FS Digest

So I’m looking to buy my first kayak, and it’s between the ascend 10T and the ascend FS10. I’m not partial to a sit on or sit in just looking for some info and stories about the yaks of anyone has any. Cheers

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by JebaitCaster

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

You will be partial to a sit on once you sit in, a sit in. The butt getting soaked is not fun no matter the temp. Don't know either one you mentioned, i had a Bonafide SS127. Trust me Length matters.

Jeremy Loc: America

When we hear size matters all the time anymore is it all about Kayaks? Plumbob and Elefantdude are two people I would consult about Yaks. I don't have any desire to be in a yak but like any boat the bigger the better except when transporting them is always the case.

JohnG Loc: Long Island NY.

Sit on is the way to go for fishing. As stated, bigger is better especially in rough water.

GeorgeG Loc: Pensacola

Back in Ind.i used a sit in a couple seasons.it was all right but clumsy for me to get in and out of.here in Pensacola I plan on a 10-12 ft sit on.much easier for some one with bad knees/back.also if you should roll it a lot easier to get out of.

Oldfisherguy Loc: NE Kansas

I am 68 and have fished for some time from a Native Titan 13ft. (Pedal) Very stable and you sit high enough to be comfortable for hours. Recently purchased an Old Town 120 Autopilot with built in autopilot trolling motor. Old Town almost seems like I'm cheating. Both allow for hands free fishing since I am not paddling and trying to control the kayak all the time. Auto Pilot has spot lock also. Just my 2cents worth.

thomcarson

I use a 10 ft Perception ride in myself. Caught more fish in it than all my big boats combined. I can get it into smaller bodies of water as it's light enough to carry. In Oregon and other places the laws on registration and size of boat restrictions start at 10 ft. My yak is actually 9ft 10 inches. So I can use it in many places without having to pay extra fees. At 160 lbs, I am small enough to fit in it fine. I guess it all depends on what kind of fishing you want to do.

Elefantdude Loc: Oxnard, CA

Hi JeBaitCaster,
Between a sit-in and a sit-on kayak for fishing, I would definitely get a sit-on kayak. The sit-ins may be more stable because of the lower center of gravity, but if one were to tip a sit-in kayak, they can fill up fast with water. Then draining them would be a chore! How big/tall are you? If you are over 200lbs, I would go with a 12' kayak.
If smaller, a 10' kayak would work better. The longer the kayak is, the better they track when you paddle. It will not sway side to side. The shorter kayaks will maneuver better, especially if fishing rivers. The longer ones are better for lakes and ocean fishing.

MSHohman Loc: Nebraska

If you can afford it go with a foot pedal kayak. Lots of reasons for having one.

Bohanan66 Loc: Ohio

I got my first yak last spring. A ten foot sit-on Lifetime Tamarack paddler for $300. Loved it but paddling has its limitations and I couldn’t stand up in it. Next week I get my $2300 Old Town Sportsman 120 pedal yak because the pleasure from the one justifies the investment in the other.

RuffplayOR57 Loc: Klamath Falls, OR

I started out a couple years ago with an inexpensive sit on Lifetime 10’. It has worked just fine for learning, now I’m going with a sit-on 12’ peddle drive to give me more room and fishing easy and options. If your going to be fishing you are going to want to go with a Sit-On for sure. You can spend a lot or as low as about $1200 for a decent starter peddle drive. I’d go with a 12’ if the weight won’t be a problem, as they All weigh more than the 10’s. Good luck finding what will meet your needs.

MarshaTom0 Loc: Florida

I’m 70 and have had both and now on my third hobie. Very stable and one person can handle it.

Jay-P Loc: Conway, SC

Well, there a few things that must be said up front. How heavy is the yak without any of your gear onboard and what’s your budget? Weight is one thing that few people mention but it is really important if you have to load/unload by yourself. I’m 73 and it’s near impossible to lift my NuCanoe Frontier 12 to a roof rack on my SUV. Even getting it into the bed of my truck is difficult. 20 years ago it wasn’t as big an issue. Seeing this is a first time buy for you, I would shy away from sit-in yaks. Speaking from experience, there is absolutely zero room for you and your gear. Not to mention you are restricted in movement. You are basically stuck looking forward and can’t spin around to fish behind you. While they are cheaper and considerably cheaper, after your first trip you’ll be disappointed and may not want to fish from a yak. I think one of the newer Pelican boats would be a great place to start. They are a bit lighter than most others and get great reviews. My son-in-law had the 12’ Asend boat and it was okay the first year, after that he started finding more and more cracks around the inner deck.
My Frontier is rock stable having a 41” beam and one of the few boats than has a load capacity over 500 lbs. I won’t kid you, it’s easy to spend lots of money on a boat with extras. Even the paddle you choose can be tough. Buying a cheap paddle will be heavy meaning you’ll get tired much faster than a paddle that weighs less than a pound. Bottom line, how much are you wanting to spend up front, do you plan on fishing open waters or ponds, lakes and rivers. Yes as many others have said, size matters, but if you are not a large person, you can get by with a ten foot boat. A closing note, before you buy, find a dealer that offers test rides. That will allow you to get on the water and test different brands, models before spending any money.

Bohanan66 Loc: Ohio

Yes, weight is important with advanced aged. I'm 72 and have to lift my yak on top of my sedan. Many 12 foot models are less than 100 pounds and there are devices available to assist with lifting the yak.

Jay-P Loc: Conway, SC

How true, we find that the initial loading of the boat into the truck is tolerable. Go fish for 5-7 hours then it seems the yak has gained at least 40 pounds getting it back into the truck. I now have a trailer, which is significantly easier.