Kayak fishing

[DT.]

Anyone using Kayaks for fishing? (mainly flyfishing)
Heard they're good for smaller lakes and slower rivers. Thinking 10' for easier transport, but is >10' needed for stability? Not planning to use on the coast, just local day trips in AB.

[Djm2u]

This is the one I use:

https://www.seaeagle.com/ExplorerKayaks/420X

Portable, super stable you can stand in it and tough as nails.

[aulrich]

This is mine

http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/big-tuna/

Really fun to fish out of.

I think if you want to stand and fly fish you may need a boat bigger than 10' but I am a big guy so my perspective is a little skewed :)

[Northern Yaker]

I made the leap a few years ago and am on kayak number 3. If I have a choice now of how to fish i will always chose the kayak.

My new boat.
http://kayakbattleship.com

[Roughneck12]

I bought a Hobie PA12. A fishing machine.
Its 12 feet and fits in the back of my pickup nicely. I wouldn't stand up in it though as I am not as balanced as I once was.http://www.hobiecat.com.au/fishing/boats/pro-angler/index.html

I would take it into any lake and make miles with little effort.
The Mirage drive hangs down about 18 inches so I will stay out of shallow streams.

[DT.]

Great info guys and appreciate the websites you provided for more research and consideration. Looks like each prefers/recommends a larger kayak (longer than the 10' I was considering).

[Northern Yaker]

Look at Jackson's Coosa and Kilroy great smaller boat options with great seats.

[jkind]

I fish out of a Hobie Pro Angler 12 and fish trout ponds and large lakes (Gull, Sylvan, Wabamun, Burnstick, Battle, etc) I can stand and fly cast with no worries of tipping.

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z249/jkind58/Dickson2_zps7bcaaaca.jpg (http://s195.photobucket.com/user/jkind58/media/Dickson2_zps7bcaaaca.jpg.html)

[Unclerj]

This is the one I have:

http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/kayak/kilroy/

Fantastic kayak with lots of accessories. Pretty heavy so you'll need a set of wheels to get to most lakes.

The thing I like most about it is that it has a very comfortable seat.

[Nait Hadya]

This is what I paddle, lakes, streams, hunting, fishing....

http://http://www.nativewatercraft.com/m.boat.cfm?id=10 (http://www.nativewatercraft.com/m.boat.cfm?id=10)

[RavYak]

If you are mainly planning on fly fishing I would highly recommend a hobie especially if you like trolling. The main reason for this is that you are hands free while trolling so can hold the rod and don't miss hook sets.

When I used my Ocean Kayak Trident 13 I lost so many fish trolling flies and I would try to paddle with one hand... With the Hobie Outback I have now I can catch way more fish.

Something with a raised seat position would be good too as it will be easier to cast from.

Oh and if you get a good kayak you can take it anywhere. Small lakes, big lakes, rivers, ocean, you name it and it can probably go there. I love my kayaks and fish everywhere in AB with it.

One thing to note about kayak length is that length increases speed(more buoyant and less plowing). Stability is based more on width and hull shape. Search for some other kayak threads as I and others have explained most of the good brands/models in the past.

[BRU375]

Yep, I bought one of those Bass Pro Ascent FS12 sit on top deals, not the most advanced kayak but cuts through water well, rolls with the waves and is pretty stable, fish off it for hours in comfort. floats with me on it in 4 inches of water..great deal, god fun, and great exercise which is a must for us over 40's drinkin beer.....

[Brandonkop]

I've done a lot of fishing in my kayak and it is a lot of fun! I have a 13 foot malibu pro 2 tandem fish and dive. I wouldn't recommend it unless you go out with someone else a lot. If i was to buy again I would definitely get a foot powered one since it keeps the arms free for fishing. The Hobbie kayaks are nice I'd probably get one of them.

They are very stable and really you have nothing to fear on lakes in one besides getting run over by other boaters. I've done some hard core stupid stuff on my kayak... ocean fishing off the coast of Big Sur central California, the channel islands and la jolla. I've been out when 50 mph winds blow up, 10 foot plus white capping waves crashing over you and the yak. Fear for your life kind of stuff.... it's truly amazing what these sit on top kayaks can handle. It's always nice to hit the beach in one piece in those situations.

I've run a trolling motor on mine, put a downrigger on it, rigged fishfinders, rod holders, paddle holders... would have built a bait tank if I stayed in California, had the parts and pump but didn't get it together.

Very versatile little boats that can get you out on some very big waters and into some great fishing.

Have fun.

[RavYak]

Yeah if you get a quality sit on kayak you will be surprised what you can do with it if you are willing to try. By far the most versatile man powered watercraft a person can use for fishing.

[DT.]

Thanks for all the feedback fellas!
Ended buying a FeelFree Lure 11.5. Main reason is the wheel in the keel; these kayaks aren't as light as a guy thinks, so the wheel helps drag it around. Plus fits in truck decently. Seemed like best starter paddle type for solo (almost always by myself). So far its good; may get Hobie as well, so have hands free option (depending on water and fishing type) and 2nd kayak.