re: The Official Kayak Thread

Depending on the kayak I wouldn't say it was necessary...but I will say it is definitely a plus on any kayak.

Not on a quality tracking paddle yak. It would probably be a nuisance to me. Peddle? Absolutely.

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Anyone think a rudder is necessary?

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I wouldn't own a kayak without a rudder. I fish too much current and wind.

Going to West Cove tomorrow if anyone wants to tag along. I'm targeting flatties.

Damn, I'd love to, but have child stuff that has to be done.

Hey fellers, I think I’m gonna get a kayak, but before I spend hours and hours researching I was hoping to get a little advice on what to look for and maybe some recs. I’d like one that would be good for fishing rivers like the buffalo. The last time I went was in a canoe which was fine, but ever since I’ve wanted a kayak.

About the only other thing I can see me using it for would be slipping into some deer hunting spots. I’ll prob try to find a good used one and would like to stay under a grand.

Thanks for your help.

I bought an Old Town Predator secondhand for about $700 w/extras and it's been an excellent investment.

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fishing rivers like the buffalo

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If you mainly fish moving water, I'd look for one designed with that in mind or one of the canoe/kayak hybrids.

Old Town Predator MX ($1300) is a great moving water kayak and super stable. I own one and love it. My passion is fishing for river bass and this kayak kicks arse for that. Retail is $1300, but you can find them used under $1k.

Ole Town Discovery 119 solo sportsman ($900) is a new canoe kayak hybrid that paddles extremely well and handles moving water great. More akin to a canoe in terms of stability, but is a fantastic boat designed for hunters and anglers.

Native Ultimate 12 ($949) would definitely get you covered too. Another hybrid boat, but very stable for stand up fishing. I've spent hours in the 14ft version and it's a workhorse.

Wilderness systems commander 120 is another hybrid boat they don't make anymore but you may be able to find used. Similar to the native ultimate.

Jack Coosa ($1250) is another true river fishing a kayak. Really geared towards fishing in moving water with great stability and maneuverability. The Coosa HD ($1700) is basically the bigger brother to this but less maneuverability. Again, both are outside of your budget new, but can probably be found for much less used.

A kayak a only recently became aware of is the Crescent LiteTackle ($900). Good value here in a sub-$1k boat and the hull shape is more geared toward turning and moving water. If you can get your hands on one, I think it is worth a look.

Otherwise, I'd generally avoid super wide kayaks (hard to turn in morning water) any sit in kayaks.

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Sure do.

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I'd look hard at:

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Native Ultimate 12 ($949) would definitely get you covered too. Another hybrid boat, but very stable for stand up fishing. I've spent hours in the 14ft version and it's a workhorse.

Wilderness systems commander 120 is another hybrid boat they don't make anymore but you may be able to find used. Similar to the native ultimate.

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Found a good one at Ross Barnett. The BC spillway has kept me at camp less and home more but at least it’s forced me to learn a little bit. Never really been a bass guy but I’m getting more in to it.