Official Kayaking/Canoeing Thread

Yeah, I mostly fly fish so I'm always standing. But when I'm using my spin setup I love the higher seat setting for sitting quick maneuverability/paddling

 

All I really need is two rods and some all purpose storage space.

I'm currently in a Bic surfing kayak. no back support, other than the small molded seat. some thigh straps so you can toss the thing around on some waves. it's heavy, terribly slow on flat water, and has zero padding, but I've fished out of it for entire days, and put some mileage on it in single outings. moral of the story is that whatever I get, it will be an upgrade, and likely far more than what I need. however, I've learned to always get more than what you think you need when it comes to anything watercraft, especially in terms or growth/expansion of your involvement in the hobby. that being said, smaller details like a seat that moves up and down a few inches is not going to be a deal killer, should the kayak I like not have one.

I don't know if i'll stand for fishing, but a padded seat would be a very nice upgrade!

 

If none of that stuff matters then why not just keep what you have?

 

He is looking for something bigger I believe that he can outfit with rod holders and a cooler.

 

If your budget is closer to $1500 than $500, definitely ignore anything you see in a Dicks or BP. Go to a real outfitter or kayak store & try out some Jacksons or anything else mentioned above. I love my Ocean Kayak Trident 13 for fishing, but there are too many brands out there to only look at one. I will say the seat in my Oceak Kayak is really really comfy- it's neoprene with padding and good integrated lumbar straps for lower back support. I'm a fairly big guy and I can sit in my OK all day with no back or leg pain. My arms are pretty wiped after a full day on the water though!

 

precisely.

I guess what I said came across wrong. I can fish from what I have, but it's not too comfortable, and it's terribly inefficient. while an adjustable seat and all kinds of bells and whistles are great, and may be on a kayak I choose, they aren't the priority. the cooler and storage space is a larger priority. I may not always need to adjust the seat for a good fishing position (I won't always be fishing), but i'll surely have a cooler and some gear with my at all times.

 

Check out Kayak Angler magazine. They have good kayak reviews and articles. You can subscribe free for the PC version. Mobile or print versions cost.

 

oh man, that's a dangerous site to be on

really digging this Jackson. the difference between a $700 dicks kayak and a $1200 specialty kayak are pretty incredible.
http://www.rapidmedia.com/kayak-fishing/categories/4325-first-look-jackson-kayak-coosa-hd.html

 

O man, i miss kayak surfing! I had an Ocean Kayak Scrambler, and added some thigh straps and man can you have some fun long rides on waves. When you position yourself right and paddle hard and lean into the face of the wave, some fun riding indeed! Colinb17 has got the technique down! Kayak fishing is a lot of fun too. Scotty is one company of many, that makes all kinds of accessories that are fishing related.

 

If I had my druthers (and a $1000 of disposable income), my first choice would be the Jackson Coosa. A friend of mine is a rep for Jackson and helped design it. We used to mod the hell out of our kayaks for river fishing and the kayak manufacturers finally caught up with us. Drew took his knowledge and experience and helped make some great design decisions when they built that thing. He kind of pioneered stand-up fishing in the rivers down here using the old OK Drifters and that Coosa is designed to stand in.

But, lacking the one grand, I decided to buy a discount Pescador off Amazon for less than $500 to match my old WS Tarpon. I like the design of these boats. They're don't have all the newest features like the multi-position seating, etc. But they are durable, relatively fast, stable and comfortable enough. Personally, I'd get a Pescador for less before I'd buy an off-brand from Dick's or BassPro or Walmart. You'll get more for your money.

 

Did someone say fly fish

 

FYI there's some deals going on at steep and cheap right now on kayaks:

http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-cache/shop-the-water-gear-collection

 

Didn't want to take my atvs off the trailer today. Luckily it's a short few mile to the lake. Was a short but fun day with the family.

 

I need to learn to fly fish but I just bought a second kayak for a nice pre season discount. Wilderness systems pungo 120

 

Nice, sweet FJ too!

 

Very nice. I've got a pungo 120 too. Great all around kayak. I use mine for both fresh and saltwater fishing, camping, floating around and consuming small amounts.of adult beverages. You'll be happy with it

 

The dry storage behind the seat makes for a mighty fine cooler only downfall is the rear sinks down a good bit haha

 

Have (2) Pelican 10ft sit-on-top yaks that I take with me everywhere I go that has some body of water...it's a BLAST!!!

 

My sit on top pelican. Love this thing, it doesnt have all the bells and whistles (which would be nice) but in all honesty I dont need em and are a waste of money for me. Also, the vertical fishing rod holder is my favorite mod I have done to my truck!

 

I've got a LiquidLogic Duece Coupe that my wife, son and I used to go out on all the time. Now she doesn't like bugs, he's got a truck and a girlfriend, and I now have a full time fishing kayak. Left in the center seat and installing some Scottys rod holders...I'm ready.