Corpusfishing.com

surfranger · Horse Mullet Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 196

Really need some good advice from you more experienced kayak fishermen out there. This is gonna be several parts but I need help making the right decision before I buy:

At 6 feet and 265 pounds, I am in need of a boat that will hold me and figure I will need a wider kayak. What recommendations can you make (my budget is around $600.00)? I do not really care about speed, looking more for stability and comfort.

I intend to use the kayak in the surf to run out baits and the bays to run after reds and trout. Not going to hit the surf until I have gotten the hang of getting in and out of the kayak and practiced paddleing it (probaly will do the practicing bit in Medina Lake where I can stay along the shore and out of trouble Embarassed

My next question is this: what is a good PFD and how much should I look to spend? How about Paddles?

When running baits out, how do you do it (in terms of securing the bait in the yak and not getting hooked or tangled up)? Is there a set-up for this?

Lastly, what size are the weights used in holding the baits under typical PINNs surf conditions?

I know I have asked alot of questions here but I want to do this safely and properly without being taken advantage of when I buy. Thanks for your help and I am looking forward to getting on the water!! Very Happy

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ffgig · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:25 am Post subject: Bunch of Kayak Questions

You may want to check out http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/portal.php
Also check the classified ads here and at TKF for good deals on kayaks.

good luck!

Tarpon_tamer · Horse Mullet Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 139

CopanoCruisin · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:33 pm Post subject:

The OK P-13 will work, I really enjoy it. But, paddle any kayak that you happen to be thinking about. Hop on board.

troutless · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:54 pm Post subject:

I would suggest that you test drive before you buy. I'm looking to buy a
Cobra Fish & Dive. It will hold over 650 lbs and there is plenty of room for thing. Up coast here in the Houston Area the guy's that fish Beyond the Breakers for Bull Reds, Big Uglies (Black Drum) and sharks.
Anyway good luck on your selection.

Nueces Bay · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:22 pm Post subject:

I would look into getting a Malibu2 or Malibu2 XL. I think it is a great all around kayak for the price. Here is an article I put together while rigging my Malibu2...
http://www.gulfsharkfishing.com/kayak_rigging.html

As mentioned the cobra's are also great yaks for running baits out past the breakers. For the surf, think short and fat yaks(for stability). For the bays think slim and long(for speed).

Bluffer · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:39 pm Post subject:

For the price range you mentioned the Drifter would be a good choice. I had one as my 1st kak & it performed well in the surf. They run around 600 brand new, if you look around you can get a good used one alot cheaper.
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fishmicki · Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 7:27 pm Post subject:

we have a malibu II, a prowler and a Zuma II (malibu II predesessor)...the malibu 2 works great in the surf...and offshore. The prowler, too. We paddled offshore this fall to fish the close rig off PINS and I had no problem...
although my size is not comparable to yours, our neighbor who measures similar has the Malibu II XL and it holds him fine...

I agree with everyone else....paddle for yourself before buying or if you buy used, ask the seller to give you that opportunity. YOu need to feel comfortable.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
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GoinCoastal · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 3:39 pm Post subject:

As stated.......... try several different models first!!!! What is best for me may not be best for you.

Check out a used or demo model Wilderness SYstems Ride. Malibu xfactor, OK drifter and prowler models are all good quality big man boats. Of all the big man boats that are worthy of bay fishing, I like the WS ride best for cutting the surf. The Ride also floats the shallowest of all those boats which is nice if you fish the flats. Having paddled lots of different models, working for a kayak shop, including OK, WS, Hobie, and Malibu, the Ride is most stable by far in my opinion. I am 6'5" 260# and I can stand up in my Ride.

PFDs --- if you are actually going to wear it while fishing and paddling, get one the jackets made for paddling. They have floatation just across the shoulders in the back instead of all the way down the back. The flotation down the back usually hits right smack in the middle of your seat back. The higher ones don't interfere with your back support. ALso these jackets usualy have mesh under that flotation so you don't get to hot. Lotus and MTI make some nice ones. MTI is a bit cheaper. If you don't intend to wear it, go get a orange cheapo MayWest from academy and keep it in arm's reach behind your seat.

Paddles --- buy the very best lightest paddle you can afford!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It sounds like a smart idea to save some money and get a cheap aluminum paddle. NOT TRUE!!!! It makes all the difference in the world to have a light carbon shaft paddle when you are paddling several hours chasing fish on the flats. I did the cheap route myself when I started. I won a carbon paddle in a fishing tournament. I couldn't believe the difference. I no longer have arm or shoulder pain after a full day paddle trip. It makes kayak fishing a much more enjoyable experience. Believe me!!!!!

Fish0157 · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 278

jerry b wont rip you off, head out there.

GoinCoastal · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 6:04 pm Post subject:

I second the rec to go to Jerry B's shop if you live in teh corpus area. He sells several quality brands and he is good people.

If you live in central Texas, check with Austin Canoe & Kayak in Austin and an Marcos. Quality brands, excellent sevice, and again they are good people.