Big Guy Kayak for Chesapeake Bay

[seaybass]

hi all,

I'm new to the forum. Have a canoe I fish from most of the time. I rigged it out with stabilizers, and it's good for couples fishing, but tracks very poorly and goes very slowly. I took it in the bay yesterday, fishing around the Sandy Point area. I know now that I need a faster boat with better tracking to get around in the open bay.

I could use some advice on what to look for in a kayak. I am not looking for a 'first kayak' per se.
I tried a Hobie Outback and Revo last summer, and was gearing up to buy one, but I don't really have $2000 for a Hobie right now, and, besides, I need to improve my upper body fitness anyway. But if any of you want to sell me your Hobie, let me know.

I am large. 6'3", 250+lbs
I wouldn't mind being able to stand up every once in a while.
I want to fish the open water of the Chesapeake Bay.
I would like to stay relatively dry and comfortable.
I would like to go relatively fast.
I would like to go relatively straight when I paddle.
I'd like to eat some of the fish I catch.

any advice you can give would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

[Longtrav]

Someone is selling a coosa 14 in the forum!

[mytmouse]

Welcome to the board... I'm a big guy too and I've fished everywhere that I have wanted to with no issue.

First off let me give you some advice that will extend your days on the water. Get a NICE paddle. When I first started, I had a cheap model that severely limited my distance and speed. The cheap ones are heavy and the blades aren't as efficient as the higher priced ones. I thought that I could get by with the cheaper one and I did for a while, but once I upgraded OH BOY!!! It was a whole different world on the water.

People complain about 'Barges'. I argue that either a) they are using crappy paddles and are inefficient with their strokes or b) they are little mini men who's arms and shoulders can't handle the size of the yak! LOL

Take a look at the Ocean Kayak Big game, that's what I have, but I have the old model not the raised seat current one. I can't speak on that model, as a matter of fact I don't like the idea of sitting above the kayak. Just seems as if it would take away from the great balance it has. But what do I know? Also the Malibu Kayak X-factor and Stealth series(12 and 14) are great open water yaks as well. I've had a chance to paddle the X-factor and Stealth 14 and they are nice! The Malibus are a tad faster IMO, I think that is due to their hull design. You can usually find deals on the Big Game online, I got mine on eBay years ago brand new for like $525 or so. I looked at the Malibus, but I never saw a sale as deep as that so I went with the Big Game.

It would be worth your wild to demo the yaks if you can. I'd give a ring to some local shops and see if they have any in stock. I hope this helps you out a little bit.

[J.A. Veil]

There are many kayaks that meet most of your criteria. If your second criterion (being able to stand up) is a critical one, the list shortens quite a bit. If that is really important for you, you will want to consider models that are very stable and allow enough space in the seating well/foot well area for you to put your feet. You are both taller and heavier than most paddlers. That gives you a particularly high center of gravity.

I suggest that you take a look at the Native Watercraft Slayer line, which comes in 12' and 14.5' sizes. They have an elevated seat and hull design that supports standing. They were designed specifically as fishing kayaks. Both models have plenty of weight capacity for you and your gear. The Slayer also comes in a 13' Propel version that offers pedal-drive. The Slayer Propel is a great kayak, but the cost for this model exceeds your $2000 threshold.

I agree with MTM's comment that you will learn a lot by doing on-water demos on the models you are considering. At a minimum, visit a dealer and sit in the kayak on the floor. You can get at least a first impression of the comfort and stability. Also remember that the lowest cost kayak may not really suit your needs the best. Sometimes spending a bit more gives you a lot more in terms of features and usability.

[Deadwood]

Also check the Craigs List classifieds. I have purchased used Kayaks from it and have been satisfied with them. Right now I dont think there are any Propels but there are yaks priced right.

http://annapolis.craigslist.org/sear...ayaks&sort=rel

[CoptrDoctr]

I've got a Cuda 14' on consigment at Deleware Paddlesports in Lewes. Pics are on their website.

[JohnE]

You are not really that big at 250 lbs. The ride 135 is another yak you should take a look at. I am not much lighter than you and I can stand comfortably, plus it paddles pretty well for something with huge carrying capacity and excellent stability.

[On the fly]

I have a Jackson Cuda 14 that works very well for me but I do not stand in the kayak but you could. The rudder really makes a difference especially if I just want to drift. I am 6' 1" , 240 lbs. the 14 cuda is rated for 400 lbs. great yak and I beleive it was noted earlier in this thread some had one with rudder listed at Delaware Paddle for around 1000.

[Snakehead Hunter]

Demo demo demo. You should try to demo as many kayak as you can before choosing one. And if you could demo on a bad weather day, it's even better. It's better to know how your kayak handle bad situation before than after buying it. I was lucky to demo on a windy, choppy day. That is when I found out that the Trident 13 cut through chop with ease compare to other kayak. So take your time and test them all out.

[moken12]

So far my big rig is doing everything your looking at. Not sure I'd call it fast but stability and plenty of room for cooler to keep your fish in.

[seaybass]

thanks guys for all the help. I have a looked into the Cuda 14 listed here, and also have a friend who has offered to sell me his Ride 135. I'll check them out first. I like this forum!

I look forward to fishing with all of you!

-e