Bye bye boats! 2024
SuperDuty reply :
Having owned multiple boats over the years, from ski boats, cruisers, bassboats, and fish/ski, I've decided I'm done with them. Enter into the world of kayaks!! It's a completely different experience fishing from a kayak. Everything is so quiet and peaceful, you're so close to the water that you feel so intune with it. Things slow down and allows you to really concentrate. And nothing like hooking a large fish and it dragging you around as you fight it. Since you're so stealthy, you see so many more things that you just wouldn't on a boat. And the fish don't even know youre6coming. I've truly never experienced anything like kayak fishing! I'm absolutely hooked on it now and hopefully will enjoy it until I'm just too dang old to care. So, I've owned my last power boat and honestly, that makes me smile from ear to ear!
So who else here shares the passion of kayaking?
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/15/2020 at 11:27 PM, SuperDuty said:Having owned multiple boats over the years, from ski boats, cruisers, bassboats, and fish/ski, I've decided I'm done with them. Enter into the world of kayaks!! It's a completely different experience fishing from a kayak. Everything is so quiet and peaceful, you're so close to the water that you feel so intune with it. Things slow down and allows you to really concentrate. And nothing like hooking a large fish and it dragging you around as you fight it. Since you're so stealthy, you see so many more things that you just wouldn't on a boat. And the fish don't even know youre6coming. I've truly never experienced anything like kayak fishing! I'm absolutely hooked on it now and hopefully will enjoy it until I'm just too dang old to care. So, I've owned my last power boat and honestly, that makes me smile from ear to ear!
So who else here shares the passion of kayaking?
I feel you man.
I had a boat for years. Sold it because I was annoyed with the maintenance and the trouble of transporting it and launching etc. Just seemed like such a hassle. A hassle that I quickly forgot once I was on the water, but a hassle none the less.
A few years ago I started thinking about getting back into it and buying another boat. Visited some dealers. Came close to buying one (Lowe). Really though, in the back of my mind I just didn't want to add the upkeep. And I wanted something that I could get to the water quick, on the spur of the moment after work on a summer night. So I bowed out and figured I would think on it some more.
Thinking on it got me looking at kayak fishing. The simplicity. It spoke to me. Bought two Kaku Voodoo (because of the seat) and it floored me. I couldn't believe what I was missing all these years. Kinda jerked me off that I waited till my 40's to get into it. It's another world. It's become an obsession.
SuperDuty reply :
Hey brother. I have been looking at the kaku Zulu or the wahoo myself. They look like nice outfits but can't find any around me to check out in person. How's the build quality?
crankbait2009 reply :
I switched to a kayak for the same reasons mentioned above. I now own my 2nd kayak, Perception Pescador Pro 100. Haven't ever looked back once
Tizi reply :
I still own a small 12 foot semi-V boat with 7.5 Honda outboard. I use this when I want to fish with someone or fish larger bodies of water. I have 2 kayaks, 1 pedal, 1 paddle. As you noted, nothing like fishing from a kayak. Love being closer to nature and the solitude. I am in "work mode" 5 days per week, nice to get out and relax fishing from my kayak. Not many things are more relaxing and fun than kayak fishing.
TnRiver46 reply :
I have 2 motor boats and 5 kayaks and one canoe...... No need to limit yourself to one style. I can hook up to and launch my boat quicker than a kayak. several of my best fishing holes are impossible to get to with paddle craft. Also a few of my best spots require a paddle craft
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 12:41 AM, SuperDuty said:Hey brother. I have been looking at the kaku Zulu or the wahoo myself. They look like nice outfits but can't find any around me to check out in person. How's the build quality?
Very good. The owners and designer Kevin Hawkins likes to over build. Just look at the seat on the Voodoo/Zulu. A 400lb man could sit on the top perch/back rest with no issue lol. Can't think of another kayak that can make that claim haha. But seriously, I think Kaku is a quality name and belong with the other quality names out there. Kaku, Hobie, Jackson, Old Town, Feel Free, Nucanoe, they all build good stuff. I just like the Kaku designs best.
On 1/16/2020 at 12:41 AM, SuperDuty said:Hey brother. I have been looking at the kaku Zulu or the wahoo myself. They look like nice outfits but can't find any around me to check out in person. How's the build quality?
How mid-west are you? We talkin Ohio? If you can make it to Pittsburgh area one day I could hook you up on a Voodoo. Might be able to wrangle a Wahoo for you to check out too. I know a local guy.
On 1/16/2020 at 1:45 AM, TnRiver46 said:I can hook up to and launch my boat quicker than a kayak.
I wasn't even close lol. Hell, most days the wait at the boat ramp was longer than it takes to pull a yak out of the bed of my truck and push it into the water.
RichF reply :
More power to you guys. I just can't get myself into it. I want to, especially due to living in the city now where storage space is non-existent. Nothing beats the comfort of a glass bass boat on big water and my 16ft Tracker on small water though. I will likely have to settle for a Bass Raider in the interim before I can find a place for my boat.
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 2:31 AM, RichF said:More power to you guys. I just can't get myself into it. I want to, especially due to living in the city now where storage space is non-existent. Nothing beats the comfort of a glass bass boat on big water and my 16ft Tracker on small water though. I will likely have to settle for a Bass Raider in the interim before I can find a place for my boat.
It's all fishin' man. Whatever works for each of us.
