack and Paddle are likely to have discounted yaks. I picked my OK prowler big game from PNP last year and saved a bunch of money.

Good luck.

[ijuswannafish]

Bobby Lynn's in Leeville started renting yaks before all the fishing closures. I am not sure if he is doing it again but it is worth checking out. This way you and the gf could take a test run.

Also Backpacker will set up a demo for you at the University Lakes for a small fee. That might be worth it also. You could try a few and see what you like better.

Of course if you are in the New Orleans area check with Blake at Massey's to see if they do demos.

Always try before you buy when it comes to getting a yak. This way you can find the one that is right for you.

[marshdaddy]

Backpacker and Pack n Paddle will be having End Of Summer sales. Great prices. Some deals are cheaper than used boats.

[gator-tailman]

Backpacker and Pack n Paddle will be having End Of Summer sales. Great prices. Some deals are cheaper than used boats.



i think that is what i will do, see what the end of the summer deals have going on this year. i am also keeping an eye on the scrambler xt angler version...doesnt look too bad for the money


so around September they have their end of summer sales?

[Yak-a-Lou]

Join the club, pay your dues and get discounts at the Backpacker (and most local kayak shops?).

The Backpacker has some good options on sale right now. http://www.backpackerbr.com/on_sale.php?search=paging&location=10&category_id=

If they'll give you the discount you MAY be able to subtract another 10% off of the following prices...

2007 Prowler w/ rudder @ $719. (Sweet choice)

Mad River Synergy @ $689 (Looks good)

**Ocean Kayak Venus (pink) for her @ $449 (Great for her if she's medium/small)

Wilderness Systems Ride @ $799 (Good for larger guys)