is this yak any good for freshwater

[yellahunter]

hey guys im looking to get a kayak for freshwater fishing,
mainly the dams but also some river fishing.

I have found this tandem model at anaconda going cheap

http://www.anaconda.com.au/Specials.aspx
page 10. $699

would it be suitable for what i want to do, has anyone used this style of yak before,
i want to be able to take the missus so i thought it might be ideal ,

any advice is appreciated

[yellahunter]

i was initially looking at either an esprit or swing but with this one i can take a passenger,
is there any advise on how they compare with what i was looking at first,
how do each of them paddle, turn etc, and how fishable are these compared with the swing/esprit

thanks guys

[Canoedle]

Hi mate, I don't think this kayak is designed to carry two adults, more likely they would be suitable for you and a small child, and it could be a bit cramped. The best thing would be for you to go in and have a look in person. Ask the sales guys if you can sit in it on the floor. Like anything out there, you get what you pay for.
The swing is a great kayak, quite fast for it's size, stable and great options for fit out.
The espri is possibly one of the best value kayaks on the market, made on the sunshine coast, viking offer fantastic after market service too, reasonable options for fit out, very stable and moves quite well through the water. I have an espri that I bought second hand for $650 and it's been great.

[yellahunter]

so this model wouldnt really be suitable,

have you taken the esprit out in the surf ie palm beach reef.
if so how did it handle,

also do you know what they retail for new up there on the sunny coast

[Canoedle]

I think RRP on the espri is $950, best to check with peppertown or another retailer.

[yellahunter]

has anyone else seen or used the model (or a similar model) to the one in the picture,

[Heno]

Hi yella, doubles can be quite awkward if paddling alone, a better option would be two singles. I have an espri & have found it to be very stable & manouverable in the sweetwater and isn't too bad out in the ocean ( been upto 5k's offshore ) . This being said I have paddled a mates Prowler 13 that has a rudder and found this much easier to control in a following swell. Have never tried a swing but you never hear any bad reports about them and have a proven record.

[yellahunter]

oh ok you say it can be awkward if paddling alone, what about if you have two people would that model be any good??

[Heno]

after having looked here http://www.adventurekayaksaustralia.com.au/nitty.html
IMO.... No.Even after fitting the optional front & rear hatches it still has minimal fitout options for rod holders that would more than likely interfere with your stroke when paddling and has very little room for storeing any tackle and water. It looks to be more of a fun kayak. keeping in mind this is only my opinion and each to their own. As canoedle said Having a look in person and sitting on it is the best way to determine wether it suits you.

[cdenyer]

Why not try this site? All the info you need.


http://www.akff.net/forum/

[yellahunter]

its taken two days after registering and i still havent had my account activated, so i cant post in the forums

any advice you guys have with regards to kayaking is much appreciated

[cdenyer]

its taken two days after registering and i still havent had my account activated, so i cant post in the forums

any advice you guys have with regards to kayaking is much appreciated


Are you sure? Normally akff should send you an email that will provide a link so you can be registered and able to post straight away. Maybe email them, it's a great site with all the help you could ever need in regards to kayaks.

Chris

[yellahunter]

Welcome to - THE AUSTRALIAN KAYAK FISHING FORUM - Forums

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[Dodge41]

yellahunter there has been a change of administrater at AKFF since you registered last year, and after being inactive for so long an email as fishytales suggested would fix the problem I'm sure mate

Don't think the double yak would serve you well either

[macca]

Yella

Same thing happened to me too recently, as Dodge says just drop them an email and ask to be reactivated, should be quick.

It's a great site as you probably already know and you will get all the answers you need on there.

I don't have an Viking Espri, I have the Viking Tempo, the vikings are great value for money.

I've been having so much fun in my yak I'm thinking of selling my hornet.


Anyway send an email I'm sure it will work out. Seeya over there


Cheers

Macca

[yellahunter]

any more advice or info on the kayak etc

[d-man]

Hey Yella
I've had a single seat version of the sit-on-top you're talking about for a few years and its been great. there are scuppers that go through from top to bottom and you can whack a rod in there if the handle isn't too bulky. I've fished dams, creeks and the estuary with it and its no problem. You'll get nothing but positives from me as far as fishing out of them goes. You can drag them over rapids and not worry about putting a hole in it. And with a bit of thought you can fit a rod holder if you really need to.
There is a model that can double as a single or a tandem but I can't recall what model it was - quite expensive if I remember. Google kayaks and you'll find more than you need!

[yellahunter]

kewl

what do u mean by scuppers, so you have any pics of the singl;e version you have

[yellahunter]

also do you think there would be any room to mount a little sounder

[were-trout]

Yella

Another tick for the Viking Espri - I got mine last weekend and it's magic. Just back from Straddie where I tried it out in the surf and in the calmer water south of Amity. Loads of room and stable. If you talk to the guys at Viking they should be able to stick a couple of rod holders on one for you.

Yet to catch a fish from mine though but no worries, I bought it more for freshwater stuff.

Cheers

Ben

[Canoedle]

yella,
Scuppers are the holes through the hull that allow the water that comes over the side drain out.
I had a look at these while I was in anaconda today, they are a fair bit bigger than I expected, if your missus is a fairly small lady then you would probably have plenty of room for the both of you. The fit out options are quite ordinary, but where there's a will there's a way.
I also found one on ebay, down the goldy. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Used-2-person-sit-on-top-kayak_W0QQitemZ160037079186QQihZ006QQcategoryZ3612 2QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
As has been stated, a double kayak can be VERY hard to handle on your own, and often two singles is a far better option. The best thing to do would be to have a paddle of one. I hope this helps in some way.

[Left_Hand_Gun]

Hi Yella
Boy, this is my 4th post tonight !!
Canoedle is right, he's helped me before. That double is a no bet for sure.
My girl loves fishing too but a double kayak?.. forget it.
I bought a second hand Perception 'Acadia' 370... loved it. It's a sit in, I added the rod holders and off I went. Thing was you couldn't go out fishing with anyone.
This week I broke the bank and bought a Swing.
I've got a sit in and a sit on and Di and I can fish together or me over here and her over there.
If you don't get the fish you'll love the paddle!
See you Paul

[yellahunter]

is it easy to stack the yaks if i got 2?
ive only got a lancer coupe so it might be a bit hard with two on the roff yeah???

[Canoedle]

Depends on your racks mate, I've got a old suby wagon and I've had two kayaks on it a few times. Having said that, if I was going to be taking two kayaks a fair distance I'd prefer to use my 6x4 trailer.

[yellahunter]

yea prolly wont be much good` on my little rolas,