Occoquan

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Hey there.  I just bought out in Manassas and am looking to get into the Occoquan River fishing this year.  I'd like to get a kayak, but I have limited experience flyfishing in them.  I've only ever used sit atops in lakes up north.  Canoes are nice in that they give me an added height advantage for casting, but I have a small car.  Im sure I could fit a single canoe, but I'm thinking a small kayak would be quicker and easier to throw up top.  I know Heavtoo (Sorry, don't know your actual name) fishes the Occoquan a lot, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations of good kayaks for that river.  

I'm looking for something small, decent tracking, good stability, and somewhat affordable (Not planning on breaking the bank at this point).  I've read through a lot of the older posts about yaks and a solid idea of a general kayak to look for, but was wondering what has worked well on smaller rivers like the Occoquan.  BTW, not overly interested in inflatable at this point.

Thanks,

Gregg

[namfos]

I like my Native Ultimate 12. Even an old git like me can get it on top of my RAV4 without chiropractor/orthopedist followups. 52 pounds with the seat out.  If you want to try out any number of boats you should check out Appormattox River Company's Demo Day. This year its on June 10 in Farmville, VA https://t.co/cwCMdiZm6U

Mark

[Ryan DiAndrea]

I have an NRS Pike and love it.  But I doubt it fits into the affordability part of your requirements. I spent the extra cash because I don't have a roof rack nor can I put one on my car.

http://www.nrs.com/product/16363/nrs-pike-fishing-inflatable-kayak

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[Terry C]

If you think you will ever use it in the C. Bay go with a sit-on -top kayak.  I have a Wilderness Pungo sit-in- style . Use it on the Potomac, ponds, and lakes.   nice stable boat.  Check Craigs list.  There will be some kayaks.  Also the outfitters who float the Shenandoah river sell there old ones.  

[Dave J]

+1 on the Native Ultimate 12. Have had mine for 2 years now, it's been great. Weight and being able to stand and fish were the deciding factors. 

[Luke M.]

Check out Nucanoe. The frontier 10 probably fits what you are looking for. If you go to the right retailer, you can snag a 20% off coupon, which gets you under $1,000 with the swivel seat (which is ridiculously comfortable). I just got one (the 12 foot version) after looking for the right kayak/canoe/fishing boat for a few years. The thing is more stable than my 17 foot old town and almost as stable as my jon boat. It's a little on the heavy side (62 lbs without the seat), but a cheap or DIY kayak cart makes it a cinch to maneuver. If you don't want to cartop it, you can also trailer it with a $250 utility trailer from harbor freight.

[Greggory DiSalvo]

I've read really nice things about the native.  A tad much for me, but maybe one will pop up used.  Nucanoe is intriguing as well.  Not as much out there yet for it, but I've been checking out a few youtube reviews.  I really like the open, sit on top for casting.  

Mark, believe it or not, you are the second person who has told me to go the Appomattox demo day.  We got our canoe from them about 15 years ago (I think) and really liked them.  

Gregg

On Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-4, Greggory DiSalvo wrote:

[Bryan Lanier]

The Old Town Next 13' canoe/kayak looks interesting. Manuverability and comfort .

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[Greggory DiSalvo]

The next looks pretty sweet.  Some nice reviews too.  My biggest concern with these hybrids is the ease of carrying on a small car.  With a traditional kayak, you can get the angled mounts, but canoes typically sit flat.  I drive a hyundai accent which isn't too big and has a wonderfully...convenient antenna smack in the center.  

On Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-4, Greggory DiSalvo wrote:

[tperkins]

check to see if you can unscrew the antenna, you might be able to buy one that sits lower (or just go with out the radio when you have a boat on top). 

[HeaveToo]

Want a good kayak with a paddle and a rudder for $900.  Vibe Seaghost 130!  I have one and love it.  You can get them from oaktree outfitters in VA.

Yes, I fish the Occoquan a lot and consider it my home waters now.  If you have any questions feel free to ask!

[namfos]

IMO, Demo Day is worth the hours of travel to Farmville - how many other places can you test what seems like every canoe, kayak and SUP in existence. If you like the Native Ultimate but want a 2nd hand boat, check out the Native Watercraft FB page https://www.facebook.com/groups/231976636990928/ - members sell boats there too.I found mine via Craigslist. I think it's a great boat.

Mark

[Greggory DiSalvo]

June 10 is on the calendar.  Hopefully no wedding stuff gets in the way.  One I have a boat, I'd love to join you on the occoquan.  Get the lay of the land and hopefully not yelled at by any security. 

On Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-4, Greggory DiSalvo wrote:

[Greggory DiSalvo]

The more I read about the Old Town Next, the more I would love to try one out.  It checks many of the boxes and its hybrid nature really suits my needs.  Biggest concern is car carrying, but my antenna DOES come off! Thanks Thomas for the suggestion.  The sawzall worked great haha.  

Now i'd love to test it out.  Appomattox carries it, so hopefully it will be available at demo day

On Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-4, Greggory DiSalvo wrote:

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Made it to farmville for demo day.  A great, hot day for it, but plenty of shade to be found.  I had called ahead and asked for the next, but they weren't going to put it on the water since its a few years old now.  I was surprised to see that there were mainly kayaks and I didn't see any hybrids to try.  This was disappointed for me as I am more experienced casting from up high in a canoe.  That being said, most fishing-specific kayaks now have the folding raised seats which put you up higher.  I was thoroughly impressed with Jackson's Mayfly fly fishing specific kayak.  Basically, I now have mayfly envy but can't justify the purchase at this time.  the cons to this yak are weight (93 lbs) cost (1800) and viability of carrying it atop my car.  I just dont see how I can get her up top on my own.  Its a wider kayak for stability and pairing that with the weight makes for a very difficult lift. I love the stability, ability to stand, rod holders, barren foot space (line management), and of course the looks.  