I do think a lot of my preference comes from the fact that I don't fish areas a boat can get into (outside of maybe those jet boats). I've been obsessed with shallow rivers rolling through the middle of nowhere. I think if I was a lake guy I might have a different opinion. Probably not, haha, but maybe.
RichF reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 3:18 AM, HookInMouth said:It's all fishin' man. Whatever works for each of us.
I do think a lot of my preference comes from the fact that I don't fish areas a boat can get into (outside of maybe those jet boats). I've been obsessed with shallow rivers rolling through the middle of nowhere. I think if I was a lake guy I might have a different opinion. Probably not, haha, but maybe.
Those are usually the best places to fish!
SuperDuty reply :
Nope no use for a boat anymore, the wifey and kids would rather play around the pool at home and I would too instead of being on the lake. I can fish anywhere and more with a kayak over a boat. And yaks are a world easier to take out. Takes flrev6to get a boat ready to fish but a yak can be thrown in the truck in two minutes and off I go. Done with boats!
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 3:32 AM, SuperDuty said:Nope no use for a boat anymore, the wifey and kids would rather play around the pool at home and I would too instead of being on the lake. I can fish anywhere and more with a kayak over a boat. And yaks are a world easier to take out. Takes flrev6to get a boat ready to fish but a yak can be thrown in the truck in two minutes and off I go. Done with boats!
I just backup to mine, attach coupler, safety chains, and lights and off to the river. Much easier than putting my kayak into the bed of the truck (I do both frequently)
kjfishman reply :
I only had my big boat out twice last year as I spend more time and catch more fish from my kayak. Have been thing about selling my Marsh Hawk 165V and getting a pedal kayak. I still will keep the Old Town Loon 126 if I sell the big boat.
Hawkeye21 reply :
On 1/15/2020 at 11:27 PM, SuperDuty said:Having owned multiple boats over the years, from ski boats, cruisers, bassboats, and fish/ski, I've decided I'm done with them. Enter into the world of kayaks!! It's a completely different experience fishing from a kayak. Everything is so quiet and peaceful, you're so close to the water that you feel so intune with it. Things slow down and allows you to really concentrate. And nothing like hooking a large fish and it dragging you around as you fight it. Since you're so stealthy, you see so many more things that you just wouldn't on a boat. And the fish don't even know youre6coming. I've truly never experienced anything like kayak fishing! I'm absolutely hooked on it now and hopefully will enjoy it until I'm just too dang old to care. So, I've owned my last power boat and honestly, that makes me smile from ear to ear!
So who else here shares the passion of kayaking?
Welcome to the addiction. You'll find yourself saving a lot more money and doing a lot less maintenance. If you're into fishing bass tourneys they have them for kayaks as well.
On 1/16/2020 at 4:17 AM, TnRiver46 said:I just backup to mine, attach coupler, safety chains, and lights and off to the river. Much easier than putting my kayak into the bed of the truck (I do both frequently)
Put your kayak on sawhorses so you can just back up and slide it onto your truck and strap it down. Doesn't get much easier than that. Can also have a small kayak trailer and do exactly what you do with your boat.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 4:17 AM, TnRiver46 said:I just backup to mine, attach coupler, safety chains, and lights and off to the river. Much easier than putting my kayak into the bed of the truck (I do both frequently)
Does your boat not take gas? What about maintenance? But heck no brother, I can load a yak way faster than backing up to a boat and hooking on. Not to mention all the other work boats take to maintain.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 5:09 AM, SuperDuty said:Does your boat not take gas? What about maintenance? But heck no brother, I can load a yak way faster than backing up to a boat and hooking on. Not to mention all the other work boats take to maintain.
Of course it runs on gas and takes maintenance. Never said anything about any of that, I have 5 kayaks I’m not against you. I just know which craft I can go fishing in quicker as I go after work several times a week year round and use all types
Alex from GA reply :
About 18 years ago I bought a kayak to fish where I couldn't in my boat; shallow rivers and creeks mostly. For several years no one would go with me so I fished alone floating mostly N GA rivers. My wife would pick me up @ a specified time. I still use my real boat for lakes. For me each has it's place.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 2:08 AM, HookInMouth said:Very good. The owners and designer Kevin Hawkins likes to over build. Just look at the seat on the Voodoo/Zulu. A 400lb man could sit on the top perch/back rest with no issue lol. Can't think of another kayak that can make that claim haha. But seriously, I think Kaku is a quality name and belong with the other quality names out there. Kaku, Hobie, Jackson, Old Town, Feel Free, Nucanoe, they all build good stuff. I just like the Kaku designs best.
How mid-west are you? We talkin Ohio? If you can make it to Pittsburgh area one day I could hook you up on a Voodoo. Might be able to wrangle a Wahoo for you to check out too. I know a local guy.
I wasn't even close lol. Hell, most days the wait at the boat ramp was longer than it takes to pull a yak out of the bed of my truck and push it into the water.
The seat on the Zulu is what intrigues me as well as that huge cockpit layout. Just a ton of space! I wonder how it would handle in fast flowing streams, not whitewater stuff, just quick smallmouth streams with some fast ripples. I'm a good 7 hours from Pittsburg but I certainly appreciate that offer. I know there is a store a couple hours away that carries kaku and they supposedly have an indoor pool for people to test out yaks on. I may try to make it down there soon. I'd really like to try out a few yaks before I make my final decision. I love the paddling part of kayaking but also appreciate having my hands free for fishing which is the reason I'm looking at peddle kayaks. Although, I've seen several guys putting trolling motors through the removable pod which seems appealing as well. I've got a couple of months to decide what'll fit me and my style the best. Thanks for your feedback man!
