Any recommendations of stores in Minnesota where a guy could have a look a some kayaks and get some expert advice? I’m not thinking places like gander or dicks are gonna have “expert” advice but maybe I’m wrong.
Any recommendations of stores in Minnesota where a guy could have a look a some kayaks and get some expert advice? I’m not thinking places like gander or dicks are gonna have “expert” advice but maybe I’m wrong.
Midwest Mountaineering, Joe’s Sporting Goods, or my favorite Hi Tempo.
All have on the water testing at least once a week all summer long. Hi Tempo sells Hobie which in my opinion is at the top, both in fishing functionality and price. We have 3 of them and spend most weekends on various lakes fishing from them. We have fished on some fairly big waters including Mille Lacs, and will be at it again soon as the shore lines start eroding.
Good luck, test them all. Many fine units out there.
WS
I just made the switch from a 15′ canoe to a 10′ Perception Pescador fishing kayak. At just over $500 I’m surprised how well it tracks and how easy it is to paddle. My advice would be to start small. The ten footer completely fits inside my minivan so it’s a snap to take it out and quick to pack up for home. The advantage of starting small is to form your own opinion on your own needs. I got all kinds of advice. Of course sellers will want to push a $3000+ boat. By starting small you can judge what you like and dislike. I found my small boat seems to completely fit my needs. First time out I landed my limit of nice walleyes on a crowded river but I had no waiting line to leave at a boat landing. Going small and cheap also has the advantage of having a spare kayak to loan to a companion should you decide to get something bigger/pricier later. I’m already considering an additional kayak for my boys to share but doubt I will go bigger because of the ease to handle a 45 lb boat on shorelines.
thanks for the advice fellas.
in looking at a kayak I have 3 main needs. I want to be able to use my kayak for fishing and duck hunting and it needs to be comfortable as I have a bad lower back. Just want to get some advice on which one would fit my needs best. I do like the idea of going smaller Gregg for easy handling solo and for lighter weight.
Thanks guys. Good info. I’ve been leaning towards NuCanoe Frontier (www.nucanoe.com) Anyone w/ thoughts/experience w/ this one?
SUPER smart system with NuCanoe. I almost pulled the trigger on those but went with the Jackson Kilroy DT (Delta Tango). I use it mostly for duck hunting and if I need to, I can carry 2 guys in it. Or, I just bought 2 and now can carry all the gear I want in the yak with lots of room for stretching out.
I went this way because the Kilroy is NOT a sit on top. This offers a bit more stability but mostly, it cuts down on wind blowing in for a dryer and warmer season for duck hunting. I load both of em in the back of my truck bed and hold the tails up with a simple truck bed extender.
If I primarily fished with these, I would have opted for the NuCanoes. They have pretty unreal stability and enough gadgets to extend their usefulness for about anything. But check out those Kilroys. They have a single person version too. From their marketing, their attempt was to create a Yak that is as stable as a Sit on Top but more comfortable, dry and protective like a canoe.
You could check out Clearwater Outfitting, they run trips daily on the river up here and sell many types of kayaks. I’m pretty sure you might be able to get a carry over or used one there for way better pricing than you will find down in the city at the fancy paddlers stores.
Field and Stream has started carrying Old Town Preditor PDL, I’d love to try one of these pedal drives.
I have a prowler big game 2, I love it. Super stable and never once have I felt uncomfortable or unsafe. I had it on medicine lake in 30mph winds one day and the only issue was white caps getting me soaked. I have an elite 7 ti with total scan and the touch screen is nice in a kayak, I also am working on plans to attach a peddle steered trolling motor to the back. I am very happy with my kayak. Check out clear water outfitters in Clearwater mn. They let me demo mine for a day on the Mississippi.
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thanks watisituya! that looks like a sweet setup. im looking to stay under $800 but if I come across some extra cash ill add that one to the list of ones I want to look at.
thanks watisituya! that looks like a sweet setup. im looking to stay under $800 but if I come across some extra cash ill add that one to the list of ones I want to look at.
