Another kayak guidance thread!

[stxhunter]

Pro angler is a nice stable yak. Depending on where you go on SPI the flippers may be a bit too deep for the shallows and get clogged with grass frequently. Have you looked at the solo skiff? Just as stable from what I hear and you could cover ground quicker.

[Shane]

That Zulu is a sweet looking little boat. I could see it at home on the sand flats down at padre. I don’t know how it would be on a big lake. If I was shallow water saltwater fishing and specifically fly fishing I would buy one. I showed my wife the more paddleboard version with a seat. Would be great for her. Pretty sure I’m going to end up with a tank—either the big rig or proangler.

How would a big lake differ from the bays on the coast, other than the water being deeper, Greg?

I have a couple Kaku Wahoo 12.5s. I haven't been in the salt with them, but I've been on rivers, lakes, and stock tanks. They're great for everything. Super stable, and they handle bigger waves on windy lakes like a champ. I bought mine before the Voodoo and then the Zulu came out. If I were buying again today, I might buy one of those over the Wahoo. Love the open decks for fly fishing. The Wahoo is the same, just has raised sides (kayak rather than paddle board top). I think the hulls of all of them are pretty similar, so tracking, stability and handling waves should be similar as well. I kinda like the recessed floor of the Wahoo better than the flat paddle board deck in some ways. If I drop something, it doesn't have as much of a chance of rolling off into the water. But I really like the chair on the Voodoo and Zulu. The Wahoo chair is great, but the newer one on the other two looks even better. When they came out, I emailed the guy that owns Kaku and asked if the new chair would fit on the Wahoo. Unfortunately not. I'd own a couple of them if it would fit.

He makes some really nice fishing kayaks though. Not the tank-like bass boats that Hobie makes, if that is what you prefer. But they're super nice and well made. Unique for sure.

[docmay]

How would a big lake differ from the bays on the coast, other than the water being deeper, Greg?

I have a couple Kaku Wahoo 12.5s. I haven't been in the salt with them, but I've been on rivers, lakes, and stock tanks. They're great for everything. Super stable, and they handle bigger waves on windy lakes like a champ. I bought mine before the Voodoo and then the Zulu came out. If I were buying again today, I might buy one of those over the Wahoo. Love the open decks for fly fishing. The Wahoo is the same, just has raised sides (kayak rather than paddle board top). I think the hulls of all of them are pretty similar, so tracking, stability and handling waves should be similar as well. I kinda like the recessed floor of the Wahoo better than the flat paddle board deck in some ways. If I drop something, it doesn't have as much of a chance of rolling off into the water. But I really like the chair on the Voodoo and Zulu. The Wahoo chair is great, but the newer one on the other two looks even better. When they came out, I emailed the guy that owns Kaku and asked if the new chair would fit on the Wahoo. Unfortunately not. I'd own a couple of them if it would fit.

He makes some really nice fishing kayaks though. Not the tank-like bass boats that Hobie makes, if that is what you prefer. But they're super nice and well made. Unique for sure.

Thanks Shane. That Zulu really catches my eye. Looks sleek, light and functional. Just looking at it it didn’t seem like a big wind big lake boat but that is pretty much what you get at the coast. I think my choices will be big rig, proangler and Zulu.

[trophy8]

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=771313

I’d recommend the PA12. It’s plenty big. Super stable. I don’t think there’s a better fishing kayak out there.

[skeeteroneal]

Pro Angler and Big Rig are gonna be heavy to load/unload so consider that. Both are great boats. If you fish alot of grass I would prob lean towards Hobie. They handle grass better. Demo if you can. They aren't cheap and you want to be happy with your purchase. We took our Outbacks down to Port Oconnor and they performed great. We were able to flutter the pedals in shallower water. Very few times did we have to actually get the paddle out. I have a 13 and a 15 and my buddy has the new 20. The 20 is awesome.

[Daddy D]

I have fished on a Jackson big rig and came away very impressed. Personally, I've got a Jackson MayFly and love it.

[Blackmouth]

Have you looked into Diablo Paddlesports? Texas company too

[SFAbowhunter]

#1 out of that list.

I wouldn't miss out on looking at the Old Town line up of PDL kayaks. They have some great ones! I love my Old Town Predator PDL. Hands down the best kayak I have ever been in and it is an awesome tournament rig for me.