So Mrs gidiefor and I have a nice creek nearby, the Rondout, that feeds into the Hudson River about 20 miles away. I can take a half mile walk from my house through the woods to my favorite fishing hole on the Rondout, and there are also two access areas we can drive to about a mile away in either direction from us, and numerous landings along the way to the Hudson.
We've been talking about getting two kayaks this christmas to travel the Creek with. I have done some research and have been seeing all different price points ranging from a coupl of hundred to a few thousand dollars, and also inflatables in the two to three hundred dollar range. The larger inflatables have two seaters which might be fun to use with our grandkids in tow in addition for us individually as we try this out.
I might have talked about this before. I think there were suggestions about doing rentals first, but we are ready to pull the trigger this season.
I hope you don't mind revisiting this with any feedback/suggestions/experience you might have.
Otherwise you must choose between drag and stability....my wife would kill me if I flipped her in....so I am forced to go more stable....but harder to row😁
I have had good success at Dicks....wait for the kayaks sales
We have a 3000 sq barn -- so I don't think storage is an issue -- not for fishing for recreation only -- on rivers and creeks
Otherwise you must choose between drag and stability....my wife would kill me if I flipped her in....so I am forced to go more stable....but harder to row😁
I have had good success at Dicks....wait for the kayaks sales
what is the problem with inflatables -- is this a puncture issue?
We have a 3000 sq barn -- so I don't think storage is an issue -- not for fishing for recreation only -- on rivers and creeks
also I envision short trips down the creek -- maximum to the Rondout basin on the Hudson -- but I thought we would drop off the truck at the landing we are going to - and drive up to the launch in another car - then kayak down stream to where the truck is parked
Ha! If my wife wanted to get rid of me -- she's had plenty of opportunity for that already
The favorite for all men/women/kids has by far been the wilderness tarpon sit-on-top. It was design with fishing in mind but ours has really never been used for that.
Link - ( New Window )
Used on the Erie canal this summer
Solid and not too heavy, good enough back support
Link below
Link - ( New Window )
The favorite for all men/women/kids has by far been the wilderness tarpon sit-on-top. It was design with fishing in mind but ours has really never been used for that. Link - ( New Window )
I should add dogs to the list of people that love it.
Used on the Erie canal this summer
Solid and not too heavy, good enough back support
Link below Link - ( New Window )
sorry just for accuracy i have the malibu 2 XL (larger model)
I've enjoyed going with my young child in the 2 seater. It's fun. It is really ideal for inexperienced kayakers, to pair up with an experienced one. Older children get bored with it, and once they develop some kayaking skill, prefer to go solo.
We made 3 Delaware trips this summer with the 2 seater inflatable. It performed great.
I have three Wilderness Systems Kayaks that I really like, and are my go to kayaks.
Wilderness Systems: 115x Angler - Tarpon 100 - Tarpon 135T (Tandem)
115x Angler
Pros: * Very stable * A lot of room for legs and gear * SlideTrax System makes it very easy to add accessories like rod holders and have the ability to easily move them if desired* Seat is very comfortable and easy to adjust the reclining to where it feels best on my back * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes* Second hatch in front of seat makes it very easy to safely store extra gear within arms reach. I keep a dry bag down there with things like phone, camera, license etc.* Large enough to handle large bodies of water without issue*
Cons: My only real complaint is the weight. I have a lot of serious back/neck trouble and have trouble loading/unloading without help.
Tarpon 100
Pros: While not as extensive as on the 115x the SlideTrax System on Tarpon is still more than enough for all my needs and is also a huge positive * Also has a very comfortable/adjustable seat * Has the same center hatch with same benefits as w/115x * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes * Much lighter weight than it's "big brother" 115x * While not as stable as the 115x it is remarkable stable for a smaller 10" lighter kayak * Still solid and stable enough that I feel safe when on larger bodies of water
Cons: While roomy for a 10' Kayak it is still a little more cramped for my legs with all the gear I like to take (I usually load a lot in with me)
135T This is basically is for going out with two people, and we generally use it less often then the first two, but fun to have.
Added general Pros for all three Wilderness systems: It may be a common thing on many others but one thing I like is the fixed type of bungee on the nose of each of these kayaks. It makes it super easy to slide one end of the paddle under it securely and not have to worry about a loose paddle moving or falling* They both also have a lot of fixed bungees that make securing things a breeze * Their handles are really nice quality and make carrying easier * They both have plenty of added little storage spots built into the kayak which I have ended up using a lot for keeping tools handy and at the ready * I have been impressed with the quality of the construction on both of them * Both track and handle well.
