Any Opinions

[tph]

Pro's and Con's of Emotion Grand Slam Angler for my first yak

[Branch_Office]

Good looking yak with some nice features as standard on that model. I see Cabela's has them on sale right now so make sure you check that out. Lots of storage...

[valvguy1]

Just watched the video. Couple thoughts. I heard from one of Cabelas Staff recently that they do allow Demo rides on their lake. I would try to take them up on that. You might have to get past the "Clerk" level an into management in order to get that to happen.

I was a little taken aback when I watched the grand Slam video. One of their "features" was that their tankwell accepted Plano Boxes. I'm guessing that could also be stated as...... we have a very small tankwell which won't accept a milk crate. I though.... well....... that could be OK........ since it has rod holders. Ooops..... no rod holders.... it needs to accept a milk crate.

TPH...... I don't know how much experience you have fishing from a Kayak. Maybe you're like I was 2 years ago. None. As a family we have been thru 9 kayaks for 3 people. With the exception of one more change - we are finally settled. I know it feels silly but whenever you demo..... I'd show up with a milk crate ready to go.... a rod or two or three...... a net, etc. Paddle around and fish or pretend if you aren't allowed to actually fish. This is one of the advantages of demos from BackPacker, Massey's, Pack and Paddle. You will come away with a MUCH better idea where to put stuff, assuming there's room, etc.

Also...... I'm a fan of quality USED yaks to start off. There are a lot of affordable yaks out there.

[Racechaser]

If Cabelas's says no on the demo, I may be able to help on that.

[yak-aholic]

I know absolutely nothing about that particular yak. Another good yak to consider as a starter would be the Perception Pescadore 12 at Academy. See if you can find a member who has one for you to demo since that's not really an option at Academy.

All in all, make sure you demo many boats in your price range before you decide to buy. Just because one looks good on paper or in the store, doesn't mean you'll like it on the water.

[valvguy1]

I know absolutely nothing about that particular yak. Another good yak to consider as a starter would be the Perception Pescadore 12 at Academy. See if you can find a member who has one for you to demo since that's not really an option at Academy.

All in all, make sure you demo many boats in your price range before you decide to buy. Just because one looks good on paper or in the store, doesn't mean you'll like it on the water.

Landon thanks for bringing that one up. I was just looking it up. It looks to me to be the old Wilderness Tarpon T120 design which a lot of people will swear by. Now new hatch....... no new track whatever they call it (yawn) and no awesome seat. Otherwise a very sound hull at 1/2 the original price.

[theoldcaster]

I think I have a friend that is going to sell an older model tarpon if you are interested I will talk to him

[yak-aholic]

Landon thanks for bringing that one up. I was just looking it up. It looks to me to be the old Wilderness Tarpon T120 design which a lot of people will swear by. Now new hatch....... no new track whatever they call it (yawn) and no awesome seat. Otherwise a very sound hull at 1/2 the original price.

Yes it is based on the old Tarpon 120. I haven't tried it, but that hull is supposed to be a really good one. Basically you're getting a brand new old model Tarpon for about $500. As valvguy said, the new ones are practically double that.

[Biggie]

I have the pescador 12 and it is a good yak. I love mine. I will be getting a hobie sometime next year and will hold onto my pescador. It is stable and has a decent amount of storage. I will swear by this yak. You deff get the bang for your buck.

[Craptin]

If Im looking at the right boat, here (http://www.amazon.com/Emotion-Kayaks-Grandslam-Angler-Kayak/dp/B002ZQM2Z8), that looks a whole helluva lot like a heritage redfish hull to me. The front hatch is different, they added that middle hatch (which I would like to add to my redfish) and depending on what pics you look at the handles are in slightly different places, but other than that I'd have to say it's the redfish hull.

[tph]

I really appreciate the feedback yall have been giving me on my prospective yak. I have only fished out of a kayak 3 times and after the 3rd time I was "hooked". I will be making my purchase in the next couple of weeks...and hope to catch up with some of you out on the water....for some fall redfishing........