Need info on fishing kayaks

[Brian D.]

I'm thinking again about buying a kayak. At this point I'm just kind of "tire kicking," but I'm trying to learn more. Maybe someone here could help me with the learning curve.

I've fished out of canoes quite a bit, but kayaks, not so much. I don't know enough about them, and I'd rather not learn through trial and error by buying something that's not really ideal for fishing.

What I'm trying to find out is what are the tradeoffs and balances with kayaks. For instance, I assume a shorter kayak is more maneuverable in fast water, but doesn't track as straight. So what length is the ideal middle of the road? I'm not interested in fishing flatwater with a kayak - I've got my Gheenoe for the lakes. I'd mainly be using it on small creeks and maybe some trout rivers that are too swift and rocky for my Gheenoe.

Likewise, what are the pros and cons of a sit-in as opposed to a sit-on-top kayak? I'm inclined to think I'd prefer a sit-in, but I'd be interested in hearing the good and bad of both designs.

Also, if there are any absolutely "can't live without" features I need to look for on a fishing kayak, please let me know.

There are some guys out there with some really tricked-out rigs - I don't need anything to that degree. I won't be fishing out of it enough to be interested in depth finders and stuff like that. I'd like to know what's essential though.

Thanks in advance,

bd

[greenman]

Brian. I rent a yak each year in FL to fish skinny water. I get a SOT (sit on top) it's in the 14 to 16ft class I think. As tracking is an issue. In NH I rented a sit inside one year to fish the Connecticut river as we floated downstream. I laid the paddle on my lap to make any adjustments. But once I got going the yak pretty much went downriver at a slight angle making it perfect to cast to the bank closest to me. It was an 8ft boat and tracked like a drunken sailor when paddled. A sit on top comes in a variety of sizes and will give you the extra option of putting a milk crate on the back to store stuff. If you could find a short one with a rear rudder that would be great as you could control your drift with the rudder.

Native makes a hybrid yak/canoe thing that I think you can stand in. Not one of those stupid forked tail creations.

[greenman]

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/guide_intro.cfm

[FishTX]

I've never tried a sit on top or long kayak of any type. I have a short, sit inside type. Don't waste your time with one like mine. It makes juggling the paddle and rod more difficult. And you don't have as much room for gear.

The best thing about my kayak is it is light compared to my canoe and I can fish out of it in the wind easier than in the canoe.

[greenman]

SOTs can be heavy cause of the extra weight of the plastic on top and the length if you get a longer one.

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Brian,

You have to ask yourself if want to do floats or are you wanting to paddle upstream and fish back taking out at the same point? Do want the boat to be something you fish out of or do you want the boat merely to propel you through dead spots or water that is too difficult to wade?

In my way of thinking if you want to float fish get a pontoon. Kayaks require far two much input with the paddle to be of much use as a fly fishing conveyance. With a pontoon you have the option of using foot power to make the adjustments that are always required while drifting. You may also want to consider the raft type boats like the Watermaster. One other thing to consider with a kayak, as opposed to a pontoon, or even a solo canoe for that matter is the fact that you will always be at least damp and more likely wet when fishing in a kayak. That paddle dipping alternately left and right leads to a lot of drips in the middle of the boat, in a sit-on-top the scuppers should get rid of the water but in a sit inside you'll need a bildge sponge and or pump handy during warm weather and dry suit for colder weather. A good dry suit that can protect you in 40 degree water can make waders look downright cheap.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

[gils_gone_wild]

Find yourself a Demo Day. Should be something in your area. Try out as many as you can. Talk to as many people as you can. THEN, pull the trigger.

[JLT]

Dear Brian,

You have to ask yourself if want to do floats or are you wanting to paddle upstream and fish back taking out at the same point? Do want the boat to be something you fish out of or do you want the boat merely to propel you through dead spots or water that is too difficult to wade?

In my way of thinking if you want to float fish get a pontoon. Kayaks require far two much input with the paddle to be of much use as a fly fishing conveyance. With a pontoon you have the option of using foot power to make the adjustments that are always required while drifting. You may also want to consider the raft type boats like the Watermaster. One other thing to consider with a kayak, as opposed to a pontoon, or even a solo canoe for that matter is the fact that you will always be at least damp and more likely wet when fishing in a kayak. That paddle dipping alternately left and right leads to a lot of drips in the middle of the boat, in a sit-on-top the scuppers should get rid of the water but in a sit inside you'll need a bildge sponge and or pump handy during warm weather and dry suit for colder weather. A good dry suit that can protect you in 40 degree water can make waders look downright cheap.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Brian,
Tim hit the nail on the head here. I've been using a pontoon for several years and while I've never used a kayak to fish I've always wondered how the people who do, do it efficiently. The first time I took my 'toon down a river I did so with out kick fins, what a mistake that was. Another advanage of a pontoon is you'll sit higher than a kayak... My 8' pontoon handles like a dream, and I truely can't see any difference between it and my old "float tube". Both can spin on a dime with a simple kick of the fins.

I really think that if you tried both the pontoon WILL win..

JLT