Need help on First Ocean fishing kayak

[Famous2146]

Ok guys I've been looking into fishing kayaks for about two years now and I'm not getting any younger so I've decided this is the year I get my very fist kayak. I am 66" 175lbs and looking for a kayak that's gonna last for several years. My choices are the following. Trident Ultra 4.7, Native ultimate 14.5 solo, Native Manta ray 14 and the Jackson cuda 14. I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan but will be returning in the next couple weeks and would like to have a nice welcome home present waiting for me. Anyways any comments suggestions personal experiences are very welcome. I'm supper excited been out of the fishing game over a year so I'm ready to hit the water hard again. Thanx for all you're help

[tacmik]

Trident ultra or the trident 13 or 15

[Jimmyz123]

Trident ultra or the trident 13 or 15

If you're going for an Ocean Kayak I highly recommend the Trident 13 or 15. Great boats, very stable and fast to paddle, and they will last you for some years.

[CKallday71]

Welcome back to the world! And thank you for your service! You need someone to fish with you can hit me up!

You might want to look into a Hobie Outback too. I absolutely LOVE mine!

[stephenG]

I bought my hobie outback when I got from the Stan last year and love it. A little more money but the mirage drive is worth every penny.

[easyday]

All sound like great choices to me, I love my x factor but at 6'6 it might be a tight fit. When you get back if you ever need a fishing buddy hit me up. I got my yak when I got back from the stan great therapy for my hand after getting shot over there. Also be sure to keep your eye out for the heroes on the water events oex puts on for vets. Its an awesome thing thwy do and its all free.

[Famous2146]

All sound like great choices to me, I love my x factor but at 6'6 it might be a tight fit. When you get back if you ever need a fishing buddy hit me up. I got my yak when I got back from the stan great therapy for my hand after getting shot over there. Also be sure to keep your eye out for the heroes on the water events oex puts on for vets. Its an awesome thing thwy do and its all free.

That's actually how I got started on fishing when I got back in 05 from OIF it was recommended to me to try fishing and It worked wonders for me so I totally understand. As for the hobie I have read nothing but great reviews but it's a little out of my price range. In the future I will most defenately get one but for now 2000 is the most I would like to spend with a few accessories included. I am actually stuck between the Trident 15 and the Ultra. Anyone have any experiences with either one of these two? Pros cons personal experiences.

[alanw]

You can pick up a used outback within your budget, one just sold for I think it was $1200 here a few days ago.

[Famous2146]

Yes I was looking T it the only problem is I'm still gone and won't be back for a couple more weeks so I'm hoping to either pick up a new one and have it delivered and just be patient and pick one up when I get back.

[Famous2146]

So what is some of the gear I am gonna need right of the bat to be able to get out there.

[Carp]

checklist (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/index.php?page=checklist)

I'm new to this and have been checking off the items.

Stay safe

So what is some of the gear I am gonna need right of the bat to be able to get out there.

[Famous2146]

checklist (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/index.php?page=checklist)

I'm new to this and have been checking off the items.

Stay safe

So what's on you're list so far? Gear I can buy while still being out here. I'm actually anxious to get back out and do some much needed fishing.

[captnblood34]

You come home in a few weeks so I understand there are 1.9 billion questions you have because your pumped to get after it.:D Go to OEX when you get back and test drive some yaks before you convince yourself looking through CL or other website that THAT is the one for you. 2nd there are many threads on here in regards to necessary gear starting out, started by guys just like you. 3rd your a lucky dog, you'll be here for the best fishing of the year and I'll be replacing you next weekend!

P.S. I have a Tarpon 120 and love it, don't forfeit your man card to a Hobie:cool:

[YakMedic]

I'm not sure how soon you will actually be back, but Heroes on the Water is hosting it's next event on July 27th. Come on out we have all the gear and multiple kayaks for you to paddle if you don't already have your own by then.

It's a good day to spend on the water, everything is provided for you. If you have any questions shoot me a msg.

[Famous2146]

I'm not sure how soon you will actually be back, but Heroes on the Water is hosting it's next event on July 27th. Come on out we have all the gear and multiple kayaks for you to paddle if you don't already have your own by then.

It's a good day to spend on the water, everything is provided for you. If you have any questions shoot me a msg.

Sadly enough I return right around that time frame so I'm hopping that I make it back in time but that's out of my control. I would love to attend this event since I do appreciate all the support so I'm crossing my fingers hopping to make it back on time.

[Famous2146]

You come home in a few weeks so I understand there are 1.9 billion questions you have because your pumped to get after it.:D Go to OEX when you get back and test drive some yaks before you convince yourself looking through CL or other website that THAT is the one for you. 2nd there are many threads on here in regards to necessary gear starting out, started by guys just like you. 3rd your a lucky dog, you'll be here for the best fishing of the year and I'll be replacing you next weekend!

