Kayak Fishing

[Newellknik]

In stead of buying another big fish boat .....I am going
For a Kayak . I know there are enthusiasts on here .
Questions ....Best transportability....box of Half ton , no ?
Best size for big water . Most Comfortable .
Spring and cold water fishing ....possible .

Thanks

[aulrich]

I transport mine on the top of my Yukon it’s a larger tandem 14’ and it really does take 2 to load it up. A solo big water yak is probably in the 10’-12’, in general longer is faster. I have seen plenty of guys just toss there in their pickup. I have seen some neat Kayak trailers as well .

As for comfort my Jackson has basically a beach chair and both a high and low position, but I think all of the big brands have gone that way. If your reasonably nimble you can fish standing up in calm water, reducing square butt some

In cold water basically you are looking at a dry suit or equivalent, getting wet is a guarantee going for a swim is a real possibility

[RavYak]

I like to push the limits on my kayak fishing and will take my kayak out in almost any situation. This past year I used my kayak from April 4th to November 14th and on small ponds up to Lesser Slave Lake and the NSR. I should have a dry suit for some of the stuff I do but I have never really come close to falling in yet so still feel safe enough out there, once I save up more I will buy one if I keep planning on cold water fishing.

The key is to buy a quality unit. Hobie, Native, Jackson, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems all have some good fishing kayaks.

Transportation is dependant on situation. I take it you own a truck, in which case you have 3 options.

1) Put in bed of truck, this works ok but 2 fishing kayaks will use up almost all your bed space making hauling gear tricky. 2 of us use buddies 4 door Tundra and we can barely fit a 3rd person in if needed.

2) Truck rack that lifts kayaks above box/cab. This would probably be my preferred method if I owned a truck. It gives you all your box space for gear and still don't have to haul a trailer.

3) Trailer, can be nice to have depending on situation especially if hauling more then 2 kayaks. We have one we use when taking more people out.

[Joe Quiroga]

I'm actually seriously considering one of these Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 13's. Looks impressive.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/thumbnail/u3abejyj.jpg

[thumper]

Trailer or truck rack - or both!
Hobie PA14, Hobie Outback, and Hobie Sport.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/Canmoron/kayak%20fish/P8051192_zpsmsbiqpty.jpg (http://s16.photobucket.com/user/Canmoron/media/kayak%20fish/P8051192_zpsmsbiqpty.jpg.html)

[RavYak]

I'm actually seriously considering one of these Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 13's. Looks impressive.

If you really want one make up your mind now and try to get an order in with one of the local distributors to bring one in when they order next years kayaks. I phoned around last year but no one brought in any Slayer Propel's.

[ineptflux]

I'm actually seriously considering one of these Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 13's. Looks impressive.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/16/thumbnail/u3abejyj.jpg

The slayer is a dream unit, I wanted one but opted for a used hobie revo13.

[jhfong]

Bought two hobie revolutions late fall. Great Kayaks and maneuverability. They both slide on a rack on top of my Tahoe. Looking forward to fishing in the spring.

[Newellknik]

Pedal propel system is necessary ? Kind of looks in the way on that
Native Kayak . Who is the best retailer in Calgary area .thnx

[RavYak]

Pedal driven(Hobie or Native) isn't necessary but it is a huge advantage for fishing. Hands free trolling, slowly covering ground while casting constantly, legs don't get as tired as quick and more.

I believe Aquabatics in Calgary and Awesome Adventures in Lethbridge sell(or used to sell) Native kayaks.

[aulrich]

Less so if you do stuff like drift the bow or other rivers , fish from your feet running the yak like a paddle board or getting thought thicker weed beds.

For trolling/slow casting yes there were numerous times this summer with my paddle yak that trolling was a pain. Mind you if I was made of money I would get one of those kayak specific electric trolling motors. Or just take the plunge and actually drill my boat for proper placement of rod holders. For me trolling is something I do between fishing spots.

For me to buy peddle as more efficient, I would need to see peddle drive taking over in boats meant for actual distance, like sea kayaks.

[thumper]

When you are using a paddle for propulsion, the blades of the paddle are only in the water, pushing you forward, 1/4 of the time, yet your arms are 'working' 100% of the time. When using pedal, or prop propulsion, they are constantly providing thrust - thus are far more efficient.
For a real good demonstration, have a 'tug-of-war' contest between a Hobie with mirage (pedal) drive, and 4 conventional kayaks simultaneously, and see who wins.

[PlayDoh]

I had considered a kayak also but I'm more leaning towards a small Jon boat with an electric troller or even a kicker.
Partially so I can use it hunting also.

[jkind]

When you are using a paddle for propulsion, the blades of the paddle are only in the water, pushing you forward, 1/4 of the time, yet your arms are 'working' 100% of the time. When using pedal, or prop propulsion, they are constantly providing thrust - thus are far more efficient.
For a real good demonstration, have a 'tug-of-war' contest between a Hobie with mirage (pedal) drive, and 4 conventional kayaks simultaneously, and see who wins.

I did this with a Hobie Pro Angler 12 pulling 2 white water kayakers across the pool at the Outdoor Adventure Show year before last. I am in pitifully poor shape and the whitewater kayakers were young and in shape and I was pulling them across the pool until my lungs and legs gave out :thinking-006:

[thumper]

My Hobie Outback, outfitted for duck hunting with camp cuddy to screen leg movement for duck hunting. Not too may people order a kayak with a gun rack!http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/Canmoron/kayak%20fish/P1040778.jpg (http://s16.photobucket.com/user/Canmoron/media/kayak%20fish/P1040778.jpg.html)

[aulrich]

Thumper, I see a paddle in that picture :)

[aulrich]

an interesting read, though I don't think I buy all of it either.

http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/paddle-vs-pedal-drive-in-common-fishing-kayaks/

[PlayDoh]

lol
Yak-Back & Yak-ass
Sounds painful. [emoji13]

[ineptflux]

My Hobie Outback, outfitted for duck hunting with camp cuddy to screen leg movement for duck hunting. Not too may people order a kayak with a gun rack!http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/Canmoron/kayak%20fish/P1040778.jpg (http://s16.photobucket.com/user/Canmoron/media/kayak%20fish/P1040778.jpg.html)

i love that hobie makes a gun rack!

[thumper]

Thumper, I see a paddle in that picture :)

That's my reverse gear!

[Talking moose]

That's my reverse gear!

Perfect response. 👌