On 1/16/2020 at 5:02 AM, Hawkeye21 said:
Welcome to the addiction. You'll find yourself saving a lot more money and doing a lot less maintenance. If you're into fishing bass tourneys they have them for kayaks as well.
Put your kayak on sawhorses so you can just back up and slide it onto your truck and strap it down. Doesn't get much easier than that. Can also have a small kayak trailer and do exactly what you do with your boat.
Thanks man! Yeah it's definitely a money saver for sure. Most importantly for me, it's just so much less hassle. No maintenance, no hassles of waiting it lines, worrying about stuff going wrong, and it opens up a world of new fishing spots. lots of places I will be able to go that the boats aren't gonna get but I can go anywhere they do. Also, it's just a whole whole WHOLE lot more relaxing experience.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 6:13 AM, TnRiver46 said:Of course it runs on gas and takes maintenance. Never said anything about any of that, I have 5 kayaks I’m not against you. I just know which craft I can go fishing in quicker as I go after work several times a week year round and use all types
I get it man, it's all cool. My experience is just different than yours. When I had my brother in laws yak this fall, I could literally back up to the garage and slide it in and off I went. It all took maybe 60 seconds and it don't get any easier than that. My boats were a lot more complicated than that and I'm just done with it all. Now my wife's sister has a Pavati ski boat that we go out on occasionally when were at her house, but the wifey hates it, it scares her she says.
GTN reply :
I had the ranger, fished a lot of tournaments, gave it up 20 years ago. Didn’t miss it at all.
started to get the itch last spring but wanted nothing to do with a boat again and I suck as a bank fisherman.
I started looking at canoes and and the sales guy brought out a sit on kayak to try. Loved it!
I live close to 5 lakes and a few ponds so it only costs me a few bucks for car gas to go fishing now. That is a huge savings for me.
Paddling is also great exercise!
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 11:12 AM, GTN said:I had the ranger, fished a lot of tournaments, gave it up 20 years ago. Didn’t miss it at all.
started to get the itch last spring but wanted nothing to do with a boat again and I suck as a bank fisherman.
I started looking at canoes and and the sales guy brought out a sit on kayak to try. Loved it!I live close to 5 lakes and a few ponds so it only costs me a few bucks for car gas to go fishing now. That is a huge savings for me.
Paddling is also great exercise!
Looks like you've got it set up real nice. Which yak is that?
GTN reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 11:44 AM, SuperDuty said:Looks like you've got it set up real nice. Which yak is that?
2018 Jackson Big Rig
Hook2Jaw reply :
@SuperDuty, glad to have you on the plastic side. Stuff can get very serious very quickly on little boats, so please wear your PFD. Too many folks get gone every year and that's a shame.
Those Kaku kayaks and paddleboards look amazing. I have my eye out for a used board to buy for the fiancee to exercise on and take pictures. I think those are quality craft.
I would also take a look at the pedal offerings from Hobie, Old Town, and Native Watercraft. The Slayer 13s are a killer deal right now!
Also, Nucanoe come pretty well equipped with that open deck you keep mentioning, plus they're capable of carrying a bow mount trolling motor. They have me wanting spot lock on a baby bass boat!
Best of luck to you in whatever boat you decide to jump onto!
GReb reply :
I’ve always been intrigued but my fisheries have 12 foot gators everywhere and I just don’t know how I’d feel being that small and close to the water lol.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 12:06 PM, Hook2Jaw said:@SuperDuty, glad to have you on the plastic side. Stuff can get very serious very quickly on little boats, so please wear your PFD. Too many folks get gone every year and that's a shame.
Those Kaku kayaks and paddleboards look amazing. I have my eye out for a used board to buy for the fiancee to exercise on and take pictures. I think those are quality craft.
I would also take a look at the pedal offerings from Hobie, Old Town, and Native Watercraft. The Slayer 13s are a killer deal right now!
Also, Nucanoe come pretty well equipped with that open deck you keep mentioning, plus they're capable of carrying a bow mount trolling motor. They have me wanting spot lock on a baby bass boat!
Best of luck to you in whatever boat you decide to jump onto!
Thanks H2J. Yeah definitely need to be safe out there and visibility can be an issue on large lakes. I will be fishing an 11k acre lake quite often and at times it's congested with college students. Being ran over is a concern. But, I also doubt I make it out into the busy area much because the no idle zone is probably half the lake and has gobs of fishing areas.
I'm even starting to reconsider a peddle kayak because I think I may fish streams more than the lake.
The kaku wahoo is really pulling at me. I'm seriously thinking it may be the one.
I do like the Hobie Outback, it's one of my favorites. I'll have to look at the slayer because I've paid no attention to them.
I am a great swimmer and have water survival training from when I was in the Navy. Also plan to run a flag on my yak when I'm in traffic areas. Great advice none the less.
On 1/16/2020 at 12:31 PM, GReb said:I’ve always been intrigued but my fisheries have 12 foot gators everywhere and I just don’t know how I’d feel being that small and close to the water lol.
