Started By
Message

re: Opinions on fishing kayaks

Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:16 am to
Posted by SetTheMood
The Red Stick
Member since Jul 2012
3182 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:16 am to
quote:

Unless you get a good deal on a used outback, I recommend getting a '15. The new seats are awesome.


I took my 2015 Outback out for the first time this weekend, and it's awesome. The seat was very comfortable, cool, and is completely adjustable for height, tilt, and lumbar support. The new flattened deck allowed me to easily stand and push pole when I got into shallow stuff (after pulling the mirage drive). If you do it, i'd recommend replacing the round hatch by the seat with the rectangular one, as it comfortably held all of my tackle. The only thing I'm going to add is some track rails for extra rod holders and my electronics.












Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:17 am to
Sooo wish I hadn't had done grad school just so I could buy a new 15 outback
Posted by SetTheMood
The Red Stick
Member since Jul 2012
3182 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:20 am to
If ever there was a reason for an excess student loan...
Posted by PTBob
Member since Nov 2010
7070 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:25 am to
I too have the Ascend FS12T and have no real complaints to be honest. The circular hatch is garbage but everything works as intended and it serves my purpose which is inshore fishing.
Posted by The Last Coco
On the water
Member since Mar 2009
6840 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:40 am to
To me, outside of peddle drive kayaks, the top of the line are (in no particular order):
Jackson Cuda (12 & 14)
Jackson Big Rig
Native Ultimate
Native Slayer
Wilderness Systems Ride 115x
Wilderness Systems Commander
Diablo Adios
Diablo Chupacabra
KC K12
NuCanoe Fronteir 12
Delta 12.5 Catfish
Feel Free Moken Angler 13
Freedom Hawk Pathfinder
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
Old Town Predator

Any of the ones in the top list are wonderful yaks, it really just boils down to personal preference and what you'll be using it for. That OK Prowler on the bottom list looks awesome. Definitely want to get my hands on one. Prowler Big Game II website

Each of the above kayaks has plusses and minuses but overall I think the Native Ultimate 12 or 14 is the best kayak for just about everything other than open-ocean fishing. It provides the most versatility and stability along with storage capacity and comfort.
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7368 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 11:56 am to
quote:

10' tracks well. Is better than 12'


No...Just no.

More nimble, sure. Because it doesn't track as well. It's one or the other. 1 person can carry most 12' yaks.

If you're going to be fishing, with a bunch of tackle and rods and an ice chest, I would go 12'. There is more weight capacity and room for storage. If price or weight aren't concerns, I think the PA12 is the bees knees. But there are a lot of 12' yaks mentioned here that will do the job. I would just make sure you get one with a raised seat. Every bit of elevation you can gain makes a difference as far as seeing into the water.
Posted by AutoYes_Clown
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Oct 2012
5174 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 12:16 pm to
Also something to consider is that the big yaks (Hobie PA and 14 footers) make combat launches difficult. With more and more private property talks that may not be an issue but I find myself passing up roadside combat launches for more prepared launches.

That being said, I think the 2015 Hobie Outback is the gold standard of fishing kayaks right now. Expensive yes but Mirage Drive, lighter than PA and now comfy seat and standability. Dont forget that resell value too!
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 12:17 pm to
No doubt

Seat makes a huge difference
Posted by NoleTideNole
PCB, FL
Member since Oct 2011
304 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 2:54 pm to
quote:

Looking to get one and would like insight and tips from those that have them. Top brands for reasonable price?


I will only add this, I spent about 5 hours paddling around the bay on Saturday and I am sore as hella from it b/c the wind and current was pretty stout. If you are doing it for the exercise and fishing, go with the paddle. If you are wanting it for the fishing, add a trolling motor.

And yes, I am old, and yes I am in decent shape.
Posted by Ridgewalker
Member since Aug 2012
3559 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 7:27 pm to
quote:

No...Just no. More nimble, sure. Because it doesn't track as well. It's one or the other. 1 person can carry most 12' yaks. If you're going to be fishing, with a bunch of tackle and rods and an ice chest, I would go 12'. There is more weight capacity and room for storage. If price or weight aren't concerns, I think the PA12 is the bees knees. But there are a lot of 12' yaks mentioned here that will do the job. I would just make sure you get one with a raised seat. Every bit of elevation you can gain makes a difference as far as seeing into the water.


I was basing my opinion on comments from another floater who had the 12 footer. I wouldn't trade my 10 for a 12 given the chance.
Posted by BusterMays
Member since Oct 2014
46 posts
Posted on 10/27/14 at 9:59 pm to
That looks awesome. Like I said, I know little to nothing about kayaks and have already learned a lot from this thread. I have a nice bassboat (ranger) that I fish tournaments in but just want something I can take out and not have to worry about spending out the arse for gas and oil. I'm new to the board and just now saw that there were other kayak threads but thanks for all the tips gents!
Posted by east upper deck
Houston
Member since Jan 2005
186 posts
Posted on 10/28/14 at 10:53 am to
Cool, I got my 2015 outback about three weeks ago. Have been out fishing 3 times. I have absolutely no complaints. The seat is great. I feel very sturdy standing and fishing.

My wife got a 2015 rev 11. I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up with her but that's no issue.

I do like the square hatch you installed. How did you get that done?
Posted by TigerWise
Front Seat of an Uber
Member since Sep 2010
35113 posts
Posted on 10/28/14 at 11:19 am to
It's all about the seat IMO
Posted by SetTheMood
The Red Stick
Member since Jul 2012
3182 posts
Posted on 10/28/14 at 11:23 am to
quote:

I do like the square hatch you installed. How did you get that done?


Prior to my picking it up, the good people at the Back Packer in Baton Rouge installed the square hatch, anchor trolley and sailing rudder for me.
first pageprev pagePage 2 of 2Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram