Re: Kayak

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Eric Kruel

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Nov 19, 2012, 8:20:09 AM11/19/12
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If you are going to be fishing tidal water I would suggest either a sit on top or a hybrid canoe/kayak design like the Wilderness Systems Commander or a Native Ultimate.  Both of those brands are good places to start looking.  They both have several fishing specific designs.  I would highly suggest taking several kayaks out for a demo before you buy one.  A good place to do this is out in Annapolis, there are a few dealers right on the water just down the street from one another.  The most important thing for me when I bought my kayak was the ability to stand up and fish out of it.  Which you can do out of both Commander and Ultimate, another good one would be a Wilderness Systems Ride.  If you are looking to use the kayak in any water over class II then the Ride would be a better choice since it is a sit on top and will not swamp.  I have a Wilderness Systems Commander that I use on the tidal Potomac and most of the small lakes I fish.  I also have a Jackson Coosa that I will use on the Shenandoah.  I could probubly get away with the Commander on the Shenandoah since most of the sections I fish don't have more than class II rapids, but the Coosa is also more manuverable in the river.  I will say that I dred taking the Coosa out on any open body of water, It does not track well and if there is any wind at all you will get pushed all over the place.  A good place to go look and see alot of kayaks is Appomattox River Co. in Farmville, VA.  It is a pretty good drive, but they have more kayaks under one roof than any place around.  I have found that they have the best prices and can work with you on a deal if you get the kayak and wanted accessories (paddle, life jacket, ect.) to go along with it.  The also have pretty good discounts on last years kayaks that they need to get rid of to make room for the new models.  If you really want something stable to stand up and cast from check out the Freedom Hawk kayaks.  They have outriggers that fold out of the back to stabelize the boat and a casting brace you can hold on to or lean against for support.  There are alot of options for a kayak to choose from do some research, then paddle a couple and see what you like.

On Sunday, November 18, 2012 10:22:47 PM UTC-5, Paul wrote:
Hello everyone,

Looking for suggestions for a kayak to fly-fish out of... tidal water is the goal with flexibility for other locals.

Thanks all...

Paul

Paul

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Nov 19, 2012, 10:55:09 AM11/19/12
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Thanks Eric... I need to get out and paddle some--there is so much information out there. Don't want to spend a ton of $$ but don't want to get something that is not going to do the job.

Paul

PS-have learnt so much on this site--appreciate the Forum.

Charlie Church

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Nov 19, 2012, 11:19:46 AM11/19/12
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Tarpon 100 is a good place to start if you are on a budget. I have seen them go for as low as 300 on craigs list. It handle all kinds of water well, just is a little slower than the longer versions.

I use a prowler 13 and have for about 5 years now and love it. Handle everything fairly well and is good if you ever are looking to go out in some open water or the lower bay.

If budget is not an issue, the Commander is awesome! Perfect for standing in and less of a tug boat to paddle around compared to the WS Ride.

Hope this helps.

hawaiian bones

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Nov 20, 2012, 8:32:31 PM11/20/12
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I've got a 10' Nucanoe, and I love it.

-It paddles just as fast as my friends' yaks
-Has a transom for a trolling motor when you don't feel like paddling
-tons of optional accessories, to include swivel seats and livewells
-great balance for standing while bucking flies
-weighs like 60 lbs, so completely manageable for one person
-fits on top of my VW Golf

At the end of the day... It's all about weighing the pros and cons against the capabilities that you are looking for

Paul

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Nov 21, 2012, 10:37:31 AM11/21/12
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These options are all SOT, does anyone use SIK? Am very minimalistic and not sure about all the accessories. Thoughts? 
Paul

GSFeder

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Nov 21, 2012, 10:50:27 AM11/21/12
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Paul-- 

I don't kayak but fwiw, I think you'd want to be able to stand to sight fish, and you won't be able to do that with a sit-in. 

Cheers, 

-- Greg

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Terry C

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Nov 23, 2012, 7:37:21 AM11/23/12
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I have a wilderness pungo sik, have used it for 2 yrS and love it. Have it rigged with an anchor trolley, and one flyrod holder. It came with a dashboard that is held on with it's own deck cord bungi. Use it on the Potomac all the time.

Paul

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Nov 23, 2012, 9:23:36 AM11/23/12
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Thanks...like the simplicity of the pungo. Landing fish from the SIT, some use a net -- others use a lipper for the extra reach?
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