Bass Kayak??

[Rage]

I've been searching for the best way to fish smaller local ponds where there is little bank access. I've been down the float tube road and think it's going on craigslist. Ha ha. I've considered pontoons, but they are pretty cumbersome for a quick trip.

So...I've been considering a kayak. To my surprise, Bassmaster magazine came to the rescue and actually had an article on the subject. One thing I got a kick out of was what Lounisianans call a "Cajun sleigh ride", where an oversized fish pulls you around.

Getting to the point, DOES ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE, GOOD OR BAD, WITH KAYAK FISHING?

[Spot]

Kayaks work pretty well for Bass fishing. The NWKA guys have been posting up some nice LMBs, SMBs and Walleye this year. I think Bryce (Zee on the NWKA.org site) did a Kayak Bass Article in the Northwest Sportsman's May edition.
The online version of KayakAngler Magazine has a couple of article on Kayak Bass Fishing also. http://www.kayakanglermag.com/features/tips-and-tactics.html You'll also find articles in there on Oregon Springers and Sturgeon. :cool:

I'm still learning how to effectively target bass from my kayaks. I do great on Salmon, Sturgeon, Rockfish, etc but the lowly Bass kicks my @$$!

[Hunt'nFish]

For ponds and lakes I'd vote for the Pontoon setup. But when you throw rivers and sight seeing/recreation paddling into the mix, my vote then sways to the kayak. Simply because they can cover more water distance faster.

But I also think what you get AND how you have it setup could make a huge differance.
For bass I can't imagine not being able to stand up.....so stability so I could stand up, would be huge for me.
Also an anchor system would be key for me. I should point out that the pontoon setup is has/or can have all these features. You can modify the metal work to incorporate a casting deck.

Another consideration might be storage. Kayaks are bulky.....pontoons are not.
I think with practice you'd be surprised how fast you can inflate & put a pontoon together. Others here can clue you in on ecactly how fast they've gotten.

As a duck hunter I went through many of these same thoughts; capacity, stability, paddle eaze and although I arrived at some thing more ducky, I did research a lot of fishing kayaks.
The one that really caught my eye was the Native Watercraft "Ultimate 12" (http://www.nativewatercraft.com/overview_all.cfm) I have info on a local dealer....suggested $500-750 for Demo/New.
It's a very open kayak with a fairly flat top that could be decked if desired (this was more a ducking consideration).
Other models from other companies I also considered were the "Predator", "Angler" and "Tarpon". You can google those for info.

Hope this helps.
Hunt'nFish

[Raining_Kings]

I have a fishing kayak also and they are a lot of fun to get on small ponds and rivers etc. Also have a nice fishcat float tube. Since I got the kayak, the float tube doesn't get much action (nor does the kayak since I got the 'tin can boat'). Thing I like about the kayak is that you can explore a whole lot more than on the float tube, and you can fit enough backpacking equipment in it to have a real nice camp. There's a lot of room under the deck in the Sit on Top kayaks. Like SPOT says above check out the Northwest Kayak Anglers site, there's lots of info there specific to that side of the sport. I think you are going to see more and more of these 'fishing yaks' in the future.

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/Tualatin_1.jpg

-= Scott

[bad habit]

whats the balance like? I like the durability factor.

[Knobby]

whats the balance like? I like the durability factor.

I've been having an absolute ball fishing from a kayak this year. I've been fishing from either my Pamlico 100 (a 10' sit-in kayak), or my Ocean Kayak Trident 11 sit-on-top.

Really been enjoying it. Mostly fly fishing believe it or not. I did have a "Cajun sleigh ride" 2 fridays ago at Trillium with the biggest trout I have ever hooked into.

Stability? I think they're great. Rec kayaks and fishing-specific kayaks are different beasts from their white water cousins. I'm probably too confident at times in mine, especially the Ocean Kayak, they are very stable. (See the pic - would you fish in those conditions -that's snow btw- if you were worried? ha)

Tomorrow, I'm specifically heading out for bass (although I have hooked into a few already this year) from the kayaks with a work buddy.

Some great benefits about kayak fishing:

Portability/Convenience - I can load either yak on my truck's Yakima bars by myself, and be out the door in nothing flat. I can carry the Pamlico with 1 hand, and the Ocean Kayak has a scupper wheel thing that I ordered. Very handy. Not to mention I can fit both on top of the truck and still have the whole inside of canopy for all the other gear.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2606/35/89/1020648507/n1020648507_380926_5868950.jpg

Fast and maneuverable - you can cover a lot of ground in a yak, surprisingly quick.

Comfortable - sometimes I just smile out there leaning back in a crazy creek chair-like position.



Anchor? I found 2 window weights and put some rope on 'em. Done and done.

I am jealous of the guy's fish finder above. Mine's built for one. I just am too poor right now! ha.


http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2606/35/89/1020648507/n1020648507_387926_3723127.jpg

[bsteves]

whats the balance like? I like the durability factor.

Depends on the kayak. Most kayak anglers these days are using SOT (sit-on-top) kayaks (See photos above) and these are super stable. I often even sit side saddle in mine while fishing.

Fishing out of a more traditional sea kayak is a bit less stable, but it can be done.

