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Topic: First kayak  (Read 4057 times)

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scuba415

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I need some help deciding on a first kayak.  I plan to fish mostly fresh water, Sacramento river and some local lakes, but want to be able to go rock fishing out of ft bragg without any issues.

I have a chance at a nucanoe frontier 12 for a steal from a friend of mine.  He used it once and switched to a trident 13 because of the weight.

I really like the idea of being able to take the kids out and also my big ass lab.  (120 lbs)  Also being able to mount a trolling motor would be nice.  The frontier has two swivel seats, transformer paddle, dolly, rod holders and an anchor trolley.

I was looking at the t13 and feelfree moken 14 both are I the same price range as the frontier.  I like to have the in hull storage as well as the easier maneuverability.

Guess I'm just afraid of the frontier being too unwieldy on the water.  I  going to take it for a spin in a week or two but would like your thoughts.


FishingForTheCure

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Seems like it might be fine for calm lakes but not ideal for ocean.  Haven't paddled in myself but looking at specs, hull shape, etc I'd say freshwater only.


Archie Marx

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If you want a boat, get a boat.

If you want a kayak because you want to get out and fish effectively with lower costs, maintenance and preparation, then get something that you can load and unload solo.  Beyond that demo, demo demo.


My 2 cents  :smt001
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E Kayaker

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I think it is difficult to get one boat that is good at taking out the family and light enough for one guy to handle easily solo. You will need to choose one over the other or buy two boats.  :smt004
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=42846.msg470404#msg470404

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  ~John Buchan


eelkram

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I hear the Malibu XL II is a great tandem and is pretty decent when paddled solo.  The other options would be Hobie tandems: the Outfitter or Oasis.  If you put the kids in front or you big lab or a cooler in the front seat, you shouldn't have any issues with weight distribution.

I believe there's also a trolling motor option that will fit in the Hobie drive well.
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sebast

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I have ws  tarpon tandem and it's good for me and 2 kids (only one will be paddling, and, of course, depends on the size of the kids).

For solo it is  very reasonable. Since it's large and super stable it's slower than singles, but I could keep up. Of course strong headwind will make you miserable.

Tandem was my entry to the sport, to see if I like it and keep options open, and I don't regret.
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