Kayak or small pontoon boat

[bagman]

Has anyone tried a fishing kayak or a small inflatable pontoon? I have seen the small pontoon boats on the fly fishing web pages and at this year's MidAmerican Boat Show in Cleveland I saw these kayaks with rod holds built into the hull. I have always thought of kayaks as being rather tippy and not stable enough from which to fight a fish. The pontoon boats appear a little more stable but obviously harder to transport. I was told by the salesman that he kayaks on Lake Erie all the time. He stays close to shore (mind you) but says that the kayak is stable enough to handle light wave action. I know there are many evenings when I sit and watch the sunset accross the lake it would be calm enough for a kayak or small pontoon but still wonder about fighting one of those big farm fish or even a fish ohio eye from one. Anyone ever try one??

Thanks in advance,

Barry

[Birddog]

I've fished out of a kayak, to me they're not tippy. Keep in mind I grew up fishing out of canoes and kayaks in the BWCA. I've seen people kayaking for their first time, pretty darn funny. With a little practice you'll feel stable. Unless of course one has no sense of balance like my brother:7! He's about as coordinated as a young Forest Gump!

BIRDDOG

FOR BETTER OR WORSE FISHING AND HUNTING COME FIRST

[j9f]

I bought a Kayak this past summer. Talk to someone who knows the different models they have to offer before you buy, like a knowledgable salesman you trust. The model I bought was longer and narrower, thus built for speed, not stability. If I had any thoughts of fishing from mine, I would have bought a different model.

I run it primarily up and down the river and through the marina. I have ventured onto Erie along the shoreline on a days I would consider dead calm. Definately takes practice and a lot of getting used to. I wouldn't be comfortable fishing from mine on Erie.... with a different model and/or more practice... maybe.

Practice dumping yours in a shallow area of the lake to make certain you can get back in should something happen.

[Starfish]

I'd have to vote for 'toons, since you can get in and out of them easily and can reach your gear more easily. In the Pacific NW folks use them a lot on rivers including whitewater. For transport, you can let the air out and fit them just about anywhere... or leave the air in and throw the whole thing in the back of a pickup.

9' pontoons is probably the minimum length I'd consider.

[bagman]

Thanks for the replies. There is still plenty of hard water left before I can get out and try either. I'll look for a rental come spring.

[campingkids]

Check out the local shops and see if they are doing any clinics at the local indoor pools. Usually they have all the gear and you can play in one to see if you like it. Most of the boats will be white water, but they may have a few wider ones to try.

Good luck.
JT

[campingkids]

Check out the local shops and see if they are doing any clinics at the local indoor pools. Usually they have all the gear and you can play in one to see if you like it. Most of the boats will be white water, but they may have a few wider ones to try.

Good luck.
JT

[Lablovr]

My family has 4 kayaks that we fish out of and 2 that we even duck hunt out of. Like everything else, if comom sense is used, they work great. While I would rather fish out of my boat it is a hoot to fish out of the kayaks, even a bluegill on ulta light will tow you around the lake like a muskie. The two that we duck hunt with are Old Towne Predators, they have a open #### pit so it is easy to have your tackle at hand. In back there is room for a lab to sit or more supplies. If you have any spefic questions e-mail me

[jcass]

THere are a number of Kayaks that are designed and equipped for fishing.
THere are aslo some web forums like walleyecentral that are dedicated to kayak fishing. Do a search on the web and you should find one. I know the Texas Fishing Forum has a thread for 'yak fishermen. Great way to fish out-of-the-way spots or 'car-top' your walleye boat.

Try this spot to start:
http://kayakfishingstuff.com/