Saltwater fishing kayaks?

Skniper · 06-12-06, 10:32 AM

(yes, I already did a search)

...anyway, anyone cruising the bays (particularly the Gulf coast) for fish in a kayak? I'm looking to expand my wadefishing opportunities & just started shopping yak boats. I'm pretty set on what I will buy, but just curious what anyone else runs and how they rigged their kayak.

One thing I have learned, size does in fact matter!

fsusteve · 06-12-06, 11:00 AM

I'm looking at Gheenoes right now to get to some spots I can see from the boat but can't get to. I know it's not the same, but I've seen guys use the kayaks and it looks like too much work to me. Very minimal room, looks frustrating. I've seen some mac daddy gheenoes though, poling platforms, trolling motors, live wells, center consoled. If you were careful I imagine you could throw a small cast net from one too.

whodat · 06-12-06, 11:58 AM

This is how I roll...I got it at Sports Authority for under 500 bucks. I fish the saltwter tidal creeks here in Fl with it. Works pretty well.

fsusteve · 06-12-06, 12:40 PM

How's that work for you? I'm wondering if I couldn't tow that bitch behind the boat to my spots and then paddle my ass in there.

stevezero · 06-12-06, 12:44 PM

Wilderness systems tarpon 140 is a great fishing kayak (i have one of them). Redfish is another great model. Both are capable of being standing platforms as well.

www.kayakfishingstuff.com is a great site.

wob · 06-12-06, 12:45 PM

Just get a jon boat with a mud motor. Much easier for us older folks.

whodat · 06-12-06, 12:48 PM

I like it, I prolly only use it once a month...It is 11'6" if I used it more I would want a longer one like the Tarpon 14 mentioned. Longer Kayaks paddle better.

stevezero · 06-12-06, 01:01 PM

longer ones glide and track better than shorter. They can also hold more gear. Sit on tops are the way to go for fishing. lots of room to move around, you can hang your feet over the side, entries and exits are much easier as well. You can also reach all your gear behind you in a milk crate.

stevezero · 06-12-06, 01:10 PM

Weight rigged for fishing is about 70-75 lbs. Empty its about 60. They can get into a lot of tighter places than a jon boat, and alot more quietly. You can mount a fish finder as well, and scotty rod holders. Perfect for bay, canal, and flats fishing. Depending on your paddling abilties, they are quite capable in surf as well. Guys go offshore in hawaii and grab big pelagics with them as well. Amazing stuff.

Smaller boats are lighter, but you lose maneverability.

fsusteve · 06-12-06, 05:24 PM

I know one guy that landed a 150lb tarpon in one, said he basically went for a ride till it got tired.

cajun65 · 06-12-06, 07:28 PM

I fished last summer with Jackie Smith (NFL Hall of Famer) who promotes Hobie's Outback Fisherman kayak with the Mirage Drive. We stalked the marshes around our camp in Pecan Island, LA. Now, I'm a big fan of a shallow running, light boat with a BIG, QUIET trolling motor BUT, I have to say that the Hobie kayak with that pedal drive was really nice and easy to operate. We also went up into the swamps around here and had a blast. Very easy to operate, could cast my fly rod and toss big topwater lures. Covered a lot of area too. And, I could load an ice chest with beer right behind me. Not bad.

Good luck with whatever you get. There are more and more guides in South Louisiana using these now. Let me know if you ever come this way and I'll recommend a few.

stevezero · 06-12-06, 08:51 PM

The hobies with the mirage drive are cool. You pedal with your legs, and it looks like a pair of penguin flippers underneath. They have video clips of the drive system in action on the web. You do not get tired as quickly using the hobie drive, especially in wind, and it allows you to keep both hands free to fish. You can also change the fins to get more torque. The drive is also removable for very shallow water.

Only downside to the hobies are the price. they run almost 2x the price of a new tarpon or redfish.

