FISHING KAYAKS

[banjo]

Just wondering if any & how many on here fish from Kayaks or canoes..I'm interested in this but have'nt brought one.Thinking more on the lines of a yak.Theres so many to pick from & some of the prices are very expensive.
I've only looked on ebay at the moment & i try & read as much as i can on differant models.I like the Jackson yaks cuba & coosa but they are very expensive.Seen one on ebay the other day which has these rear pontoons that you can extend out for stability when fishing & standing , it even comes with an electric motor..Oh yeah the Jackson company is out of the states.But have seen them here for sale.
Anyway was wondering if you use one of these.& why you chose a yak or canoe.& if you have some pics of it you could share..
I get the idea its best to get a wide flat bottom hull for a yak..I would also like to use the yak to load up some camping gear eventualy to go overnite maybe..So any thoughts & why..Also looking at this one on ebay as its close by .Mind you i have'nt even got the roof racks yet to pick any up..

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/300844424720'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

this is the one with the pontoons

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221171636721'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

These are the Jackson ones.

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/140653572173'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130562291757'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Also seen this which i thought was a good idea.

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/390499742367'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

I also seen in an anaconda email the other day they had a reasonable one for under $300 .Basic but i could add to it with the rod holders and the like.

Thanks guys in advance.

[vnx205]

I have caught quite a few trout and flathead from canoes and kayaks, but have never used anything like the craft that most kayak fishermen now use.

That is because I am a kayaker first and a fisherman second. So my canoe fishing was done from a traditional 15ft canoe and my kayak fishing is done from my sea kayaks. A couple of people I paddle with regularly are keener kayakers and keener fishermen than I am. They often fish for salmon and tailor outside in sea kayaks and are likely to deliberately do an eskimo roll before they come back in through the surf in order to rinse the blood off the deck where they have their catch secures in a mesh bag.

I'm not that keen and I don't suppose you are that skilled.

Nevertherless, there are a few comments that I can offer that might help you make a decision.

The first thing I have noticed is that most purpose built fishing kayaks are heavy. Some are unbelievably heavy. The heaviest one I have ever seen reviewed weighed 70kg. Most weigh around 30 to 40kg. That is a lot of weight to lift onto the top of the car. I prefer my 10.8kg racing kayak that I can lift onto the car with one hand or my 13kg sea kayak. For some people, the weight is not an issue, but if your situation means that you might do yourself a mischief transferring the kayak between the vehicle and the storage, you might look closely at the weight. There are SOTs that are very similar to the specialised fishing ones, but weigh a lot less.

If you live within walking distance of the water and can just put the kayak on a little trolley and walk to your launching spot, weight might not matter.

You mentioned overnight. Any kayak less than about 4.5 metres will be a bit slow. Any 3 metre kayak with a flat bottom will be very slow. While you might say you are not in a hurry to get there, just consider the possibility that you might be in a bit of a hurry to get home if the weather looks like turning nasty. Trying to hurry home at the end of a long day with the wind and the tide or current against you is not an enjoyable experience. If there is any chance of trying a kayak similar to the ones you are considering it might be worth trying to cover some distance to see what you and the kayak are capable of.

All other things being equal (which they never are in practice), a longer kayak will be easier to paddle straight. Of course there is a downside to a longer kayak. They will probably be heavier.

I think looking for something you can stand up in (or on) means you will also be looking at something so wide that paddling it will be slow and uncomfortable. Wide kayaks can be difficult to handle off the water and can be unpleasant to paddle. I think standing up in a fishing kayak is a silly idea, but then I have never been able to see the attraction of standing up in a tinnie either. :) I like to fish sitting down.

My advice, for what it is worth, is don't get stuck with something that is so heavy that you hate getting it out to go fishing and don't get something so short that it takes you forever to get anywhere.

[banjo]

I have caught quite a few trout and flathead from canoes and kayaks, but have never used anything like the craft that most kayak fishermen now use.

That is because I am a kayaker first and a fisherman second. So my canoe fishing was done from a traditional 15ft canoe and my kayak fishing is done from my sea kayaks. A couple of people I paddle with regularly are keener kayakers and keener fishermen than I am. They often fish for salmon and tailor outside in sea kayaks and are likely to deliberately do an eskimo roll before they come back in through the surf in order to rinse the blood off the deck where they have their catch secures in a mesh bag.

I'm not that keen and I don't suppose you are that skilled.

Nevertherless, there are a few comments that I can offer that might help you make a decision.

The first thing I have noticed is that most purpose built fishing kayaks are heavy. Some are unbelievably heavy. The heaviest one I have ever seen reviewed weighed 70kg. Most weigh around 30 to 40kg. That is a lot of weight to lift onto the top of the car. I prefer my 10.8kg racing kayak that I can lift onto the car with one hand or my 13kg sea kayak. For some people, the weight is not an issue, but if your situation means that you might do yourself a mischief transferring the kayak between the vehicle and the storage, you might look closely at the weight. There are SOTs that are very similar to the specialised fishing ones, but weigh a lot less.

