Any kayak fishermen?

[xbokilla]

Guys I didn't make the initial post but love reading some of the replies. Got a pal wanting me to buy one and start fishing with him. I saw Predator mentioned which is one I've looked at. Does anyone know anything about Ocean Prowler series?


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[JeepComanche]

They were a predominant brand when i got into it, don't see or hear much about them anymore for whatever reason. May just be me not noticing, lord there is some amazing kayaks available. And i want some of the features off all of them rolled into one. I'm really stuck on the Hobie MirageDrive, it's great.


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[BTOWNER]

Guys I didn't make the initial post but love reading some of the replies. Got a pal wanting me to buy one and start fishing with him. I saw Predator mentioned which is one I've looked at. Does anyone know anything about Ocean Prowler series?


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Not sure where you are located but T and T in Bardstown is a Old Town and Ocean Kayak dealer.

 

[smashdn]

I don't think I would spend the extra money for the ones with the foot pedal deal as I am out of my kayak dragging it through riffles or sliding over rocks in most of the places I take mine.

I have a Perception sport sit in model that is a fishing model but I use it for kayamping too. The ability to carry gear and keep it dry is a big plus.

 

[WaterDog88]

I bought a used native ultimate. Great for getting into tight spots. My advise is to 1. Get a long paddle. And 2. If you can use some pads or cushions to get you seat a little higher, but not too high. It will help with casting while sitting down.

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[EC]

Really been thinking about getting into this. I just don't want to be "tied down" with a bigger boat and deal with all the headaches that comes with that. Been there, done that. I'm getting too old for all that! LOL!! Besides, I like fishing and even hunting by myself most times and handling a boat and trailer is a pain.

I just want to get something I can throw into a Durango and haul off anywhere (I don't want to fool with a trailer and looking for something I can just store in the garage). I'm sorta leaning toward a pedal kayak--because it would appear constantly using a paddle seems to be contraindicating to the process of fishing. On the other hand, a pedal craft would seem to limit one being on more shallow water (because of the rudder and screw protruding from the keel)--assuming it is "rocky"--like Elkhorn Creek outside of Frankfort. So I'm thinking a paddle--rather than pedal--kayak might serve better in all sorts of situations.

The other thing is--I've never actually been in a kayak. So I'm not sure how stable these things are. Some of these "fishing" kayaks look wider than the standard kayak so it looks to promote more stability. I've done a ton of canoeing. Especially as a kid...taking several days combination canoeing and camping trips. But I don't have any desire to "shoot the rapids" anymore, and I don't necessarily want to do any unplanned swimming and hours long diving looking for my stuff on the bottom of creeks, rivers. LOL

 

[smashdn]

Most of the fishing designed sit on tops are stable enough to stand in.

Mine is a sit in model and as long as you have your feet on the feet pegs it is very stable as well. Getting in and getting out are your most precarious moments. Once you are in and relax a bit it is next to impossible to flip.

The closest I came to getting wet was when I was getting in on a steep bank just upstream from a flat bridge with culverts running under it. The current kept trying to get me up against the bridge. I still didn't take on water however.

 

[EC]

Most of the fishing designed sit on tops are stable enough to stand in.

Mine is a sit in model and as long as you have your feet on the feet pegs it is very stable as well. Getting in and getting out are your most precarious moments. Once you are in and relax a bit it is next to impossible to flip.

The closest I came to getting wet was when I was getting in on a steep bank just upstream from a flat bridge with culverts running under it. The current kept trying to get me up against the bridge. I still didn't take on water however.

Thanks. That was helpful. Do you pedal or paddle?

 

[smashdn]

Paddle. I bought one of them fishing specific paddles with the notches in the paddle and ruler on the shaft.

Paddling while fishing is not that big of a deal. You just lay the paddle across your lap and fish. Every now and again you can reach down and adjust your drift with one hand on the paddle if needed.

Most times I just float along with the current and only paddle enough to keep me in position.

If you fish a bunch of lakes and won't be going through shallow water the pedal style might be the ticket. I would break it off where I fish with my kayak.

 

[EC]

Paddle. I bought one of them fishing specific paddles with the notches in the paddle and ruler on the shaft.

Paddling while fishing is not that big of a deal. You just lay the paddle across your lap and fish. Every now and again you can reach down and adjust your drift with one hand on the paddle if needed.

Most times I just float along with the current and only paddle enough to keep me in position.