P.S. I have a Tarpon 120 and love it, don't forfeit your man card to a Hobie:cool:

What branch and where are you coming into. If by any chance you're in my area we can maybe meet up and shot the shit a little over some coffee. Hit me up either on here or by PM.

[Famous2146]

Does anyone have any experience with the Malibu X-Factor or the Stealth 14? I'm interested to hear about these two as well as the Trident 15 thanx.

[Yakly]

Welcome aboard and welcome back!!!! Thanks for protecting our country!!!! I did 10 years myself so its always a pleasure hearing guys come home.

Now to the fishing stuff, I'd say the OK 15, I looked at one myself many times before going with the x-factor. I think everyone hit all the strong points on the yak so I don't have to repeat. Another cool thing that almost sold me is that you can get it in urban camo. I still love all the military stuff!!!!!!!!

[Yakly]

I have an xfactor and its awesome. Had the forward hatch plummed for the livewell. Very stable, fast enough and a lot of room ( for a kayak). I have more than enough storage space so overall, I'm very pleased. Great product....

[Famous2146]

Welcome aboard and welcome back!!!! Thanks for protecting our country!!!! I did 10 years myself so its always a pleasure hearing guys come home.

Now to the fishing stuff, I'd say the OK 15, I looked at one myself many times before going with the x-factor. I think everyone hit all the strong points on the yak so I don't have to repeat. Another cool thing that almost sold me is that you can get it in urban camo. I still love all the military stuff!!!!!!!!

I really like the fact that you can truly store you're rods in the hull for takeoff and return. As for the X I like Tha fact that it's 3" wider and more stable. The stealth has me sold with the amount of enclosed storage, bait tank stability. Still leaning towards the Trident but keeping an eye on both really. Doing the research listening to everyone who posts reviews and personal experiences. Thanx everyone

[ctfphoto]

I second the Wilderness Systems Tarpon.

A very stable and fast boat.

Plus a great fishing platform for the price.

[Famous2146]

I second the Wilderness Systems Tarpon.

A very stable and fast boat.

Plus a great fishing platform for the price.

They seem to have good reviews but they are also heavier Tarpon 160 80lbs Trident and Malibu are 60-65 lbs with max wight being 500-550 as the Tarpon is only 375. Tarpon also has less storage.

[easyday]

Does anyone have any experience with the Malibu X-Factor or the Stealth 14? I'm interested to hear about these two as well as the Trident 15 thanx.

Pm sent

[easyday]

The new x factor can hold 600 lbs I believe

[Famous2146]

The new x factor can hold 600 lbs I believe

Yes it is rated for 600lbs yet still 65 pounds in weight I believe.

[easyday]

I lift mine up and set it upside down on top of my trailblazer no problem.

[Famous2146]

When I get back those are the three I'm very interested in looking at

[beef78]

You come home in a few weeks so I understand there are 1.9 billion questions you have because your pumped to get after it.:D Go to OEX when you get back and test drive some yaks before you convince yourself looking through CL or other website that THAT is the one for you. 2nd there are many threads on here in regards to necessary gear starting out, started by guys just like you. 3rd your a lucky dog, you'll be here for the best fishing of the year and I'll be replacing you next weekend!

P.S. I have a Tarpon 120 and love it, don't forfeit your man card to a Hobie:cool:

I know what you mean. When I was on deployment and not thinking about my family, I was planning fishing trips. haha!

[Famous2146]

I know what you mean. When I was on deployment and not thinking about my family, I was planning fishing trips. haha!

Lol yup sure do think about fishing a whole lot out here. Specially now that we about to start RIP thats all I do day dream.

[beef78]

They seem to have good reviews but they are also heavier Tarpon 160 80lbs Trident and Malibu are 60-65 lbs with max wight being 500-550 as the Tarpon is only 375. Tarpon also has less storage.

I have the tarpon 14 and weigh 210. It carries me, my bait tank, about 25-30 lbs worth tackle, 3 fishing poles, and my 4 year old daughter comfortably. It is pretty stable. I had to try to tip it over in flat water. My daughter also likes to squirm and reach off the side of the kayak, but I haven't tipped it over yet, (Knock on wood). The gear track is also pretty awesome. Saves you the trouble of drilling into the hull. Also, I can lift and carry it over my head no problem and put it on top of my jeep commander.

[Famous2146]

I have the tarpon 14 and weigh 210. It carries me, my bait tank, about 25-30 lbs worth tackle, 3 fishing poles, and my 4 year old daughter comfortably. It is pretty stable. I had to try to tip it over in flat water. My daughter also likes to squirm and reach off the side of the kayak, but I haven't tipped it over yet, (Knock on wood). The gear track is also pretty awesome. Saves you the trouble of drilling into the hull. Also, I can lift and carry it over my head no problem and put it on top of my jeep commander.

