Buying a Yak

[frayedknot]

My dad and I are looking about buying 2 yaks. Should we get regular sit on tops and just rig them our selfs of buy a angler edition? What are the acceserioes that you guys have, and what are the neccesities?

[Cookinman]

My dad and I are looking about buying 2 yaks. Should we get regular sit on tops and just rig them our selfs of buy a angler edition? What are the acceserioes that you guys have, and what are the neccesities?

I recommend a SOT type - Ocen Kayak, Scupper Pro, & Prowlers are some of the Best PURE FISHING platforms IMHO
Heritage makes a few great models as does Hobie and Wilderness Systems as well. Decision will be based 1 -comfort 2- fishing style 3 - Budget.

Definately go rent a few and paddle as many as you can before buying. what works for my frame and build may not work for you.

There are some great reviews on Paddlefishing.com as well as Ftlauderdaleyakfinhingclub.com. Also the NMZ of the FS site is full of useful info also.

I recommend getting the Yak as plain as possible and setting it up to fish yourself based on what you do. For example, if all you fish are flats, a stake out pole as opposed to an anchor trolley with a 5# folding anchor may be better. Remember this is not a motorboat so space is limited and you will really need to think like a minimalist. Live baiting it tough but possible, you will just need to be creative with your space.....

Also GREAT deals are around on used yaks. But Definately paddler a few first before buying. then when youi have that down, and decide which ones are suitable Fish it a few times before drilling any holes for Rod mounts, anchor trolley's etc. what works sitting on your garage floor ( like reaching behind you for equipment ) will take your balance to a whole new level while on the water.

Call me if you like - I can offer some advice on what to look for in a yak, but basically Paddle as many different types as possible and if you plan on going offshore, paddle them there.....

[Da Luii]

Couldn’t have said it any better Cookinman.

Check out Atlantic Coast Kayaks in Pompano there are conveniently located on a canal for your convenience. You’re welcome to try any boat for as long as you want. Susan & Millis are extremely nice & knowledgeable. Tell them Lou sent you.

www.atlanticcoastkayak.com/index.htm

[krash]

What co... said, for me it was budget first, but I'm pretty handy and like the ghetto el'cheapo version of rigging things. Some Lexel, bungiee, a milk/soda/file crate, couple rod holders and its ready.

You'll need a paddle and seat/back rest.

I got a garage sale yak, mass merchandise product, Mainstream Renegade. Its to small for me, but its rigged, ready, and works. Remember its not the Yak that catches fish, its the Yak-ster inside or on-top that does that part.

Now if I had the $$ and the choice I think I'd pick up a Prowler13, Tarpon 120. I'm right under 6' and 190+ pounds.

I've used a Hobie with the pedal power, its pretty kool but high $$$. The pedal drive needs 12 to 18" of water to operate properly, does not have reverse, heavy to paddle, good for canals but not skinny flats, it does leave both hands free for fishing, except the right hand is needed to operate the rudder. It'ss not easy to make those very quick back-paddle 180's or stops with the pedals we all do in our yaks. Yes you do need to always have a paddle on board.
I fished all day, well 6.5 hours on one, and it sure was nice having both hands free most of the time, but found that my arse was lower than my knees and it took some getting used to, like peddaling uphill on one of those funny looking bikes.

There is a great yak place in Key Largo, FBO, that will rent and let you try it b4 you buy it. They are next to the Carib club (mm103), on the bay. They usually around this time of year have an end of season sellout of all their rentals, demo, and last year model yaks so it might be worth a road trip to Key Largo.

[Fuzzy(as in not clear)]

Krash has the right idea! Hit FBO, test a few, get an idea what you like, want, need, then head next door to my all time favorite keys dive/dump bar!

The women at this bar get better looking with every drink I have and, they have raised the standards. There is a three tooth minimun for women now

Then on the way home stop at the last chance saloon for some really fine cracker style drinkin'

I am a hobieholic and can't stop bragging about the mirage drive. You can peddle in very shallow water, you just can't use full strokes, more like a flutter kick. I might not win races against scupper pro's and some other fast skinny yaks, but my Adventure will hold its own for getting to and from my favorite spots paddle, peddle or even sail!

There's nothing like a good crate with a couple of peices of pvc for rod holders. My "rodholders" are zip tied to the crate.

[Cookinman]

I might not win races against scupper pro's and some other fast skinny yaks.

