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Kayak Fishing

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So. Been thinking a lot about getting another boat and have actually looked at a few used bass boats in the area but before pulling the trigger I've been thinking too... I spend most of my time fishing the Kiski River and you can't get larger boats on that. It's really shallow in spots. So... been actually thinking about picking up a couple kayaks for the boy and I. Something larger like the Jackson Big Rig that you can stand on. Move around some. Something stable.

Anyone else ever fish from a kayak? Any advise?
 

Blotch

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So. Been thinking a lot about getting another boat and have actually looked at a few used bass boats in the area but before pulling the trigger I've been thinking too... I spend most of my time fishing the Kiski River and you can't get larger boats on that. It's really shallow in spots. So... been actually thinking about picking up a couple kayaks for the boy and I. Something larger like the Jackson Big Rig that you can stand on. Move around some. Something stable.

Anyone else ever fish from a kayak? Any advise?

Kayak fishing is great if you're on calm waters and can relax. Plus when you've got kayaks, you can take them on the river for riding pleasure and not just fishing. If you're considering it, you will probably be glad you did it.
 

NEhomer

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Just got in from bass fishing from my kayak. We also fish the river. There's lots of models and they're a lot cheaper than they used to be. However, there are no kayaks that you're going to stand in.
 

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I use one for fly fishing carp it allows me to get into areas no boat can go plus it doesn't spook the carp. If you get one get one with rudder so you can hold yourself in the water. I've got a ocean kayak prowler model it's 12 feet I don't need to register it in the state I live. I know some of you might laugh about fly fishing for carp but I have caught some 20 pounders and it's a blast I had one fish pull me around for a mile while trying to land it. I also use it for walleye, panfish, and smallie fishing.
 

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Just got in from bass fishing from my kayak. We also fish the river. There's lots of models and they're a lot cheaper than they used to be. However, there are no kayaks that you're going to stand in.
There are a lot of kayaks that are designed for standing. Check YouTube. It's actually a pretty prevalent thing now. A lot of the time they are refereed to as "SS" models. Sit and Stand. They have large standing decks with grippy surfaces and a lot of the time they have straps to pull yourself up with and/or standing/casting braces. The Jackson Big Rig, Diablo Amigo, etc.
 

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Kayak fishing is great if you're on calm waters and can relax. Plus when you've got kayaks, you can take them on the river for riding pleasure and not just fishing. If you're considering it, you will probably be glad you did it.
My biggest concern is that I've only ever been on a small boat once, when I was like 10 years old and it was a canoe. I have zero experience with anything that small. And I'm not known for my balance haha. I'd probably mainly use it in the Kiski river but I would also use it to fish some medium size lakes (boat wakes make me nervous) with the biggest being Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park which is one of the best bass waters in the country and only an hour from my house. Not a huge lake but too big to fish from shore.
 

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I use one for fly fishing carp it allows me to get into areas no boat can go plus it doesn't spook the carp. If you get one get one with rudder so you can hold yourself in the water. I've got a ocean kayak prowler model it's 12 feet I don't need to register it in the state I live. I know some of you might laugh about fly fishing for carp but I have caught some 20 pounders and it's a blast I had one fish pull me around for a mile while trying to land it. I also use it for walleye, panfish, and smallie fishing.
I've never fly fished for carp haha. That's cool though. OK are nice Kayaks. Are you fly fishing from a seated position or are you standing? I'm not familiar with the Prowler off hand. I don't know if that has a big enough deck to stand on or if the waters are calm enough that you even can.
 

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I've never fly fished for carp haha. That's cool though. OK are nice Kayaks. Are you fly fishing from a seated position or are you standing? I'm not familiar with the Prowler off hand. I don't know if that has a big enough deck to stand on or if the waters are calm enough that you even can.

I'm fishing from the seated position and no its not big enough to stand on. Fly fishing for carp in a lot of ways its a lot like putting a stalk on a buck. You're hunting for that active feeding fish. Carp can be skittish fish which make them a challenge. When you hook onto a twenty pound fish you are in for a ride. I like to call them fresh water tarpon.
 

NEhomer

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There are a lot of kayaks that are designed for standing. Check YouTube. It's actually a pretty prevalent thing now. A lot of the time they are refereed to as "SS" models. Sit and Stand. They have large standing decks with grippy surfaces and a lot of the time they have straps to pull yourself up with and/or standing/casting braces. The Jackson Big Rig, Diablo Amigo, etc.

Without pontoon outriggers, there's nothing safe to stand in that resembles a kayak to me. This dude is one drift into a log or obstruction from being a swimmer.

9e1360b818e26812e8a55980f04cfb9b.jpg
 

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Without pontoon outriggers, there's nothing safe to stand in that resembles a kayak to me. This dude is one drift into a log or obstruction from being a swimmer.

