? about kayaks and inflatable pontoons

[Uncle Grump]

I am in the process of looking for a small watercraft I can use on the small & skinny water in my area - ponds, slow moving streams, etc - mainly for fishing craps, 'gills and LM bass.

I've pretty much narrowed 'it' down to being a kayak or an inflatable pontoon - but based only on what I've seen / read, etc - I have no experience w/ either, and I don't know anyone who has either type.

So do any of you have either of these? I am looking for info any type - likes/dislikes, model names, accessories to get, weight, portability, fishability, things you would do differant if you could do it over, etc.

I am figuring on a budget of $5-600.

Many thanks

UG

PS I didn't think to use Search - so if this type of info already has been posted, I apologize. My bad....

[Charger]

I have had both and I am sitting here trying to decide which I liked better. I have sold both of mine because I prefer to use my Crawdad for the rivers, but if I had to buy one again, I would get another yak.

Look at the Tarpon 100 or 120. I had the 100 and it worked just fine and is a little more maneuverable than the 120. It also had places for rod holders, adjustable footpegs and has 3 Phase seating. The seat is very nice.

Take a look at them.
Tarpon - Wilderness Systems Kayaks

If you have any ??? shoot me a PM and I will try to answer them.

[kansasmedic]

I would consider a canoe over a kayak...
I have no experience with inflatables.
A jon boat / alluminum flat bottom in 10' is another option.

[Duckbill]

SOT angler kayaks are awesome. That's what I fish out of most of the time. There are always good used ones for sale. The short ones are fine if you stick to the small ponds. However, you'll want at least 12' if you plan to fish farther or fish moving water. The shorter yaks don't track well.

Another option is the "bass buddy" float boats. They're kind of like a small pontoon boat.

[SLABurns]

float tubes that are available. There also is a type of pontoon/ float tube combo where you have a stadium seat between two pontoons with oar locks and your feet hang in the water and you can use fins as well like in a regular float tube. Storage on board as well as pole holders.

[FIN]

I have a crow wing. It comes fully rigged with rod holders. Its within your price range. The crow wing is designed for hunting and fishing. Its very well made and weighs 42#. It tracks well and packs a fair amount of stuff.
There are a lot of things to like about the crow wing. I like the layout and size.
I have used the 1080 on a big river with swift current. Its more versatile than tubes or toons.
Things I don't like about tubes and toons are lack of versatility and stability. I use mine in freezing temps and stay dry The crow wing is enormously faster than either. Some yaks are more comfortable than any tube or toon. I can sit in mine all day with no problem.
I love my YAK.
FIN
Fishing Kayaks for Sale | Small Boat Fishing Gear

[Flyrod Man]

Skookum Steelheader, cataraft. Not cheap (1200) but alot of water under it in 10 years in alot of places. Cheaper models (5-600) can be purchased from Cabalas & Bass Pro. depending how much use you are giving the raft. 9 ft. tubes best in anyones model. Cant beat a cataraft for comforet and fishing. Anchors well and doesn't keep moving around when fishing. Takes rough water well also.

[funbun]

Well, for $500 - $600 you could build a kayak if you really wanted. JEM Watercraft

has a bunch of designs.

If you do build, consider a pirogue. It's perfect for the kind of waters you mentioned. Dollar for dollar a pirogue

is better deal, imo.

For me I've rather have a 10 ft jon boat because kayaks are just too uncomfortable.

[GRIZZ]

If you have a decent budget the best small fishing craft has to be either a Native Watercraft Propel or a Hobie Pro angler. If closer to $1000 is where your at Native Watercraft Ultimate or maybe a NuCanoe.

[funbun]

Yeah, Native Watercraft Ultimate is hard to beat.