Tamarack 10 foot at Walmart - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Amish Ed · 01-21-2019, 06:59 AM

Definitely too big for the Wal-Mart kayak. You want something at least 12', but 13' would be better. Weight capacity won't be an issue for you, so that's good.

summers in kuwait · 01-21-2019, 11:11 AM

I've had a variety of fishing kayaks over the years, the smallest being a Tarpon 120. Although it was a fun shape, excelled in the surf and was great in tighter waters (bays, rivers and creeks) this shape still lacked in weight capacity, once loaded up with all necessary salt water gear and didn't track as well as a longer boats.

Anything can be done, but I would personally tell most to start at 12´+ for Ocean Fishing. And you don't have to have a Hobie or higher priced kayak.

There are plenty of reasonable and safer options, new or used like:

Trident 13/ Prowler 13
Tarpon 140
X-13
Fish n Dive

I personally prefer more narrow and longer boats.

"You can learn balance, but you can't make a big kayak fast."

monstahfish · 01-21-2019, 12:53 PM

All great input as stated. A better used yak is the way to go and like they say, you don't need to go crazy. I should note, I haul all kinds of kayaks around on my focus electric so as long as you buy a good rack and install it properly, you'll be all set for transporting a 12+' yak on your prius. I'd recommend a rhino rack and their universal side loader. If you can't find a deal on that there's always used thule racks on craigslist and they have a load assist bar called an outrigger that essentially does the same thing.

Flounder · 01-21-2019, 07:28 PM

I started with the same kayak. You're asking for trouble. I had to "Man Up" and deal with some serious crap while saving for a pa, best upgrade ever. #1 it leaks like a sieve (re-gooped all holes but hatches still leaked.) #2 slow paddle, you cannot take on much current without serious maximum effort. #3 seat is a back breaker, took gf on one trip and she refused to go again. I couldn't go fish more than 4 hours without missing work with back issues, cost me at least 2-3 days of work after going too far. #4 Not the best for waves. My feet and legs were wet 100% of the trips I went on. Not cool for winter temps. #5 just run, don't do it. Other than that I caught lots of fish including a huge BSB but at what price? I was miserable and watched the good yaks fly by while I was working my azz off. Im glad to see you commented on not purchasing this one although you can get your 2 bills back pretty easy selling it.

01-21-2019, 06:59 AM	#1
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Definitely too big for the Wal-Mart kayak. You want something at least 12', but 13' would be better. Weight capacity won't be an issue for you, so that's good. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

01-21-2019, 11:11 AM	#2
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	I've had a variety of fishing kayaks over the years, the smallest being a Tarpon 120. Although it was a fun shape, excelled in the surf and was great in tighter waters (bays, rivers and creeks) this shape still lacked in weight capacity, once loaded up with all necessary salt water gear and didn't track as well as a longer boats. Anything can be done, but I would personally tell most to start at 12´+ for Ocean Fishing. And you don't have to have a Hobie or higher priced kayak. There are plenty of reasonable and safer options, new or used like: Trident 13/ Prowler 13 Tarpon 140 X-13 Fish n Dive I personally prefer more narrow and longer boats. "You can learn balance, but you can't make a big kayak fast."

01-21-2019, 12:53 PM	#3
monstahfish Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 423	All great input as stated. A better used yak is the way to go and like they say, you don't need to go crazy. I should note, I haul all kinds of kayaks around on my focus electric so as long as you buy a good rack and install it properly, you'll be all set for transporting a 12+' yak on your prius. I'd recommend a rhino rack and their universal side loader. If you can't find a deal on that there's always used thule racks on craigslist and they have a load assist bar called an outrigger that essentially does the same thing.

01-21-2019, 07:28 PM	#4
Flounder Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 101	I started with the same kayak. You're asking for trouble. I had to "Man Up" and deal with some serious crap while saving for a pa, best upgrade ever. #1 it leaks like a sieve (re-gooped all holes but hatches still leaked.) #2 slow paddle, you cannot take on much current without serious maximum effort. #3 seat is a back breaker, took gf on one trip and she refused to go again. I couldn't go fish more than 4 hours without missing work with back issues, cost me at least 2-3 days of work after going too far. #4 Not the best for waves. My feet and legs were wet 100% of the trips I went on. Not cool for winter temps. #5 just run, don't do it. Other than that I caught lots of fish including a huge BSB but at what price? I was miserable and watched the good yaks fly by while I was working my azz off. Im glad to see you commented on not purchasing this one although you can get your 2 bills back pretty easy selling it. Last edited by Flounder; 01-21-2019 at 07:35 PM.