For less expensive options we have four "Future Beach" Kayaks. I believe all four are "Voyager" models, with two being "angler" versions. It's been about four or five years since we bought them but I think we got them on sale for about $200/ea and normally retailed for about $300
These have serviced our family very well. For the money they track and handle well and have all held up real well.
Good luck with it!
I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal.
I've enjoyed going with my young child in the 2 seater. It's fun. It is really ideal for inexperienced kayakers, to pair up with an experienced one. Older children get bored with it, and once they develop some kayaking skill, prefer to go solo.
We made 3 Delaware trips this summer with the 2 seater inflatable. It performed great.
thanks Gregorio -- I had been leaning at the inflatable -- I thought it addresses a lot of issues I had -- 1 is an easy cost of entry for two kayaks, 2 it has the ability to add a grandchild, 3 I have to see how serious we are about using them before I spend money on a real good one like the Wilderness or the Tarpoon -- they do look like nice units though
What brand inflatable did you get?
I have three Wilderness Systems Kayaks that I really like, and are my go to kayaks.
Wilderness Systems: 115x Angler - Tarpon 100 - Tarpon 135T (Tandem)
115x Angler
Pros: * Very stable * A lot of room for legs and gear * SlideTrax System makes it very easy to add accessories like rod holders and have the ability to easily move them if desired* Seat is very comfortable and easy to adjust the reclining to where it feels best on my back * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes* Second hatch in front of seat makes it very easy to safely store extra gear within arms reach. I keep a dry bag down there with things like phone, camera, license etc.* Large enough to handle large bodies of water without issue*
Cons: My only real complaint is the weight. I have a lot of serious back/neck trouble and have trouble loading/unloading without help.
Tarpon 100
Pros: While not as extensive as on the 115x the SlideTrax System on Tarpon is still more than enough for all my needs and is also a huge positive * Also has a very comfortable/adjustable seat * Has the same center hatch with same benefits as w/115x * Self-Bailing Scupper Holes * Much lighter weight than it's "big brother" 115x * While not as stable as the 115x it is remarkable stable for a smaller 10" lighter kayak * Still solid and stable enough that I feel safe when on larger bodies of water
Cons: While roomy for a 10' Kayak it is still a little more cramped for my legs with all the gear I like to take (I usually load a lot in with me)
135T This is basically is for going out with two people, and we generally use it less often then the first two, but fun to have.
Added general Pros for all three Wilderness systems: It may be a common thing on many others but one thing I like is the fixed type of bungee on the nose of each of these kayaks. It makes it super easy to slide one end of the paddle under it securely and not have to worry about a loose paddle moving or falling* They both also have a lot of fixed bungees that make securing things a breeze * Their handles are really nice quality and make carrying easier * They both have plenty of added little storage spots built into the kayak which I have ended up using a lot for keeping tools handy and at the ready * I have been impressed with the quality of the construction on both of them * Both track and handle well.
For less expensive options we have four "Future Beach" Kayaks. I believe all four are "Voyager" models, with two being "angler" versions. It's been about four or five years since we bought them but I think we got them on sale for about $200/ea and normally retailed for about $300
These have serviced our family very well. For the money they track and handle well and have all held up real well.
Good luck with it!
Thanks Steve -- appreciate the effort in posting all this -- some serious food for thought
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And have had/borrowed many kayaks over the years.
The favorite for all men/women/kids has by far been the wilderness tarpon sit-on-top. It was design with fishing in mind but ours has really never been used for that. Link - ( New Window )
I should add dogs to the list of people that love it.
thanks -- that looks like a great kayak
Used on the Erie canal this summer
Solid and not too heavy, good enough back support
Link below Link - ( New Window )
thanks for your input -- that also looks like a really nice kayak
What brand inflatable did you get?
It is called Driftsun, model Rover 220 kayak. Like I said, it performed great with a young kid in the front seat. A review of it here:
https://www.marketfleet.com/products/rover-220-inflatable-two-person-kayak-1
I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal.
I respectively disagree. When I’m out in a kayak I take fishing very seriously yet I have zero interest in peddling around the lake. And while I can certainly appreciate why many might prefer that I personally love paddling and I have no problems fishing while doing so. It’s not for everyone, serious or not.
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then you cannot get a paddle kayak. You need something where you propel yourself with your legs and have a rudder. That will free up your arms for fishing.
I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal.
I respectively disagree. When I’m out in a kayak I take fishing very seriously yet I have zero interest in peddling around the lake. And while I can certainly appreciate why many might prefer that I personally love paddling and I have no problems fishing while doing so. It’s not for everyone, serious or not.
I guess we do different kind of fishing. I am on large reservoirs, the bay, the ocean and tidal rivers where you are going against tide too. Sometimes a fishing trip lasts for miles.... not happening with a paddle.
