SOT Recommendation

[fred zellman]

I have been looking for a new sit on top. Just wanted to know what others have found with newer models. I want to be able to take on rivers, the bay, bbt, etc. I would appreciate any suggestions, before making the jump. All prior fishing has been from an old pungo and a tandem Ultimate 14.

[golfinjoe24]

I recently got really into the Heritage Redfish 12. Its a funny story because I have wanted a Malibu pro-x and the x-13 for a while and just ordered a Mini-x from them. Well im thinking about just keeping the mini-x at the shop I work at and just buying the new Redfish12! Its a great boat and is really easy to paddle. Way better than some sit ins i paddle every day for work. If you really want to paddle some, we are having a demo day down in solomons island this saturday from 12-4. Sould be a great day when the rain goes away. Its free and there will be about 40 different boats to paddle. not all sot's but you can stilll paddle the fiberglass touring boats, which are SUPER FAST. Not worth it but they are fun.

[BBCroaker]

Though I didn' buy one I think the Redfish is a gret fishing kayak .Used to rent one at the Outer Banx of NC but ended up buying a Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 15 which is a great yak for bigger guys. (Kind of depends on your size too)
I still hope to own a Redfish in the future. It's on my" bucket list" They are priced reasonable too. Well they were last year haven't checked recently.

[golfinjoe24]

Though I didn' buy one I think the Redfish is a gret fishing kayak .Used to rent one at the Outer Banx of NC but ended up buying a Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 15 which is a great yak for bigger guys. (Kind of depends on your size too)
I still hope to own a Redfish in the future. It's on my" bucket list" They are priced reasonable too. Well they were last year haven't checked recently.


Fricken Heritage jacked up prices a little this year. We tried not to do it at our shop, were loosing a little money but were not trying to rip people off.

[barrell]

I have been looking for a new sit on top. Just wanted to know what others have found with newer models. I want to be able to take on rivers, the bay, bbt, etc. I would appreciate any suggestions, before making the jump. All prior fishing has been from an old pungo and a tandem Ultimate 14.
What kayak is a personal choice. What I can tell you is at our shop I havent had a serious fishermen buy anything but Hobie foot propelled in the last two years. At least give one a try before making up your mind. The new pro-angler is a real treat after fishing in tight kayaks the last 20 years.

[BBCroaker]

Yes definitely try as many as you can.
Don't know where you are located but Appomattox River Company is having a big Demo planned for June 13 in Farmville Virginia. Think they call it the biggest demo on the east coast.
I was at the one 2 yrs ago .Lots of yak think every brand made was represented .
Yes Hobie was there too and I peddeld an Outback and a Revo.Just wasn't my thing. But who knows might be yours Fred Z.
Good Luck with what you end up with.
.

[golfinjoe24]

YA, I herd that to. If you can make that demo day, thats probly your best option out there. Ours tomorrow is just a small shop one. We just have Current Designs, Heritage, Hurricane, Malibu and Wynona. Nothing fancy but its a lot of fun.

[surfnsam]

i have a red fish 10 and love it. very stable and easy to manuver also a dry ride. wanted something a little biger for fishing around the bay bridge so i looked around and chose the tarpon 120, nice ride and lighter than a red fish 12 but the red fish is more comforable and wider.

[QKADCT]

I have a Wilderness Ride 135 and would highly recommend it. So far I have only fished the sweet water out of it, but I am happy with it's stability and comfort. I am 5'11' and 230 lbs and feel very comfortable and steady in it. It is dry and does not feel tippy. I have tried to lean it over and canot make it feel weird.

Just my .02, and that is about all it is worth........they are personal preference.

Mike Aka QKADCT

343.....Never Forget......

[DamselFish]

2009 Delmarva Paddlesports Expo - Here is your chance to learn more about water sports, hands on! We will be giving demos, so wear your water shoes!

Sunday, May 10th from 12 to 5 PM.
Schumaker Park (1019 South Schumaker Dr. 21804- for GPS users)

[AIK68J]

would like too but Mother's day and a yak demo leave the SWMBO and kids alone
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/skittles2325/cementshoes1.gif
my new one way water shoes

[Friday]

Here is my harsh advice but practical. I don't want to be rude. But someone has to say it. Let me be blunt. Do not buy the kayak if you can not re-enter. This means you must do the water test. In case that you don't make the re-entry within 5 minutes, perhaps the kayak is too small or the kayak is not configured for your method of re-entry. Also there is a chance that you may never be able to make the re-entry on any kayak. I think 50 percent of kayakers can't make re-entry for various reasons. 30 percent can make re-entry in a calm water. Only 10-20 percent of kayakers have the sufficient self rescue ability.

Joe

[fred zellman]

Thanks for all of the advice. After trying some different models, I have decided to go with an 09 Tarpon 160. I feel this will serve my needs and meet my price limits. As soon as I have a chance, I will post more info on fishing from it. It will be in at the end of the month. Once, again thank you for all of your help.

[BBCroaker]

Congrats on you purchase ! Good choice! Welcome to the darkside you'll never go back. Enjoy and post lots of reports!

[Friday]

Congratulations on your new kayak!. I am very interested in your future review on your new kayak. The reason is that sometimes I want speed but other times I want stability. Yesterday, I need both (wind 13-17mph 1.5'-2' wave) to cover the distance. Enjoy the kayak and let us know.
Thanks,
Joe