5 Fishing Kayak Recommendations
By Greg McCain
In a time when the price of gas hovers at all-time highs, kayaks remain a cost-effective alternative to boats.
After the initial investment, kayaks provide an economical means of getting on the water and even offer certain advantages compared to boats, mainly accessibility, convenience, and price. The in-the-water experience brings an added dimension to fishing as well.
ACC Crappie Stix, the Illinois rod company, recently surveyed its Facebook followers about their kayak preferences. They responded with a variety of options, ranging from entry-level kayaks to much more expensive models. Following are some of their responses:
1. Beavertail Stealth 2000 (about $1,000): Indiana outdoorsman Tracy Fairchild likes the Beavertail “sneakboat” (that’s the company name) for a variety of pursuits. With gas prices high, he likes the economy, but he also liked hunting and fishing from a kayak when gas was much cheaper. Tracy offers these advantages about the Beavertail model: loads easily in the back of a truck; allows ease of access to remote locations; paddles easily but also comes with a trolling motor mount; great stability; and easy to accessorize.
2. Lifetime Tamarack 100 (prices ranges from less than $400.00 to about $600.00; most of the lower-price outlets are out of stock): Tiim Merchlewitz, of Fremont, Nebraska, said, “I don’t know about the best, but the most affordable with stability has to be the Tamarack 100 light weight, (which) has a few rod holders and is good to go right away.” As a side note, Tim said the ACC Crappie Stix 7-6 split grip is “highly recommended for kayak fishing!”
3. Hobie Pro Angler 14 360 (up to about $6,000) or Blue Sky Angler 360 from Jackson Kayak (up to about $5,000): Englewood, TN, fisherman Jason Buckner said choosing the best kayak probably “depends on your wallet. If money’s not an issue, go for the Hobie PA14 360 or Blue Sky Angler 360. I’ve had over 15 top-brand kayaks from Bonafide to Nucanoe to Jackson Vibe and Feel Free and an Old Town, but none of them compared to the Hobie or Blue Sky. I still have them both.”
4. Wilderness Systems Commander (discontinued but available used on some kayak sites; availability has apparently driven the price up to $1,000 or more for a model in good condition): Lance Crippy McGee Larson, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, likes his traditional sit-in kayak. “I’m old school,” he said. “I like the Wilderness Systems Commander. They don’t make it anymore, but it is a sit-in so you don’t get wet, plenty of room and comes with pre-molded rod holders and anchor tracks and a Scotty rod holder.”
5. Other models mentioned: Wilderness Systems Recon 120; Old Town Predator MX; Nucanoe Unlimited; Hobie PA 12 or PA 14 or any of the Old Town MK Series, Ascend FS 12; Ascend H12; Old Town Autopilot 136; Jackson Bite; Crescent Lite Tackle; Nucanoe Frontier 12.
Kayaks may not be for everyone, but they do offer an alternative for anglers limited by high gas prices. Check out some of the models mentioned. Certainly there are others that fit the needs and price range of potential buyers, but the models listed above are tried and tested by experienced outdoorsmen.