Best thing you can do is look up a local kayaking group or shop, and see when they have demo days. Think free test drives on a ton of different models. You can then figure out what boat will fit you best.

rgsiii · 06-12-06, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajun65

I fished last summer with Jackie Smith (NFL Hall of Famer) who promotes Hobie's Outback Fisherman kayak with the Mirage Drive. We stalked the marshes around our camp in Pecan Island, LA. Now, I'm a big fan of a shallow running, light boat with a BIG, QUIET trolling motor BUT, I have to say that the Hobie kayak with that pedal drive was really nice and easy to operate. We also went up into the swamps around here and had a blast. Very easy to operate, could cast my fly rod and toss big topwater lures. Covered a lot of area too. And, I could load an ice chest with beer right behind me. Not bad.

Good luck with whatever you get. There are more and more guides in South Louisiana using these now. Let me know if you ever come this way and I'll recommend a few.

A couple of questions--how easy is it to fly fish out of these? It looks a little cluttered, is iit difficult to cast in them?

Where are you located? I am originally from Lafayette.

Thanks

BigRed87 · 06-12-06, 10:34 PM

rgsii and cajun65,

I used to live in Lafayette, '96-2000, and used to duck hunt with a friend of mine (Chris Laundry- well his stepson) out at his camp in Pecan Island.

Academy, at least the one up here has a pretty good deal on an angler kayak, looks alot like the green one pictured above, but for under 400 bucks, and has a 350lb capacity, if I had a roof rack and a better job I would probably get one.

Skniper · 06-12-06, 10:48 PM

'preciate the responses. I've looked at the Tarpons and the Redfish models, which are most prevalent along the TX coast. I'm pretty much set on the Wilderness Tarpon 14' rigged to fish...I really like the idea of the 16' and cutting the water, but 16' is a lot of plastic boat to deal with and store...and less side to side stable than the 14'.

I like the idea of being able to carry a good amount of crap, staying out much longer and reaching an almost endless amount of water & shoreline....plus, wading in elbow deep water while catching fish in sharky water can be a little unnerving at times.

tx4guns · 06-13-06, 07:11 AM

You guys interested in kayak fishing need to check this forum out. It's the best kayak forum around.

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/

Tight Lines!

Skniper · 06-13-06, 09:47 AM

Check out these guys in Austin. www.kayaktexas.com

Don't know anything 'bout the shop, but they sure understand preferred transportation methods.

cajun65 · 06-24-06, 08:41 PM

Rgsiii and BigRed 87:

I live in Youngsville, a suburb I guess of Lafayette. Lived here all my life and even played ball for the Cajuns (94-97) and I hunt down in Pecan Island. Hurricane Rita demolished our camp like you wouldn't believe. I still can't believe it. We have a new one up and ready for the reds and ducks in the fall. People down there didn't wait for handouts, they kicked A** and did most of it themselves!

As for the fly fishing question in a Hobie - I managed just fine. We spent one morning on Lake Martin and I used my fly rod a lot. Set the hook often, cast all over the place and managed fine. When I wasn't using it, I strapped it to the side and used my ultralight spinning rod the rest of the time. Your tacklebox straps down in a recessed area under your legs and you can fit a small ice chest right behind you that you can easily reach.

They are a little pricey, but they are fine boats. Jackie and the folks at Hobie did a great job making a fishing kayak! Hank Parker is a pretty big fan of it too.

Jackie was just down in Lake Charles to do a demo for the Outdoor Writers Association of America conference.

Zimm · 06-25-06, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkesis

http://www.pygmyboats.com/

i bet the tripple would be great for flyfishing. too bad i know i'll never string together 4 straight weekends to build one!

06-12-06, 10:32 AM	#1
Skniper IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 90	Saltwater fishing kayaks? (yes, I already did a search) ...anyway, anyone cruising the bays (particularly the Gulf coast) for fish in a kayak? I'm looking to expand my wadefishing opportunities & just started shopping yak boats. I'm pretty set on what I will buy, but just curious what anyone else runs and how they rigged their kayak. One thing I have learned, size does in fact matter!

