for those who kayak fish

I'm considering buying a kayak for my next gulf trip, since my last 3 trips to the pier have not been terribly productive. Half of that has to do with my timing and or luck, and or skill. The ability to go find the fish as well as not having people repeatedly casting into or over my line has a certain appeal to it. Anyway, I'm looking at several pedal powered kayaks, and wondering if anyone here has preferences and what their reasons would be for their choices in models. What length, weight capacity, stability in reasonable water conditions (I'm not about to head out into the gulf in rough weather) work best for you any why?

I havent taken any of my yaks down to the gulf yet, keep meaning to, but i fish tournaments out of them and have been on every kind of water besides salt with them, length wise i wouldnt go less than 12ft, ive seen people use smaller, but its like a boat, the longer it is the better it will ride the swells and not dig the nose into them, most guys i know use 12-14 ft yaks for salt or big lakes, for stability, the wider the yak the more stability you get, most fishing kayaks now days are made for sitting and standing, so they are making them wider and with better secondary stabilization every year, weight capacity shouldnt be a problem, your average pedal yaks usually have anywhere from 350-500 pound capacitys, your best bet is to figure out exactly what you want to do with it, how far offshore you want to go, will it be used when not on the gulf, how you will be transporting it ect... and then go to a dealer, tell them exactly what you are planning to do with it and they will show you several options that fit your criteria, there is really no yak better than another, its always about which one is best for you, hope this helps

There are a couple of places that rent them. Maybe try something out, first.

I fish out of a ocean kayak trident 15 and have caught king mackerel trolling down the pier and beach. It is more than enough boat to feel stable in the gulf but you’ve got to be smart about the days you choose to go out. Also, when your starting out, TAKE A BUDDY. Preferable one who knows what they are doing in the gulf in a kayak. Another aspect that you may not have thought about is storage space. Mine doesn’t have compartments, just one big open hull so all my stuff will slide back and fourth. The trident works for me because I can fish the gulf, then run around and fish the flats for tailing reds. It is a paddle, but I really don’t get left behind by some of my buddies in peddles. If your planning on fishing shallow water when not in the gulf, a paddle is going to be your beat option.

Try looking at tkf(Texas kayak fishermen). Especially beyond the breakers btb.

I currently have a lifetime sportfisher 10' but it's a tunnel hull, sit on top, very stable but not the fastest or best tracking yak on the pond. I've never had it in the salt, but I've seen reviews from people who use them in the gulf on calm days with no trouble. It has a 500 lb capacity. I just thought that pedal would be nice for the hands free factor. If I could get away with using the sportfisher I would, it's great on the rivers and lakes around here. I've just never had to deal with swells that were more significant than what the wakeboarders and skiers make with their boats. I've looked at some of the hobies (expensive! but nice), but Brooklyn kayak has one with a different pedal drive system thats half the price of a hobie plus the option to remove the drive system and use as a paddle kayak.

You can tell what I like, lol. Seriously, there are some really nice pedal kayaks out there now that would make my outback seem old fashion. But, I really am partial to the Mirage Drive and I like the Hobie community. The only time I go into the Gulf is on calm days, only because of going out and coming back in while the waves are a crashing into the beach and only because I’m scared of embarrasing myself. I’ve only launched from the condo when it’s smooth as glass. I’m in rough water all the time on the big lakes, so I’m used to that. But, I usually stick with Little Lagoon and other places other than the Gulf and won’t go alone out there. It’s a blast catching kings on the kayak, however. I second the idea or demo’ing. I really recommend Fairhope Boat Company, the best kayak store I’ve been to.

I'm not sure how much of a selection I'll have for demos now that I'm back in Oklahoma. Though the idea of try before you buy is almost a prerequisite for such an important purchase.

Thanks for all the great information!- Every year when I’m down the latter part of May I wish I had one - I mainly surf fish but do make one or two trips to the pier - each year I watch fish busting bait beyond the sand bars and it drives me crazy- this years trip I was limited from surf because of the GRASS- I really would like to fish little lagoon more than my wading around the pass - buying one isn’t an option- I hav a boat here that fits all my needs - what I would really like is to rent one for th week and I’m not talking about those little cheesy orange things I see at different places- Is there somewhere in the Gulf Shores area that rents the type of yak that y’all are describing ?

Fordguy if you look up local kayak clubs in oklahoma you may be able to hook up with someone willing to let you try out their yak, and you may make a new fishing buddy in the process, Kayak Bass Fishing is the biggest kayak group i know of on facebook and has members from all over the country, good place to start

I have a Native 12’ Slayer I have brought down a few times to fish in Lake Shelby. I like it after owning others. It’s seat sealed the deal with me as being an old geezer that was probably most important. I have wanted to get into the Little Lagoon with it but haven’t yet. I did not bring it this trip since I am having a lot of shoulder trouble and did not need to aggravate it. The peddle drives are lookin a lot better to me now.

i have fished in the Tampa Bay Area before and just use some sense when out in salt water areas. You can get into trouble in any water if you don’t use some common sense and pay attention. You might want to check out Austin Kayak and Canoe for deals.

Fordguy I seen your post about kayaks and I can tell you some things that could help you.Im 6 foot 1 inches tall weight 245 so I bought a Malibu stealth that was 4 or 5 years ago and I take it out front,Bay,Lagoon,everywhere I paddle and I need the exercise for sure.My daughter has a house on Mobile Bay that I use I can drop in the water in minutes.No crowds there.i use an anchor a lot when I find those fish.I love the GSPP but hate big crowds when I want to catch fish.Big advantage having kayak you could join GCKFA or MBKFA and meet up with guys From Pensacola area or guys from Mobile area where they go to different areas to meet and fish with.Lots of fish caught on these trips They also have rigging your kayak weekends before season gets going strong.These guys go for kings,reds,trout,flounder ETC.
Yes a pedal Kayak takes the work out of riding a kayak.I would say rent one first and make sure it’s a stable yak then go out an try before spending big bucks on one.And if I’m down the house I’ll take you out with me just send me a private message.Take care Tom Briggs

Take a look at Solo Skiff on youtube taking mine to Dauphin Island on week of July14th had a blast last year launched from beach out about 100 yards or so drops off to 20+ feet caught trout spanish and couple 30 pound shark hook ups. Sell them at everything kayak in Gulfport. Plus can put 5 hp motor on or use trolling motor

I sure like my Hobie PA

I've looked at a ton of kayaks online over the past week but I don't feel like I've narrowed the list of possibilities very much. I'd like a boat that I can put a trolling motor on, but I've enough experience with DIY that I could probably design a mount for just about any kayak that could handle the weight. It's not that I plan on using a trolling motor much, I just like the thought of having the option. Versatility is important to me. I'm wondering if I couldn't get by with my 10' sportfisher, except that it's pretty slow and paddling it any great distance against the current doesn't sound like fun. Everyone's input and insight has been helpful and given me a lot to consider. My next trip to the gulf probably won't be til fall or even winter, so I've got some time, good thing too. I'm going to need it.