If you live within walking distance of the water and can just put the kayak on a little trolley and walk to your launching spot, weight might not matter.

You mentioned overnight. Any kayak less than about 4.5 metres will be a bit slow. Any 3 metre kayak with a flat bottom will be very slow. While you might say you are not in a hurry to get there, just consider the possibility that you might be in a bit of a hurry to get home if the weather looks like turning nasty. Trying to hurry home at the end of a long day with the wind and the tide or current against you is not an enjoyable experience. If there is any chance of trying a kayak similar to the ones you are considering it might be worth trying to cover some distance to see what you and the kayak are capable of.

All other things being equal (which they never are in practice), a longer kayak will be easier to paddle straight. Of course there is a downside to a longer kayak. They will probably be heavier.

I think looking for something you can stand up in (or on) means you will also be looking at something so wide that paddling it will be slow and uncomfortable. Wide kayaks can be difficult to handle off the water and can be unpleasant to paddle. I think standing up in a fishing kayak is a silly idea, but then I have never been able to see the attraction of standing up in a tinnie either. :) I like to fish sitting down.

My advice, for what it is worth, is don't get stuck with something that is so heavy that you hate getting it out to go fishing and don't get something so short that it takes you forever to get anywhere.

Nup not skilled & would probably just drown if that happened..Yeah i am taking my time before i commit to buy one, thats why i though i'd ask here..I like the kayaks you have built to i seen them in the show us your boat thread..But hopping other here do fish from them & can tell there story of them..

[LandyAndy]

Jason
Look up Hobie Craft,they are featured on Fishing Australia.They have paddle fins that are foot operated,single and twin seaters.
Andrew

[vnx205]

People who do the sort of fishing that needs two hands available for fishing, but still need to manoeuvre the kayak seem to find the Hobie quite convenient.

That propulsion system seems to work quite well.

The disadvantages seem to be the cost and the weight.

[John58]

I've got a Hobie Revolution 13 that I use for fishing. It is a really great little craft - comfortably carries my 90kg self and fishing gear and, with the large size fins moves through the water at a very acceptable rate of knots without much effort. It would easily carry enough camping gear for an overnighter. Hobie kayaks are beautifully designed and quality of manufacture is first rate.
Disadvantages are weight and cost. Mine weighs close to 30kg, which makes it a bit of a struggle to get up on to the roof of the Disco3 by myself - but it is do-able, and gets easier with practice. With 2 people it would be relatively easy.
Hobie make a large range of 1 and 2 person kayaks, both paddle and peddle types. Like any other type of vehicle the cost varies greatly on model and options (that's where they get you - all the fish finders, GPS's and other doo-dads!) but the pedal system is an absolutely brilliant piece of engineering and well worth coughing up the extra dollars for.

[bushrover]

I've got a Hobie Revolution 13 that I use for fishing. It is a really great little craft - comfortably carries my 90kg self and fishing gear and, with the large size fins moves through the water at a very acceptable rate of knots without much effort. It would easily carry enough camping gear for an overnighter. Hobie kayaks are beautifully designed and quality of manufacture is first rate.
Disadvantages are weight and cost. Mine weighs close to 30kg, which makes it a bit of a struggle to get up on to the roof of the Disco3 by myself - but it is do-able, and gets easier with practice. With 2 people it would be relatively easy.
Hobie make a large range of 1 and 2 person kayaks, both paddle and peddle types. Like any other type of vehicle the cost varies greatly on model and options (that's where they get you - all the fish finders, GPS's and other doo-dads!) but the pedal system is an absolutely brilliant piece of engineering and well worth coughing up the extra dollars for.

Couldn't agree more. Very easy to pedal and having two hands free, allows you to concentrate on fishing, photography, etc, except when you have to back up in a hurry. They are a bit heavy and more expensive than other kayaks, but if you can afford one you won't be disappointed. It would pay to ask a hobie dealer if you could try one.

Rick

[banjo]

I've got a Hobie Revolution 13 that I use for fishing. It is a really great little craft - comfortably carries my 90kg self and fishing gear and, with the large size fins moves through the water at a very acceptable rate of knots without much effort. It would easily carry enough camping gear for an overnighter. Hobie kayaks are beautifully designed and quality of manufacture is first rate.
Disadvantages are weight and cost. Mine weighs close to 30kg, which makes it a bit of a struggle to get up on to the roof of the Disco3 by myself - but it is do-able, and gets easier with practice. With 2 people it would be relatively easy.
Hobie make a large range of 1 and 2 person kayaks, both paddle and peddle types. Like any other type of vehicle the cost varies greatly on model and options (that's where they get you - all the fish finders, GPS's and other doo-dads!) but the pedal system is an absolutely brilliant piece of engineering and well worth coughing up the extra dollars for.


