I'm completely lost....

[Jayatwork]

I actually fish Central Oregon lakes. The best scenario would be to have a pontoon and a good motor-boat. A Kayak might be an option but I don't know enough about them to recommend one. For fishing Cascade lakes I would not choose a canoe. A canoe is fun for exploring but you will be constantly fighting it, if you try to fish from one solo.

Here is a Central Oregon lake. It might give you an idea of what others are choosing.

[Flyfish Dog]

Piece of cake if you use akayak there unless you have back pack it in. I have dragged my kayak for an 1/2mile on a C Tug carrier with no problems.

[ducksterman]

If I were starting over I would strongly consider....

http://www.springcreekprams.com/?page_id=54

[Cliff955]

Again, thanks to all for the suggestions and advise - since I know almost nothing about boats it's all really useful! Jayatwork - that picture makes a pretty compelling areguement for a 'toon. Ducksterman, I like the look of that pram as an alternative. In my heart I like the idea of a kayak but I guess I really need to rent one for an outing and see how it works for me in the real world.

All the best,

Cliff

[bluegill]

Check the dinghies on this site:
http://www.directboats.com/dinghys.html

[flyyaker]

I'm with flyfish dog! With everything there are trade offs, but I think once you try a yak YOU WILL BE HOOKED! Stealth, speed/manuverabilty, size, and weight for transporting. I have 2 SOTs I fish fromand they are stabil enough that I stand up in them and fish. Not goin down a fast river mind you, but in lakes and sloughs. All I can say is give one a try I think you'll really be pleased

[jimsnarocks]

The cool thing about a toon is once you paddle to where you want to be you can use fins to move around while you fish. Jim

[Gigmaster]

I have to agree, Yaks are the ultimate water machines, although I use a Sit Inside Kayak. It keeps me, and my gear much drier. I installed two retractable pontoons on mine, and I can also stand up to cast, or bowfish, and my Yak handles Class V rapids (if need be).

I am seriously considering buying an Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak, just because they are so cool.

I'm with flyfish dog! With everything there are trade offs, but I think once you try a yak YOU WILL BE HOOKED! Stealth, speed/manuverabilty, size, and weight for transporting. I have 2 SOTs I fish fromand they are stabil enough that I stand up in them and fish. Not goin down a fast river mind you, but in lakes and sloughs. All I can say is give one a try I think you'll really be pleased

[raindogt]

A little late to the party, but I vote for a kayak. The reasons mentioned above are all reasons which led me to the yak. I have an Ocean Kayak Trident 11. It is an 11'6" boat and is super stable. I can stand in it-- never fished standing, but I wanted to see if it can be done. Nor have I ever had a need/ desire to stand while fishing. That is what my dad's Skeeter ZX with a platform deck and troller on the front is for.

The one (yes, only one-- IMHO) drawback to the yak is that underwater structure can look distorted due to being so low to the water. Once you get used to the way things appear it becomes a non issue.

Plusses: Won't be as affected by wind as others, my boat has a crazy weight capacity for it's size (I'll never have 450 lbs. with me...), stealthy, covers water quickly, easily maneuverable, And, possibly most importantly to me-- is that you can sit side saddle, and use your feet like you would in a kick boat for positioning-- this was my only concern, would I be able to hold in the water? Not a problem.

I am a young guy, mid 30's, very active-- most people are amazed that I am as old as I am-- So, issues with back problems, joint probs, etc. are yet to be a factor for me. But this may be something that is of concern to others-- I can't speak to this issue.....

[Linecaster]

My one cents worth, I have had float tubes and canoe but at age 68 have now purchased a SOT 12' Pescador kayak and I wonder to myself why did I take so long. I just love it