What kind of kayak to buy

[Paula]

We're looking to buy a kayak now that next year we'll be able to spend more time in SoWal now that both kids will be off to college. When we bought a place in SoWal, the kids were only 8 and 10, and the dream of spending lots of time in SoWal seemed so far away, and now it's around the corner. So, we're looking to buy a 2-person kayak that needs to be very light because we have to carry it across the street and then down the stairs on the boardwalk to the beach, and then we have to take it back again because I don't think we can leave it under the boardwalk overnight (or can we?). Also, we'd like it to be a kayak that's fishing-friendly and has those little holes in it to hold a couple of fishing poles.

Any recommendations and ideally we'd like to buy it in SoWal or nearby (though if that's not possible, we'd get it somewhere else).

Thanks!

 

[bluemtnrunner]

Go see John Farmer at Yellowfin. The Hobie mirage drive are amazing. Get a pair of wheels to make transportation easier. I'm thinking 2 Hobie sports would be better than one tandem especially for fishing. If you really want a tandem, the Oceans are great. I still use mine when friends visit or my dog wants to go.

 

[SGB]

Have you ever thought about getting a Yolo or other paddleboard instead? I was going to buy a kayak about a year and a half ago, when a friend let me try her Yolo board. I loved it! When you are standing up, you can see so much more of what's in the water below you. I also find that I like being able to move around on the Yolo board more than you do in a kayak. So I can sit, stand, kneel, or lay down! It's also easier to get on and off of and to carry. We use our Yolo boards in the ocean, the lakes, and springs in the area. They are MUCH easier to transport to all these places that we love to explore. I can put the boards on top of my small SUV very easily by myself and stack them when transporting more than one. We have a double kayak that we have taken a few places, but stopped when we decided it was just too hard to transport. I can't attest to how hard or easy a paddleboard is to fish from - it's probably harder to sit comfortably for long periods. I do know they sell a fishing kit to attach to the board. Just another option!

 

[Paula]

Thanks for the responses so far. We really want the kayak for fishing, though I could see us getting a Yolo or two as well, especially if we'll be spending more time in SoWal. I looked up the Ocean kayak and it looked great but I didn't see a double with those holes for fishing rods. Thoughts or other ideas?

 

[Em]

When you are get into the two person kayaks, expect the weight to be 60lbs and up. I don't know of a well-made light-weight two person kayak. I know someone with a one person Ocean Kayak (brand), used, but I'm guessing it still weighs 40lbs+.

When you get into the fishing kayaks, I'm not sure that I've seen any doubles. Definitely give John Farmer a call at Yellowfin Oceansports. He will treat you right. John has a great store with very knowledgeable staff and he's around to stay, so he's not looking to sell you something just to sell you something.

 

[Arkiehawg]

Thanks for the responses so far. We really want the kayak for fishing, though I could see us getting a Yolo or two as well, especially if we'll be spending more time in SoWal. I looked up the Ocean kayak and it looked great but I didn't see a double with those holes for fishing rods. Thoughts or other ideas?

We love our Ocean Kayaks. Very stable and durable. Now to your questions.

First. Any stable tandem kayak will weigh at least 60+ pounds. I would recommend getting a wheel kit to do most of the work. Two people can carry one a short distance (ie: stairs) with little issue.

Second: I'm not aware of any tandem fishing kayaks. Stating that it is very easy to make a tandem into a fishing contact by having a couple of rod holders attached to the kayak. Very easy to do it yourself or I would imagine that Yellowfin could assist or recommend someone to install. We us Scotty baitcaster rod holders and love them. http://kayakfishinggear.com/scottybaitcasterrodholder-pleasechooseamountinthedropdownboxbelow.aspx

They also make kits that attach to the back of the seats that have rod holders in them and don't require any alterations to the yak.

The hobie mirage series is also excellent and many on the board have them. IMO, the cost difference doesn't justify the purchase, but that is only my opinion. They make a great Kayak.

Two final notes. Make sure that you get quality paddles. Good paddles can make a difference in a pleasurable experience or worn out shoulders. And most important. Make sure you get higher grade seats, especially if you are going to be out most of the day.

Finally, MAKE SURE that you don't sacrifice stability for a light weight kayak.

 

[Paula]

Great advice. Thanks.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Love our Hobie Mirage sports. They weigh about 45 lb apiece. Rod holders and watertight storage niche that will hold a tackle box (comes with purchase) come standard. Go see John Farmer at Yellowfin, he will also set you up with the correct fishing equipment. As far as YOLO, SUP, etc, I imagine the experience would get kind of old after awhile;I have seen people fish off of them before but I can't imagine how that would be an efficient way to fish if you wanted to catch anything substantial. With that said, I don't have one, so what do I know, but I do have two kayaks and we frequently use them, in fact used our sail kits yesterday (hobie accesory) to do a little sailing in the Gulf...fun stuff.

 

[Paula]

Just went to the Hobie Mirage link. I now have kayak envy. We're looking for a tandem, and there's a nice one.

 

[John]

Tandem Fishing Kayak

Hi and thanks neighbors for the kind words. We do have some tandem fishing kayaks to choose from. Of course the Hobie Mirage Outfitter and Oasis are amazing kayaks and in a league of their own. Nobody has ever told us that they regret buying one.

Hobie also offers a traditional (paddle) tandem kayak called the Odyssey. The Odyssey also has molded-in rod holders for fishing. It's a deluxe model and comes complete with seats, paddles, etc.

We also have in stock a few of the Ocean Kayak brand Malibu Two XL Anglers. This is a slightly larger version of the famous Malibu Two tandem. It comes with seats and rod holders. We've got one wrapped up in original packing and one open on display. The display kayak has been in the sun and is on sale relatively cheap at $750. The wrapped one will be closer to $1000.

Like Arkiehawg says, we could also add rod holders to just about any kayak.

Tandems do tend to be heavy. Think about it; they must carry two full-size adults and all associated gear. It just can't be shrunk much and still perform this task. That's the down side and why some choose two singles instead. For others, paddleboards are an alternative. For fishing, their range can be limiting. Choosing water toys is difficult if your garage and/or wallet only allows one.

We'd be glad to show you around. We've got kayaks and SUP's. Perhaps you'd like to try one out? Let us know.