Thread: Looking to buy a YAK

While I know many people like the pedal option for myself at least I much prefer paddling. You should see if you could rent one for a day just to see what you like.

As far as recommendations I have a couple Wilderness Systems I fish out of and like a lot.

This forum has so many threads asking this same question that you probably would get more information simply scrolling page by page backwards looking for threads asking about new kayaks purchase.

Good luck

Try as many as possible before you buy. You have several months before the water turns soft enough to paddle or pedal through. Keep in mind, that many in that area like also using their kayaks for trips in the Boundary Waters.

Sounds to me that you are looking for smaller waters, which to me means lighter weight/smaller kayak to make loading and unloading easier. For me, pedal models have too much stuff in my leg area to make comfortable to fish. Also loading them pretty much requires a trailer or multiple trips to vehicle to load all the components (plus fishing gear).

Midwest Mountaineering and Clear Waters Outfitting are both dealers in the area and both should have demo days (as does Rutabaga in nearby Madison Wi, huge one in march called Canoecopia).

Either one you get you will always find a use for the other. With the pedal drive you can leave it at home and paddle it without. You might look at one of the Wilderness Systems Commander series if you think you want go into the boundary waters they carry a load (more like a canoe). I would recommend if this is your first kayak, definitely paddle a few before buying and I would suggest looking for used, you can same some money and make sure you like kayaking without tying up too much money. Best of luck

Thanks for all the replies. I plan on trying a few out before buying. Does anyone know if they offer open paddle days where you can try multiple different yak's out?

I would try searching facebook for a local group that is into kayaking or kayak fishing. Join the group and tell them what you are wanting to start doing. Our local group here in north AL has a spring Demo days where everyone brings out their kayaks and lets people try them out...members have even offered to meet me and let me try their kayaks out. I have done the same and are now have 4 in the garage and I am hunting #5 (if the wife does not read this).

I like a nice open floor and for me it's the kc12 but there are a lot of good ones out there. Cabelas carries kc's now I do think. Here's mine if you are interested in knowing what they look like.

I'll admit I have never used a pedal powered yak, but it would seem to me that you would still want a paddle for close in maneuverability. I bought a Perception Pescador 12Pro last year and I like it a lot. It isn't a stand up yak, but people have fitted outriggers on them. These are designed for fishing out of, obviously, and I have mine fully rigged with a through the hull df transducer with a Hook4 df, crate with rod holders, anchor trolley system, portage wheels and tackle storage devices. I use a Harbor Freight trailer to haul it-that way I don't have to take stuff out of it for traveling-I use a couple old pillows on the trailer for cushioning and I strap it down good and firm.

Buffleheadnc, what did that beautiful boat cost??