What Can a Yak Do?

[Hollis]

I'm really curious about kayaks and am raising eyebrows about buying one. I already have a float tube and don't see me going the pontoon route. I want to be able to troll around the 6 mile creek area of Lanier since I drive over it every day. I also like the idea of paddling around in ponds. I have read the pro and cons that I can find on here about using them and am curious about the sit on top model vs an ocean type yak.

Can I put a kayak in and paddle upstream in the hooch at Settles Bridge or at the Hwy 20 bridge? Will a SOT work as well as a traditional kayak? What kind of storage comes on the SOT models that are important for fishing? Is it possible to stand in some of them or is it too dangerous? I also want to know how hard it is to carry the things around. Can you just heft it up or do you have to have a cart?

Thanks for any help guys. I appreciate it.
-Hollis

[Ted]

My short answers would be - eat, poop and provide yarn but that doesn't help you.

I'll try again. I have a traditional sit-inside boat but it is a tandem so it has a big cockpit. It is nearly 13 feet long and heavy (~75 lbs). Pluses are that it has alot of room and storage plus you can bring a friend. I have never used a SOT but they look nice too. Maybe others will chime in.

I have used it to go upstream on rivers and have used it in ponds and lakes. I love fishing from it. Winds hit the hull broadside and can work against you. May not be as much of an issue w/SOTs(?)

Now, compared to tubes, you have a whole set of issues with transport. I used to toss in bed of my p/u (7-foot bed) and travel with 6 feet hanging out. Not so good. I eventually moved up to Yakama roof rack system and that is much better and safer. I made a PVC cart for transport too.

I have not used tubes or tubes so I can't give a direct comparison. Hope this is a little helpful.

TH

[allenww]

Hollis -
The favored craft for (fly) fishing is debated daily on our brother board, Georgia River Fishing. I recommend it to you because everything than can be said has been said twice already over there.

Although I don't own one, my favorite craft for river fishing is the Native Watercraft 14 1/2ft canoe/kayak blend. At 60 lbs, it is not enough lighter than my Grumman to justify purchase, but to me it is as good as it gets.

Natives are not cheap, however. You can fish a SOT for half their price.

wa

[duluthgator]

Turn over!

I love my yak, but my son lost a pretty nice bamboo rod in the hooch when he turned over unexpectedly last week.

[SaltyDawg]

I use mine mostly in the salt but have paddled the ogeechee, flint and many ponds in it. Check out the www.theoutsideworld.net they are are a shop in dawsonville with a pool and plenty of kayak options. Also if you get a yak, you want to check with Stan at www.captdick.net. He can outfit you with anything you would need from rod holders to anchor trolleys. I love the stability and speed in a yak vs. my pontoon, but I use the toon on the Toccoa and the yaks on other slower rivers.

[SaltyDawg]

I have an OK big game which is a slower model, but I can stand in it and it has tons of storage which suits me well. Ocean Kayak has come out with their new trident series of boats that are supposed to combine speed and stability. Check out www.georgiakayakfishing.com as well.

[curt bird]

I am looking at several tandem kayaks and would like to know which model/make you have and what sold you on it. Thanks Ted for any info you care to share. Curt.

[Glowejr]

I am looking at several tandem kayaks and would like to know which model/make you have and what sold you on it

I have a Hobie Kona tandem SOT and love it. When I'm on the water with my wife, the configuration is a seat in the bow and a seat in the stern, with lots of room in between. When I go out solo, it sets-up with a seat in the middle, again, allowing lots of room and ease of access to gear. I bought the Hobie for a number of reasons, but primarily because: its length and weight allow me to load/unload when alone; it has a high weight capacity; its width (stability); and the many reviews I found on-line. It got great reviews and after owning it for a year I can say they were well deserved. I bought mine at Go With The Flow in Roswell, and would recommend them to anyone.

- Gary

[curt bird]

Gary - thanks for the info. That sounds ideal because I am in a situation where my son (9 years) comes out with me periodicaly and we are limited in how much he can wade at the moment. This would greatly increase our range I think. I will defninitely look into that model. Thanks again, Curt.