Dude I completely understand that. A few years ago I was in Ocala Florida visiting my mom and both my uncles took me out kayaking. We went to this stream and went out and the water was so brown that it looked black. I couldn't get it out of my mind a large gator surfacing beside me and dragging me down. It was extremely nerve wracking. But I had an extremely close call one night on Lake Weir in Ocala where I was swimming through a lagoon out to a boat late at night. I've had nightmares for 20 years because of it.
But honestly, lots of yak users around gators with no problems at all. I'm sure you'd be just fine .
Imagine those crazy guys that run yaks in great white territory!!!
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 9:05 AM, SuperDuty said:I wonder how it would handle in fast flowing streams, not whitewater stuff, just quick smallmouth streams with some fast ripples.
Take this with a grain of salt because I don't have a lot of experience with other boats, especially on moving water.
I mainly fish small shallow rivers and creeks with my Kaku Voodoo. The Voodoo handles it. I can't compare to other boats but I've had the Voodoo in some rough water (class II) and made it through fine. What I will say is that the Voodoo tracks great but as a result, doesn't turn the quickest. The Voodoo can handle rough water fine, but where it lacks is turning quickly and avoiding rocks. So, anything above a class II I would be more comfortable in the Wahoo which was made for a little rougher water.
The waters I fish mostly (Kiskiminetas River, Loyalhanna Creek, Clarion River) aren't bad enough to force me out of that awesome Voodoo seat haha.
I will say that the Zulu is a cross between the Wahoo and the Voodoo. It looks to have the Voodoo deck and rear-hull but the Wahoo bow and front part of the hull (design wise)? It looks like it would handle faster water better than the Voodoo but probably not quite as good as the Wahoo.
Dens228 reply :
I've never owned a boat but do like occasionally fishing from one. I started out with a kayak and can't see myself ever switching to or even adding a boat. The end of last summer I added a rudder attached motor to my kayak, the Bixby and it opened up even more fishing ability to me.
Every summer I spend a week up at Lake Tomahawk in Wisconsin. I fish out of my son in laws bass boat up there but this year I'm bringing my kayak. It's a very large lake and the motor will really make it easier for me to get to the spots I want to.
Hook2Jaw reply :
@SuperDuty, I can't recommend too many pedal kayaks for small, quick moving rocky creeks. I'm a pond/slow river/inshore/lake angler myself. I would look into Nucanoe if they were my primary fishery, though. Their ability to be customized to your liking is second to none.
I completely understand your apprehension about being hit by a boat and the amount of people who simply ignores no wake zones disgusts me. I've had a jet ski wake me so hard it knocked my favorite setup at the time off my boat. I use a Yakattack Visicarbon Pro II with a flag and light because I'm often out before first light or after dark. I've almost decided that any boater who hits another boater or kayaker wasn't paying attention. Another sad fact.
But hey, on the water accidents are fairly rare and even rarer are alligator attacks. I have an 11 footer at my local PFA that I often charge with my kayaks. They're more scared of us than we are of them, I'm pretty certain.
www.nucanoe.com
Hawkeye21 reply :
Another downside to having a boat that I don't see get mentioned as much is trailer maintenance as well. Not only do you have all the maintenance that goes along with a boat the trailer has plenty of issues too. You have to worry tires, wheel bearings, lights and it's another thing you have to register. There's so much that goes into owning a boat.
I think the best thing ever is to have a kayak and a few friends who own boats. That's what I do. ????
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 9:43 PM, Hawkeye21 said:Another downside to having a boat that I don't see get mentioned as much is trailer maintenance as well. Not only do you have all the maintenance that goes along with a boat the trailer has plenty of issues too. You have to worry tires, wheel bearings, lights and it's another thing you have to register. There's so much that goes into owning a boat.
I think the best thing ever is to have a kayak and a few friends who own boats. That's what I do. ????
Agreed. People try to play how easy boats are to hookup and go but the truth is, there is much more to it than just that. You've gotta fuel them and maintain them, too. Boats are much more effort than people lead on. I speak from 30 years of owning boats.
For me, A kayak is as simple and worry free as it gets. And that's exactly what I enjoy about them.
Hook2Jaw reply :
Registration of boat and trailer, tag every year for the trailer.
Heck them boats, I used to have one. Bought a Hobie, forgot about it, and finally sold it.
MN Fisher reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 10:51 PM, Hook2Jaw said:Registration of boat and trailer, tag every year for the trailer.
Heck them boats, I used to have one. Bought a Hobie, forgot about it, and finally sold it.
3 Year tag on the canoe, lifetime tag on the trailer. Boat and utility trailers rated for under 3000# axle weight can get lifetime tabs in MN.
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 9:31 PM, Hook2Jaw said:@SuperDuty, I can't recommend too many pedal kayaks for small, quick moving rocky creeks. I'm a pond/slow river/inshore/lake angler myself. I would look into Nucanoe if they were my primary fishery, though. Their ability to be customized to your liking is second to none.
I completely understand your apprehension about being hit by a boat and the amount of people who simply ignores no wake zones disgusts me. I've had a jet ski wake me so hard it knocked my favorite setup at the time off my boat. I use a Yakattack Visicarbon Pro II with a flag and light because I'm often out before first light or after dark. I've almost decided that any boater who hits another boater or kayaker wasn't paying attention. Another sad fact.
