L.L. Bean Kayak

[dwkoller]

Thought I'd rent a kayak for the three weeks that the mrs. and I are in SW Florida. Going rate is $100 -$150 per week for a sit-on top. Decided in makes my sense to buy a kayak and keep it here -- but I don't want to spent big bucks on a hobie or prowler.

There is a L.L Bean yak outfitted for fishing; two flush rod holders in the back, a scotty mount holder in the front (that needs to be moved -- factory install is to far forward), anchor and trolley system. The kayak package is listed for $559.00 on the l.l.bean website). Good price on Craigslist. It has a large cockpit and looks to be of a tunnel hull design -- my only reservation is its 10'. According to the customer reviews -- there are no issues with tracking.

The kayak will be used to fish the mangroves and shore line along Charlotte Harbor. I will also take it out to fish the pilings at the 75, 41, El-jobean, around Placidia and just off the boca grande inlet. I'm not going out in anything but calm to <1' chop.

Anyone have any experience with this yaks?

Thanks!!!

[nirschman]

while i don't have any specific experience with the boat you're talking about, i can tell you that a 10 foot yak is awfully short for fishing, especially in the salt, where you might have to paddle several miles (or more) a day.

not saying it can't be done, i have a buddy that manages just fine in his little swifty, but you'll really see a difference in speed/tracking with a longer boat. not to mention on-boat gear storage and even your own comfort!

i personally will probably never go under 13 feet, i have a 14 foot wilderness pungo that does very nicely on all different kinds of water, have been paddling it for about 5 years now and no complaints.

i will say this for sure, though, KAYAK FISHING IS A BLAST!!!

(you might also try posting your question at wkfa.org, lots of knowledgeable folks there and a good source for kayak fishing info/intel!)

[ictalurus]

john from md was asking about this model. I'm not sure if he bought it, but it might be worth PMing him to see how he likes it.

[surfnsam]

i had a 10' red fish, very nice kayak sot. stable, stearable and tracked well in all sea conditions. boat wakes, ocean swells and chesapeake bay chop no problems, for mangroves a shorter kayak might be better than a long one

[Friday]

I had kayak-fished in keys and Captiva Island about 20 + times. Even though the waves weren't high. the wind was alyways strong at 15MPH. Usually I paddled 1.5-2 miles to get to the pace where the keeper sized fish were. To me the minimu size is 13'. Also it was hard to find beach-able place in the mangrove area. you may be 3-4' of water for pit-stop. Getting back to the kayak can be problem if you don't have a SOT.

I also firmly belive that the kayak need to be much longer (by 4-5') than bull sharks (6-12')
Joe

[dwkoller]

Thanks for the replies.

Found a great deal in bonita springs -- picked up a 1 year old malibu pro explorer rigged for fishing. It's just under 13' with a lot of nice features -- previous owner mounted a small trolling motor off the back controlled with foot pedals.

Taking it out to pine island this afternoon -- beautiful day, light breezy, sunny and in the low 80's.

Friday: I agree about the bull sharks -- have landed a few black tips. My biggest pucker factor occurred when a manatee came up behind me an surfaced right next to the kayak. Until I realized what it was ... the adrenalin was getting ready to spike.

Hoping for some reds and snook.

[mbla]

Congrads Dan!

I have a malibu pro explorer also and I love it!

Enjoy
Mike

[Friday]

Malibu ProAngler is good.

Have fun.
Joe