Brian

[bad habit]

whats it like when a boat races past you? Just ride the wave? lol

[Spot]

whats it like when a boat races past you? Just ride the wave? lol

It's no worse than being in the ocean when it's choppy. Nobody likes to ride someone else's wake but it's not a safety issue. Like bsteves said, the SOT kayaks are super stable.

[bb2fish]

This is my first post on ifish -- It's great to talk/read about fishing when I can't be out on the water doing it.

I've really enjoyed kayak fishing for the past couple years! I have a 10' Sit-In Kayak and mostly go out on lakes for recreational paddles (and always take the fishing gear). I recently bought a suction cup type Fishfinder (Eagle), so I hope to take that out for a ride this weekend -- see if I can find some kokanee in green peter if the wind doesn't blow me around too much. Maybe someday I'll hook into a monster that will give me a free "sleigh ride", that would be a hoot.

[INSAYN]

I wanna see the Youtube of someone on a pontooner hooked into a sturgeon. :D

[arkansasbasser]

This is my first post on ifish -- It's great to talk/read about fishing when I can't be out on the water doing it.

I've really enjoyed kayak fishing for the past couple years! I have a 10' Sit-In Kayak and mostly go out on lakes for recreational paddles (and always take the fishing gear). I recently bought a suction cup type Fishfinder (Eagle), so I hope to take that out for a ride this weekend -- see if I can find some kokanee in green peter if the wind doesn't blow me around too much. Maybe someday I'll hook into a monster that will give me a free "sleigh ride", that would be a hoot.Welcome to IFish BB2.

[Rage]

Thanks to all who responded. I've been doing lots of research on the subject. "Hunt'nfish" pointed out the Native Kayak Ultimate 12, very nice, they sell them here in Eugene. They look like a small canoe for one.

"Knobby" has an Ocean Kayak Trident. These look awesome too. I would own either one.

Another option I'm considering is the Emotion Stealth. 10'3" SOT, 44 lbs, with 3 rod holders. This one would be perfect for my favorite local pond(s) due to the portability. However, the above may be better suited for larger waters.

Decisions decisions... :^)

[Yakman]

Rage,

I saw your post, and had to reply before you bought. I would recommend that you have a look at Malibu kayaks. IMHO: they are the best fishing kayaks available. I own an X Factor. It's on the large side for a kayak but it's super stable. The sit on top design is self draining (with scupper holes) and has large storage areas up front and on the back for multiple day fishing trips. Check it out!

Cheers!
Yak

[Rage]

Rage,

I saw your post, and had to reply before you bought. I would recommend that you have a look at Malibu kayaks. IMHO: they are the best fishing kayaks available. I own an X Factor. It's on the large side for a kayak but it's super stable. The sit on top design is self draining (with scupper holes) and has large storage areas up front and on the back for multiple day fishing trips. Check it out!

Cheers!
Yak
Yak,

You're right, the X factor looks awesome. How much did you pay????

[Yakman]

Rage,

I paid just under $1200 for it (ouch!). It came with the apex 1 adjustable seat and a paddle. It has a carrying capacity of 625 lbs! I bought it from a shop in Reedsport. I believe they are the only dealer carrying malibu kayaks in Oregon.

Because it's just over 14 ft long, she is a little on the heavy side at 60 lbs. I can load/unload it onto my truck by myself, but you wouldn't want to carry it very far without a kayak cart. I can recommend the Wheeleez cart if your favorite spot requires some hiking. I bought the cart with balloon tires. It makes land transport a snap over sand and irregular terrain.

Hope it helps,

Yak
:twocents:

[schwag]

I have a malibu and a cobra tandem and both are outstanding for bass fishing.

[dampainter]

consider the malibu II by ocean kayak....a tandem but allows a single occupant to sit in the middle. about all other makes of tandems you just about have to have someone with you. super stable, I use to paddle out to the kelp beds tie off and hang my legs off the side and catch various rockfish. lots of cargo space..and if want to have someone else along no problem.

[40ishnewbie]

Rage,

Because it's just over 14 ft long, she is a little on the heavy side at 60 lbs. I can load/unload it onto my truck by myself, but you wouldn't want to carry it very far without a kayak cart. I can recommend the Wheeleez cart if your favorite spot requires some hiking. I bought the cart with balloon tires. It makes land transport a snap over sand and irregular terrain.

Hope it helps,

Yak
:twocents:

I 2nd and 3rd your advice for a cart. Unless you can step out of the car and into the water, they are worth the cost. That said, don't skimp on a $20 cart, you'll end up buying a better quality one anyway.

Yakman, I'll see your 14', 60# yak and raise my 12'8", 70+# Big Game...:D

Jay

[Yakman]

Jay,

I'll see your 70# Big Game and raise you with my side imaging fish finder!:cool:

Yak

[Spot]

Back to the original Topic:

Here's a Largemouth I picked up a couple of weeks ago on my kayak:
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/150_19_07_09_7_02_33_1.jpeg

Here's a Smallmouth I picked up today from my kayak:
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/150_19_07_09_7_05_18.jpeg

[Rage]

Nice fish, Spot!!! Thanks for the pics.