New angler on board.... need some advice/opinions

So i am new to NCKA, and not only that Kayak fishing.... Currently i am in afghanistan, but when i get home i plan to splurge hard earn cash on my first kayak and some quality gear. I have been reading alot of threads and i have to say that i am between a tarpon 140 or 160, being 6'5" and 200lbs i am thinking the 160 would be a better choice, but i plan to fish many creeks, rivers and lakes, i am hard pressed to make up my mind.

Also after reading posts i am zeroing in on a cuda 242 for my ff and a garmin 400i or garmin 60csx... so far those are my big planned buys.

The twist of the whole matter is, and mabye i will recieve some scruttiny on the matter but, i am a wisconsin native... but ncka members from my reading, the most knowledgable and experienced anglers, hence i am now one. I do have a goal however to make it to the west coast next summer to do some quality salt fishing.

Anybody wanna post there two cents even if it doesn't apply to my topic i am glad to read it.

 

Welcome to the madness 

Demo a Trident 15 by Ocean Kayak.

U a soldier?

What, no 'yak fishing in the Hindu Kush??  

Get the 160 if you $$ permits.  You'll like the extra length for distance paddles.  I'm not sure how much water you intend to cover in a day, but paddling a long sleek boat is soooo much better than a short boat (not that 14 is short...)  And since your a tall guy, you'll appreciate the extra space.  Of course, the best thing to do is get some paddle time on each, but with nothing more, i say get the 160.

I can't speak toward either of the garmin handhelds, as I've got an older magellan.

The cuda 242 seems to have received a warm reception here.  Just read some of the many threads on trouble shooting the 'ducer install , as that's where a lot of issue tend to arise.

Be safe over there, and yeah, def get over to the coast and NCKA it up when you can.

Hello Mooch, Yeah i am an army mp (reservist) almost done with my 1 year stretch, and i have to say the past few months i just sit on my computer during spare time and read up on on the one thing that is on my mind constantly...... i seriously have read so much it would make most sick... now i just gotta do the fishing.
  330th mp det law and order

I am about your size. And I paddle an OK T13. Fit is fine. Your WS choices are solid. As for the FF. I have the 242 and it has been great (have had it for about 1.5 years. I have the garmin 60CSX and its great. Honestly, I really only use it about half the time. I always seem to forget to turn it on or hit waypoints when I hook up.

Thanks for all you do and hurry home (safely)!

with the 160 i have to say that is a more reason for me to get it, i also have been carefully saving and plan on getting a cheap car and a nice yak rather than nice car and a cheap yak that brings me to another question is it possibly to strap a 16 footer on a 4 door sedan, lol i plan on riding the streets with a kayak that is more expensive strapped to a beater.

 i am wondering how easily it will be to turn with a 160 down tight creeks. Also i have looked at the t15 also, would you guys say the t15 is pretty fast, i have plans to cover some ground and to make some weekend long fishing/camping trips as soon as i get things set up when i get home.

is it possibly to strap a 16 footer on a 4 door sedan, lol i plan on riding the streets with a kayak that is more expensive strapped to a beater.

Nooo problem...  



...and welcome aboard!

Long boats are no fun in river currents you will spend all your time paddling and not fishing.  Short boats are a blast and easier to fish from. I haven't paddled one but you might wanna look at a T13

welcome aboard

I bought a t160i as my first kayak and must say i have never regreted it.

I must admit that i use it ezclusivelly on big water and would imagine that it might be too big for smaller rivers. But the ws140 might be just the ticket. It has as much room as the 160 it just doesn't have the extended bow and stern which helps in surf.

I am about your size so can easily recommend either you won't be disapointed.

My ff is an eagle cuda 250 and it has worked flawlessly as well.

If you get to the left coast be sure and let us know and we will give you the ncka treatment.

Be safe over there

Stoggie

Welcome! And Thanks for speaking up.

I could be wrong, but I think the seatwell and footwells are the same in the new T140 and 160. If you plan to use it in rivers and criks, then you should probably go with the shorter boat.
Good luck in your search. And make sure to give us an update with some huge Muskie from the yak!
PK

is it possibly to strap a 16 footer on a 4 door sedan, lol i plan on riding the streets with a kayak that is more expensive strapped to a beater.

Nooo problem...  



...and welcome aboard!

Awwww Morro Bay!

I'm your size at 6'5" and 210 pounds. I paddle a Tarpon 140 and would recommend this boat highly. If I were to buy now, I'd probably opt for a 160, long sleek boats are a joy to paddle. Storage, tight handling qualities, and fitting on my car are not problematic for me-your needs may vary. Even better, the new version has some solid improvements: better looking hatches, a track system for accessories, and an upgraded seat among them. One member here posted some pics that had me longing for the new boat. You'll find that post if you look.

Still, best advice is to research four or five good boats, and paddle as many as you can before committing. Don't forget to budget for good clothing and safety gear. Start off safe and comfortable.

Should you find your way to the left coast, we'll do our best to put you on some fish!

Best wishes,

TallPaul

I ended up with two yaks. A 12.5 ft perception Caster for a local river I frequent, and a T160i for bigger water.

For distance it's hard to beat a "faster" yak. Not for the speed, but for the amount of energy used to get "out there". I go 4 mph in my Tarpon with the same effort I use to 3 mph in my Caster (and the Caster is reputed to be fast for it's size), if that makes sense.

On the other hand, my first yak trip was with a neighbor going down a pretty mild river in a 15' x 21" yak. It was 8 miles of awe, punctuated by far to many "oh shit" moments as the current shot me like an arrow into places I didn't intend to go. Even my Caster is a little long for that, but it works ok. I fish in a calmer stretch of that river. The shorter yak is also more nimble when fishing in salad for bass.

I know it sounds elaborate, but I guess it's one of those "best tool for the job" things. It's also handy to have a second yak for friends and family.


fwiw,

Ben

Hey everyone, thanks for all the good info. I am going to look harder at the t13 and t15, or its going to be a tarpon 140. Also EWB nice pick of the car setup, i plan on doing that similiar and now that i know it works i can by some cheap car and a nice kayak which is really what important lol.

I Plan on doing alot of muskie, bass, and bluegill fishing. I would like to tackle some sturgeon, but only a few areas can u actually fish for sturgeon, otherwise you can spear fish them in the winter which is what is traditionally done, only problem with that is i don't think i will be able to do that off a kayak seeing all the lakes are frozen.

my other big plan is crayfishin. I really wish i was on the ocean where i could go shrimpin or crab trapping but i will have to supplement with crayfish.

-wski

Lots of thumbs up for the Tarpons. Just to make it harder for you I will recommend the Trident 13 for what you have stated your fishing goals are. And, if I'm not mistaken, I think the t13 has more in-hull capacity for camping equipment, etc.

Good luck, and THANK YOU for serving our country. Make it home safe and be sure to keep us up to date on the Wisconsin kayak scene!