I still think you can find a comfortable sit on top for that price. Once I added rod holders and an anchor trolley my kayak ended up just over $600. Paddle was $129 and fishing NRS Chinook PDF was on sale for $65. My kayak is moss camo. Dry under deck storage fits rods and/or gun. I am going back to buy a gel padded seat cover cuz my butt gets a little damp, not as bad with scupper holes plugged, especially under the seat. I also have had back issues. My back is fine in it though my butt got a little sore first time out. The gel seat will help dryness and comfort but back problems are not an issue. Hardest part is standing up to get out after being out a few hours but think I’ll get used to that too, I’ve only used it 5 times so far. I bought my setup from Rutabaga in Monona WI. You can email or call them for advice too. [email protected] or http://www.rutabaga.com. Good, honest people with good advice. Easy one day road trip from the twin cities, done it lots, my son is in St. Paul.
thanks watisituya! that looks like a sweet setup. im looking to stay under $800 but if I come across some extra cash ill add that one to the list of ones I want to look at.
No problem. I bought my kayak because we have other financial obligation to full-fill before we get a boat. For 800 dollars cash you should easily be able to find a good kayak SOT or sit in, capacity wise SOT is def the way to go just have to dig around. Find one that you are comfortable in that has a lot of weight capacity, then customize it to your needs over time (add trolling motor, gun mount etc) to me that is the most exciting part of the SOT kayaks.
I believe clearwater outfitters has some discounted kayaks in your price range right now, try craigslist keywords clearwater kayak… jackson Big Rig, Coosa HD etc, are all top of the line paddle driven SOT kayaks.
Good Luck and enjoy the new waters not accessible by boat!
ive done a lot of research in the last few weeks and, despite being convinced for a few days that I was going to save up and get the Native Slayer Propel 13, I think ive decided it would be better to get something more economical at this time. Im gonna check them out first but Im leaning toward the perception pescador pro 10. it will probably be a few weeks before I get a chance to look at one and possibly buy but ill be sure to give a review once I do. Thanks all for the advice! Im excited to experience the water and fishing in a different way – getting closer to the water and nature and back to the basics.
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone recommend this one so I will, the Pelican Catch 120. It retails at $749 but can be found on sale for as low as $599.
It’s just under 12′ long and weighs 69 pounds. It’s wide and stable so you can stand in it but it’s a little slower than others. I added gear tracks, anchor trolley, rod holders and a fish finder to mine. None of my additions had to be made to be ready to fish out of but I wanted to personalize it.
It may have one of the best seats of any fishing kayak. It’s very comfortable and makes it easy for hours of fishing.
There is a newer version called the Catch 120 NXT that comes with gear tracks, and extra storage hatch and floor pads that retails for $879.
The Catch 120 and NXT are awesome
I have a Hobie Outback I use for fishing, you can peddle or paddle nice little kayak light . Really great for getting shallow flyrodding gills.
I wonder which would take the most abuse running into rocks, logs and sandbars the Hobie drive or the Old Town pedal drive?
Gold winger … and everyone else … use caution fishing out of these .. a man just died a few weeks back around here . I had seen him launching his kayak at the fishing hole and he would smash em.but this kayak adventuall cost him his life they found him ten yards on shore all cut and scraped up 50 yards from his pickup . No sign of his kayak. . R.i.p
I sold mine last year, but I can offer a bit of advice. You want a sit-on-top for fishing. Much more stable, comfy, and user friendly for fishing. Heavier and slower though, more work. I watched dunhams sales fliers til the one I wanted went on sale. I think REI in the cities has test drives weekly for their kayaks. The hobie pedal ones look sweet, but pricey.
I still fish the same places, but upgraded to a grumman sportboat with a 7hp longtail. Now I can go by myself cause I can run upriver. It also has room for 3. I wont be going back to a kayak. YMMV
I’ve been working overtime and saving my pennies and yesterday I placed an order for the perception pescador pro 120. Found a local store selling it for $150 off and they offered in store pickup so I saved on shipping. Along with putting together a list of needed accessories I’m starting to map out places to go. I’m thinking I might spend some time on the crow river west of the cities this summer. If anyone wants to join me shoot me a message. I’ll hopefully have the yak in 1-2 weeks.
If anybody is interested, I have decided to sell my prowler BG2, $1,000.00 1yr old, comes with paddle, anchor, Kayak cart, tie down straps, paddle leash. registered through 2018. I am now a boat owner….
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