Kayak fishing

[Gary Boysen]

I need to get off the banks and get out where the fish are. I've been looking at kayaks. Does anyone have any good advice or opinions about kayak fishing? I'd love some feedback. Thanks.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Thanks Carl

[carl hendrix]

for clarification;; on Tonys type of boat posted;; some are called; bas hunter;; uncle bucks pond prowler; and  a pelican boat;; all are very similar; can handle small outboards.  all very excellent boats !!  and; a few jon boats can be found at academy sports; as well as bass pro; ; in my area;; several outdoor shops have several different types of jon boats; 

[Tony Livingston]

I like a jon boat also, and have a few of those as well. One of them, (the lightest, flimsiest one I've ever seen), sits on the island year round.....I only use it when ice fishing on skinny ice, sitting in it when I'm leery of walking around.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I'm more interested in a Jon boat these days, but these have promise especially if the price is right

[Tony Livingston]

David I'm sorry, I don't remember the brand. I've had it for years, bought it secondhand, and have repainted it twice...the last time removing all the tags and decals in the process, as I knew my public water days were essentially over. I prefer it when I'm fishing alone, as it's smaller than my other boat.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

All in your prefernces.
I like those buggie boats in their place, and I have a decided bias towards kayaks, no doubt.
There is one thing the little buggies have over kayaks and that is they are step-in, for the most part.
Im getting where gymnastics of any kind is a pain, both literally and figuratively. Getting in and out of the kayaks is less and less enjoyable these days.
That thing of yours has a cutting bow, I'm guessing? If it takes a 5hp, that's likely.
What is the exact name and brand?
(I still wouldn't truck bed tote it...trailer in.)

[carl hendrix]

and;; to add a little more to this discussion;; look up;; plastic boats !! several ; of all types listed there !  kayaks;; canoes;; bass hunter type;; some with sails; some with out board motors !  one boat there; called a sun dolpin might interst you Gary!!  and for my own personel choice;; I just feel;; safer; more comfortable; with a sided type boat; like the bass hunter; sun dolphin; etc.  lesser chance of knocking something overboard;; and Im not that much into reaching around behind me ; trying to grab something out of a milf crate;; torn shoulder muscles dont like being twisted  !!

[Tony Livingston]

If there's chop and swell, I'm not going out in my little boat. But I'm not going out in a yak or canoe, either. Those types of conditions are why they make larger boats. Sure, I've seen on TV where they paddle a yak out in the surf and have at it. But I also realize the huge difference between "it can be done just for the sake of proving it can", and "enjoying myself while fishing"....BIG difference.

I don't like oatmeal so I can't attest to it's energy boosting properties, but it would have to be good stuff to keep up with my tiny gasoline outboard I used to use on bigger water, and even with the Minn Kota I use on smaller areas. That thing will run all day on a full charge.

I actually have a couple of these type boats. The one in the photo will fit between the wheelwells in an 8' pickup bed with the tailgate closed, can be loaded and unloaded by myself, is rated for a 5 hp outboard, and is virtually unsinkable by virtue of it being foam filled. And it's spent a good deal of time on Lake Monroe,  Indiana's largest resi at over 10,000 acres.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I'd much prefer a v-hull myself, as they take big water better.
And I fish big water a lot - Lake Murray SC
But they are a rarity in these parts.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Now, I've seen literal mini pontoon boats - two man versions of the big jobs.
They're all welded, solid decks and will take gas power.
They're also edging up towards the upper atmosphere in price.
Super comfy and reassuring b
Here again, they're glorified rafts. A completely different proposition from the kayak.