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2014 Chatter
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If you haven’t tried kayak fishing yet, or are looking to upgrade to a kayak better suited for your fishing needs, what are you waiting for? To say that kayaks are one of the hottest trends in fishing is an understatement. Whether you’re a shore-bound fisherman getting into a kayak to reach new waters and distant fish, a recreational kayaker looking to bring his passion for fishing aboard the plastic vessel, or a boat fisherman who recognizes fishing kayaks as an exciting and relatively inexpensive way to get out on the water, there’s something in kayak fishing for just about anyone.
If you’re intimidated by the thought of fishing from a kayak, you should know that kayak fishing is a lot easier, and safer, than it looks. In the past decade, manufacturers have started constructing kayaks specifically for fishermen, and most of these craft are remarkably stable and comfortable. All of them come with at least a couple of rod holders, and some feature tackle hatches, anchor systems, and even livewells. With all of the options out there, there’s a better chance than ever that you can find a kayak that will fit your needs and work for you.
What’s Right for You?
The bottom line in choosing the best fishing kayak for your needs is that there is no one-size-fits all. Before you make a decision on purchasing a kayak for fishing, the most important thing you can do is to take stock of where and how you plan to do most of your paddling and fishing. Identify your needs – will you be fishing in freshwater ponds, saltwater harbors, or do you plan to venture out into the open ocean? Will this kayak be strictly a fishing vessel, or do you plan to share with your family? Then, select a handful of kayaks that appear to match your desired criteria, and at that point, try them all! Always demo a kayak before you buy it.
Before you can evaluate the fishing kayaks at your local paddlesport shop or marina, you’ll need to understand some of the important characteristics of kayaks. Most fishing kayaks can be used for a variety of activities, but understand that no one kayak excels at every activity. Choosing a kayak, like choosing a boat or a car, means mulling over a long list of specifications and deciding what features are “must-haves” and which ones are compromises. Once you understand your options, you can start down the path of choosing the right kayak for your intended purposes. These are some of the basics to consider before you buy your first, or next, fishing kayak.
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END 2014 Chatter
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SIT-INSIDE KAYAKS
Jackson Kayak KILROY
A fully decked-out fishing kayak designed for anglers who prefer the dry ride of a sit-inside kayak. Includes the gear mounts, staging systems and seating you'd expect in a Jackson Kayak.
Length: 12' 4"Width:31"Weight:69 lbs.Capacity:375 lbs.Price:$1249
Jackson Kayak Co. • Sparta, TN • jacksonkayak.com
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(NEW FOR 2015)
Jackson Kayak REALTREE KILROY
jacksonkayak.com
Jackson’s popular sit-inside fishing kayak is now offered in a waterfowl camo design, making it a dual-purpose craft for the outdoorsman who likes to cast and blast. Includes the gear mounts, staging systems, and seating you’d expect in a Jackson Kayak, along with features specific to waterfowling, like a fitted blind and decoy bag.
Length: 12′ 4″
Width: 31″
Weight: 69 lbs.
Capacity: 375 lbs.
Price: $1,799 ($1,349 standard version)
Old Town HERON 9 ANGLER
oldtowncanoe.com
A sporty design, the Heron 9 Angler is an easy-to-paddle kayak that can maneuver perfectly into your favorite fishing spot. An affordable choice for casual anglers seeking a lightweight, compact kayak outfitted for fishing and cruising in calm waters.
Length: 9′ 6″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 39 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Price: $459.99
(UPDATED FOR 2015)
Pelican Premium INTREPID 100X ANGLER
pelicansport.com
Designed with first-time kayak anglers in mind, the Intrepid’s multi-chine hull puts a premium on stability and tracking, yet offers impressive acceleration and speed for its size. Equipped with three rod holders and a smartphone holder on the dash.
