Help with picking a Kayak...

[Aquatrac360]

I've been out several times on the river and can't stop having fun......
Just started to look at Kayaks and not sure how to start to find the one I want. I want to have one for calm waters (Lakes), taking down a river and do some fishing. Pull out a small one man tent and camp along the bank. Any certain brands?? Thanks for any help:)

[Slider]

I would take a look at the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120. It is a very stable boat and has a nice big cockpit opening. I believe they also make a model that is set up for fishing, although, you can do that yourself.

[ih772]

Do some research on the different types of hull shape and make your decision.

[Aquatrac360]

This is a small part of my research;) I just don't want spend my money on something that really won't do the job... I've been asking people and reading up on different units...

Thanks guys for your posts...................

[ART]

I own a perception America, a good stable boat of 13'6"
It has a rear bulkhead, and plenty of room up front. A large opening you can step in and out of. I have had it out on fast little streams, the Atlantic Ocean, and everything in between.
The rear bulkhead has room for a small tent and other gear.

[Deepwaters]

Hmmm...
You'd like to be able to use it in rivers and lakes, have a place for storage, and be able to fish from it?

I think this is the "kayak" that I'd choose...

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/thumbs/079.jpg

[Westlakedrive]

I have a Necky that I am happy with. I would go to a couple stores that specialize in selling kayaks around where you live and take a look at what they have. Go to more than one store. You will be able to narrow it down pretty quickly. Also consider how you are going to transport it.

[Chris_Davis]

I would take a look at the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120. It is a very stable boat and has a nice big cockpit opening. I believe they also make a model that is set up for fishing, although, you can do that yourself.

I have a Pungo 120, the light version. I haven't fished from it but I've always planned too. It has plenty of storage for a day or two worth of camping needs. Here's a picture, you can see how large the cockpit opening is.

http://chris.fullcyclesports.com/Images/MeYak_jpg.jpg

[Aquatrac360]

I'm going today to look at a few dealers - The Pungo120 keeps coming up - not only with you guys - but with others I've talked with.:D I have a wire welder and can make really any-type of transport frame I want. I'm thinking of making one for my truck and look for a trailer... I hope to get into this and add some more kayaks for my boys (X3):) Thanks!!!!

[ih772]

I'd shy away from the flat bottom type that have a vertical bow and stern. These end up pushing a lot of water and make paddling harder and noisier than it needs to be. That's the kind my G/F has and she has to work a lot harder to keep up with me. My kayak has a "V" shaped bottom with an angled bow and stern. It's very easy to paddle against current as it cuts through the water nicely instead of pushing it.

Here's a Michigan Kayak fishing website and forum click here (http://http://www.michigankayakfishing.com/)

Another site that I like is. kayakfishingstuff.com (http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/)

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/550/5218kayak_anchor_system.jpg

[turkeytamer41]

try a walden paddler scout I use mine for duckhunting I love it

[Aquatrac360]

Thanks for the kayak web-site - Great info... I like the SIT kayaks and I'm not sure if a SOT would work for ME.... I'd have to really try one in the water.. I can see the positives of sitting up on the kayak - you can fish I would think somewhat easier... I stopped yesterday and got info from some dealers. I think my next try is to get some in the water and try them out... Thanks

[ih772]

I paddled out on the pacific in a SOT and was surprised how I never felt like I was going to fall off of it. You will get wet on a SOT and you won't on a sit inside...unless you roll it. :-O

The sit inside kayaks are a lot better for the colder climate of Michigan. On the really cold days when the skim ice is forming on the water they keep you a lot warmer. I put the spray skirt on it and put a foam sleeping pad in the bottom to insulate me from the cold. It stays very warm. They are great for fishing just after ice out for crappie up in the canals.

[Aquatrac360]

I finally went with the Predator 140... This is bigger than I first had in mind, but I found one and tried it on the river and found it to be one I can hunt and fish from. My lab jumped on the back and we went down stream.. Worked with it for several hours and really had no complaints.:)

[minnowkiller]

I bought a Mainstream escapade last fall for 425 out the door, it was a end of the year deal. It's a two man boat thats only 13'5". This month I've been goose hunting an absolute ton with it! I throw all my decoys in the front end and sit in the back end like normal. I've been up a river in it too in some pretty fast current even! But I've fished from it a number of times with my buddy as well as my old man a few other times. It'd be great to throw your hunting gear in the front end and go that way too! I'd just recommend a lot of hunting gear if you're a bigger fella. I'm 5'5 about 165 so short legs and all so maybe I'm more comfortable in it but for me I wouldn't take it back! The front seat doesn't move is probably my only complaint. Not a good boat to do empty and alone though, you gotta have good weight disbursement and I haven't found it yet when it was empty and I was alone! Nor do I think I will. Also your chubby buddy has to sit in back and paddle while you fish otherwise you can't go straight, Sorry chubby buddy!:lol:

here's the link to the website for it!

http://www.mainstreamkayaks.com/ (http://www.mainstreamkayaks.com/boats/sitinsidekayaks/pages/escapade.html)boats/sitinsidekayaks/pages/escapade.html (http://www.mainstreamkayaks.com/boats/sitinsidekayaks/pages/escapade.html)