But hey, on the water accidents are fairly rare and even rarer are alligator attacks. I have an 11 footer at my local PFA that I often charge with my kayaks. They're more scared of us than we are of them, I'm pretty certain.
www.nucanoe.com
A big reason I have so little interest in pedal kayaks is the waters I fish. Generally speaking pedal yaks aren't very user friendly to the shallow water river/creek fishermen.
Also want to second the Nucanoe recommendation. While I ended up with Kaku (without regrets), the F12 and Pursuit were right there when I was shopping. If I would have known how much I liked fishing moving water I might have even gone that route. Who knows.
NHBull reply :
Heck......when I see how much some folks have into their kayaks.....pedalS, motors, shallow anchor, electronics, a Jon boat would be cheaper and just as easy to move ????
Dens228 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 12:39 AM, NHBull said:Heck......when I see how much some folks have into their kayaks.....pedalS, motors, shallow anchor, electronics, a Jon boat would be cheaper and just as easy to move ????
I agree in that you can spend a lot of money but I can also guarantee that I can and do get my kayak into waters even a jon boat isn't getting to.
FrogMann reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 9:31 PM, Hook2Jaw said:@SuperDuty, I can't recommend too many pedal kayaks for small, quick moving rocky creeks. I'm a pond/slow river/inshore/lake angler myself. I would look into Nucanoe if they were my primary fishery, though. Their ability to be customized to your liking is second to none.
I completely understand your apprehension about being hit by a boat and the amount of people who simply ignores no wake zones disgusts me. I've had a jet ski wake me so hard it knocked my favorite setup at the time off my boat. I use a Yakattack Visicarbon Pro II with a flag and light because I'm often out before first light or after dark. I've almost decided that any boater who hits another boater or kayaker wasn't paying attention. Another sad fact.
But hey, on the water accidents are fairly rare and even rarer are alligator attacks. I have an 11 footer at my local PFA that I often charge with my kayaks. They're more scared of us than we are of them, I'm pretty certain.
www.nucanoe.com
Hobie and Jackson are heard to beat. The others just don't look the same after comparing to the top dogs.
Hawkeye21 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 12:39 AM, NHBull said:Heck......when I see how much some folks have into their kayaks.....pedalS, motors, shallow anchor, electronics, a Jon boat would be cheaper and just as easy to move ????
This gets said all of the time and while it can be somewhat true it's not always that accurate. If the people who stick that much money into their kayaks wanted a jon boat they would have bought a jon boat.
I know I don't want an ugly jon boat taking up space in my garage. I'd still have to register it. I'd have to put some kind of motor on it. I'd need to get a trailer for it unless it's small enough to fit in the back of my truck. I wouldn't be able to fish in as many tourneys with it. I don't see many benefits to having a jon boat over a kayak at all.
GReb reply :
Maybe a dumb question. So you just throw a 12 foot yak in the back of a 5 foot pickup bed with no issues. How heavy are they to lift by yourself? I’ve noticed around here being carried on what looks like trailers specific for kayaks.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 10:51 PM, Hook2Jaw said:Registration of boat and trailer, tag every year for the trailer.
Heck them boats, I used to have one. Bought a Hobie, forgot about it, and finally sold it.
My buddies canoe registration costs more than one of my boats. They go by length and it's a monster old town!
FrogMann reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 1:25 AM, Hawkeye21 said:This gets said all of the time and while it can be somewhat true it's not always that accurate. If the people who stick that much money into their kayaks wanted a jon boat they would have bought a jon boat.
I know I don't want an ugly jon boat taking up space in my garage. I'd still have to register it. I'd have to put some kind of motor on it. I'd need to get a trailer for it unless it's small enough to fit in the back of my truck. I wouldn't be able to fish in as many tourneys with it. I don't see many benefits to having a jon boat over a kayak at all.
The benefit to a jon boat is having multiple people capacity plus ability to have outboards. However, the kayak push is for real. Its one of those things that hard to understand until you do it
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 12:58 AM, Dens228 said:I agree in that you can spend a lot of money but I can also guarantee that I can and do get my kayak into waters even a jon boat isn't getting to.
That depends on the jon boat..... Unless you have two cars and two free days, you aren't getting a kayak where my boat is sitting in this picture. We did it with one vehicle in an afternoon. We used to only dream of day trips fishing there with kayak/canoe until I created that rig
Tizi reply :
Back in the day, all we had was a jon boat. Fished out of that for years and years. Great way to get on the water. In my opinion, it was as easy as dealing with a kayak. We just put the 12 foot jon in the back of the truck and off we went. We used electric trolling motors.
Tennessee Boy reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 1:56 AM, TnRiver46 said:That depends on the jon boat..... Unless you have two cars and two free days, you aren't getting a kayak where my boat is sitting in this picture. We did it with one vehicle in an afternoon. We used to only dream of day trips fishing there with kayak/canoe until I created that rig
I used to fish with a friend who had a mud buddy and a flat bottom boat. He ran across a flat one time in what seemed like about an inch of water. It was amazing the places he would go with that thing.
Hook2Jaw reply :
Had a brand new 1436 Tracker Topper with a brand new Mercury 9.9 on the back. Could hit 27 with me, my tackle box, and three rods on it. Had a 45# foot controlled Motorguide on it.
