Guidance Needed

[kjnengr]

I have never fished out of a kayak before, but I am seriously looking to purchase one in the next couple of months. I know from the research that I have done lurking on this site that I really need to try before I buy.

My problem is that I dont know which ones to narrow down and try out. I am about 5'9" and weigh about 225. I would like to use this kayak for mainly marsh fishing (conventional and fly) so I guess stability is a little more important to me than a really fast yak. I do forsee myself standing up in the kayak, but unsure as of right now how much I will be standing vs sitting, especially while fly fishing.



Corey

[revredfish]

What's your price range? Do you want to peddle or paddle?

Peddling - spend more - get the outback

Paddling - spend less - tons of options out there I like my Prowler Big Game (the boat of choice for big fellas), the Diablo looks good but is pricey, ....

[4x4fishin]

Don't forget the peddle and paddle options from Native. Those with the hulls like the mariner and ultimate are very stable.

I love my Mariner, and it's an awesome machine in the wind. However, my next boat will be a light weight paddle only boat.

How will you carry it? What type of vehicle? Will you use a trailer?

Do you want to be able to launch from the side of the road easily or do you see yourself at more traditional launches?

Do you plan to do any surf fishing whatsoever?

Will you ever have a passenger? Adult, or kid?

Answer some of those and the suggestions you recieve will be much more relevant and not just everyones favorite or sponsor.

[Reel Rebel]

+1 Native Mariner Propel...biggest standing platform for a peddler (in the <100 lb category) and incredibly stable with it's tunnel hull design. :yes:

[kjnengr]

Thanks guys, I knew I left out some info.

I am looking to paddle and would like to stay under $1500 and hopefully closer to the $1k mark.

I will be building a hitch extension for my truck (and carry it in the bed) and am willing to launch anywhere. I dont really see myself surf fishing. For right now, I will be sticking to the back marshes.

This would be a solo boat. I have a Grumman canoe and would probably use that for toting the wife or fishing partner.

[Nobody]

You need to come see us on Saturday. We will be at the Bass Pro in Denham Springs.

[kjnengr]

You need to come see us on Saturday. We will be at the Bass Pro in Denham Springs.

Wish I could... Got a dance recital for my daughter and family coming in. Is there another get together somewhere in the near future?

[Coomz]

You should definitely try the outback. I stand up and fish all day with mines. I can even do a controlled drift by controlling the rudder with my toes.

[4x4fishin]

As most I'm biased, but the Native ultimate 12 or 14 sure sounds like a decent fit. You wont want to be in it in the lake if it gets rough, but the marsh and bayou are perfect and the seat is hands down the best one on the market. I really love the native seat, Hobie owners have offered to steal it for me. Native will only sell the seat to a native owner. I have some lower back issues and I'd much rather sit in my kayak all day than in my truck. You might also consider some of the huricane SOT boats. There are alot of people who really enjoy the Jackson's, KC's, and the Diablo's. All of those are very stable marsh machines. If I could have several more my 3rd boat might be a diablo with a trolling motor. Most of the better paddle boats can be had for around 1k. Few fishing paddle boats push much past 1.5k

Good luck in your search.

[tugowar]

PM sent.

[ijuswannafish]

Wish I could... Got a dance recital for my daughter and family coming in. Is there another get together somewhere in the near future?

Sunday at Bass Pro Shop.

[Choupique]

Go with a peddle drive if you can afford it.
As for comparing the to: The seat on the native is better; the drive on the Hobie is better; both are very stable. I like the flat floor of the Mariner, but shallow water is kinda a pain with the Propel and its pretty slow comparatively (but you said you didn’t mind that).

Me and Castaway hooked up my Outback to his Mariner in the LSU lakes facing opposite directions and had a tug of war; He was going backwards at a decent clip. ...He now owns a Hobie.

[Coomz]

Chris I challenge you this weekend to a tugowar for your seat!

[ReelThrill]

The diablo adios is a great boat for standing and fishing. Also has a very open layout. I fo not fly fish but from what I have seen it seems an open layout will be good. Demo as many as you can and get the one that suits your needs best.

[4x4fishin]

Go with a peddle drive if you can afford it.
As for comparing the to: The seat on the native is better; the drive on the Hobie is better; both are very stable. I like the flat floor of the Mariner, but shallow water is kinda a pain with the Propel and its pretty slow comparatively (but you said you didn’t mind that).

Me and Castaway hooked up my Outback to his Mariner in the LSU lakes facing opposite directions and had a tug of war; He was going backwards at a decent clip. ...He now owns a Hobie.


The shallow water pain is absolutely true.. I'm learning some tricks to ease the pain, and reverse is really really nice. I actually really enjoy slow trolling backwards so that I can see the action. It's also very nice to be able to slow, stop, or back up as you approach a landing, a school of fish, or a shallow spot. Speed.. the hobie may have the advantage there seems to be a real decreasing return rate on the propel drive. However I find it easier to maintain a nice cruising speed with the propel for a long time. It's easy to keep constant forward momentum even in the strongest wind. The bicyle motion vs the back and forth is easier to sustain for me, but again it's preference.

Coomz,

uh ......NO I'll just keep cruising along slightly slower but way more comfortably.

[kjnengr]

Some yaks come in multiple lengths. What's the advantages/disadvantages of a 12 vs 14 ft yak in the same model?

[pistol]

longer = faster, and obvs more room

[kjnengr]

Is there any stability difference between two diff length boats if the same model?

[Shark Bait]

Depends on the width. I have a wilderness systems ride 135. It's 13'4" and 32" wide. It is very stable. I can stand in it very easy. But, I am only 5'9", 175#.