Length: 10′
Width: 29″
Weight: 39 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Price: $499.99
SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS
Feelfree MOKEN
feelfreekayak.com
Brimming with features that fishermen crave, the Moken 12.5 is stable enough for standing and fast enough to handle larger lakes and coastal waters, while the Moken 14 is an offshore fishing machine built for speed. Both feature Feelfree’s “Wheel in the Keel” that makes rolling to the launch a snap.
MOKEN 12.5/14
Length: 12′ 8″/14′ 8″
Width: 32″/34″
Weight: 72 lbs./76 lbs.
Capacity: 419 lbs./432 lbs.
Price: $899/$999
Feelfree LURE 11.5
feelfreekayak.com
A feature-packed fishing machine designed for stand-up fishing with standing platform and variable-height seat. Also features Feelfree’s “Wheel in the Keel.”
Length: 11’6″
Width: 36″
Weight: 74 lbs.
Capacity: 425 lbs.
Price: $1,149
(UPDATED FOR 2015)
Hobie Kayaks MIRAGE OUTBACK
hobiecat.com
The beamy Hobie Mirage Outback offers anglers loads of stability while casting, re-rigging or landing the big one. The pedal-powered MirageDrive keeps hands free for fishing while maneuvering between hotspots, and the comfortable Vantage CT seat is a great update for 2015.
Length: 12’1″
Width: 33″
Weight: 82 lbs./95 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $2,299
(UPDATED FOR 2015)
Hobie MIRAGE REVOLUTION 13
hobiecat.com
The lightweight hull of the Mirage Revolution means this kayak is perfect for making quick moves to schools of fish, and the new-for-2015 Vantage CT seat will allow anglers to fish all day in comfort. Ample storage space, an offshore-capable hull, and the hands-free MirageDrive make this kayak a popular choice for anglers.
Length: 13’5″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 72 lbs./91 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $2,299
Hobie MIRAGE PRO ANGLER 14
hobiecat.com
With stand-up stability and ample storage, the Mirage Pro Angler was designed to take fishermen from fresh water to the open ocean. The easily adjustable Vantage ST seat makes sitting in the Pro Angler a joy, whether casting or pedaling.
Length: 13’8″
Width: 38″
Weight: 124 lbs./151 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $3,199
(NEW FOR 2015)
Jackson Kayak KRAKEN
jacksonkayak.com
A beast of a hull designed for the offshore and big lake kayak angler, the Kraken marks the first collaborative design between legendary kayak angler, Jim Sammons, and Jackson Kayak’s design team. Punch through surf and handle big waves and large fish with ease.
Length: 15’7″
Width: 30″
Weight: 85 lbs./110 lbs. fully rigged
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1,799
Jackson Kayak CUDA 12
jacksonkayak.com
The little sibling to the Cuda 14, the Cuda 12 is an all-around fishing kayak designed to handle lakes, rivers and oceans. It combines speed for covering distance with stability for standing, plus the angler-designed deck includes logical tackle and rod storage.
Length: 12’6″
Width: 31″
Weight: 74 lbs.
Capacity: 350 lbs.
Price: $1,299
Ocean Kayak TETRA ANGLER 10
oceankayak.com
For a smaller kayak, the Tetra Angler has big storage, with two flush-mount rod holders and a Mod Pod II center hatch that allows easy access to rods from a seated position. The Comfort Hybrid Seat provides excellent back support.
Length: 10’8″
Width: 29.5″
Weight: 47 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.
Price: $849.99
Ocean Kayak TRIDENT 13 ANGLER
oceankayak.com
With a balance of speed, maneuverability and stability, the Ocean Kayak Trident performs beautifully when breaking through the surf or handling rough seas. The transducer-compatible scupper and Sonar Shield compartment makes it easy to rig.
Length: 13’6″
Width: 29.5″
Weight: 67 lbs.
Capacity: 475 lbs.
Price: $1,099.99
Ocean Kayak PROWLER II BIG GAME
oceankayak.com
The Prowler is designed for anglers seeking a high-capacity fishing kayak with ample storage, a stable and dry ride, along with a comfortable seating system. This kayak appeals to both expert fishermen looking for more capacity and beginners looking for stability (and keeping dry).
