Just Another Noob looking for advice..

[Reelaxin10]

The new seat is pretty sweet, a lot more customizable to your liking with a seat that can recline and lower on the seat and backrest. You should check out Backyard Boats in Annapolis to test them out. Their 2013 models were on sale last time I was in there and they also had a left over 2012 pro angler 14 that was really discounted. This would allow you to compare both the new and old seat designs. They also have a dock with all of the models that you can test out in the water. Dennis will take care of you.

[OVERBOARD]

This is a tough decision... I called a place today looking around for demo units of the 2013 PA. Well the conversation went into peddling vs paddling, etc.. He suggested I really look into the old town predator, as in his opinion it was probably the best paddle kayak available right now.
I could buy that boat and completely rig it for the price of the angler bare boat... I with I had more experience in either type of boat to help make up my mind. I like the idea of free hands while moving along, but most people paddling don't talk about it like its a big nuisance or anything... Frustrating stuff..

[Raptor]

This is a tough decision... I called a place today looking around for demo units of the 2013 PA. Well the conversation went into peddling vs paddling, etc.. He suggested I really look into the old town predator, as in his opinion it was probably the best paddle kayak available right now.
I could buy that boat and completely rig it for the price of the angler bare boat... I with I had more experience in either type of boat to help make up my mind. I like the idea of free hands while moving along, but most people paddling don't talk about it like its a big nuisance or anything... Frustrating stuff..

Believe me losing your ability to move your kayak while reeling in a fish is to say the least . . . off putting. If you are trolling into the wind, or current, you usually end up with a mess of crossed or snagged lines, or both. I think I read the best description on this blog but can not remember who wrote it. "if you are a kayaker who fishes then a paddle kayak might be for you, but if you are a fisherman who uses a kayak then a peddle kayak is for you." Having your hands mostly free is quite valuable. The only down side I have seen is in shallow or skinny water paddling is essential - but you can always paddle a peddle kayak. It is not optimal so if you plan on fishing a lot of shallow or skinny water then the paddle might be for you.

T.

[JohnE]

I also recommend the ride 135. For the price of pro angler, you could have a very well-rigged kayak along with a quite a bit of other gear that you will need.

I spoke with a gentleman out on Rudee inlet a couple weeks back in a predator and got a good look at it. I have to agree that it is one of the finest fishing platforms on the market. When I was looking, I also considered the cuda 14. Another one of the best available. The only thing I did not like is that, instead of a large rear tankwell, it had that weird little hatch way in the back that I would never use. I would rather just have a large tankwell area because I want to have a space for my dog if I can get her to come out fishing with me. I also considered the x factor, but I did not like the feedback I read on the internet about reliability and how the company was treating their customers who had problems.

Weight...80 pounds for the ride 135 is pushing it, but I find it manageable. Over 100 pounds just seems ridiculous to me for a kayak. You will be needing a cart with some giant balloon tires and a very wide axle to get across the sand. Plan on dropping $2-300 just for one of those.

As far as paddling vs peddling. I think it would be nice at times to have my hands free, but it does not seem like a huge deal to me. Are all of the most accomplished kayak anglers on peddle kayaks? It seems like the majority of them are still paddling.

[dhawk]

I have had my yak 2 years and only twice I would have liked peddled both were in heavy winds fishing structure once at the bay bridge and once on the patapsco river both could have been overcome with a motor such as bassyaks which would still put you under a hobie price and I rum my c factor in skinny water the Potomac over rocks and peddle yaks are a hassle there so it comes to what your needs are good luck

[Mark]

I think your fishing style is the largest factor in pedal vs. paddle debate. I pedal. But I have fished exclusively with paddlers this year. I have watched them in action and my observation is that when it comes to trolling I have no advantage over them. They set their rods in holders and go to work with their arms. They travel as far as I do and about as fast as do. On extremely long trips I have heard them say their shoulders are tired. But my legs get tired also.

I have an advantage if short bursts of speed are needed. I can take off after breaking fish and get there before paddlers. But that's not a frequent need.

I believe I have an advantage casting to structure on shorelines. I can move and steer the boat while I am in the act of casting. My pedals are very handy for holding a spot in the wind or current. I have no anchor and feel no need for one. I can hold the boat steady with my pedals and with my left hand nudging the rudder control I can maneuver the boat quickly to avoid hazards or to follow the contures of the shore. I cannot backup with my pedals but with a little forethought I avoid the necessity to do so. On one trip this year I forgot my paddle and I did fine without it. However I don't recommend that approach.

