NEED SOME ADVISE ON A KAYAK

[brokeassboater]

Thanks guys, great info for me. Renting a few will be the deciding factor. 90% of our time on the water would be right here in the delta. 1100 miles of winding rivers and sloughs to hit. Very few Kayaks around other than around the Marinas.

There are areas here what we call tulle berms, they look like islands but are nothing more than shallow areas and the tulles have grown around it. Lots of thick Elodea growning, and carpets of floating vegatation the stuff you see in fish aquariums. Get thru it, to the inside and there small patches of shallow open water inside, I want to hit these spots with live minnows for Stripers and lunker LMB. The Hobie looks like it might hang up in this type of water or Im i missing something.

[steveooo]

Originally Posted by brokeassboater

There are areas here what we call tulle berms, they look like islands but are nothing more than shallow areas and the tulles have grown around it. Lots of thick Elodea growning, and carpets of floating vegatation the stuff you see in fish aquariums. Get thru it, to the inside and there small patches of shallow open water inside, I want to hit these spots with live minnows for Stripers and lunker LMB. The Hobie looks like it might hang up in this type of water or Im i missing something.

Ya, thats true. The Hobies are not the perfect choice for skinny water, or areas with lots of vegetation. However, you will always have a paddle with a Hobie, and you can just pull out the mirage drive and paddle when you get into the areas you described. That's what most guys do down here when fishing the kelp beds. Hobie's are great for covering distance, long fishing days, and the ability to move while fishing.

As suggested above, the Stealth might fit the bill of what you are looking for. Live bait, stable, and a quality made kayak. The other suggestions of test driving a few are also good. Good luck in your search.

[Amish Ed]

I'll second both the Stealth and Wilderness Systems (Tarpon 140). The has a built in bait tank, so that might be perfect for you. I like the T-140 better in general, but you'd need to build or buy a bait tank. I think the 14' length is what you want since it is in between speed and stability. Any shorter and wider (stability) you'll be getting a tug boat. Any longer (speed) and you'll have a harder time maneuvering in tight areas.

[OpenWater]

Originally Posted by brokeassboater

Thanks guys, great info for me. Renting a few will be the deciding factor. 90% of our time on the water would be right here in the delta. 1100 miles of winding rivers and sloughs to hit. Very few Kayaks around other than around the Marinas.

There is a new kayak shop right near you in Oakley at the Big Break Marina. It's called Adventure Sports and they rent kayaks.

I've personally owned the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 and Tarpon 160. I've taken both out on the Delta (and everywhere else, all the way up to the SF Bay), and I like both for different reasons. However, I recently sold the Tarpon 120 to upgrade to a Hobie Outback.

Best thing to do would be to go rent a few and see which one you like best. That's what I did before buying the Hobie, and I'm sure glad I did. I tested out three different kayaks and actually ended up liking a different one than I was originally planning to buy.

[TJones]

did you say cost is not a issue? $$$$$$$ . no comparison peddling as opposed to paddling. you could save money buying used? of course there are dealers that demo the models. needless to say , excellent fishing platforms. for about 300 big ones they will gladly sell a nice bait tank with a hobie label on it , and rod holders included. good luck . initial investment high, but if it is something that you like , well worth. very good resale value also. doing a demo is an excellent idea.