Hello all,
I am a newly subscribed Snaggedline member from Pasadena, MD who is looking for a fishing kayak.
My goal is a boat for close in-shore fishing in the Chesapeake and its tributaries and in Eastern Shore ponds. Also I will likely visit small lakes such as Piney Run, Marburg and Pinchot. I have fished those lakes in canoes, Jon boats and small v-hulls and I am familiar with each body of water.
I like to fly rod for bass in the fresh water and for small stripers and white perch along the Bay’s shoreline. Also I like to use light spinning tackle. I am not a bait fisherman nor am I particularly fond of trolling. I prefer to cast flies and lures to fish and structure.
I am intrigued with the Hobie Quest 13 due to its quality and its stated 350 pound capacity. (I’m 6 feet and about 200 pounds and nearly 60 years old.) However, I am concerned about the weight of the Hobie and my ability to lift it by myself to a roof top carrier on my van. I know that there are various rack rollers and lifts available to assist in this process.
I have also looked in person at other kayaks such as the Native Slayer, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 and Ocean Kayak Prowler 13. The first two are even heavier than the Hobie. The Prowler is a nice boat and weighs about much as the Hobie. Each of those are SOT. For a sit inside kayak I have considered the Old Town Dirigo 120 Angler. At first I was convinced that a sit inside was the way to go, but now I am not sure. The floatation of the SOTs is attractive should I flip the boat.
So, given my thoughts above, I am open to your suggestions and your experiences in making your first fishing kayak purchases. Also, if you have any tips on transporting them via a roof top carrier, I would appreciate it.
I have enjoyed reading the various threads on this forum and I have been impressed with the decorum and knowledge of those who post. I thank you in advance for your assistance.
Mark
I am a newly subscribed Snaggedline member from Pasadena, MD who is looking for a fishing kayak.
My goal is a boat for close in-shore fishing in the Chesapeake and its tributaries and in Eastern Shore ponds. Also I will likely visit small lakes such as Piney Run, Marburg and Pinchot. I have fished those lakes in canoes, Jon boats and small v-hulls and I am familiar with each body of water.
I like to fly rod for bass in the fresh water and for small stripers and white perch along the Bay’s shoreline. Also I like to use light spinning tackle. I am not a bait fisherman nor am I particularly fond of trolling. I prefer to cast flies and lures to fish and structure.
I am intrigued with the Hobie Quest 13 due to its quality and its stated 350 pound capacity. (I’m 6 feet and about 200 pounds and nearly 60 years old.) However, I am concerned about the weight of the Hobie and my ability to lift it by myself to a roof top carrier on my van. I know that there are various rack rollers and lifts available to assist in this process.
I have also looked in person at other kayaks such as the Native Slayer, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 and Ocean Kayak Prowler 13. The first two are even heavier than the Hobie. The Prowler is a nice boat and weighs about much as the Hobie. Each of those are SOT. For a sit inside kayak I have considered the Old Town Dirigo 120 Angler. At first I was convinced that a sit inside was the way to go, but now I am not sure. The floatation of the SOTs is attractive should I flip the boat.
So, given my thoughts above, I am open to your suggestions and your experiences in making your first fishing kayak purchases. Also, if you have any tips on transporting them via a roof top carrier, I would appreciate it.
I have enjoyed reading the various threads on this forum and I have been impressed with the decorum and knowledge of those who post. I thank you in advance for your assistance.
Mark
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