9e1360b818e26812e8a55980f04cfb9b.jpg
I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment of the safety of it. I was just pointing out that it's a huge part of the industry (with standing being the focus of most fishing kayaks now) and that A LOT of people do it regularly.
 

MAIZEandBLUE09

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So. Been thinking a lot about getting another boat and have actually looked at a few used bass boats in the area but before pulling the trigger I've been thinking too... I spend most of my time fishing the Kiski River and you can't get larger boats on that. It's really shallow in spots. So... been actually thinking about picking up a couple kayaks for the boy and I. Something larger like the Jackson Big Rig that you can stand on. Move around some. Something stable.

Anyone else ever fish from a kayak? Any advise?
It's come a long way since I bought my Kayak when I was in probably 9th grade (around 2000). Back then there were no fishing Kayaks and you had to create your own. My parents lived around a few small lakes so it was perfect to take lake to lake and easily get in and out. The newer ones have fish finders and motors + all sorts of gizmos. So I guess it depends on how fancy you're going. Honestly, though, if it's just something you use once and a while I'd suggest just going with the cheapest thing possible and attaching the things you want yourself. I threw a line tie for an anchor and a rod holder on mind and it's perfect. I think a sit-on-top model would probably be easier to land fish in, mine is the kind where you sit in the well and your legs are enclosed.

My only other suggestion would be to get the lightest and best paddle possible. That makes all the difference in terms of getting tired.
 

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@MAIZEandBLUE09 is that the $300 difference in price between the low end and top end paddles? Weight? I've looked at that and it's a common theme with experienced paddlers to recommend getting a good paddle but I have a hard time justifying 1/3 the cost of the boat on a damned paddle lol.
 

MAIZEandBLUE09

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@MAIZEandBLUE09 is that the $300 difference in price between the low end and top end paddles? Weight? I've looked at that and it's a common theme with experienced paddlers to recommend getting a good paddle but I have a hard time justifying 1/3 the cost of the boat on a damned paddle lol.
Pretty much, it's about the materials and weight of those materials. Go to the store and pick up a cheap paddle vs. an expensive paddle. You can also just get a cheap one and then pick up a more expensive one down the road. But I guarantee you'll fall in love with the lighter paddle when you feel the difference. I don't know specifically but I'd wager it's got to be a 5lb difference. And when you're holding that thing the whole time to get where you need to go, it adds up. Obviously the cheap ones will do, but your arms will certainly feel it more.
 

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Pretty much, it's about the materials and weight of those materials. Go to the store and pick up a cheap paddle vs. an expensive paddle. You can also just get a cheap one and then pick up a more expensive one down the road. But I guarantee you'll fall in love with the lighter paddle when you feel the difference. I don't know specifically but I'd wager it's got to be a 5lb difference. And when you're holding that thing the whole time to get where you need to go, it adds up. Obviously the cheap ones will do, but your arms will certainly feel it more.
Good to know.

I'm probably going with the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 and it comes with a paddle but I'll definitely talk to the guys at the dealership about upgrading. They're also a Bending Branches distributor and I hear those are pretty good (and about $350 lol).
 

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Diablo Amigo... Vibe Sea Ghost... Diablo Amigo... Vibe Sea... I can't make up my mind now. Really like the Sea Ghost but I'm also drawn to the Diablo Amigo. it's like over 3' wide and has a lawn chair on it haha. It's largley known as the most stable kayak on the market (it's a hybrid kayak/SUP).

My concerns with the Amigo is that it has very little storage, no bells and whistles, and being wider, it isn't going to track/paddle as well as the Sea Ghost. On the river/moving water the Amigo seems to be the ticket for fishing. For non-fishing trips and lakes the Sea Ghost seems to be the ticket.

This is making my ass itchy.

93725_700.jpg


To Amigo or not to Amigo?
 

FaCe-LeE-uS

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Pontoons brother... PONTOONS!!!!

Pontoon Boat - Inflatable - Fish

69774_h_6.jpg


Sooooo much better than kayaks. Swivel seats, storage compartments, cooler, cup holders, 3 different pole holders, etc. They are even river rated to a Class 1. Also comes with a mount for small engines.

Like I said in the Steelers thread... Go through Costco and get them for around $300.
 

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Pontoons brother... PONTOONS!!!!

Pontoon Boat - Inflatable - Fish

69774_h_6.jpg


Sooooo much better than kayaks. Swivel seats, storage compartments, cooler, cup holders, 3 different pole holders, etc. They are even river rated to a Class 1. Also comes with a mount for small engines.

Like I said in the Steelers thread... Go through Costco and get them for around $300.
Yeah. You've got me all turned around now haha. Now I'm weighing pontoon versus Kayak.
 
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