Suggestions for a first time freshwater kayak

[FishnDave]

Some paddles are adjustable so the blades are off-set...so one end is slicing the wind while the other is paddling.

I took my Hobie Outback fishing this weekend, along with 2 guys who used a 2-man plastic pontoon bass boat with a trolling motor. The motor battery gave out after about 10 minutes on the water. I offered to tow them around with my kayak, but they instead opted to take my unused paddle. I didn't need it!
They used the paddle the rest of the time..taking turns, and eventually discovered the paddle separates into 2 pieces so they could both paddle at the same time. They watched me put it together earlier, so I assumed they already knew that. Anyway, I admired their persistence with the paddling, especially after the wind picked up.

[mariettamike]

I have a two float tubes, round caddis and fish cat. A Scadden Pontoon boat with standing platform, Also have WS Tarpon 12' and 16' kayaks. I use all of them and would highly recommend all of them for particular situations.

I fish from my kayaks in situatuions that require paddling miles to get where I want to fish. Take away the paddling factor and I'm in the pontoon. Way more comfortable and with the standing platform you can even stretch your legs without going back to the bank.

I just fished the Bow River in Calgary and noticed that all the pontoon boat guys wear flippers so they can maneuver while casting. I'll be taking my fliipers on my next pontoon trip to try that out.

The BAD part about a pontoon is the "assembly required". Takes 15-45 minutes to assemble or diisassemble depending on how far you break it down. I break mine all the way down and put it in the trunk of my car.

One more thing to make sure you consider is the type of access you have to your lake. You can't drag a pontoon boat through woods or brush like you can a kayak.

Regardless of what kind of boat you buy I highly recommend the Stohlquist Kayak PFD. Fits comfortable and goes over the backrest of kayak or pontoon seat. I have the fisherman model that holds tippet, fly boxes, etc. I even wade with it.

Good LUCK

[Gigante]

Perception actually makes a solid fishing yak for the money now, the "Caster". I have a 12.5 (which is more like 12'3"). You can get them new for about $600. I'm a very big guy and it suits me fine, easy to paddle and maneuver and very stable. Not one I'd try to stand in though.

[Jack Hise]

Bob;
You have received some very good advice here for sure. You mentioned "Taking the Plunge" so the only thing I can add is be sure to always carry, and use, a good PFD.

I'm 69 and own an ODC 816 pontoon, very stable and have no problem casting while seated. I don't think I could do well in a yak sitting with my legs streight out though.

[AGrant]

Looking for suggestions for a freshwater kayak for flyfishing smaller lakes for panfish and largemouth bass.

Am thinking of taking the plunge (I hope not into the lake) into this mode of fishing. Easy maneuverability, portability, amenities for rod, accessories, etc.

Budget would only allow for approximately $1000.00, hopefully a lot less!

Thanks in advance!

Bob

p.s. Is casting from a seated position very tiring? I'm 61 years young.

Native Water Craft Ultimate 12. Under your budget. Stable. Easy to carry. Easy to cartop. Easy to fish from....AND...THE most comfortable and adjustable seat on the market. Its a great boat. I actually have one for sale in the For Sale area of the forum. I love mine, just don't have time to use it. I have it listed for $750 and I'm in Jackson, Mississippi. Just FYI.

I don't know anything about the Hobie boats, but I can vouch for the Ultimate 12.

Hope this helps.
Alan.

[cycler68]

Myself wrote:

When going against the wind with paddles every time you raise the paddle to take another stroke you have a wind catcher.

Boy do I wish I could take that back, shoulda thought about how you can feather the paddles to keep from catching the wind while they are in the air. That said I still like the Hobie system real well and think it's worth the extra $$$ because you have both hands free to fish more of the time than with paddles. I'm also pleased with the speed and stability of my kayak. And I have a suspicion I can generate more power with the Mirage drive than I could with paddles. I'd need to experiment a bit to confirm that.
I can think of a few drawbacks to the Mirage drive though: 1. You need to be in deeper water to use the Mirage drive than if you were paddling. It also catches weeds when they are near the surface. 2. The Mirage drive has no reverse. If I want to go backward it's back to the paddle. 3. I also have to use the paddles for a draw stroke.