Fish-Hawk.Net

Hi,
I want to get something that will put me on some walk-in small back lakes, but I can't decide on which one. The choices for me are:
1)A canoe about 50lbs
2)A float tube
3) Back-pack pontoon boat, it is about 54lbs

I am leaning towards the canoe because I could use it for other things and it has the extra space if I do any over night stays.

If you could give the pro's and con's that you can think of, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
sunchaser81

A kayak.

hard to beat anywhere....

joco

I found a site where they compare the advantages and disadvantages of the canoes and the kayaks.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/jul/0 ... _vs_kayak/

also,

http://www.google.ca/

only thing i can say.

i got both kayaks and canoes.

my outhing for the past 2 years..truth.

kayak= 93 time true

canoe=3 time

mmmmm

i feel more comfortable in kayak to fish.

and if you look good there is big kayak not that heavy that could bring anything you want to camping to.

a tandem kayak..wit big cockpit or open kind like the ultimate 14,5.

good shoping.


joco

Thanks for your input guy's, all with great advise.
I think I will take advantage of the winter months and decide in the spring.
sunchaser81

I have a Sportspal, and love it, never fished out of a kayak so I cant say, I'd imagine it'd be pretty entertaining. The one thing I like about the Sprotspal is it weighs nothing, maybe 15 lbs, and its quite stable

Float tube is a go ANYWHERE vehicle....

Canoes and Kayaks are large and a pain in the arse to lift around, but that is just my point of view.

I mean they are wonderful, but if you mean like, BACK country lakes where no one goes, you dont' want to lug around a big kayak or canoe for miles.

For some trout lakes your vehicle doesnt' even go anywhere near them, you have to hike in on a trail...

I would get a kayak for small lakes and big rivers with access to them.....

But not for small hike-in trout lakes.....

Really depends on what you will be using it for.......and your strength level/Fitness

I can imagine hauling a Kayak or Canoe out of the woods after a day of fishing and the sun is going down fast, man that would be hell on earth! lol.....I just don't have the fitness for that or the patience..

Float tube is what I would use....

But if you are going to start portaging and staying overnight and stuff, get a canoe or Kayak with lots of space in it

i had a Sportspal in 1982/3/4s....

and it was great and like you said..weight.nothing at all.

this was agreat fishing machine..full foam inside and 2 strip on both side for stabilisation.

to bad dont have it anymore.

joco

sunchaser,

Here is a repost from another thread.

I could get into a long winded discussion regarding the various fishing platforms that are available, but in a nutshell they each have their specific niche, and hence their own strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of the type of watercraft, the selection is essentially based on the following basic requirements:

1. Transport - Do I have the capability to transport the watercraft from my house to where I'm going to parking the car/truck?
2. Deployment - How far do I have to haul the watercraft from the vehicle to get it into the water?
3. Handling - Do you require hands-free control?
4. Fishing Style - Trolling? Casting? Drifting?
5. Water Body Size - How much water do I need to cover to get to my fishing spot?
6. Safety - Will I require a watercraft that handles high waves or class rated whitewater?

With the exception of safety, there is no right or wrong with respect to the type of watercraft selected, rather it's a personal choice, albeit not necessarily the best choice for a particular situation. My personal opinion is that if you look at any one type of watercraft, it will most likely excell in 20% of the situations and be adequate in say another 20% of the situations. In this respect there is no "one size fits all" watercraft. You'll find that the hardcore fishermen will have two if not three different types of watercraft.

Now with respect to "walking into" back lakes, keep in mind that you'll need to transport your fishing gear as well. Is multiple trips to haul gear acceptable? Will you be fishing with someone that can help carry gear? These are all questions you need to answer prior to making your decision.

With respect to float tubes, some of the newer models actaully have carrying straps that allow your to wear the inflated tube like a backpack, leaving your hands free to carry your fishing gear.

Seeing kayak posts / reports / pics from Joco, Bucketmouth, Slushy & Bowzog and others....Brian and I are most likely purchasing a kayak or two next season for our cottage.

There have been some really shallow bays I'd like to get at, and we love to picnic on islands...but Brian has royal hissies about scratching the new Stratos! So...

Nothing looks more peaceful than a kayak gliding silently along a calm lake in the morning mist. And I know from reading fishing reports that you can fish for just about anything from one. Just ask Joco!

W.

thanks Todd, all great thing to consider. Its true, no one craft will do everything, so I may have to add a few things to my christmass list this year.
Hey TrollingThunder and Joco I was out and about today and this house had a bunch of stuff out on their front lawn like they were selling stuff and guess what was there... yes a sportspal so I stopped to check it out but no one around and no signs to say stuff for sale, so I will go back in the morning early encase it is a yard sale and see.
sunchaser81

I have a 16 foot lund with a 60 hp motor
I am very happy with it, howerver, seeing Jocos kayak posts with pictures and seeing plenty of Kayaks gliding across the lake on calm days, I am being attracted to....kayaking

so Joco in your opinion what model,size is the safest for a 213 pound guy like me to climb in and go fishing?


I got in a white water canoe and flipped it before I got 10 feet
tight squeeze to get out of when you are upside down

hi pug.

first can t compare white water kayak and are kayak we have that we use...some off are kayak you can stand up in them and fly fish some other you can sit sideway and fish tht way..there very stabile.

it realy depend what you want need and what water condition you will be in water temp and weater etc.

you can get a used kayak and have tons off fun.

you got a pm.


dont worry about the little 213 pound...i have been yaking and was a bit higher then that. .


wildernees pungo 120 or 140 are great sit in kayak.

wilderneess tarpon 120 and 140 sit on top.

ultimate frome natives...my favorite for my needs...love it..its a bet a canoe and kayak type off kayak.

perception search are great to..

and oceans kayak all sit on tops.

there is so mutch defernt model.

the best is to try them and then you will no what you like and what is made for you.

there some demo days and demo night..its frre to go try them then..but i think those deom day and night are finishfor the year now..until spring..i think.


but are alway welcome to try mine..just meeth me wen i post a outhing and you will see one or some off mines.

later bud.

joco

joco = yak GOD !8)

How much would a good fishing Kayak cost me Joco?

I dunno if you're reading this...but if you do.....

How much?

I have smallest budget known to MAN!!!!!!!!!

Can you buy used kayaks from anywhere really cheap? something I could modify and put fish finder etc....and add rod holders.....