How to transport Kayaks

I've got 2 sets of those (4 Cradles) and Thule cross bars mounted to the factory roof rack rack....they are mounted on my Tahoe. We love them - we do take them off when we are using them and store them in the back of the truck - in case of theft. I did not get a roof rack on the new Tacoma - wish I had as I would like to use them on the Tacoma too. We have quite a few kayaks (Jackson fishing kayaks and Dagger White water kayaks) and have tried a lot of different options. The white water kayaks as well as the fishing kayaks sit very firmly in the cradles.

 

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

On the roof. If you dont have a tonneau and you wanted to stay on the cheap you could build a 2x4 cube in the box and mount em that way over the box and roof.

 

I have a set of Malone folding cradles. They work fine on the OEM roof rack for long distance with a single 12' kayak. For local runs, I just throw it in the bed.

 

I'm going to start kayak fishing this spring. Does anybody have any advice on choosing a kayak?

Thanks!

 

Get a used hobie. You will enjoy the sport better than a paddle yak.

If you decide it's not for you, you can sell it for what you got it for. Assuming you are good at bargaining

 

What is your budget and what kind of water do your normally fish? (Big lakes/Small ponds/coastal/rivers/offshore/flats etc. That info will help a lot in narrowing down a size boat. (I've been doing this 20 years and am in the business).

 

Get a sit on top kayak. Then take it out before fishing out of it and tip it over so u know what to expect when u don't expect to flip.

Also, alot of dealers have "try it out days" in summer on flat water where u can try all their models on the water for free to see how u like. A new decent kayak these days start around 1k so its worth the investment in time to find what fits u best.

 

I'm not afraid to spend up to $1000 starting out. I will fish ponds, possible creeks, rivers, small/big lakes. But I don't plan on any long adventures quite yet. I would say I'll be in small lakes/ponds 70%. I am really considering the new Jackson Bite. It's nice and simple which I like, as well as wider which I assume will help me learn standing. It looks great for a starter.. especially at $799.

 

That's the plan! Thanks for the advice!

 

In that price range with that type of water you have a pretty good choice of kayaks these days from just about every Kayak manufacturer, Jackson Bite, Bonafide RS117, Nu Canoe Flint, Old Town Topwaters, and Crescent Kayaks Lite Tackle and Ultra Lite. There are more but those are the USA manufactured models that quickly come to mind.

 

I do really like the design of the Bonafied you pointed out. I think the hardest part is there 100 manufacturers saying the same thing.. they have the best product. Mainly because if I'm spending upwards of $1000 I don't want to make a mistake or have remorse. Good thing there's still time before spring!

 

All of those I listed are solid choices quality and paddling performance so I would have no fear choosing whichever one meets your specific needs. They are all made with quality materials and have solid warranties. I have owned boats from most of those companies in the past. You just have to figure out which features are important to you and give it a whirl. Also note you can get good deals on used boats as well.

 

I've found Jackson, Bonafied, and Old Town dealers somewhat close to me so I can definitely check them out. It's hard to find used around here unless I can find a store that will sell used. I really do appreciate your advice it opened me to new ideas!

 

I’d suggest looking at the kysek k12 kayak. They don’t call Louisiana sportsman paradise for nothing, and being manufactured here they built it just for that reason. Buddy has one, only kayak I’ve seen that is pretty damn stable even while standing for fishing. Big enough to carry a decent ice chest.

 

I have enjoyed my Thule Hullavator.

 

Longer is faster, wider is slower but more stable. Do you want to stand up to fish? Find the sweet spot for you. Include a good, light paddle in your budget, plus a comfortable PFD. Add up your weight plus the weight of any gear you might carry (tackle, cooler, anchor, etc.) and don’t let that exceed 70% of the stated weight capacity of the kayak. Test drive any kayak if you can. Figure out where you’ll store it. Have fun, and remember that BOAT stands for Break Out Another Thousand, even if it’s a small plastic one.

 

THIS WAY!

 

Right on sounds like a great company.

 

I'm really interested in trying out the Bonafide RS117. It sounds like a great choice for me with a dealer only about 40 minutes away. Thanks for the input!