Any Kayakers?? Need help!

[Dixie_reefer]

Ok so I have saved good chunk of change and want to suprise my husband with a good SOT kayak that he can fish in as a Christmas present. We are moving to Fort Meade Maryland and I foresee many days on the water for us while we're there. They yak must be at least 12' long, he might take it out on the bay. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have $800 to spend, I'm hoping that can get me a decent boat! Here are a few I found, thoughts?

 

[Dsnakes]

Those all look like good choices. I have a hobie that I use in the Ocean, it's super stable but somewhat slow. For the bay up there, Id imagine he would love any of those. They look sleek enough to move well and as long as there are fishing attachments! :) That's a great gift. Mine was a birthday gift from my wife.

 

[Maximizer]

I have the pescador pro 120. Which is right about in that price range. I'm not a big person so it's a good fit for me. But I also only fish lakes and rivers. A lot of it is going to depend on the type of build your husband is and what type of fishing he mostly does.

 

[Maximizer]

Also a good place to look is Austin kayak

 

[jd371]

I would say if price isn't an option then either the Hobie Outback or Pro Angler are perfect for fishing. The difference between these and standard Kayaks is they have a Mirage Drive which is basically a pedal drive system. A big plus if you want to stay in one spot in the current or if your trolling for fish, you can keep your hands on the rod while you move through the water using pedals.
Of the ones pictured the Field and Stream looks like the one I have. As a matter of fact there is just a handful of companies making Kayaks and they re-brand a lot of them to sell in the brick and mortar stores. The one I have is a Pescador 12 that was sold at West Marine and few other stores but is actually an older model of a Tarpon 120 by Wilderness Systems and the parent company Perception Kayak. If possible the best thing is have your husband sit in a few of them to get the feel and fit of it.

Here's mine all decked out for fishing.

 

[Daltrey]

I do alot of kayak fishing. Ive owned several and fish from a wilderness systems ride 115 that is rigged with a stern mounted trolling motor and uses foot pedal steering. I can also stand and fish from it.

Size is a big factor. The wider it is usually the more stable it is but also the harder it is to paddle and fish from once the wind picks up. Also weight comes into play as mine weighs over 100 lbs fully loaded and toting to the truck and back by yourself after paddling and fishing all day isn't as easy as it seems.

Honestly it may not be the biggest surprise but I would take him to one of the stores and let him pick. They all have their strengths and weaknesses but comfort for me is number one and what may be comfortable for one may not be for another.

 

[Dixie_reefer]

I ended up going with the Field and Stream Eagle Talon 120! Now just waiting for it to be delivered.

 

[Daltrey]

That's a great fishing kayak. It was copied off the more expensive Wilderness Systems tarpon.

 

[Dixie_reefer]

Where can we find things to customize the yak? Like rails, seats, etc?

 

[Daltrey]

Academy and Dick's both have an entire section for kayak fishing gear. I use mostly yak attack gear on mine.

I would say start off with a simple milk crate to begin with. Also you're going to want some leashes for rods and reels or anything valuable that can go into the water. I would fish with it a few times so you can get the feel of where you might want to put extra rod holders or anchor trolleys.

Plus these waterproof plano cases are my go to for carrying fishing tackle. They come in all sizes. As a bonus they float.



I use the same bending branches paddle as above. A good paddle makes all the difference.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006...ords=bending+branches+kayak+paddle&th=1&psc=1

 

[Pongo]

Austin Canoe and Kayak is a great online resource for all things kayak fishing.

Also see if there are any local online kayak fishing forums for tips on rigging, general safety tips and hot spots to fish.

 

[jd371]

I've used kayakfishinggear.com a very good site for outfitting the kayak.

That's a great fishing kayak. It was copied off the more expensive Wilderness Systems tarpon.

Yes, a tried and true design.

 

[ihavecrabs]

Academy and Dick's both have an entire section for kayak fishing gear. I use mostly yak attack gear on mine.

I would say start off with a simple milk crate to begin with. Also you're going to want some leashes for rods and reels or anything valuable that can go into the water. I would fish with it a few times so you can get the feel of where you might want to put extra rod holders or anchor trolleys.

Plus these waterproof plano cases are my go to for carrying fishing tackle. They come in all sizes. As a bonus they float.



I use the same bending branches paddle as above. A good paddle makes all the difference.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006...ords=bending+branches+kayak+paddle&th=1&psc=1

I live about 25 miles from where they make these cases!

 

[KMench]

Seems like you've gotten some good advice already. Welcome to the area! I live in Delaware, with family in Ft. Meade. :)

 

[Daltrey]

I live about 25 miles from where they make these cases!

I think I've been keeping them in business, ha. As far as kayak fishing I love it. Sold my bassboat several years ago and never looked back. No maintenance, no gas and most importantly no washing and waxing a boat anymore, ha.