kayak help

[trooperjd]

Okay guys I may be in the market for a new fishing kayak. I currently have a Mainstream Kingfish but looking to get another. It is is perfect condition and has everything from upgraded seat to an anchor system. I am just wanting something new, cause fishing aint far off. I want it last years without needing to upgrade. It will be garaged stored as I do with my current one.

My requirements are that I will fish both lakes and hill country rivers. On occasion i may venture to the coast too. Must be sit on top, stable, tracks well in water, and bucks the wind good. Must have an anchor system and a rudder. Of course it must have all the other fishing needs such as rod holders, bait bucket spot etc.

I will sell my current set up and add cash tofor either a new or prefer a gently used one. What brand have you all had experience with. My choices for now seem to be Wilderness Tarpon 120, Hobie, or Jackson. ANy suggestions or ideas are wanted and welcomed. Thanks

[lovetohunt]

Check out the hobie and the Native kayaks

[Jerry Worley]

Also look at Jackson

[Cropduster]

I have the Malibu Stealth, which I like very much. Not cheap, but does me a good job. Check it out.

[trooperjd]

will look at all the above

[AJMag]

Like my native manta ray but wish I could spend the money on a rudder. Mostly go to the bay with it and it becomes troublesome in the wind and waves, even in the bay. Stable and easy to fish from, but my dad's hurricane sit on top is way superior. Faster, more stable and better against the wind even without a rudder. If I could do it again I'd be getting that native versa board. Mostly for more versatility in positions. It hurts sitting in a yak for 10 hours and not being able to stand up because rollover pass is so soft bottomed that you sink if you try to stand.

[trooperjd]

Do you know any green screen members who are pro staff members for various named kayak companies? I made a trade for a Hoyt bow to a member here, and he told me he was a pro staff for a yak company. Any info or leads?

[holdem]

Same as shopping for bows, go to a good Kayak shop and talk to them.

[txarrows]

The Jackson Cuda is a good kayak

[Bearkat]

Do you know any green screen members who are pro staff members for various named kayak companies? I made a trade for a Hoyt bow to a member here, and he told me he was a pro staff for a yak company. Any info or leads?

I'm on Pro Staff for NuCanoe, but it wasn't me that you traded with. I shoot Matthews .

[trooperjd]

Bearkat yes it wasn't you, but haven't checked out Nucanoe! It is on my to do list on my break. I like my current yak but it is a tad slow and has no place for a rudder.

[Mojo]

Fast yaks are usually 16 ft or longer...and peddled...don't know who you're racing but a fast kayak is not needed really...I paddle a 14' Native Redfish...best one I've had yet and I"ve owned a Malibu Tank (The XFactor), Malibu X-13, Ocean Kayak Trident 15...the 14' seems to be the most stable/easiest to paddle yet...good luck on your search...Austin Canoe and Kayak are good guys and they put on a test paddle this time of year in Houston and San Marcos...they bring lots of different yaks out and you can test paddle any of them...

[JGreen31]

I am currently in the Wilderness Ride 135 and it is wide, stable, and although not the fastest, it is still plenty fast. I am 6' 1" and 300 lbs... and sits up high out of the water, in kayak speak, for my weight and the gear I bring with me!!! Knock on wood, I've yet to get turtled in it, and use it allot.

Fishing partner has the Tarpon 16 ft. and it is faster/ tracks only slightly better, but not as stable and it is somewhat hard, for him to get back into when he is in deeper water... I say get "back in" because he tends to loose it over the side from time to time.

The 135 has been a great yak.

[Roy]

I'm loving my Jackson Big Rig! Awesome kayak.

[JGreen31]

Mojo,

I hear they have stopped production on the Native Redfish 14'.