If you fish a bunch of lakes and won't be going through shallow water the pedal style might be the ticket. I would break it off where I fish with my kayak.

Makes sense.

I'm assuming you have no live well on a kayak for obvious reasons (space, mainly). So you just hang a stringer off of it? And if so, does the fish move the kayak around? Would an anchor keep the kayak in one spot?

 

[smashdn]

With the exception of two trips below wolf creek I have never fished for keeps out of it. I just used a stringer then with them hanging off the edge with enough slack to get them to go deep. No issues.

Those sit on top versions can have small baitwell/livewells on them. You can strap a cooler to them as well.

When I camp out of mine I have had it loaded down pretty good. Backpack behind me in a garbage bag, a drybag on the bungies on the back and a small drink cooler between my legs, sleeping pad in the very front of the boat. There is more room in them that you think but the more you load it down the lower it rides in the water the harder it is to paddle.

They have those little folding grapple style anchors for kayaks but I have never used one. I just float in one spot or wedge between rocks or roots to hold a spot.

You should borrow a few for a trip and see how you like them. I am afraid to try a nice sit on top because I may just love it and have to buy it.

 

[JeepComanche]

If i fished rocky creeks i would have 2 kayaks. The Hobie wouldn't do well i don't think. Stability?, never been over with any of mine(knock wood lol), cant say the same with jon boats. I've flipped my 10 footer more times than i care to remember. Went fishing the other day with a guy and his 12 footer and about pooped my pants, I was uncomfortable all day. We fish the big lakes frequently in some pretty hairy situations and never felt uncomfortable. Maybe we should have a meet and greet and let others try out different boats. Im willing if we can work it out and im off work. Would answer alot of questions for alot of folks.
We could have a regular ole class and people could see how we deal with transportation, storage, fishfinders, paddling/pedaling, all the little nuances that are unique to kayak fishing, I can think of a million things.

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[ptbrauch]

Really been thinking about getting into this. I just don't want to be "tied down" with a bigger boat and deal with all the headaches that comes with that. Been there, done that. I'm getting too old for all that! LOL!! Besides, I like fishing and even hunting by myself most times and handling a boat and trailer is a pain.

I just want to get something I can throw into a Durango and haul off anywhere (I don't want to fool with a trailer and looking for something I can just store in the garage). I'm sorta leaning toward a pedal kayak--because it would appear constantly using a paddle seems to be contraindicating to the process of fishing. On the other hand, a pedal craft would seem to limit one being on more shallow water (because of the rudder and screw protruding from the keel)--assuming it is "rocky"--like Elkhorn Creek outside of Frankfort. So I'm thinking a paddle--rather than pedal--kayak might serve better in all sorts of situations.

The other thing is--I've never actually been in a kayak. So I'm not sure how stable these things are. Some of these "fishing" kayaks look wider than the standard kayak so it looks to promote more stability. I've done a ton of canoeing. Especially as a kid...taking several days combination canoeing and camping trips. But I don't have any desire to "shoot the rapids" anymore, and I don't necessarily want to do any unplanned swimming and hours long diving looking for my stuff on the bottom of creeks, rivers. LOL

If you can paddle a canoe, a kayak will be no issue. My 8 and 12 year old's each have a kayak and neither felt they were in any danger of tipping on their maiden voyages.

And as for a paddle or pedal, it depends on where you like to take it. I won't have a pedal because my home waters is Floyds Fork. But if I was doing lake fishing, then I'm sure I'd want a pedal.

There's a FB group, Louisville Area Canoe and Kayak, that is a good way to try out different kayaks. They are always having meet ups and volunteering extra kayaks for newcomers to try out. You can also rent one at the Parklands.

 

[WaterDog88]

Get a small paddle like this to adjust your drift while fishing

I keep my yak pointed up stream most of the time when drifting. Sometimes I'll drop a drag chain off the front and or anchor and fish.


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[BTOWNER]

It's all about what you want really. I take my pedal Native anywhere I want to take it. The rudder drags every now and then but never had an issue just like 4 others that I know that have the same boat. The only downfall to the peddle yaks in my opinion is weight and size, which can be an issue entering and exiting steep banks, but that is where a good rope and a buddy come in handy. I have fished Floyd's at 100 cfs and Elkhorn at 150 cfs no issue. The best advice I can give is don't sweat the small details and get one you think you will like. You can always sale it and not lose much and upgrade if needed.