[621684]

Hi guys. Before I get to my questions, let me just commend everyone on this board for making it such an enjoyable board for a beginer. No one seems to have their own agenda and everybody seems to genuinely want to offer helpful advice. That being said, I know this topic has been talked about and covered alot, but I am still having dificulty choosing a kayak. Just when I think that I have limited my choices I seem to find some reason to question them. Here's my information. I'm 5'6 about 190lbs and in good shape. I'm a very experienced saltwater flyfisherman who is needs to chase around bass, bluefish and albies from a kayak. I want a kayak that will be the best model for me to fish from on the RI coast as well as SE MA and the CAPE. The general consensus seems to be to go with a SOT boat. Some models that I have thought about are the Walden "Cuda" , OK "scupper classic", and the heritage "osprey". I know these boats are not quite as desirable as others but I'm not sure if I can afford a FnD, scupper pro or a tarpon. If you think these boats perform that much better than maybe I'll step up and just buy one. I know you guys recommend trying various boats but there are just too many out there! I would like to limit it down so I have some direction. What are your thoughts about a pungo, walden scout or Old town loon 111 for sit insides? Well, gotta go look for some fish from shore tonight. I can't wait till I don't have to say that line anymore! Thanks a million in advance for all your help.

 

[614078]

To be completely honest with you. Most flyrodders up your way use the PUNGO. Heres a site with a kayaking forum where you can find out more info from the yakkers up your way:

WWW.FLYFISHSALTWATERS.COM

But if you don't want to spend a lot of money and you want a SOT you might want to check out the OK Scrambler XT. My friend is about your height and weight and he flyfishes off his with no problem. He loves his kayak. But you would need to get scupper plugs for this kayak for a dry ride.

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[616271]

There are just too many advantages inherent with a SOT over a Sit In Side so that's where I'd look. On our trip to Cape Cod last week we did a lot of excursions and many things we did were either more difficult or impossible with a SIK. If you should decide to go that route the 3 you mention are excellent choices. As Flyrodder pointed out the Pungo is the most popular. Probably more guys are fishing them than all other SIKs put together.

Of the 3 SOTs you mention I'd stay away from the Osprey. Only because it doesn't have any on water accessible storage. I've only seen the Walden Cuda so I can't comment on its handling. Again I agree with Fly..... if you're looking to go inexpensive SOT the OK Scrambler XT is a good choice. You can also look used. I hear about good to great deals regularly. A little bit of work may save you a bunch of money.

As I tell everyone there are certain models that fish well. That's why they're popular kayaks with fisherman. If you go with one of these models you really can't go wrong. Should you decide to get something else later, you have a very marketable kayak to sell. Guys that haven't heeded this advice often end up being stuck with their poor choice and once a bunch of holes are in it the general kayak population isn't interested in the used kayak.

 

[616271]

Swanny, what is your budget?

 

[621684]

"teacher's salary"

Thanks for your input Jon and flyrodder. Jon, I'm a teacher and decided not to work this summer (more time to fish!) so I have to really budget my summer money. I could spend $700 or $800 on a boat if you think it would make a big difference. My thinking is that I know I will love the sport. I fish alot from shore and sometimes from friends boats and I just have the fishing sickness. I'm infected. There is no possible way that I will not love fishing from a kayak. I don't see how it's possible. So - I'll spend more if you really think it will increase my enjoyment. I saw a NEW scupper classic for $500 and a scupper pro TW for $599. The guy said he was no longer carrying OK and just wanted to get rid of them. By the way, this guy also said I was nuts if I bought a SOT kayak. I'm getting a SOT. I want the BEST possible fishing machine. I'm not concerned about it doing anything else. Hey JON -went to the brewster flats from shore last week. It was awesome - 30"+ fish tailing in about 2ft of water. Awesome! Strange though, they would only eat a fly. Anyway thanks for any and all your help.

 

[621366]

I have a Cobra Explorer and a Cobra Navigator that I use and truly love. I troll/fish spinning, baitcasting and fly gear on both of them without any problems. I'm 5'8", 165lbs so both are ok for me but the Navigator has a bit longer so it might be a better fit. And they're fairly affordable. Whatever you chose, go out practice before challanging any heavy water (rips, ocean, lots of boat traffic) and have a good time hopefully you can come down to Jersey or we could come up North and get together. Good Luck.

 

[621841]

I flyfish out of a pungo in Gardiner's Bay. What I like about is the relative speed (even in the wind and against tide), the stability, and the option of using a spray skirt to stay dry (which incidentally makes a great stripping basket). I would agree with the general consensus that a SOT is superior for launching and landing in moderate surf.

 

[616271]

Swanny, i'd get the Scupper Pro TW. Its a great fishing kayak. However a lot depends upon you. Your height, weight, etc. Did you read my article choosing a kayak over at my site. www.kayakfishingstuff.com It will discuss things that you may not of thought about. Getting back to the Scupper, you can get it set up for fishing and stay within your budget. Also try negotiating with the guy a bit. See if you can get it for less than $599 since he's clearing them out anyway.

Its funny how these guys don't like SOTs. We fisherman are the only ones that like/use them much especially in the NE. New England is ever worse with its additude towards SOT. Makes for better bargain hunting.

As to equpping the kayak. StS has a great new economy seat for $55. Add a couple of rod holders, paddle clips, anchor, drift sock, etc. and you're set and within budget. You're going to love kayak fishing and you've got some great waters to fish.

As a side note, what have you found to be your best fly(s) on the flats?