So as far as tack what do you bring on any giving fishing day? Do bring hear for specific fish such as calico, or Hali? Just trying to get info so I can begin to build my slaying arsenal and better prepare for the fishing season.

[beef78]

I have an assortment of swimbaits, spinner baits and crankbaits for bass. For halibut, i use live bait with size 4/0 live bait hooks, 6 ounce torpedo sinker and a 3 way swivel.

[Famous2146]

Maybe when I get back you can school me up on what I'd need for bass. Never really been bass fishing but I would like to. I have a few rods and reels that might be suited for a light and heavy set up.

[alanw]

about 25-30 lbs worth tackle

:eek:

[Famous2146]

Is that a lot of gear?

[captnblood34]

Not alot of gear at all... take your base kayak weight and add....


Depth finder, battery, bait tank, AND the water in your bait tank 8# per gallon, rods, tackle, clothing, weights, lures it adds up quickly. Unless your on your last belt loop.... you know who you are..... you should be good Oscar. Just heed everyones warning that this does in fact become extremely addicting.....

[alanw]

I don't know about you, but 30 pounds just in TACKLE seems like a hella lot. I probably carry 30 pounds combined in tackle, rods, tools, batteries, and beer. I should probably carry more beer though ;)

[Famous2146]

Not alot of gear at all... take your base kayak weight and add....


Depth finder, battery, bait tank, AND the water in your bait tank 8# per gallon, rods, tackle, clothing, weights, lures it adds up quickly. Unless your on your last belt loop.... you know who you are..... you should be good Oscar. Just heed everyones warning that this does in fact become extremely addicting.....

I've already figured that part out. Just looking at the different yak set ups they are endless. All this information is extremely valuable and I truly appreciate it guys keep it coming. I'm like a sponge just soaking everything up doing research on the side trying to learn as much as possible and set my self up for success.

[Famous2146]

I don't know about you, but 30 pounds just in TACKLE seems like a hella lot. I probably carry 30 pounds combined in tackle, rods, tools, batteries, and beer. I should probably carry more beer though ;)

I won't lie right about now a beer would be awesome..........

[beef78]

I won't lie right about now a beer would be awesome..........

Yeah, It's closer to 20 lbs, maybe, but I carry a lot of spare lead and many different sizes. I am kind of particular about using the minimum to get me to the bottom and keep me there, depending on the current and depth. I guess the assortment is a little unnessacary because I almost always end up using a 6 ounce torpedo weight or an 8 ounce bounce ball. I also like to switch between methods if i find something isn't working.

[Famous2146]

Yeah, It's closer to 20 lbs, maybe, but I carry a lot of spare lead and many different sizes. I am kind of particular about using the minimum to get me to the bottom and keep me there, depending on the current and depth. I guess the assortment is a little unnessacary because I almost always end up using a 6 ounce torpedo weight or an 8 ounce bounce ball. I also like to switch between methods if i find something isn't working.

S what do you suggest I pick up first in order to start fishing? I kind of have to rebuild my arsenal so trying to get the essentials first so I can get out and start fishing.

[Famous2146]

Well it looks like ill be back to the states a day late for the Heroes on the Water event. Shitty but the date is solid so still time to get out and do some good fishing. :luxhello:

[YakMedic]

Well it looks like ill be back to the states a day late for the Heroes on the Water event. Shitty but the date is solid so still time to get out and do some good fishing. :luxhello:

We do an event every couple months. Hopefully you can make the next one.

[Famous2146]

That would be awesome and it's something to look fwd to.

[Aaron&Julie]

I'm curious, are you 66" as stated in your 1st post, which equates to 5'6", or are you 6'6" which somebody else mentioned?
In either case, we fish the Cobra Fish n' Dive, which doesn't seem to be on your list of choices. Durable, stable, lots of hatch space below, and can carry a heavy load (550lbs). While not the fastest, it gets us there, even if it means launching 10 minutes earlier than other paddlers have to.

[Famous2146]

I'm curious, are you 66" as stated in your 1st post, which equates to 5'6", or are you 6'6" which somebody else mentioned?
In either case, we fish the Cobra Fish n' Dive, which doesn't seem to be on your list of choices. Durable, stable, lots of hatch space below, and can carry a heavy load (550lbs). While not the fastest, it gets us there, even if it means launching 10 minutes earlier than other paddlers have to.

I did look at those just like some of the incorporated features of the Stealth, X-Factor and the Trident. I did however like the marauder and probably gonna test one when I get back.

[cabojohn]

Famous~ check yer PM's ;)