The OP mentioned the Hudson river. Ever fish there?
If you fish nothing but ponds, then fine go with the paddle.
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In comment 15051496 EricJ said:
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then you cannot get a paddle kayak. You need something where you propel yourself with your legs and have a rudder. That will free up your arms for fishing.
I have the hobie pro angler which may be overkill for you. However, yes testing some of them out first would be ideal.
I respectively disagree. When I’m out in a kayak I take fishing very seriously yet I have zero interest in peddling around the lake. And while I can certainly appreciate why many might prefer that I personally love paddling and I have no problems fishing while doing so. It’s not for everyone, serious or not.
I guess we do different kind of fishing. I am on large reservoirs, the bay, the ocean and tidal rivers where you are going against tide too. Sometimes a fishing trip lasts for miles.... not happening with a paddle.
The OP mentioned the Hudson river. Ever fish there?
If you fish nothing but ponds, then fine go with the paddle.
I almost exclusively fish Kentucky Lake, and Lake Barkley 160,000 and 58,000 acres respectively. Occasionally I’ll fish small lakes but not too often.
I'm fond of my basic Perception. I'm a little fellow, so I can get away with a smaller yak.
A nice thing about a 2 person is that one person can steer/manage the yak while the other one is fishing.
If you are buying new then yes.
Another important factor when choosing is how many seasons you plan to use the kayak. Getting wet in early spring and fall will not be much fun in a sit in kayak even with a dry suit.
I use mine all year as long as fish are biting.
Link - ( New Window )
1) The most comfortable seats you're going to find, period. (I'm 6'2, 210, and 67 years old, and it's like sitting in a La-Z-Boy compared to most kayak seats.)
2) Plastic. I don't worry about bumping into rocks, or scraping the bottom. I love the look of Swift kayaks, and the light weight, but no way would I spend that much money and be worried about scratching them every time I used them.
3) Sturdy. Sort of like Item 2). They can take some rough handling, and I'm not worried about my investment. They can take plenty of abuse, though I treat 'em well.
Some advice. My wife and I didn't skimp on paddles. We paid a lot for extremely good, strong, lightweight paddles right from the start because I knew that once I got out on the water, I'd probably want to keep trading up.
Remember that you're going to have to invest in a system to haul them, especially if you want to carry two at a time. We're happy with our Thule equipment.
I carried my surfing kayak (Wilderness Systems) atop my Xterra. I did not have to much trouble getting 1 boats on and off. I did slip off the top of the tie I was standing on and wrenched my knee, as I landed oddly. Granted I had just been surfing and badly twisted my knee.
It is a sit on top kayak. Thus it is easy to swivel and step out of. In this case, my heel slipped into a pocket in the sand. The wave still had enough energy to pin the boat to my back and spin it around me. It is that twisting of the body and the stuck heel...ended up with the torque meeting in my knee. Nothing turn but not good. The subsquent straight drop of 3'-0" from the tire, did not help matters.
Long story, not short....do account for how you might carry and unload the boats. The is like third on the list. The above suggestion or more informative than mine.
1) The most comfortable seats you're going to find, period. (I'm 6'2, 210, and 67 years old, and it's like sitting in a La-Z-Boy compared to most kayak seats.)
2) Plastic. I don't worry about bumping into rocks, or scraping the bottom. I love the look of Swift kayaks, and the light weight, but no way would I spend that much money and be worried about scratching them every time I used them.
3) Sturdy. Sort of like Item 2). They can take some rough handling, and I'm not worried about my investment. They can take plenty of abuse, though I treat 'em well.
Some advice. My wife and I didn't skimp on paddles. We paid a lot for extremely good, strong, lightweight paddles right from the start because I knew that once I got out on the water, I'd probably want to keep trading up.
Remember that you're going to have to invest in a system to haul them, especially if you want to carry two at a time. We're happy with our Thule equipment.
Thanks Charlie that's some good stuff there. I don't know why, but prior to this revelation of your age I thought you were Del Shofner's son, but apparently not. So if I've made comments to you that didn't resonate in the past, that's the reason why.
Although I may have some children I don't know about somewhere...
Separately, I had to drive over to Arkville yesterday on 28 - it follows the Esopus pretty much the whole way, that's another impressive creek. Beautiful drive.
With 8 grand children, at least four of whom have made it known they love being up at the farm and three of whom are probably big enough to try it out too - there's more than likely going to be more kayaks in our future
We're up to five grandkids over here and kayaks are a good idea to add to the mix. We have access to Sepasco Lake (although as I point out to everyone, it's more of a pond than a lake, and it's really best for the small fry). Would love to do the creeks on the west side of the river.