06-12-06, 11:00 AM	#2
fsusteve IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Where the tarpon roll.... TLCA# 8714 Posts: 1,851 Blog Entries: 1	I'm looking at Gheenoes right now to get to some spots I can see from the boat but can't get to. I know it's not the same, but I've seen guys use the kayaks and it looks like too much work to me. Very minimal room, looks frustrating. I've seen some mac daddy gheenoes though, poling platforms, trolling motors, live wells, center consoled. If you were careful I imagine you could throw a small cast net from one too. __________________ A bad day on Mud is better than a good day at work.

06-12-06, 12:40 PM	#4
fsusteve IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Where the tarpon roll.... TLCA# 8714 Posts: 1,851 Blog Entries: 1	How's that work for you? I'm wondering if I couldn't tow that bitch behind the boat to my spots and then paddle my ass in there. __________________ A bad day on Mud is better than a good day at work.

06-12-06, 12:44 PM	#5
stevezero IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 355	Wilderness systems tarpon 140 is a great fishing kayak (i have one of them). Redfish is another great model. Both are capable of being standing platforms as well. www.kayakfishingstuff.com is a great site. __________________ 97 LX-450, 119k, Dual Batteries, Pin7/CDL mod, Slee harness/HIR's, LED's inside, no factory roof rack, some other homebrew mods, Airlift helper bags, and 285/75/16 geolander II's.

06-12-06, 01:01 PM	#8
stevezero IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 355	longer ones glide and track better than shorter. They can also hold more gear. Sit on tops are the way to go for fishing. lots of room to move around, you can hang your feet over the side, entries and exits are much easier as well. You can also reach all your gear behind you in a milk crate. __________________ 97 LX-450, 119k, Dual Batteries, Pin7/CDL mod, Slee harness/HIR's, LED's inside, no factory roof rack, some other homebrew mods, Airlift helper bags, and 285/75/16 geolander II's.

06-12-06, 12:45 PM	#6
wob SUCKERS!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Lounging on the Riviera Posts: 1,096	Just get a jon boat with a mud motor. Much easier for us older folks.

06-12-06, 01:10 PM	#9
stevezero IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 355	Weight rigged for fishing is about 70-75 lbs. Empty its about 60. They can get into a lot of tighter places than a jon boat, and alot more quietly. You can mount a fish finder as well, and scotty rod holders. Perfect for bay, canal, and flats fishing. Depending on your paddling abilties, they are quite capable in surf as well. Guys go offshore in hawaii and grab big pelagics with them as well. Amazing stuff. Smaller boats are lighter, but you lose maneverability. __________________ 97 LX-450, 119k, Dual Batteries, Pin7/CDL mod, Slee harness/HIR's, LED's inside, no factory roof rack, some other homebrew mods, Airlift helper bags, and 285/75/16 geolander II's.

06-12-06, 05:24 PM	#10
fsusteve IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Where the tarpon roll.... TLCA# 8714 Posts: 1,851 Blog Entries: 1	I know one guy that landed a 150lb tarpon in one, said he basically went for a ride till it got tired. __________________ A bad day on Mud is better than a good day at work.

06-12-06, 07:28 PM	#11
cajun65 Cruisin' again Join Date: May 2006 Location: Down South TLCA# 16685 Posts: 3,011	I fished last summer with Jackie Smith (NFL Hall of Famer) who promotes Hobie's Outback Fisherman kayak with the Mirage Drive. We stalked the marshes around our camp in Pecan Island, LA. Now, I'm a big fan of a shallow running, light boat with a BIG, QUIET trolling motor BUT, I have to say that the Hobie kayak with that pedal drive was really nice and easy to operate. We also went up into the swamps around here and had a blast. Very easy to operate, could cast my fly rod and toss big topwater lures. Covered a lot of area too. And, I could load an ice chest with beer right behind me. Not bad. Good luck with whatever you get. There are more and more guides in South Louisiana using these now. Let me know if you ever come this way and I'll recommend a few. __________________ 1999 UZJ 100 Back in the Saddle Bayou State Land Cruiser Association

