NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Other Kayaks => Topic started by: 2labs4me on August 11, 2015, 05:44:59 PM
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I will be purchasing my first fishing Kayak soon. I've looked at Jackson, Feel Free, and some others and test paddled them. I have ruled these out for various reasons. I will be testing out Old Town Predator 13 in a couple days. Anyone have experience out on the coast with this Kayak. Is it too slow to consider out in the ocean? Other downsides? Probably 75% of fishing will be on lakes but need something ocean worthy too. Thanks.
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paddles great for a boat that is stand-up stable. You might consider the predator MX also. 2 feet shorter and paddles almost as fast. No rod pod either so very spacious cockp[it.
Use the MX as my primary client kayak for guide trips. Great boat!!
Either one, really.
Bushy
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Here is Mike Mowry the Ocean Kayak sales rep fishing with Max on his Predator 13. They paddled out to the red buoy by the aquarium in Monterey from the beach by Monterey Bay Kayaks. Its a super stable boat. I wouldn't take it out in the ocean on really rough days as its pretty high and windage will affect the paddling. Pick your days.
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Jeff, codzilla, turned his over in the ocean; said it was a beast to right. Maybe he'll chime in with an owners perspective.
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Ive paddled the 13 and the MX. Purposely capsized both. Its not hard to get back over if you know how to do it. It is a little more tough to re-enter due to the high sides.
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Good points, I can see where the high sides might be an issue for self rescue and also catching wind. I was thinking the wider platform would be a plus in the few cases I might want to stand for abit or in case of need for greater stability. But I don't know that its worth it considering the higher weight and profile. I am going to test a Trident 13 too the same day so it will be interesting. Thanks for the feedback!
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I have the 13 and I like it. I was out at Albion and the weather was really rough and no issue. It is very stable and comfortable but
It is pretty heavy and it takes quite a bit to move it. I also notice that I seem to drift faster than others. Maybe because of it height?
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if your primary aim is ocean fishing, the T-13 is the better pick.
Bushy
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I have a Predator 13 and love it. It is heavy but paddles great and has room for loads of gear. The roughest conditions I've been in were at the Shelter Cove Tourney and it handled them with ease. Rolling them is a piece of cake (I think Codzilla had an issue with his net when he capsized).
If it were 15 lbs lighter it would be the perfect kayak
PS, the rudder is expensive but really helps with wind and makes the kayak generally more pleasant to operate