I need help picking a Kayak

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

Not yet but early next year I'am picking up a Kayak. Well I need help with some information and any other Advice will be great. Ok this is what I plan on getting. Potomac Pathfinder 100 Kayak from Dicks also the Foam blockers to put it on my 2012 Nissan Altima, I already have a good pair of paddles life jacket. Oh I have to pick up a fly rod holder or leash which ever one works better? I'am not trying to spend alot nothing more than $400Bucks for the thing's I need.  Any1 know better kayak's? What essential's should I have with my? Pro's and con's on other kayak's in the $200-$300 dollar range. I know there's not many out there that cheap. 

[jim cosgrove]

if ya got 2 grand to spare,bass pro has an electric motor powered fishing kayak.looks pretty sweet.then there are the jet kayaks that can hover in heavy current at about 4-5 thousand.

[klrbaer]

Hello Angelo, 

I'll start with an apology, I'm going off the reservation with my answer.  

I've fished from and owned canoes, kayaks, float tubes, single man pontoon boats.  Then I got to fish from a WaterMaster.   http://www.bigskyinflatables.com   

This craft is made for flat and moving water both.  It is featured in the Trout Bums videos that they've filmed around the world.  The craft packs into a backpack that weighs less than 30lbs and then in less than 10 minutes turns into a very stable craft that is rated at 750 lbs and class 4 rapids.  I've  carried this into many small lakes, pond and creeks.  The main reason that I chose the WaterMaster is that I can propel it around with the oars or my kick fins, even holding it in a stiff wind with just my feet.  Leaving both hands free to fish.  Most of the time I leave the oars strapped in and never undo them.  I can't explain the joy in fishing from this craft.  I sit down, kick to where ever and fish the whole time. I've got a few pics on my page if you want to look.  

The only down side is the price The Grizzly Expedition pack is $ 1500.00.  But Rich Studer, the owner, assures me of a few decades of fishing from the craft.  I had the craft for 3 years and have fished in it about 80-100 days per year with no problems.  I keep it inflated and hanging in the garage.  I throw it on the top of the jeep and take off.  

I've spent a lot of money over the years on boats and I wish I would have purchased a WaterMaster Years ago.  I would have saved myself a lot of money in the long run.  

Feel free to write with any questions.

Oh yeah, It's the only boat I have and will have.

[George]

I've had a 14' SOT - have two 12 footers now.  14' was a bit much for me.  I like my Malibu Stealth 12 but it sounds like you won't need the livewell.  I keep a 12V lawnmower battery below deck to power a depth finder/GPS and that battery adds to stability by lowering the center of gravity.  Also run an aerator sometimes from the 12V.  I like being able to keep a 36 qt cooler behind the seat for fish, lunch, cold water.  A hatch and dry storage is nice sometimes. 

Trolling motor on a kayak?  No thanks.  The people I know who do that are just lazy.  To each his own but I like the exercise. 

I've seen people stand up and cast from 14' yaks but I fell off when I tried it.  You might want to look at the Jacksonville Kayak Fishing site - I believe there is a fly fishing section.

Good luck

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

If you simply must stand up, I would suggest the Jackson Coosa. This is really a river running kayak, but it is wide and stable. It's more like a barge LOL. It's not going to have long legs, though. So, if you dont intend to cover vast distances and want to stand up for fly fishing, it might do. It wont be cheap, though - they go new for $1200

Oh, and make sure you are limber. Getting up and down in a kayak takes a lot of flexibility.