Versatile Kayak?

Hello,

Just looking for suggestions on a kayak that is versatile.

Lake fishing, river and ocean.


Thank you very much for your time.

Welcome!

You'll probably get more suggestions if you could narrow it down to the primary use, and give some details regarding your size.

Seach this site, look at what people are paddling in various reports, etc... and you'll find no shortage of info.

Hey Eric,

Thanks for the reply.

I'll take a look around. 

 For Ocean use, generally a 13 to 16 foot kayak is used for better tracking for longer distance paddling (trolling) but when your on the river you'll want a kayak below the the 12 foot range for easier maneuverability going down stream. So, if I were you , I'd demo a kayak in the 11 to 12 foot range.

just my 2 cents....

Oh, don't forget to take a class on basic paddling skills and self rescue (and always dress for immersion). You need to be a kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND.

Good luck and welcome to the madness 

Oh, don't forget to take a class on basic paddling skills and self rescue (and always dress for immersion). You need to be a kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND.

Good luck and welcome to the madness 

 

Thank you Mooch!

Between the Tarpon 120 and 140 you would chose the 120?

How does the 120 rate for the big pond?

Again, thanks for the help!

Thank you Mooch!

Between the Tarpon 120 and 140 you would chose the 120?

How does the 120 rate for the big pond?

Again, thanks for the help!

I'n not too familiar with the Tarpon 120 & 140 (but I do love to paddle the Tarpon 160).  I'm sure other Tarpon owners will chime in. But there is no doubt that the 120 can handle the ocean but it will take a little more effort to paddle it around.

I have six yaks.  If I had to choose one, it would be the Hobie Revolution.

I paddle a tarpon 120 and really like it. I use it mainly for fishing stripers and salmon in the ocean,but have also taken it to lakes for trout. Never been in the river with it. Handles well and fairly easy to paddle. For me it's a nice ride.

Thank you for the responses. Nice to cut to the chase in the decision making process.
 

 In addition to the Revo, might also test drive an OK T-13 and P-13 - all would be very good all-around boats.  Rod pod and sonar shields on the tridents are very nice features for ocean launches and camping, and the 13 ft boats, while not as nimble as the shorter boats like the T-11 and mini-X, will work on slow moving rivers.  Good luck.

Thank you Mooch!

Between the Tarpon 120 and 140 you would chose the 120?

How does the 120 rate for the big pond?

Again, thanks for the help!

I haven't paddled the T120, but do own a T140 and T160.  Although this is my first year yak fishing, and have not tested other models, I've got to say I am very happy with both.  The T160 does track a little better and faster, but both have been nice to paddle/fish from both on ocean and lakes.

I think a p13 is a very versatile boat and very affordable as well. Great starter boat.