06-12-06, 08:51 PM	#12
stevezero IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 355	The hobies with the mirage drive are cool. You pedal with your legs, and it looks like a pair of penguin flippers underneath. They have video clips of the drive system in action on the web. You do not get tired as quickly using the hobie drive, especially in wind, and it allows you to keep both hands free to fish. You can also change the fins to get more torque. The drive is also removable for very shallow water. Only downside to the hobies are the price. they run almost 2x the price of a new tarpon or redfish. Best thing you can do is look up a local kayaking group or shop, and see when they have demo days. Think free test drives on a ton of different models. You can then figure out what boat will fit you best. __________________ 97 LX-450, 119k, Dual Batteries, Pin7/CDL mod, Slee harness/HIR's, LED's inside, no factory roof rack, some other homebrew mods, Airlift helper bags, and 285/75/16 geolander II's.

06-12-06, 10:34 PM	#14
BigRed87 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: THE Texas Tech U. (North Dallas for the summer though) Posts: 245	rgsii and cajun65, I used to live in Lafayette, '96-2000, and used to duck hunt with a friend of mine (Chris Laundry- well his stepson) out at his camp in Pecan Island. Academy, at least the one up here has a pretty good deal on an angler kayak, looks alot like the green one pictured above, but for under 400 bucks, and has a 350lb capacity, if I had a roof rack and a better job I would probably get one. __________________ '87 FJ60, 350 to H42, BDS, 33x1250 Yokos, smitty builts, Alpine/RF sound system, extreme shackles, Hella headlights & 500s. you know, that old chestnut.

06-12-06, 10:48 PM	#15
Skniper IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 90	'preciate the responses. I've looked at the Tarpons and the Redfish models, which are most prevalent along the TX coast. I'm pretty much set on the Wilderness Tarpon 14' rigged to fish...I really like the idea of the 16' and cutting the water, but 16' is a lot of plastic boat to deal with and store...and less side to side stable than the 14'. I like the idea of being able to carry a good amount of crap, staying out much longer and reaching an almost endless amount of water & shoreline....plus, wading in elbow deep water while catching fish in sharky water can be a little unnerving at times.

06-13-06, 07:11 AM	#16
tx4guns IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clear Lake, TX Posts: 125	Texas Kayak Fishing Forum You guys interested in kayak fishing need to check this forum out. It's the best kayak forum around. http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/ Tight Lines! __________________ '79 FJ-40 "Pancho"

06-13-06, 09:47 AM	#17
Skniper IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 90	Check out these guys in Austin. www.kayaktexas.com Don't know anything 'bout the shop, but they sure understand preferred transportation methods.

06-24-06, 08:41 PM	#18
cajun65 Cruisin' again Join Date: May 2006 Location: Down South TLCA# 16685 Posts: 3,011	Rgsiii and BigRed 87: I live in Youngsville, a suburb I guess of Lafayette. Lived here all my life and even played ball for the Cajuns (94-97) and I hunt down in Pecan Island. Hurricane Rita demolished our camp like you wouldn't believe. I still can't believe it. We have a new one up and ready for the reds and ducks in the fall. People down there didn't wait for handouts, they kicked A and did most of it themselves! As for the fly fishing question in a Hobie - I managed just fine. We spent one morning on Lake Martin and I used my fly rod a lot. Set the hook often, cast all over the place and managed fine. When I wasn't using it, I strapped it to the side and used my ultralight spinning rod the rest of the time. Your tacklebox straps down in a recessed area under your legs and you can fit a small ice chest right behind you that you can easily reach. They are a little pricey, but they are fine boats. Jackie and the folks at Hobie did a great job making a fishing kayak! Hank Parker is a pretty big fan of it too. Jackie was just down in Lake Charles to do a demo for the Outdoor Writers Association of America conference. __________________ 1999 UZJ 100 Back in the Saddle** Bayou State Land Cruiser Association

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