Need some input

I'm planning on buying a new(or used) yak in the next month or so. I'm selling off my dirtbikes because they just don't offer as much fun to me as they used to, I have a 2006 Honda crf 230 and a pit bike(pm if interested). I plan to spend 2500-3000 on the yak and it's essential rigging, FF, battery, rod holders, good paddle and leashes.

All I've ever owned is two old WS Tarpon120s, they are great but I've been doing more and more fishing in the big blue over the past few years and would like to find something more suitable for the ocean. I'm 5'10" swing between 165-185 lbs. I've demo paddled many kayaks including Revos, Outbacks, Trident anglers, larger Tarpons, Ride 135, and a few others I don't recall. My dilemma is that I liked them all( somewhat reluctant to join the dark side though). Compared to the T120 I think most of the ones listed would perform better on the salt if not all of them. I'm just lookin for some input from those seasoned salty anglers to help me make a choice.

Joe

Joe, I suggest waiting for the Ocean Kayak 4.3  to come out Even better, hook up with Eric / Yakhopper for a demo.

I'm also looking forward to the 14 ft Eddyline Calypso to come out 

Haven't done to much resaerch on the ultras nor hav I paddled one, what is the difference between the 4.7 and the 4.3 is it just size?

I'll have to look in to eddyline can't say I've heard too much about them but I'm open to check out anything. 14 foot is probably the shortest I'd be interested in.

When on the ocean is bigger better? I've heard a few guys say the wouldn't fish off less than 14 and there I am sittin in my 12 footer, it always seemed to work fine for me and I've seen shorter in the ocean. Is it just about the paddler being comfortable and stable?

what is the difference between the 4.7 and the 4.3 is it just size?

yup. And the 4.3 is lighter in weight for obvious reasons.

Longer is better for tracking - you'll spend less time making corrective paddle strokes to keep the kayak from turning to one side. Having a rudder will help but will not make you a better paddler in the end (that's just my opinion of course). I believe that the less moving parts on a kayak, the better / safer it is.

Stability has always been a priority for a lot of newbies but IMO, stability is easily learned. It's just like riding a bike. The more you spend time on the water with the yak, the stability becomes less of an issue. What's more important to me is the comfort of the kayak itself. Keep your ass and your back happy and your kayak fishing experience will be much better  - especially when you start aging

Anyway, take your time and demo, demo and demo. Good luck!

Joe, give the RTM Abaco a test drive. You can try mine or give Spike a buzz.

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_kayaks/trident_15_angler/


You and I are around the same size. This is the kayak to have IMO for the ocean. Get one with a rudder assembly. All of the features that this kayak have are suited for the ocean big time. The 4.3 has no access to the hull from the center hatch.  The Rod Pod feature in this boat is the best there is I think. Coupled with the sonar shield for your FF/ GPS. Adaptable scupper transducer mount. I have fished this kayak for the last 3 years HARD in every kind of condition. It has never let me down or wanting for improvment. Check the stats on this one. 60 lbs. 5 pounds isnt going to make or break you. the 4.7 weighs 77 lbs dry. That broke me. My next boat will be the Tetra12 angler model.

 Try and keep trying boats until YOU are satisfied. I live in Petaluma and if you want to try one of my 15's out for a couple of days PM me.

Ya I'm not much of a rudder guy myself, and I think the good tracking is really all I desire after being spun in circles by wind and waves on the tarpon. After reading and looking at pics that 4.3 is quite appealing.

If you are going to fish in windy conditions on the ocean you will need a rudder to correct for windcocking. Not so much for drifting but the paddle out and home.

Didn't notice that center hatch missing, that could be a deal breaker for me. The T15 actually has my greatest interest at this point. I've demo paddled one freshwater and at that point didn't like it but with salt on the mind it keeps poppin up.

Joe, give the RTM Abaco a test drive. You can try mine or give Spike a buzz.

Is that your "sales pitch" haha, I was actually goin to ask if I could at berry but seems I forgot. I liked the look of that thing, how's stability and speed?

Joe, give the RTM Abaco a test drive. You can try mine or give Spike a buzz.

Is that your "sales pitch" haha, I was actually goin to ask if I could at berry but seems I forgot. I liked the look of that thing, how's stability and speed?

Dude, the thing is hella stable. I had never used a rudder before other than the Hobie I tried briefly.  I think it is really handy when the wind picks up.
That's my pitch.

Revo is one nice yak. Hands free fishing. Hobie quality. Speed & storage.
And if you really want to......you can paddle it too. 

I'm also looking forward to the 14 ft Eddyline Calypso to come out 

Me too, I took the 12 foot out at Doran and it was a blast. The 14' might come out this summer. 

If you are going to fish in windy conditions on the ocean you will need a rudder to correct for windcocking. Not so much for drifting but the paddle out and home.

I think I just never used a rudder cause the one on the T120 looked so janky on the early models that I just took it off and forgot about it. What's the method of steering the rudder on the trident? Is it like WS where you push one pedal forward to turn.

Here's another option for you Joe. Since your learning how to fly fish, this might be a stealthier craft for you to use......