What kind of watercraft for flyfishing.

MickieFinn, Don't know how big you are, but if your weight is approaching 200 pounds you need to paddle the Zydeco before you buy. During my testing of kayaks, I found that some of the weights listed are far above what the kayaks will comfortably and safely handle.
I haven't paddled a Zydeco, so you may be perfectly safe, but better safe than sorry.
Above all...paddle as many as [possible and for sure paddle a kayak before you purchase it.

Rodgerole
I'd rather be fishing

Mick,
Good for you. I fish from both Kayaks and Canoes. Each has a different feel and different advantages. As you move into the world of kayaking note that a smaller kayak turns more easily than a longer model. With a 9' you tend to zig zag as you paddle from side to side so it uses more energy. If you are paddling less than a few miles during each fishing excursion you should be fine. If you are doing longer paddles against current or across windy lakes it will be less efficient and you will tire faster. Because of the zig-zag you don't point upriver as much and your bow is more likely to catch water and be harder to handle. Conversely it is easier to manoever in small spaces, load and unload from the car and is generally stealthier.

All that being said enjoy it and keep these issues in mind because you'll soon be looking at other boats. :lol: Its a rule, once you get into it you always want another one. Bigger, faster, smaller, lighter better seating etc.

jed

I fish out of a custom designed Cajun Piroque. A boat designer designed it for me and I built it 4 years ago. It is 16 feet long and 3 feet wide in the middle.

Kahuna

No contest. If you want to cover distance, a kayak is the only way to go. I'd opt for a 'Sea' or touring type for lakes and bigger rivers. I prefer the SIK type. The SOTs are fun, but too slow. I use a Wilderness Systems Victory Blast kayak, and I couldn't be happier. This year, I plan to buy a tandem or sea yak for extended adventures.

Semper Fi!

Mikiefinn,i see you said you tried the inflatable boats but the brush was too much for it.I have a pontoon for ponds now,had three canoes,a scott,old town 119 and a esquif mallard,all canoes to me felt tippie,i looked at kayaks but at 6'2" 220 lbs i couldn't get out of the dam* things!I would look at a craft called a creek boat,it is a open designed kayak,the base model around 450.00,you can use a kayak paddel or trolling motor,weighes 42 lbs.

mickyfinn

i have been fishing out of kayaks for about 8 yrs now and do not recommend the zydeco unless you are mainly fishing lakes it does not handle very fast water well. the zydeco is stable but does not track well nor is it good for paddeling any distsance, like to the other side of the lake. being so small it should be manuverable but it's not and that's why it can not easily handle fast moving water like the lehigh river. there are better kayaks out there more appri[priate for your major use, which is fishing. look at a pamlico or pungo by wilderness systems or the blackwater by dagger or the loon by old town. now is not the time to buy a kayak actually because how are you going to try it out? wait for a demo day and try some out 1st or get some friends to let you try theirs. if you come near pittsburgh i have 4 differnt yak for you to try, each has a specific purpose and actually 2 are for sale because their purpose are no longer needed and i'll buy a new one to replace them.

I vote for a canoe. If you ever want to take another person, you can easily accomodate them. If not you're good there as well. I built "outriggers" for mine with 2 swim noodles and some pvc. I can stand in that thing with my lab leaning over the side, and fly cast easily.

Mine is a heavy, molded plastic boat, but suits my needs. I would like a lighter version someday....

I used a canoe for 25 years, but for the last 3 since getting an OT otter the canoe is gathering dust. There is enough room for fishing gear, snack, PFD etc. Kayaks are MUCH less prone to being pushed by the wind, and travel much faster than canoes. This will be important when returning at the end of the day. Paddling a kayak is more intuitive - it takes a while to become a good canoe paddler. Kayaks are warmer on cool days and have a proper seat (back rest). Both are a little tippy if you try to cast too much to the side, so don't decide on that basis. I find the kayak quieter because I am not reaching the same with the paddle. I agree with the suggestions to try each out - but whatever you choose, GET A REALLY NICE PADDLE, because that is what you will feel in your hands.

There are no perfect boats. Having owned several dozen (total) canoes/yaks/prams/jons etc, I can tell you they all excell at one thing and suffer in other areas. Small recreational /fishing yaks 9 10-14') paddle much easier than a canoe and shed wind well. Stability can be good ( if beam is 28" or better) as you sit more or less at the water line. However, this low seating profile makes judging casting distances and casting itself more dificult. ( PS If you go with a YAK, get a Open cockpit or SIT so you don't need to sweat eskimo rolling practice!)
Canoes give you more options in seating height, gear stowage, and casting position ( that aids casting and comfort) but take more energy to move and are troublesome in the wind.

If you stick with either in a wide beam, 12-14' recreation type hull, you should be pretty content in most situations. It's also worth trying a double paddle in a canoe ( if you decide on a canoe) . It's unorthodox but can help ALLOT with controlling a canoe in wind and adds efficiency .
hth

p.s. paddling.net is a good place to review certain boats prior to buying.

All of the crafts mentioned here are top choice for the fishing you discribe....I own and use both a kayak and the Hobie Floatcat 75....Still want to add the Old Town Pack canoe to this myself....I find canoes and Kayaks much more stable than most seem to give them credit for...Canoes are more prone to wind probelems, and that would be there only drawback. If you were to really squint and look hard for one...

I think any of the water craft above would serve you well... What are your thoughts as to storage? Space available? Time you'd be willing to devote to take down of some of the craft mentioned if space is limited...Only applies if selecting certain crafts.....Might want to check out a few of the craft and narrow your seach a bit and drop names of those specific crafts so we might be better siuted to answer specific storage,Price and transportation questions you may have...Just some thoughts...

Bill