Length: 12’9″
Width: 34″
Weight: 70 lbs.
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $1299.99
(NEW FOR 2015)
Old Town PREDATOR XL MINN KOTA
oldtowncanoe.com
The Predator XL Minn Kota bridges the gap between a fishing kayak, a bass boat and a shallow-water skiff. The combination of a Minn Kota motor and a foot-controlled rudder system truly allows hands-free fishing. Work the local shoreline without taking your hands off the rod to reposition your boat.
Length: 13’2″
Width: 36″
Weight: 92 lbs.
Capacity: 600 lbs.
Price: $2,699
Old Town PREDATOR 13 & MX
oldtowncanoe.com
Engineered both above and below the waterline to be the perfect fishing platform, the Predator family from Old Town has what it takes to target everything from small-pond largemouths to rough-seas stripers. The Predator comes loaded with features, including a slip-resistant deck and the Element Seating System. The Predator MX, or Mixed Water, features a slightly more rounded hull, designed for moving water conditions without sacrificing its class-leading stability and performance.
Length: 13’2″/12′
Width: 33.5″/34″
Weight: 86 lbs./82 lbs.
Capacity: 425 lbs./400 lbs.
Price: $1,399 /$1,299
Viking Kayak PROFISH GT
vikingkayaks.com
New Zealand-based Viking’s latest fishing kayak is designed for anglers seeking a compact casting platform. At just under 12 feet, it has a spacious cockpit and is exceptionally easy to handle both on and off the water. Whether you’re exploring the backwaters or heading out into the surf, the stability and capacity of the Profish GT will surprise you.
Length: 11’9″
Width: 32″
Weight: 53 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1,179
Wavewalk
wavewalk.com
The Wavewalk kayak’s unique twin hull allows for maximum stability and back-pain-free paddling. The Wavewalk works as a solo or tandem kayak, and can be operated via paddle or electric motor.
Length: 11’4″
Width: 28.5″
Weight: 60 lbs.
Capacity: 360 lbs.
Price: $1,346 – $1,842
(NEW FOR 2015)
Wilderness Systems THRESHER 140
wildernesssystems.com
Built with both the serious and the aspiring offshore angler in mind, the Thresher is efficient and quick, yet stable and predictable to handle ever-changing open water conditions. The deck is sleek and laid out for the maximum gear storage, capacity and accessibility. The FlexPod OS removable console accommodates electronics or removable storage.
Length: 14’3″
Width: 29″
Weight: 75 lbs.
Capacity: 400 lbs.
Price: $1,405
CANOES
Old Town NEXT
oldtowncanoe.com
The NEXT is a totally fresh and uniquely fun solo experience that brings a century of expertise into one truly amazing personal watercraft. Built for one, but designed for all, the NEXT represents a new generation of boating for today’s generation of paddle, outdoors and fitness enthusiasts.
Length: 13′
Width: 29″
Weight: 59 lbs.
Capacity: 450 lbs.
Price: $999.99
Old Town SARANAC 146
oldtowncanoe.com
Old Town started from scratch with the new Saranac series of canoes. By narrowing the shape and slightly lowering the seats, the company developed a model that paddles better than most recreational canoes.
Length: 14’6″
Width: 36″
Weight: 79 lbs.
Price: $649.99
Sun Dolphin MACKINAW
sundolphin.com/mackinaw
The Mackinaw provides optimal stability and tracking, plus room for three. It was created from durable high-density polyethylene for years of trouble-free fun. Features include comfortably molded seats that aid in flotation, a protective rub rail, built-in transport handles, and bow and stern tie-down eyelets.
Length: 15′ 6″
Width: 42″
Weight: 94 lbs.
Price: $516.99
The post 2015 Fishing Kayak and Canoe Buyer’s Guide appeared first on On The Water.