Fishing out of a kayak?

Thanks. Kind of my opinion as well. It's a nice yak, but weighs about 20lbs more than my Stealth 9. I load mine in the truck bed, but like being able to drop it in pretty much anywhere.

 

If anybody's looking for super cheap scupper plugs, I use these. They're "feet" for like a bar stool. Couple bucks at Lowe's or HD. They work fine for everywhere except right under the seat (if you have a low-riding seat).

 

just curious buy why do people plug the scupper?

 

+1 on a hobie, especially with the mirage drive. The only problem is the price. You could find a decent used skiff for the price of a hobie. Have you ever considered a small skiff?

http://www.livingstonboats.com/pages/livingston-14-boat

 

You can remove them if needed.

 

I originally ordered a 2015 Hobie Outback, but I returned it twice(two different ones) because the the seat stands in the high position were off center at rear. Was really annoyed buying a $2k kayak that needed some QC. Fast forward a few weeks later, I went to a kayak demo put on by a nearby dealer. I tried many of the fishing kayaks out: Hobie Outback, Wilderness Systems, Viking Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Old Towne, Feel Free. I can’t say for certain which was the fastest as I’m a beginner, not to mention it was demo in a decent sized pound so no chop to speak of, but this is what stuck out. I won’t mention the features, but you can research if you wish.

Hobie the most effortless with Mirage Drive, very comfortable seat(perhaps best seat), & had good stability. Get up to speed and stay there with ease.
WS Tarpon 120, moves out quickly, but wasn't very stable for me.
Viking was the lightest, made of different material. Also, moves out quickly and somewhat stable.
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler I believe, decent overall with speed and stability.
Old Towne Predator. Very stable to stand, comfortable seat, just too slow.
FeelFree Lure 10 & 11.5 were very comfortable seat. Super stable, easy to stand, but just too slow.
No Jackson Kayaks at demo, these were also on my wish list.

My Choice: FeelFree Moken 12.5, this one stuck out to me from all at the demo. Not only was it stable and good speed, it also tracked really well without rudder. Plenty of angler features, not a chair type seating, but the most comfortable 4 point adjustable seat. I can stand, but still the Lure and Predator were much more stable. If I just did freshwater, I’d consider comfort and stability mainly. Since I also do saltwater needed something that can move. The Moken 12.5 being the better rounded kayak for me. I really wanted the Hobie because mirage drive, but until the seat issue gets resolved I will wait. Not to mention, the Moken was less than half of the Hobie. Also, I did fish out of a Lure 11.5 that I borrowed until I received mine from backorder. You can stand as long as you want on that thing. I was using it like a paddle board at times when I was fishing. Last thing, the Moken 12.5 was not on my radar the least bit until I took it for ride. I will update this thread once I take it inshore and get some more seat time.

 

I plug the two in the back to keep my gear semi dry. The ones under the seat to keep my butt dry(er). The fronts, I don't worry about.

 

Anybody seen these Mokai motorized kayaks? Pretty cool, a lot of dudes modding them out etc.

 

And they weigh a ton

 

Compared to a kayak they do, but hobie's can get pretty expensive. I've seen guys with 12 and 14ft skiff load them in the bed of thier tacoma.

 

Exactly what I do

 

In my slayer, when it's loaded, the deck is actually slightly below the waterline. So, without the scupper plugs, water gets in the boat and gets my stuff wet. If I were to get swamped by a wake or something, I could pull a plug to drain the deck. If I were floating a river with rapids, I would leave them unplugged.

 

Ohh ok I have a pro angler ans that thing sits pretty dang hight

 

What's everyone doing to tie down the front of their kayaks? I'm using J cradles on top of a Prinsu rack. I can tie down the back to the bed but not sure the best thing to do for the front.

 

For the front I have a pair of straps that I wrap around the hood hinges

 

I've seen the ones were you fasten them down on a fender bolt but never thought of wrapping them around the hinge

 

i don't tie off the ends. 2 ratchet straps and its solid on the rack.