As to shallow water fishing, I have had no problems in the Bay. I can move tight to most shorelines and I can still propel the boat without grounding the fins in one foot of water. There's a technique to it and I find myself doing it without thinking about it. However, excessive vegetation close to the surface can be a pain with fins. That's worse for pedaling than shallow water in my opinion. I have not encountered snarling vegetation in the Bay, just in fresh water.

But back to fishing style, based on the postings here I think kayak fishers troll more often than they do any other kind of fishing. If you're going to work shorelines like a bass fisherman in a boat with foot control electric motor, you might find pedaling advantageous over paddling. That's how I fish with my kayak most often. I cast while moving. But if you are going to troll (or anchor and still fish with live bait) I see no particular advantage to pedaling.

[JohnE]

4 out of 5 stripers this past weekekend were hooked while I was trolling in water where I was nearly scraping the bottom this past weekend. I would have been very worried about trolling into those areas in a peddle kayak.

My shoulders do get sore and I think could peddle much longer than I could paddle.

[OVERBOARD]

There's a lot of good points being made here, and I appreciate the insight from everyone.. I don't plan to fish a lot of water skinny enough to cause a problem, and in the rare instance I feel the need, I could always lock the drive against the hull, or pop it out, and either push pole or paddle for a while.. I do understand that the PA probably isn't the best boat to paddle for extended periods but I should be fine for my use. Also, now that JohnE mentioned it I did have shoulder surgery and it likes to get stiff every once in a while.

I've decided to pick up the PA 14.. It will take a little longer to get it rigged out, but I think in the end it will suit me best. I'll keep you guys updated and hopefully I'll be meeting you on the water pretty soon. I would like to hit the M&G on the 9th, but unfortunately have plans already..

[Big T]

Just my two cents. I own a Nucanoe frontier 12. I am a big guy 6' 2" 285lbs. I have never been happier. The frontier is the most unbelievably stable fishing platform I've ever experienced. I routinely take my kayak out with both my wife and I and I have plenty of room to spare. The boat is easy for me to load in and out my truck by myself. I'm not sure why anyone would need anything more than this thing offers. It is reasonably priced as well. Your missing the boat if you don't look into it. No pun intended

[JohnE]

I also had shoulder reconstruction surgery on one of mine, but it only get a little more sore than the other one and stays that way longer after trips. As I get older, and arthritis sets in, I might end up peddling one day. But I also had knee surgery recently. Who knows. Good luck and enjoy your purchase.

[dhawk]

There's a lot of good points being made here, and I appreciate the insight from everyone.. I don't plan to fish a lot of water skinny enough to cause a problem, and in the rare instance I feel the need, I could always lock the drive against the hull, or pop it out, and either push pole or paddle for a while.. I do understand that the PA probably isn't the best boat to paddle for extended periods but I should be fine for my use. Also, now that JohnE mentioned it I did have shoulder surgery and it likes to get stiff every once in a while.

I've decided to pick up the PA 14.. It will take a little longer to get it rigged out, but I think in the end it will suit me best. I'll keep you guys updated and hopefully I'll be meeting you on the water pretty soon. I would like to hit the M&G on the 9th, but unfortunately have plans already..

Good choice Good luck and tight lines

[Mark]

As I get older, and arthritis sets in, I might end up peddling one day. But I also had knee surgery recently.

There have been trips when my knees are telling me I may have to forego the pedals one day and go to paddling.

Perhaps we should set up a boat exchange list. Ailing shoulders on one side of the list and painful knees on the other -- an eHarmony-like matchmaker for old and arthritic kayakers to share their boats!

[JohnE]

There have been trips when my knees are telling me I may have to forego the pedals one day and go to paddling.

Perhaps we should set up a boat exchange list. Ailing shoulders on one side of the list and painful knees on the other -- an eHarmony-like matchmaker for old and arthritic kayakers to share their boats!

Not a bad idea. I'm still in my 30s, but I'm realizing that, down the road a bit, I'll probably need to alternate. My brother is approaching 50 and his knees are so bad that he won't even try skiing anymore.

[gotcharc]

Jackson Big Rig

I did look at the Big Tuna on the rack, and it would be great if I wanted to take another person, but I feel like most of the time I will be solo and the seating position when used solo seems awkward to me. 75% of the boat is sticking out in front you which would have to make it light in the front, and it just seems like a ton of unusable space.. I think they should have added a third chair position that was central in the boat for use when solo.

However as a Jackson dealer.... When is the Big Rig gonna be available??

The Big Rig is still in prototype so far, so they have yet to go into final production, check back with me at boats@valleymill.com and I should have some new info soon

Thanks
Jim
Valley Mill

[gotcharc]

You can also place the seat in the middle of the Big Tuna. There are moveable seat brackets to put the seat more towards the middle of the kayak. The boat paddles very easily from any position