bwanajim, how do you like that Mini-X?
I’ll add my little Pelican Trailblazer 100:
Pros
-cheap $159 on clearance
-light
-durable
-28” older model so paddles slightly better
Cons
-not fast, but not a slug either
.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120
Lowrance Hook 4 depthfinder
4 Zooka Tube Rod Holders
Pros;
comfortable seat
tracks great
55 pounds empty
great for trolling
Cons;
lacks fish storage
sit inside
29" wide
Jim
Schins LIKED above post
I really enjoyed the Mini X, which is now my sons. I bought it used in 2006, mainly for easy portage into small lakes/canals in south Florida. Very stable. It's a bit older and I'm a bit large for it (6'4"), but it worked for what I bought it for. It's a bit tough for long paddles, a longer hull tracks better. My son is 11 and it kicks his little butt in the salt over any distance. He spends most of his time standing in it with no issues. It's outstanding for smaller waters or slow current. Both my kids fished out of it on the Canoochee River up in GA and me worrying about stability with them was never an issue.
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
Pros:
Light (under 60 lbs)
Fast
Versatile and can handle pretty much whatever you throw at it (its been in rivers as well as a mile offshore)
Good price point
Durable
Cons:
No tracks for mounting things (this was actually a plus for me. I'm usually targeting big catfish, so I don't like cluttered gunnels or cockpit)
Stock seat isnt the most comfortable
Schins LIKED above post
Honestly, I seldom use live bait. Use jigs 99.99% of the time. Times I have used it, whether it was crappie minnows or mullet at the beach, it was a flow-troll type deal and just tied it off the the handle and let it float. Pulled it in and set it between my legs when I wanted to move quickly.
Schins LIKED above post
Jackson Tripper 12
pros -
hybrid kayak, so it has tons of room
stable
relatively fast
easy to paddle
under $1000 (barely) for a Jackson
cons -
would not choose a hybrid kayak for salt water
Sun dolphin excursion 10
Pros:
Cheap (229$)
Light (about 40 lbs)
Stock cheap rod holders
Cons:
Not much storage
No bottom pad on seat
Schins LIKED above post