NDR-fishing kayaks

Dave,

I looked at the Jem site that Michael recommended and found this boat that has almost the identical specs you referenced. It is a SOT rather than a sit in though. http://www.jemwatercraft.com/proddetail.php?prod=WF15-2.0 It looks like an interesting design. I am not at all familiar with kayaks so I think I need to paddle a few before committing to build one.
 
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. With your help and several hours of research online I have narrowed my choices down to several kayaks that I think will work for me. Now I am going to visit some dealers and check out some kayaks up close. DHBP is a great forum with a lot of folks with similar interests
 
I do quite a bit of fishing from my kayak. I currently have a perception touring kayak (sit inside, 11ft) but my next one will be a Jackson Kilroy.. Their cuda is nice too.
 
So, for you experienced yakers, is there an ideal length and width to give good speed, maneuverability and stability?
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I prefer a sit in kayak ~14' long ~30" wide with a big open cockpit. I can haul my poles inside under the decks if I want, take the dogs along and haul coolers and gear.

A canoe will haul more but I don't think they paddle as easy as a kayak and they will catch more wind. I still fish out of my canoes and use them to haul dogs and decoys but if I'm going far I will take a kayak.
 
Another kayak question.....several of the boats I am looking at have a foot controlled rudder as an option. Worth the extra $250? Thanks
 
Another kayak question.....several of the boats I am looking at have a foot controlled rudder as an option. Worth the extra $250? Thanks
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Depends, I don't really see the need for a rudder on a rec-kayak unless you are traveling long distances in a touring kayak. If you end up with a kayak that does not track well for one reason or another, and a rudder is an option, it can easily be added at a later date. Best advice I can give is try before you buy, if at all possible. My local dealer has demo days on the local lake and has several models to try out each time. It really helps to eliminate a certain model or two. Even renting a couple kayaks is a worthy investment.
 
Another kayak question.....several of the boats I am looking at have a foot controlled rudder as an option. Worth the extra $250? Thanks
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Worth the extra $250? eh perhaps. You could buy one for cheaper than that and install it yourself.

I like the rudder because if I position myself to float with the wind at my back, I can fish or hunt and use my feet to control which way I'll point much easier than on a boat with no rudder....less messing around with the paddle
 
I would not own another kayak over 12 feet long without a rudder. Especially if you have wind. In Texas the wind is ALWAYS howling and it sure helps. Cuts your turning radius quite a bit too. The foot pedals like to grab fly lines but then again, so does everything else.
 
Another kayak question.....several of the boats I am looking at have a foot controlled rudder as an option. Worth the extra $250? Thanks
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I have no use for a rudder in shallow rocky streams and rivers full of logs. Maybe if I was paddling big water long distances.
 
Another kayak question.....several of the boats I am looking at have a foot controlled rudder as an option. Worth the extra $250? Thanks
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I have no use for a rudder in shallow rocky streams and rivers full of logs. Maybe if I was paddling big water long distances.
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Ahh, good point Mike! I rarely use my kayaks on anything resembling flowing water. That is a whole different game.
 
The Hobie has a hand controlled rudder that you deploy and retrieve with the pull of a cord. With flippers up and rudder up, it will go through obstacles and shallows with ease. And you can paddle with traditional paddles as well.
 
I've been looking into the Nucanoe Frontier 12. It to me is really more of a hybrid but looks like a "do it all" craft. Fish, hunt, etc. Check them out.
 
I have been looking for a fishing & Hunting Kayak. Anyone have any thoughts on the Lifetime Product Weber 132. 11 foot sit atop 30 inch width. and for sale at Sams for 359.00
 
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