Thread: Yak Vs Canoe?

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I have tested them all and for me the Coosa is the best there is for a combination of rivers and lakes. I Trout fish too so while the Hobie's are nice I don't think they go over shoals too well. I am in the process of moving or I would already have my Cossa. I live up 49 steps and had to get on one level. I have the car rack...paddle...dry bags...dry boxs......PFD....locking cable to prevent theft from the car rack...LOL. In short all I need is THE kayak. I am moving to a cottage and have a rack that my kayak will sit on in a spare room and all my fishing equipment will be in there also. I can hardly wait..it is going to be a very nice change for me. I even already have the dog leash with drag chain in the inner tube. I will trick this thing out with the best sonar/fish finder I can afford. While I am not old but turning 60 this year just can't walk the miles of shore line like I did last spring and I have realized just how much fishing territory I am missing.

Regards

Yeah the Coosa is nice and is as close as a hard kayak got to fulfilling my needs/wants. Not sure how I would feel standing on one though??


I almost bought one, then it dawned on me while camping on the Gauley River (one of the best Whitewater rivers in the country), I should get a duckie. It's lighter, twice the maximum load capacity, handle any whitewater you can throw at it (important for a West Virginia river angler that wants more than just a few rivers to choose from), good for one or two paddlers and I didn't need a rack for the car.

For me the decision procees went as follows:

Canoe: Has the manueverability, 2 person and cargo capacity I want. But really lacks the stability and whitewater ability I needed, especially if the first 3 conditions are met. Also is a little difficult in the shoals that my slower rivers have. Needs rack/trailer
SINK: Has the manueverability and can have the whitewater ability...But if it really has the whitwater ability, it has NO cargo space and is just one person. Generally SINKS are harder to fish out of and don't have much room to stretch. Needs rack/trailer
SOT: Has the maueverability, a ton of versatility and some cargo room....but not the whitewater ability I need and again a two person takes away from the aforementioned benefits. Needs rack/trailer

Once I realized a outfitter grade inflatable duckie was available (and affordable), it seemed a no brainer for me. Then I got in one and realized I had no clue a person could be this comfotable in a boat (hard kayaks can KILL my back!)



I guess what I'm saying is that it is all about being realistic about a boats advantages and limitations and how they fit in with your needs and wants. You may find that what suits you best is not what you set out looking for in the first place.

Kayak hands down!

Here is a pic of me standing in my Coosa (size 11), the wide FLAT deck makes standing so much more comfortable than other "standing" kayaks such as Native Ultimate 12, Wilderness System Ride 135 and Commander with their small and unlevel standing area). Even though I can stand and fish from the Coosa (and I do for smallmouth), the seat in the high position is so freaking comfortable, I just don't see myself standing up to crappie fish too often.

Originally Posted by 2KanZam

Yeah the Coosa is nice and is as close as a hard kayak got to fulfilling my needs/wants. Not sure how I would feel standing on one though??


I almost bought one, then it dawned on me while camping on the Gauley River... .

I am contemplating taking my Coosa down the middle Gauley this fall during the film release for some fishing. Here is some video from the Ottawa River (and also additional videos with others standing in the Coosa):
YouTube - ‫

One thing I keep noticing is that people want a canoe or kayak, but then describe a need for bigger more stable vessel, e.g., a canoe to stand in or whatever. Just buy a jon boat or build a skiff and be done with it. Get a trolling motor, two good batteries, and you're set.

At least consider a pram.

Originally Posted by funbun

....Just buy a jon boat or build a skiff and be done with it....

Problem with a jon or skiff, is it is nearly impossible to put on the roof. Great boats, if you don't mind trailering.

Just wondering, why do you want to stand up in your boat? You didn't mention this. If you fish from a yak I think you'll find that the only time you need to stand in a yak is to stretch them bones once in a while....

It's obvious to me.... To get your bait out of the tree...DUH