I still want to try the next as it fits my price range and the weight is right.  Anybody have experience tossing 70+ lb kayaks on a roof rack by yourself?

On Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-4, Greggory DiSalvo wrote:

[HeaveToo]

Oh, on a follow up.

I routinely load my Sea Ghost on and off of my truck.  I also haul it to my backyard of my townhouse and put it on a rack.  It weighs 74lbs.  It is doable.  There are tricks and videos out there on youtube on how to load the kayak on a car.  If you are worried about weight and have the space you could always do a small trailer.  Some people buy and modify the harbor freight trailer.

Oh, here is a picture of the Inflatable kayak I have:   https://airkayaks.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/new-cayman-ii-inflatable-2-person-kayak-from-maxxon/

[Greggory DiSalvo]

I have the space for a solid yak so I would really like to pursue that instead of an inflatable, but thank you!.  I had checked out the seaghost and read really nice things about it.  My bigget reservation is all of the stuff on the deck between your legs for the line to get tangled on. I love how canoes give you a clean floor and I've struggled in the past with sit atops.  Is this something you just get used to? Or do you have a way to avoid this issue?  Also, just curious.  Do you use the rudder much?   

On Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:28:46 AM UTC-4, Greggory DiSalvo wrote:

[Connor Donovan]

Even if you have the space for a solid kayak, don't rule out inflatables. They'll drain water, weigh less, likely draft shallower, and cost less. The best setup I've seen on this forum is an inflatable tandem kayak or canoe with a small oar rig on it. 

Assuming it isn't full of leaky seams or holes, there is a pretty sweet deal on CL for a used inflatable tributary tandem kayak in Chevy Chase for $150. 

[HeaveToo]

I have had a lot of success flyfishing out of the kayak.  The center console doesn't get in the way or hang the line much.  If I put a water bottle in the console it snags more stuff than anything else so I usually just lay that on the floor when fly fishing.

Another kayak trick is boat position.  I like to cast towards the bow and I strip right to the floor.  Doing that I have no issues.  If I cast to the left side I tend to strip the line over the side of the kayak into the water and that works okay.  I hate casting over the right side of the kayak so I usually just position the boat.

I use the rudder a lot.  It helps with current or wind and it also keeps you from making correction strokes when paddling anywhere.  I am still learning the rudder system as I never had one before but I really use it a lot.

Oaktree Outfitters is the closest VA Vibe dealer to NOVA.  It is a bit of a haul but saves on the shipping etc.  It is about 2.5 hours to get there.  You also want to do the paddle upgrade if you get a Vibe.  There is the SeaGhost 130 and now there is a 110.  I have the 130 and I think that it is perfect for the way I fish.  I fix a mixed batch of water from flat water paddling on the Potomac to moving water.  It tackles that.  I even had it out on the Potomac off of Piney Point in 2 foot waves and no issues.

Last thing I will add is the customer service is second to none.  They fix/replace any issues immediately.  Take a good hard look at Vibe.  They also have a HUGE facebook following on their owners site.  There is a lot of info and mods out there too.

[lernaea...@hotmail.com]

+1 for inflatables.  I have a sea eagle and it's fantastic.  Easy to store, fast to pack and unpack, and it's fairly lightweight.  The downside is that they are definitely not inexpensive.  They can be customized a bit, but a traditional kayak can be tricked out far more given that it's less risky to modify the hull.

[Matt Geiman]

Hey Greggory. Not sure if you are still looking but I like my canoe for fishing. Plenty of room and stable enough to stand. It's fished well on the Occoquan. I live in Manassas too! Let me know if you want the skinny on Bull Run. I live on the stream

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Hi Matt, good to hear. I have yet to purchase a vessel, but I do have my eyes on a particular kayak.  After trying it out, I've actually moved away from canoes.  That's not to say, I don't change my mind.  Decisiveness in purchasing is not my strong suit.

I'd love to hear more about bull run. I've run along the trail a few times and it certainly looks fishy, especially below the route 28 bridge.  I've even heard rumors of floating it for smallies?

Gregg

[Matt Geiman]

I like to float that area below 28 for catfish. When the water is clear you can sight fish for them. My number is 760-485-1066. Text me if you want to know more or wanna get out.

[Rex Moore]

Matt, do you launch your kayak/canoe at the trail parking area right under 28?

On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 1:50 PM Matt Geiman <matthe...@hotmail.com> wrote:

I like to float that area below 28 for catfish. When the water is clear you can sight fish for them. My number is 760-485-1066. Text me if you want to know more or wanna get out.

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[DJ]

I fly fish with a WS Commander 120 and my fishing buddy uses as Native Ultimate 12, they are both awesome boats for fly fishing.  I prefer fly casting out of the hybrid style kayaks as your fly line doesn't go all over the place and they are both easy to stand and fish from.   Both of these boats are going to rock side to side less than a canoe (and I love canoes) because they have more chine and tension against the water.  Tight lines,
-DJ