Question on yaks in strong current

[Wood_Duck]

Been toying with the idea of a kayak. Never used one before but seems like it might be good to get into some trout waters plus a small lake with great crappie fishing that only allows their own boats or yaks. But never being in one, I'm not sure how well they can move in current. I'd be alone most of the time so not likely being able to take two vehicles for launch and extraction getting upriver is a massive concern. I'm sure slower moving streams would be fine, but what about a large TVA dam running 2+ generators? I know one stream when under full generation, my 10ft jon with 4hp 2 stroke barely makes it in the heavier current spots.

[jimp]

Yaks are similar to a boat, they will get pushed by the current and you won't have a 4hp to help any. You can fit a TM to some models of yaks so that would give some propulsion other than manpower but depending on the current (# of generators going) it might be tuff with a TM and a full charge on the battery. With a TM on the yak, you have the extra weight when loading and unloading, would suggest a trailer then, and don't know if you want to go that route or not. Have some friends who have gheenoes with small OB's and a TM, one guy told me this past weekend that he runs his battery down on the Caney river over near Nashville when they are generating more than announced/predicted, and the river is too rocky in some places to use the OB.

[bfish]

Depends on the model, but most will head upstream on the "c" at low flows with ease. At full generation, only a few will head upstream, but most will still take too long to make for a good fishing vehicle. Best bet is to paddle upstream on slackwater, and then fish back down to vehicle if water turns on. Jackson Cuda 12/14, Jackson Cruise 12, Wilderness System Ride 135 would be some models that I would try and test ride.

[Wood_Duck]

If I buy, I'm gonna get the new Jackson Big Rig

[bfish]

For what you are wanting to do, you might look at adding a Bassyak trolling motor system, especially since capacity is a non-issue with the big rig:

Jackson Kayak Bassyak Kits | Bassyaks

[RetiredRR]

Dittos on both being a good choice and yep, if I was going upstream against a good current...........Bassyak Kit would be handy. Especially if you know
you will be doing this a lot.

[Wood_Duck]

that kit looks purdy sweet, I'm starting to lean abit more towards needing one. I just wish some of my fishin buddies would get one to help out.

[STUMP HUNTER]

That kit looks great. I built something close on my yak and it works great. I only have a 18lb tm on mine right now and plan to put a 30lb on it later. The kayaks move so easy in the water and it doesn't take much to get them moving fast with the trolling motor. I have since built a set of wheels that attach at the back of the kayak and can be turned up when fishing. Works great when getting the kayak out of the water also.
Kayak fishing adds a lot of places you can fish that a fishing boat just can't go.