Bought a Hobie Outback and sold it, as I've already stated. It killed the Jon boat for ease, killed it on the bills and work, and killed the trolling motor speed.
The only advantage was the Outboard.
Heckem jons.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 2:23 AM, Tennessee Boy said:I used to fish with a friend who had a mud buddy and a flat bottom boat. He ran across a flat one time in what seemed like about an inch of water. It was amazing the places he would go with that thing.
I drive mine down the driveway to get the mail every morning.......
the reel ess reply :
I with you! I had a fishing boat. I used to go to my parents' place on the lake, launch the boat, run it to make sure it was in good working order, go back, sleep and get up with the chickens and go fishing. No matter how early I went there was someone already sitting where I wanted to be. I'm not a tourney angler and I don't enjoy the competition or grinding out 2-3 dinks. I got my first kayak about 7 years ago. A Perception Soprt Pescador 120. Now I still ahve that one for really small places, but I bought a Feelfree Lure that has a transom mount 36lb trolling motor kit. I have about 6 private places I can fish as well as several public if I wanted to fish them. I sold the boat recently and I'm so glad to be rid of it. I don't have that lake house anymore either.
The only downside is fishing in cold weather. That's just easier, more comfortable and safer with a real boat. But winter is not very long here.
jaimeastin reply :
I hear you. The kayak was my very best fishing investment. I have 5 kayaks right now, but I went backwards. I started with kayaks and then bought a boat. I like my boss and I go places I would not take the kayak...but the kayak experience is second to none.
Glad other people are getting into it. I started in like 2014. Made a kayak a fishing kayak. Digging them up is fun. Getting drug around is fun. Even more is I leave work, grab my kayak and go fishing... Better yet, my kayak would go with me to work and other places just because I could find almost anytime to launch. I could fish anywhere and anytime. Boat, not the case. Takes more money, gas, etc. I still drag my boat for two hours and fish for one... But I can also take my kayak 20 mins and fish for ours. Still catch big bass and have fun.
What makes me change is the desire to learn a new bod of water or try something different in different environment. So, it's all good. Kayak, float tube, or boat. I am happy. Let's not forget about the shore 
Bird reply :
As I got older I got wiser and started to simplify my tackle and boats.
Owned bass boats, jonboats and canoes and sold every one of them.
Now have 2 fishing kayaks, both are feel-free.....one you paddle and one with motor pod.
Simply less hassle, more convenient and best of all, I fish way more. Lol
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 2:35 AM, the reel ess said:I with you! I had a fishing boat. I used to go to my parents' place on the lake, launch the boat, run it to make sure it was in good working order, go back, sleep and get up with the chickens and go fishing. No matter how early I went there was someone already sitting where I wanted to be. I'm not a tourney angler and I don't enjoy the competition or grinding out 2-3 dinks. I got my first kayak about 7 years ago. A Perception Soprt Pescador 120. Now I still ahve that one for really small places, but I bought a Feelfree Lure that has a transom mount 36lb trolling motor kit. I have about 6 private places I can fish as well as several public if I wanted to fish them. I sold the boat recently and I'm so glad to be rid of it. I don't have that lake house anymore either.
The only downside is fishing in cold weather. That's just easier, more comfortable and safer with a real boat. But winter is not very long here.
Winter is at least 5-7 days a year down there....... sometimes.,........ Haha
Hawkeye21 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 1:54 AM, FrogMann said:The benefit to a jon boat is having multiple people capacity plus ability to have outboards. However, the kayak push is for real. Its one of those things that hard to understand until you do it
The people I fish with have bass boats. Most times I want to go fishing when others are not available and I like to go alone. The kayak is perfect for it. I bought the NuCanoe Frontier 12 so I have the extra space so I can take my daughter when she wants to go.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 1/15/2020 at 11:27 PM, SuperDuty said:Since you're so stealthy, you see so many more things that you just wouldn't on a boat. And the fish don't even know youre6coming.
I've glided right over bass and they either didn't see me or didn't care.
HookInMouth reply :
Also Re; Jon Boat... If you drive the price point up on a kayak adding motors, electronics, and shallow water anchors I imagine if you went the jon route you'd do the same. It's not like someone who would own a decked out kayak would just leave a jon as is.
the reel ess reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 2:40 AM, TnRiver46 said:Winter is at least 5-7 days a year down there....... sometimes.,........ Haha
It's in the 60s today, but there's some winter on the way tomorrow. Here, winter gives the false impression that it's just not coming this year, then BAM! it's winter again. And these cold snaps really give the bass lockjaw.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
I wish I had more lakes and ponds local, if there was, I'd get in the yak club. But with my 2 local fishing spots being rivers, I'm stuck in the boat club.
#NoYakLife
Tennessee Boy reply :
I've been thinking I need a small craft of some sort that would allow me to fish some of the smaller streams around here. Now @TnRiver46 has got me thinking about this.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 2:08 AM, HookInMouth said:Very good. The owners and designer Kevin Hawkins likes to over build. Just look at the seat on the Voodoo/Zulu. A 400lb man could sit on the top perch/back rest with no issue lol. Can't think of another kayak that can make that claim haha. But seriously, I think Kaku is a quality name and belong with the other quality names out there. Kaku, Hobie, Jackson, Old Town, Feel Free, Nucanoe, they all build good stuff. I just like the Kaku designs best.
