Kayaks

[MichiganOutdoorFan]

Franks in Linwood has a big kayak sale. I was looking at them today. Anyone here kayak? Any suggestions? I may wait until May 30th when they start a demo day. They are going to put a bunch of boats in the minnow ponds so you could actually try it out before you buy.

[Dave Ash]

My buddy has the sti on top kind and loves it. He fishes the big lake with it alot in the spring and fall.

[wally-eye]

Not sure if this will help or not but check out the kayaking section "forum" at www:floridasportsman.com.

Them boys take their kayaking real serious down there and I'm sure there will be some information in that forum that will help................I'm sure some of it will be appropriate for Michigan also..........

[gilly]

I have owned four and have used many others. I bought two used to start with a 16 & 14 footer. These longer larger yaks are great for longer trips with additional storage and tend to be easier to paddle. However, they are more difficult to transport and store. If you are looking to fish out of one the shorter, slightly wider yaks (I have two 10 footers) offer more initial stability while the longer yaks offer better stability once underway. All four are cockpit type which you slide into. Advantage is protection from elements and with the addition of a yak skirt you are now waterproof with respect to wake over the side. However, you must learn correct wet exit protocol for emergencies and/or the Eskimo type righting procedure. These seem to fit a MI three season kayaker better in my opinion. If you are going to use primarily in the summer, I would go to a sit on top model for ease of use. Many manufacturers make yaks specific to the fishermen. There is an array of materials which a yak can be made out of as well. The "plastic" type will take the rocks and bumps better but weigh more than kevlar or other high end materials. I find myself rambling on as I really don't know the specifics of your question. Feel free to pm me with an other questions you may have.

[remmi]

i justgot kayaks this winter, and they are SWEET to fish out of:D

[rockbass]

I really want to try it out. Anybody know if there is a place in muskegon to rent so I can try it out?

[JayJayMo]

I just got a herritage featherlight 9.5 angler edition and love it. It is truley 4x4 fishing. It is light to carry down to places that dont have docks etc...etc..., and it is only 9 and half feet fits nicely in the bed of my ranger. I did the math so far this year I have went 10 times or so and have saved over 100 dollars in boat gas alone. 50 more times and I will have it payed for:)

[ih772]

Here are a couple of good kayak fishing links.

http://www.kayakfishing.com (http://www.kayakfishing.com/)

http://www.michigankayakfishing.com/

I was fishing out of mine on Houghton Lake this weekend. Its fun to troll with a couple of small planer boards in the shallows in the evening.

[Westlakedrive]

I have a Necky and mounted a rod holder on it works pretty good.
Plenty of bulkhead storage which you only need on long trips plenty of room to carry tackle as my hatch is pretty large. 9.5 foot long plenty light to carry. Works great lakes or rivers.
Ultimately would like to get a hobie fishing kayak with the pedal drive.

[Deez Nutz]

I would have to concur with the others, its a great way to fish and experience the water. I have floated some small trout rivers up north and fished several miles offshore in the open ocean. It's rather amazing how close you can get to fish and other wildlife in a yak. You have to decide what you mostly want to do with it and then try out many different brands and styles to see whats best for you. Most stores that specialize in kayaks have demo days. Don't expect what works for others, will work for you. Price, stability, speed, nimbleness, paddle or pedal, sit-on-top or sit-in are all things that need to be considered. You can trick them out as much as you want. (GPS, fishfinders, bait tanks, rod holders, coolers, etc.) Don't underestimate what you can do in a yak.

[JayJayMo]

Yep there is plenty of options get the one that's right for you..... but gotta try em out, I am new here or I would post a pic of my simple hook up. I do caution on tricking them out too much cus i am bigger and suffer from a bit of clusterphobia.... almost had a couple of nightmares with too much gear. I Need to get a cheep sonar attached and thats about it.

[susanlakeboys]

i have the really cheap coleman/pelican kayaks that you see at walmart and dunhams. there like $200, i got mine on sale for $150. anyway, i just recently started fishing out of them, and have had the best 3 trips of my life. i caught more and bigger bass then i've ever caught out of my boat. get one and enjoy it! i cant wait to post the hawgs i caught, while in the yaks. finishing off a disposable cam.

good luck

[Westlakedrive]

Its not all about the kayak either do not skimp on paddles and life jackets etc. If you are thinking of getting a paddle at say Dicks"s check it out then drive directly to somewhere like the outpost in Holland and check out a $200 Werner. One of those weighs a mear fraction of what a cheap paddle weighs. It matters in the wind on any long trip, upstream etc. And while your their or somewhere get properly fitted for a lifejacket so you can be comfortable.

[jimmy johans]

I am headed over to Franks this afternoon to try a boat or two .
Anybody of theere today?