BUT - Being able to target specific cast to movin shadows while cruising across the flats is a HUGE advantage, Fuzzy.....Besides, whats the diffrence between 3.5 MPH and 4.5 MPH anyway.....lol ?

If I had the extra $$ at the time, I'da gone Hobie too......

When ya headed down next? Love to join ya.

[Fuzzy(as in not clear)]

Cookinman has a great crate set-up. there are others as well. Maybe he'll post up a pic?

Another thought on fishing from yaks. Though I don't have experience with yaks without rudders, I see a great advantage to having one. The rudder helps to keep you lined up on a drift. Also helps in the wind, too.

Looks like a trip to the goon next weekend. Meeting up with TerriW and other folks from the KFS board. Gonna be a goonie soon!

Back to the yak buying, don't rush into a purchase. It took me 3 months to decide what I wanted. Unless you get a super deal on a used yak, or you're like me and decide you'll need several yaks for different occasions(just can't afford them all) make your first purchase your best all around purchase.

After all the research I did without ever getting in/on a yak I decide the primary reason for having the yak was to fish in places I could not drive, walk or boat to. Being lazy led to the pedal system. I have a sail system from Pacific action that can be moved to almost any yak I ever own, too.

Once you yak, you never go back

[Cookinman]

Cookinman has a great crate set-up. there are others as well. Maybe he'll post up a pic?

Another thought on fishing from yaks. Though I don't have experience with yaks without rudders, I see a great advantage to having one. The rudder helps to keep you lined up on a drift. Also helps in the wind, too.

Looks like a trip to the goon next weekend. Meeting up with TerriW and other folks from the KFS board. Gonna be a goonie soon!

Back to the yak buying, don't rush into a purchase. It took me 3 months to decide what I wanted. Unless you get a super deal on a used yak, or you're like me and decide you'll need several yaks for different occasions(just can't afford them all) make your first purchase your best all around purchase.

After all the research I did without ever getting in/on a yak I decide the primary reason for having the yak was to fish in places I could not drive, walk or boat to. Being lazy led to the pedal system. I have a sail system from Pacific action that can be moved to almost any yak I ever own, too.

Once you yak, you never go back

I have a few Crates I have made to suit the style of fishing that day. Will be happy to post up a pic when I get home.

Great Advice on nmot rushing...I almost did and am very glad I waited for the right yak to come along. It can make a difference between fighting a fish or your yak that day.....

Hey Fuzzy, Can that Sail work on an OK SPTW? If so send a link to the website !! I am jealous about the "goon trip". wish I couls make it....Family thing prevents me that weekend - Good Luck !!! Have a few imports for me !

Oh yea, on rudders, so far I have never felt the need to have one UNTILL I fished at Flamingo in the Wind....

Fishing Paddle At the Ready ( in my lap ) to keep me pointed in the right direction to cast was do-able, but not enjoyable...

a rudder that had the ability to deploy and reploy when needed would have been a definate advantage. I will prolly not put one on the SPTW ( Cost and a tad hard to find ) But will most likely insist on one for the next yak whenever that time comes.

[Cookinman]

Cookinman has a great crate set-up. there are others as well. Maybe he'll post up a pic?

Here are my 2 main setups, the Black one is heavier duty, Bolted to a thick Milk crate with with SS Bolts. Can withstand a king hit while trolling and my rod will still be ther by the time I Turn around. Notice the 2 end Rocket launchers at the 45 angle for trolling whatever we are trolling.

The red one is lightweight PVC is strapped in with a blt on bottom and cable wrap on top. Mostrly for freshwater use, it is designed for a narrow profile for getting down smaller trails to get me into the Flats at Holiday Park, Lopxahatchee and out at the Holy Lands where the Hydrilla Gorillas live...lol Trolling is less of a factor in the grass, as I am more worried about hanging a rodtip up while moving quickly.

Working on a Third Crate, the likes of which has never been seen yet. ...least not by me ha ha
IF it works I'll post pics....

If you do a search on Google for rigged Kayaks, many Ideas will come up, some that even incorporate a baitwel in the setup. You are limited only by your own creativity



A Standard Crate oes not fit in or ON the TW securely, so I widened it with a pool noodle and secure it down with a series of self tightening bungee chord wraps...kinda time consuming to set up, but again, I do not want to get rocked and loose a rig or the whole crate....


Freshwater Setup




Using it in Lake Worth Deep Jigging...