How mid-west are you? We talkin Ohio? If you can make it to Pittsburgh area one day I could hook you up on a Voodoo. Might be able to wrangle a Wahoo for you to check out too. I know a local guy.
I wasn't even close lol. Hell, most days the wait at the boat ramp was longer than it takes to pull a yak out of the bed of my truck and push it into the water.
@HookInMouth man I've spent hours reading and watching videos on these Kaku's and really like the quality that Kevin puts into them. How well does your vodoo do in streams? Is it difficult to paddle? One thing I've read about the wahoo is how fast it is and how well it tracks. That's what I really like about it. The two things I don't like is the seat, or should I actually say that I just pref6the seat on the vodoo or zulu MORE. I also like how on the zulu you get so many mounting options on the back for power poles, trolling motors, etc. So this is kind of making me lean towards the zulu but I don't want to give up too much speed, tracking, paddling ability that the wahoo offers.
I'd imagine the vodoo handles much like the zulu so have you paddled a wahoo as a comparison?
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 9:07 AM, SuperDuty said:@HookInMouth man I've spent hours reading and watching videos on these Kaku's and really like the quality that Kevin puts into them. How well does your vodoo do in streams? Is it difficult to paddle? One thing I've read about the wahoo is how fast it is and how well it tracks. That's what I really like about it. The two things I don't like is the seat, or should I actually say that I just pref6the seat on the vodoo or zulu MORE. I also like how on the zulu you get so many mounting options on the back for power poles, trolling motors, etc. So this is kind of making me lean towards the zulu but I don't want to give up too much speed, tracking, paddling ability that the wahoo offers.
I'd imagine the vodoo handles much like the zulu so have you paddled a wahoo as a comparison?
I have very little experience with other boats so it's hard to compare for me. I've never personally paddled a Wahoo but I've done A LOT of homework on them. Talked to Kevin. Talked to dealers. So take this with a grain of salt. From what I gather:
1. The Voodoo is more stable (but the Wahoo is a very stable boat)
2. The Wahoo is faster. It is known as one of the quickest "fishing" kayaks to paddle.
3. The Wahoo is intended for rougher water while the Voodoo is intended for calmer water.
The Voodoo handles "waves" and rough water (getting beat around in some rapids) just fine. I mainly paddle rivers and streams but they are what most would call "lazy rivers". Very little white water. I've had it in what would probably be considered class II though.
Where it doesn't do as well is having to change directions quickly. Rougher water I wouldn't worry too much about, but if the streams you are looking to fish have a lot of rocks sticking up out of the water (these are the enemy, if you are going to flip a Voodoo a rock is probably involved) the Wahoo might be the better choice. Other than it being harder to turn (it tracks great, wants to go straight for you) the only other issue I can think of is in really rough water when you are getting beat around side by side, sometimes it's hard staying on the seat. Unless you ride up on a rock you aren't flipping the Voodoo, but you can slide off that high seat. The seat has a very dense and thick foam. Very comfortable but under it is a sheet of aluminum. You don't "sink" into it like a conventional kayak seat. It really is comfortable. But it's reinforced so you can stand on the seat and sight fish.
IMHO the Voodoo paddles great for what it is; a large ultra-stable kayak with a high seat meant for fishing. If you are paddling miles on flat water the Wahoo is going to paddle better as it's known as a fast kayak. Both kayaks track great.
I think if you are picking between the two you are picking between the Voodoo's ultra-stability and high seat versus the Wahoo's quickness and ability to cut through chop (due to the aggressive bow shape). The downside of the Wahoo is just the "average" framed kayak seat which offers no height adjustments. It's I believe 5-6" off the deck. The Voodoo is 10" off the deck and 24" if you are sitting on the back perch. Big difference.
Even fishing moving water primarily (small rivers and large creeks), I don't regret picking the Voodoo over the Wahoo. But my waters don't require more than the Voodoo. Yours might.
I've been thinking a lot about adding two YakGadget QuickMount Shallow Water Anchors to the side power pole plates. What's crazy is if I do that I still have THREE power pole mounts left to play with lol.
The Zulu looks to be a cross between the Voodoo and the Wahoo. There's not a ton out there on it yet though. But it looks like you might give up a "little" stability and gain a little "speed" and "maneuverability". It's probably better suited for rougher water than the Voodoo is to be honest. If I was shopping now, knowing what waters I fish, I would probably pick the Zulu. But again, I'm not selling my Voodoo to do it. I love that boat.
Dens228 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 1:56 AM, TnRiver46 said:That depends on the jon boat..... Unless you have two cars and two free days, you aren't getting a kayak where my boat is sitting in this picture. We did it with one vehicle in an afternoon. We used to only dream of day trips fishing there with kayak/canoe until I created that rig
I'm sure there are plenty of places out of reach distance wise for me and my kayak. But there are two places I fish that have back quarries connected by to the main quarry via a cut channel that are maybe 40 inches wide and a good 50 yards long. No land access to them either.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 9:35 PM, Dens228 said:I'm sure there are plenty of places out of reach distance wise for me and my kayak. But there are two places I fish that have back quarries connected by to the main quarry via a cut channel that are maybe 40 inches wide and a good 50 yards long. No land access to them either.
