almostthere
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putting on my hiking shoes....
Posts: 696
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Post by almostthere on Jul 17, 2016 9:55:29 GMT -8
I'm seriously going canoe, with my significant alien -- he's far too big to be comfortable in a kayak (he's tried...) and there are some nice routes in the Kenai I want to take him on, portaging between the lakes around... Easier to carry a lot of gear that way.
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Kayak
Jul 17, 2016 10:53:14 GMT -8
Post by trinity on Jul 17, 2016 10:53:14 GMT -8
What should I look 4 in a kayak? Mostly fishing large creeks small rivers. Any tips greatly appreciated. I have two boats that I use for this purpose (as well as for extended camping trips, which you also mentioned). The first is a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 12. This is a great all-around boat, a classic design which has been quite popular for over a decade. It is stable, long enough to have plenty of glide, short enough to have some maneuverability. It's biggest drawback is weight. If I had it to do again, I'd probably get the 10 foot length. For fishing creeks and small rivers, maneuverability is typically more important than speed. For the use you describe, I would not even consider anything over 12 feet, but as neita points out, a lot depends on your size. A lot also depends on the weight of the gear you might take camping. As much as I like my Tarpon, I greatly prefer my solo canoe, which is a Wenonah Vagabond. It is 14.5 feet, and only weighs about 43 pounds, probably 20 pounds less than my Tarpon. It is great fun to paddle, much more comfortable to sit in (you're in a more upright posture, with your legs under you instead of straight in front), and the higher profile makes it easier to fish out of (I fly fish, so height really affects your ability to cast). The biggest drawback to this boat is that it is much more affected by the wind than my SOT, due to the lighter weight and higher profile. As Reuben points out, no one boat is going to do it all, but I think solo canoes are far more versatile than kayaks. I can pack as much gear (in dry bags) as I could ever want on extended camping trips, and my 80# dog can ride in front of me. Back in the day I was pretty active on paddling.net, which is a great source of information. Spend some time doing research there, and if you can, be sure and test drive a few boats.
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frizz
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Kayak
Jul 17, 2016 18:06:18 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by frizz on Jul 17, 2016 18:06:18 GMT -8
Thanks for all the great info. Weight was a large concern. Most of the places I will be going, rain fall determines the amount of dragging thru shallows.
I recently went with a buddy. He has 2 cheapo Wal-Mart kayaks. I'm 6'1, 230. Boat rode poorly and low.
Never considered canoes. Just wasn't aware they made them for purposes I need. I'm familiar with the 14 ft aluminum ones. Will definitely do some research now.
Thanks again. You guys are great
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Kayak
Jul 17, 2016 23:47:08 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jul 17, 2016 23:47:08 GMT -8
If you're going to drag it look to the materials, some slip over rocks easier than others.
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Kayak
Jul 27, 2016 15:22:41 GMT -8
Post by hikerchick395 on Jul 27, 2016 15:22:41 GMT -8
I've only ever kayaked twice...last year. Used an Advanced Elements Advanced Frame inflatable Kayak. Liked it a lot. Will try it out again in Lassen soon.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Kayak
Jul 27, 2016 15:38:02 GMT -8
Post by reuben on Jul 27, 2016 15:38:02 GMT -8
Fishing in anything with a current, you get to choose between steering and fishing, unless you get a tandem and have a buddy do all the paddling while you fish. Uh, no. You can get anchors for kayaks just like for boats. There are also "stakes" (not sure what the correct term is) for anchoring in shallow water. Has your significant alien tried any so-called "transitional" kayaks, halfway between recreational (huge cockpit), and touring (small cockpit)? Then there's also the fact that the first few times he gets in and out it will be awkward no matter the size of the cockpit. Even getting in and out of a sit-on-top may seem awkward the first few times.
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tomas
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Kayak
Jul 27, 2016 16:53:22 GMT -8
Post by tomas on Jul 27, 2016 16:53:22 GMT -8
I've got a hybrid kayak that I've used for fishing and want to take on an overnight. Plenty of room in the cockpit for fishing and storage up front and in back. Granted it doesn't move or steer as well as a touring 'yak, but it's plenty fine for my purposes.
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Kayak
Jul 28, 2016 5:37:29 GMT -8
Post by Coolkat on Jul 28, 2016 5:37:29 GMT -8
I'm seriously going canoe, with my significant alien -- he's far too big to be comfortable in a kayak (he's tried...) and there are some nice routes in the Kenai I want to take him on, portaging between the lakes around... Easier to carry a lot of gear that way. These reasons are exactly why I changed my mind and went with a canoe when I was looking last fall. I had researched it found the kayak I wanted in the price range I was willing pay and then did a flip-flop and bought a 14' canoe. It was a great deal off craigslist and is only 37lbs and it came with a trolling motor and attachment.
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daveb
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Kayak
Jul 28, 2016 6:06:54 GMT -8
zeke likes this
Post by daveb on Jul 28, 2016 6:06:54 GMT -8
We canoed the snake river from Jackson to Alpine last year and had a blast! If you're going with a canoe make sure you match it's design with your intended use. Canoes in white water aren't near as forgiving.
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amaruq
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Call me Little Spoon
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Kayak
Jul 28, 2016 11:58:41 GMT -8
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Post by amaruq on Jul 28, 2016 11:58:41 GMT -8
If you're going out into a Bay or in the ocean, you'll need a kayak that 13" or longer, i.e. a "sea kayak". Sea kayaks sure are getting compact these days.
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