[papawd]

DEMO,DEMO,DEMO as many as possible , try and visit Pack n Paddle in Laffayette they will let Ya demo on the lake by there store and buying a demo model can save ya some money ... I have 2 different paddle only models at my home You are welcome to demo if in the neighbor hood ...

[swamppro]

If you are looking for something to stand and fly fish a peddle drive is the last kayak I would look at. Fly line will be a tangled mess on the drive. I would look for something in the 14' range and no drive for fly fishing in the marsh. 14' more speed and less draft. Where I fish in the marsh for stalking reds a peddle drive is useless. Its great for fishing water over 1.5 deep but I would be replacing Hobie fins every trip. Look into the Diablo for marsh fishing and fly. Perfect boat for that scenario. Also the Native Ultimate 14 is a favorite of fly fisherman.

[chackadaux]

After I've tired 3 diffenent kinds I can tell u, uneed to demo!!!! I am in the same boat as u. I am looking and waiting, But I plan on going to backpack & paddle and meet them on a sat to demo some I am looking into. Peddle drives sound good but want to start slow first then move up If I get the Fever these guy have on here. Still demoing is part of it, u still need to fish all day in one to really see how u feel in it. Hopefully i will beable to get that chance soon. I know how u are feeling. Hoping to get one buy fathers day, I have a feeling my Wife is planning something. So i give her a that chance.

[Redwolf]

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=162718&start=0

While the Natives are good rides, several members of TKF have had some serious issues with getting Native to respond to warranty issues. Here is one of the topics and it has links to some of the others as well.

[Branch_Office]

While at BackPacker yesterday, I noticed there is a "Demo Day" coming up at BR Beach I think next weekend (it was posted on the wall behind cash register) so that might be a good venue for you. If Lafayette is closer for you then visit John over at Pack and Paddle for a demo as well. I think they demo every Saturday by appointment (N/C) at Lake Martin.

In addition, BCKFC will be working with BackPacker here coming up to schedule our annual "Family Day" event and we invite BackPacker to come and bring as many yaks as they would like to demo as well as the club offers a FREE BBQ for all that would like to come and have fun!

Will keep everyone notified on the exact date but will not bee too far in the future......

[valvguy1]

Go to laflyfish.com look at the Calendar it will list ALL Demo Days Very Comprehensive Calendar

[kjnengr]

Y'all have been very helpful. I will keep you posted and let you know what I try out.

[kjnengr]

One more thing...Where is the best place to buy a yak. I have heard people talk about Massey's, Pack and Paddle, and I think the Backpacker in BR. I am not looking for the cheapest price, but the best all around package. Customer service is a big deal to me and I would like a place that will treat me right and help along the way.

[tugowar]

We try to encourage members to patron our sponsors.
I purchased my most recent yak from Pack & Paddle in Lafayette. True, it's 2 1/2 hours away and you'll drive past some other sponsors. But their service, knowledge, packaging, prices, and demo days are all first rate. P&P will receive all my future business.
They earned it.

[snake doctor]

One more thing...Where is the best place to buy a yak. I have heard people talk about Massey's, Pack and Paddle, and I think the Backpacker in BR. I am not looking for the cheapest price, but the best all around package. Customer service is a big deal to me and I would like a place that will treat me right and help along the way.

I would purchase with one of our local/regional sponsors. That way if you ever have a problem with your kayak then they will be on your side. It may cost a little more, but it is good insurance.

[papawd]

Pack n P addle in Laff. is first rate and I have seen some of the deals they have made and there help before and after the sale is first rate they have earned all of my business

[Chickapin]

Pack and Paddle is truly an amazing place. I haven't had problems at any kayak store, but the knowledge base at PnP is phenomenal. If you are there, ask for Skip, he will get you set up.

[Beaugator]

I have an Outback and love it. If you are looking for something you can stand up and cast a fly out of, I would probably try to find an opportunity to stand up in the boat before I bought it.

[kjnengr]

Tugowar was kind enough to let me try out his ride this evening after work. He not only let me get his kayak wet, but he gave me a bunch of pointers, suggestions, and examples of the way he does things. I can already see that this is going to be addictive. I can't wait to demo some more and I am really looking forward to getting all my funding squared away so that I can actually pick one up. Anyway, thanks again Stephen and thanks to all of y'all who have made suggestions along the way.

[uncleyak]

:welcome:Someone correct me I'm wrong, but Once you purchase you very first yak, you're suppose to christen it.
So, you ice down plenty of beer and invite the club to the ceremony!:buttrock:

[tugowar]

Tugowar was kind enough to let me try out his ride this evening after work. He not only let me get his kayak wet, but he gave me a bunch of pointers, suggestions, and examples of the way he does things. I can already see that this is going to be addictive. I can't wait to demo some more and I am really looking forward to getting all my funding squared away so that I can actually pick one up. Anyway, thanks again Stephen and thanks to all of y'all who have made suggestions along the way.
It was nice to meet you, Corey.
You've joined a very helpful, and sarcastic, bunch of yakkin knuckleheads.
Demo, demo, demo...and welcome to the addiction.

[Cobia 1]

:welcome:Someone correct me I'm wrong, but Once you purchase you very first yak, you're suppose to christen it.
So, you ice down plenty of beer and invite the club to the ceremony!:buttrock:

You don't even need a yak, just the thought and the rest of the supplies. Free Beer draws big crowds here!!!!

[Nobody]

It was nice to meet you, Corey.
You've joined a very helpful, and sarcastic, bunch of yakkin knuckleheads.
Demo, demo, demo...and welcome to the addiction.

Hey...I think I resemble that remark!!!

[yak-aholic]

No need to think Joe, you DO resemble that remark. But, then so do most of the rest of us on here.