Currently Researching

[BruisinRed]

Hi....I'm new to the forum and I haven't taken the "plunge" yet of buying a yak, but I am looking. Can't buy one until I get back to LA late summer (working out of state). What are opinions on Cobra Pro Fisherman & Cobra Fish n Dive? Also, what about the Prowler 13T Angler?

[yak-aholic]

Cobra Fish n Dive is a big boat. Not sure about the Pro Fisherman. Your height and general size would greatly help us give advice as to what yak may suit you. I am 5'10" and 180lbs. and if I were in your shoes and had narrowed it down to those 3 yaks, I would probably go with the Prowler 13T. Just one opinion.

[BruisinRed]

I'm 5'4 and about 155 lbs. After looking, I really like the Prowler 13T and leaning that way. May have to go try one out at New Jersey Paddlers.

[yak-aholic]

The new Tridents have a new, more rigid, modular hatch cover on the rod-pod. I like the fact that it's ready for mounting just about anything. Depth-finder, GPS, whatever you like.

[snake doctor]

Don't forget to look at the Hobies. Kool-Aid is sweet, and so is hands-free fishing.

[BruisinRed]

The Hobies are a little bit out of my price range.

[revredfish]

Prowler 13 T. Is a good solid platform. You are fortunate to be less large than some of us! Your options are enldess

[Dr.K]

Prowler 13 T. Is a good solid platform. You are fortunate to be less large than some of us! Your options are enldess

"less large"....thanks for being so kind REV!!...lol

[revredfish]

Well at 6'3" 230 I'm a good 30lbs overweight and a few inches taller than the average kayaker and frankly that limits my kayak choices pretty dramatically - there's the brutal honesty. LOL

Cobra's in general are large stable platforms. My issue with the Cobra was foot size my size 11.5 just won't fit in the footwells on the fish n dive. Also the hatch is a perfect escape platform for flounder (still bitter). I own an Ocean Kayak Big Game and kniow a number of folks that fish from the Prowler series. These are solid and well laid out boats.

[Dr.K]

Great info rev.....that "kilt" makes you look taller....LOL:hide:. I am not quite that "large" but I have to say my yak does feel much smaller once i get in it, but I would think anyone would feel that way being new to the sport. I am 5'11" and 210lbs. I am very happy with my mariner so far. I bought mine without ever stepping foot into a yak before. "a virgin yaker" if you will ! I have no regrets so far, just wish I had more spare time to actually use it.

[cant catch fish]

I own a Cobra FnD. Yea, it's a barge. But then again I have to have something that big to carry around my extra girth. IMHO, with your weight, I would go with something smaller. Nothing wrong with the Cobra. It's stable. Lots of storage room. And there are a few floating around the area relatively cheap.

[BruisinRed]

I never thought of myself in that way....less large. But it does have some advantages.

I haven't gotten a chance to go look yet(and test), but probably will next week. I really like the OK's. What is the difference between the Prowler 13T Angler and the Trident 13 Angler? They really look almost identical. Right now, those 2 are leading the pack for me.

[revredfish]

You've gone beyond my knowledge base (doesn't take long to do that).

[ijuswannafish]

I never thought of myself in that way....less large. But it does have some advantages.

I haven't gotten a chance to go look yet(and test), but probably will next week. I really like the OK's. What is the difference between the Prowler 13T Angler and the Trident 13 Angler? They really look almost identical. Right now, those 2 are leading the pack for me.

I have been paddling a 2009 Trident 15 for about 1 1/2 years now and absolutely love the way it handles in the water. I sometimes wish it was the 13 because I like to get lost in the marsh while fishing. It is a very stable boat even though I have flipped mine twice (both due to human error). I am 5'7" and 270# and it handles my weight plus 40 lbs of fish easily.

The difference between the 2 models is the rod pod cover. The old style cover is just there. It is not very sturdy so sitting side saddle can end up bad, I know from experience. The new modular cover is reinforced to hold more weight and also it has several spots to put aftermarket rod holders there and it has many different ways to use the space.

Here is a video that shows the new rod pod:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwxWufm7fCI

If you were to buy the new cover by it self it would cost you $100. If you buy the yak with it it is only a $70 upgrade. My opinion is it is well worth the upgrade.

[Nobody]

My opinion is it is well worth the upgrade.

This opinion from a fish that would know! LOL

[BruisinRed]

Thanks for the input! I will be looking at them and also going try them out (hopefully this week). Not sure if I'm gonna take the plunge just yet though, as I will be out of state until September anyway. Maybe I'll get set up for some Fall marsh fishing!!!!

[yak-aholic]

Whatever you decide to get, make sure you demo first. A lot of "rookies" to the sport tend to let stability strongly influence their choice. The more stable a yak is, the slower it will be. That OK Prowler 13T that you are considering is definitely among one of the best boats around. You should be able to handle any reasonable fishing conditions with it from basic paddling sround in the marsh sight casting for reds to launching in the surf or Lake Pontcartrain.
Whenever you pull the trigger and actually get your yak, post in the hook-up thread and I'm sure someone will be glad to show you around.
Another good idea would be to not rig the boat with rod-holders, etc... Until you have fished out of it a few times and know where you want things. In the interim, get a milk crate for tackle and mount a few pieces of 1-1/2" PVC to hold rods, net, etc...

[BruisinRed]

Thanks!!!!! Sounds like excellent advice.....maybe from personal experience!!! When I do pull the trigger, I'll be sure to post. Until then I'll mostly be lurking....eh....trying to gain experience through ya'lls experiences. LOL!