I have a couple quarries near my house I need to explore. That's where the yaks and canoes are awesome, no boat ramp no problem
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 9:30 PM, HookInMouth said:I have very little experience with other boats so it's hard to compare for me. I've never personally paddled a Wahoo but I've done A LOT of homework on them. Talked to Kevin. Talked to dealers. So take this with a grain of salt. From what I gather:
1. The Voodoo is more stable (but the Wahoo is a very stable boat)
2. The Wahoo is faster. It is known as one of the quickest "fishing" kayaks to paddle.
3. The Wahoo is intended for rougher water while the Voodoo is intended for calmer water.
The Voodoo handles "waves" and rough water (getting beat around in some rapids) just fine. I mainly paddle rivers and streams but they are what most would call "lazy rivers". Very little white water. I've had it in what would probably be considered class II though.
Where it doesn't do as well is having to change directions quickly. Rougher water I wouldn't worry too much about, but if the streams you are looking to fish have a lot of rocks sticking up out of the water (these are the enemy, if you are going to flip a Voodoo a rock is probably involved) the Wahoo might be the better choice. Other than it being harder to turn (it tracks great, wants to go straight for you) the only other issue I can think of is in really rough water when you are getting beat around side by side, sometimes it's hard staying on the seat. Unless you ride up on a rock you aren't flipping the Voodoo, but you can slide off that high seat. The seat has a very dense and thick foam. Very comfortable but under it is a sheet of aluminum. You don't "sink" into it like a conventional kayak seat. It really is comfortable. But it's reinforced so you can stand on the seat and sight fish.
IMHO the Voodoo paddles great for what it is; a large ultra-stable kayak with a high seat meant for fishing. If you are paddling miles on flat water the Wahoo is going to paddle better as it's known as a fast kayak. Both kayaks track great.
I think if you are picking between the two you are picking between the Voodoo's ultra-stability and high seat versus the Wahoo's quickness and ability to cut through chop (due to the aggressive bow shape). The downside of the Wahoo is just the "average" framed kayak seat which offers no height adjustments. It's I believe 5-6" off the deck. The Voodoo is 10" off the deck and 24" if you are sitting on the back perch. Big difference.
Even fishing moving water primarily (small rivers and large creeks), I don't regret picking the Voodoo over the Wahoo. But my waters don't require more than the Voodoo. Yours might.
I've been thinking a lot about adding two YakGadget QuickMount Shallow Water Anchors to the side power pole plates. What's crazy is if I do that I still have THREE power pole mounts left to play with lol.
The Zulu looks to be a cross between the Voodoo and the Wahoo. There's not a ton out there on it yet though. But it looks like you might give up a "little" stability and gain a little "speed" and "maneuverability". It's probably better suited for rougher water than the Voodoo is to be honest. If I was shopping now, knowing what waters I fish, I would probably pick the Zulu. But again, I'm not selling my Voodoo to do it. I love that boat.
Thank you for taking the time to give me such a great review and your thoughts between them. Very much appreciated! It really does come down to the seat height and extra slots for mounting on the stern. I think the zulu would handle the waters I fish just fine. But I still like the speed agility of the wahoo. Ughh, tough decision!!
On 1/17/2020 at 9:40 PM, TnRiver46 said:I have a couple quarries near my house I need to explore. That's where the yaks and canoes are awesome, no boat ramp no problem
Up until 5 years ago I use to manage the IT for about 60 quarries covering a 4 state region. I had some of the best fishing holes known to man at these quarries. Man I sure do miss that access!!!
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 10:38 PM, SuperDuty said:Ughh, tough decision!!
Hahaha. Right. I'm a huge Kaku guy. Big fan. But there are lots of great yaks out there. Some really good companies. Compare them all. Find the one that "calls to you". And of course, demo if you can.
SuperDuty reply :
I did hear back from Kaku regarding the Zulu. He said the zulu would be an excellent fast river boat as that's what they've done most of their testing of it on. So I just may end up with it.
HookInMouth reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 11:54 PM, SuperDuty said:I did hear back from Kaku regarding the Zulu. He said the zulu would be an excellent fast river boat as that's what they've done most of their testing of it on. So I just may end up with it.
That is great info. Really. I'm gonna throw that in my back pocket and save it for when the wife isn't looking...
Did you talk to Kevin or Jacinda? Good people down there. My Voodoo shipped without the bolts to attach the seat. Got a personal call from Kevin apologizing and sent them out the same day. Also told me to save his cell number in case I need anything else. Told me to text/call him if I have any questions. A different kind of company.
SuperDuty reply :
On 1/18/2020 at 12:38 AM, HookInMouth said:That is great info. Really. I'm gonna throw that in my back pocket and save it for when the wife isn't looking...
Did you talk to Kevin or Jacinda? Good people down there. My Voodoo shipped without the bolts to attach the seat. Got a personal call from Kevin apologizing and sent them out the same day. Also told me to save his cell number in case I need anything else. Told me to text/call him if I have any questions. A different kind of company.
I don't really know. Just used the contact form and had a few different questions and they replied back to both of my emails. They didn't leave a name in their reply though.
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 3:02 AM, Harold Scoggins said:I've glided right over bass and they either didn't see me or didn't care.
Same here... In my kayaks and my float tubes, the bass did not care. They would follow me in my tube... Turtles follow me too, but they follow anything .
Boomstick reply :
I thought this was going to be a tragic or depressing post but as it turns out, it's not. I'm glad you found what you like
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