New Here

[pal]

Hey all,

I am new to this sight but glad I found it. I have kayaked and kayaked fished for about 8 years now. I personally own an old town otter 9'6". I like it but it is time to upgrade to a newer yak within a year. I have been looking at sit on tops like the hobie outback. Does anyone know if these yaks are good from experience? Thanks for any info and hope you see some of you out yak fishing sometime.

[Tom Linderholm]

pal,

Welcome to FM, my first yak was a Old Town Otter that I enjoyed quite a bit. I have very limited experience on sit on top yaks so I am no help to you there, someone will be sure to pipe in though.

[Cyberfish]

Hi Pal, welcome to the forum! I don't know anything about the hobie, but I do like sit on tops best. I can get into them easy,and out. And if I want I can capsize in deep water, flip it back over and climb on and I am off like nothing happened. Can't do that in a regular kayak, unless you know how to do a roll. I would try different kinds and see what you like best.

[ghotierman]

I like the adventure series from Old Town. Also have the Predator 140, it is built on the twin otter hull, very open cockpit. My adventure xl is nice because it has a little more open cockpit, can accomodate my long legs nicely, and can still use a spray skirt. I like to get out as the ice is going out, or just before it freezes up. sit on tops, while great for warmer weather, don't allow that same level of comfort when it gets colder.

[Cyberfish]

They work good in cold weather if you wear neoprene waders, or better yet a dry suit.

I was out on waconia in heavy waves this fall, I had a rain parka on with my neoprene chest waders over that, then a splash jacket, then my PFD. I was getting a little hot, was over dressed. So I capsized on purpose and was able to flip my yak back upright and climb back in and was still BONE dry! flipped er again and got back on, this time just a trickle of cold water leaked through my double rain gear!

Standard kayaks are nice and dry inside w a spray skirt, but you should still dress to be prepared for a cold water swim. If you do tip, unless you have a good roll, you could be in the water a long time, and right after ice out, that would not be good!

[pal]

Thanks for the information guys. I do yak quite a bit in the spring and fall but will always have my otter to stay warm. I also like to slide up on the ice in the spring. I am still kind of set on the sit on top. Otherwise, I still am looking at a 15.5 dragger or a 14' wilderness. Time will tell I have all winter to think and research. Time to go ice fish for now.

[Franchiz]

I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 sit-on-top. The kayak is very stable and it has plenty of room for accessories. I've added a depth finder and a couple rod holders. Whatever kayak you decide to purchase, best of luck and hope to see out and about!