Couldn't agree more. Very easy to pedal and having two hands free, allows you to concentrate on fishing, photography, etc, except when you have to back up in a hurry. They are a bit heavy and more expensive than other kayaks, but if you can afford one you won't be disappointed. It would pay to ask a hobie dealer if you could try one.

Rick

Thanks Guys much appreciated.Would either of use have a pic ?. I had seen a kayak with the peddles & they where able to remove them easy so could paddle instead.Are these ones like that , Can be removed so you can paddle..I am hopping to try one eventualy before i buy one But that will be further down the track..

[LandyAndy]

Jason
They had a Hobie on Fishing Australia yesterday arvo,twin seater and paddles,outriggers and a sail,from memory they said they were doing 7knots in it.
FishingAustralia.TV > Episodes > 2012 Episode Seven ? Lord Howe Island, NSW ? Sailboat Kingfish (http://www.fishingaustralia.tv/episodes/item/2012_episode_seven_lord_howe_island_nsw_sailboat_k ingfish)

ENJOY
Andrew

[banjo]

Jason
They had a Hobie on Fishing Australia yesterday arvo,twin seater and paddles,outriggers and a sail,from memory they said they were doing 7knots in it.
FishingAustralia.TV > Episodes > 2012 Episode Seven ? Lord Howe Island, NSW ? Sailboat Kingfish (http://www.fishingaustralia.tv/episodes/item/2012_episode_seven_lord_howe_island_nsw_sailboat_k ingfish)

ENJOY
Andrew
Thanks Andy.Looks good..

[discobaz4311]

hey just wondering if you have had a look at the ocean kayak range.. ive got an ocean prowler ultra 4.3, and use it for absolutely all types of fishing and handles swell pretty well. as someone has probably already said, the extra length means it is a very nice paddle. the only thing it is a bit heavy to get onto the roof racks but still doable. normally take the collapsable trailer away so can just load and reload onto that rather than putting it back on to the roof racks every time. ill show you some pics

[GuyG]

Hobie Cat® - Kayaking (http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/)

[brno465]

Hi Banjo, I was a bit slow spotting this thread
My wife and I have a Hobie Outfitter two seater and love it - the tinny has not been out of the shed since we got it.
They are not the cheapest kayak out there, but they are very well made and the pedal system is brilliant for fishing.
It is very easy to travel at a decent speed, faster and further than you would if using paddles, but with far less effort, and your hands are free - we usually troll a lure out either side while we are traveling.

I would also like to use the yak to load up some camping gear eventually to go overnite maybe
The drawback if you are planning on going somewhere overnight is cargo space, you will carry a lot more gear in a canoe than in a kayak, but ours will fit a 3 man tent and a small esky behind the back seat, and there are hatches into the hull.
You will need to watch your weight limit though, you do sit low in the water.
We wouldn't part with it.
You wanted pics ?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/81.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/82.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/83.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/84.jpg
It's worth the effort to fit a fish finder
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/85.jpg
It is stable enough to get out a bit ..
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/86.jpg

[banjo]

hey just wondering if you have had a look at the ocean kayak range.. ive got an ocean prowler ultra 4.3, and use it for absolutely all types of fishing and handles swell pretty well. as someone has probably already said, the extra length means it is a very nice paddle. the only thing it is a bit heavy to get onto the roof racks but still doable. normally take the collapsable trailer away so can just load and reload onto that rather than putting it back on to the roof racks every time. ill show you some pics


Thanks for the pics & info..I like the trailer idea..

[banjo]

Hobie Cat® - Kayaking (http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/)


Thanks for the link

[banjo]

Hi Banjo, I was a bit slow spotting this thread
My wife and I have a Hobie Outfitter two seater and love it - the tinny has not been out of the shed since we got it.
They are not the cheapest kayak out there, but they are very well made and the pedal system is brilliant for fishing.
It is very easy to travel at a decent speed, faster and further than you would if using paddles, but with far less effort, and your hands are free - we usually troll a lure out either side while we are traveling.

The drawback if you are planning on going somewhere overnight is cargo space, you will carry a lot more gear in a canoe than in a kayak, but ours will fit a 3 man tent and a small esky behind the back seat, and there are hatches into the hull.
You will need to watch your weight limit though, you do sit low in the water.
We wouldn't part with it.
You wanted pics ?
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/81.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/82.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/83.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/84.jpg
It's worth the effort to fit a fish finder
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/85.jpg
It is stable enough to get out a bit ..
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/86.jpg

WOW thats an AWESOME set up..Probably out of my budget But thanks for the info & pics..I do like the pedal idea.& have read that you can remove if wanted if you just want to paddle around..& theres a few sizes in the fins for them to..I was told that a fish finder would be the first thing i would want to buy..

[Landy Smurf]

we go fishing in kayaks in creek and occasionally lakes if you are interested in having a go feel free to come up for the day hehe