What length kayak?
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:25 #
I’m in the market for my first fishing kayak and I’m planning on doing a majority of fishing in saltwater creeks/oyster bars. Very occasionally, maybe water closer to inlet mouths and trips to rivers/lakes. I can’t decide between a 10 ft or 12 ft kayak. I am a small guy at 5’6, 160lbs so I don’t need the weight capacity of the larger kayaks, but it seems most of the 12 foot kayaks are better for standing to fish
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by MacNReee
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by MacNReee
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:30 #
Longer kayaks will be more stable, while shorter ones will be more maneuverable in tight spots. Longer kayaks may offer more storage, but require more storage space themselves. A smaller one would also be easier for you to handle by yourself. I think for the vast majority of weekend warriors, the main thing is a comfortable seat, which can usually be upgraded fairly cheap (even if just a cushion). Standing in the boat is nice, but if you’re mostly in creeks and near the shore, you can always just fish from the bank and just use the yak for getting downstream. So to sum up, I recommend the smaller one based on all of your criteria.
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by 5_on_the_floor
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by 5_on_the_floor
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:34 #
To add to the larger ones offer more storage space thing. The longer ones will have further away storage space. If OP is 5'6, then he may have a harder time reaching the ends of the kayak where that extra space is. Granted this wont matter much if the things you store at the ends isnt needed to fish.
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by kameix1
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by kameix1
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:38 #
Longer kayaks also move through the water better. In almost every aspect longer is better. They are normally heavier and cost more though.
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by BenT0329
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by BenT0329
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:42 #
Yes they do handle much better. My 10 foot is all over the place, but I fish small freshwater lakes so I need the smaller size.
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by kameix1
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by kameix1
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:45 #
I got an 11-ft kayak and it's pretty good for all scenarios. I've rented smaller kayaks and they were difficult to fish out of. But like other poster said there are quite maneuverable. I'll stick with a 10 to 12-footer. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. Just depends on your use I guess.
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by roundhouse1000
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by roundhouse1000
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:52 #
Unless you specifically need a smaller kayak (limited storage or transport capacity) always get the bigger kayak for fishing.
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by _fnt_
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by _fnt_
Oct 27, 2020 17:46:57 #
12'. I have a 12 and a 14. I loan out the 12 to my buddies. Oh. I'm 5'10" 175#. The 14 lets me stand easily and store eveything I need.
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by AbstractedCapt
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by AbstractedCapt
Oct 27, 2020 17:47:02 #
Oct 28, 2020 18:17:26 #
Redfisher
Loc: Florida
I have a Jackson Cuda 12 and it’s perfect. Tracks great and I paddle for hours on the mosquito lagoon.
I’ve owned many kayaks, including wilderness systems and others.
By far the Jackson is my choice.
I’ve owned many kayaks, including wilderness systems and others.
By far the Jackson is my choice.
Oct 28, 2020 19:26:26 #
I have the 12' Bonafide SS127 easy to maneuver once you understand what you can and can not do. Standing is no problem what so ever. Storage consist of a space behind the seat for a cooler which holds my catch and a forward hatch for that rain coat storage.
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