Length difference in kayaks 2025

crankbait2009 reply :

I need some help when it comes to length of a kayak.

I recently sold my fs128t kayak. It was 12'-8", and it weighed 97 pounds bare. For my style of fishing, it was way too large.

So I have highly considered the perception pescador pro 100. I do know it's only 10ft. The weight is considerably less. I just went and seen it in person. It's a real nice kayak, and easy for me to carry. Lifted up to my chest with one hand. Totally night and day compared to the ascend. I dont need much storage and if I do, i have a milk crate.

So my question is this. I need help from someone that has had both 12 and 10 foot kayaks. At what cost is it to lose the tracking the longer kayak provides? From someone that has had a 12, and wants to drop to a 10, is the tracking that much different between the two? Would it even be that noticeable?

Harold Scoggins reply :

I don't own a 10' (yet) but I can tell the difference in tracking between the 15', 13', and 12' yaks that I own. I've always heard that the 10' yaks shine on rivers and streams when it comes to steering.

crankbait2009 reply :

I am hearing that a wind chute, anchor, etc would also remedy this tracking problem. Is that accurate?

I'm never on large open bodies of water, like the Ohio River or Lake Erie. More like narrow rivers and manmade lakes at state parks. If that matters.

Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :

I have pro 100 but never been in 12’. The tracking is not really bad but I do have to adjust tracking every once awhile it might be the way I paddle though. Steering is pretty easy My concern to you is standing, do you stand and fish on your FS128? You might not be able to do it with pro 100. I can stand up no problem but stable is not a lot of room.

crankbait2009 reply :

Yes, I did stand on the FS128T to fish. but more times than not, I was sitting. I was actually more comfortable in the seated position. So standing to fish wasn't a big deal breaker on the Pesci 100. As long as I can stand to get in/out, and occasionally fish, I'm cool with that.

I have placed the order from ACK, hopefully it comes in quick so I can start the DIY work on it

kjfishman reply :

Generally the longer the better for tracking. I went from a 13' 8" to 12' 6" to save weight. The Loon 126 tracks as good as the Loon 138 but My wife's kayak was a 10 foot Loon 100 and did not track as well and seemed less stable as either of the longer yaks. You really need to test drive the ones your interested to be sure. You mention narrow rivers and streams and a 10 footer has an advantage in that environment.

Brad Reid reply :

I have a Slayer Propel 10, one of the best kayak fishing vessels out there regardless of size. It is super stable seated, just "okay" standing and I really only do it to stretch my legs and only in calm water. The main issue it has is the stern can swing around a bit and it tracks oddly in heavy wind and waves.

I have owned 12 and 13 footers, one Big Rig and another Jackson model, and they tracked better, for sure. But, I have this general theory that if you can't reach it, all that extra length is a waste.

The 10 footer has another extreme advantage. It is so easy to move around that I simply get out way more often in it than I do in kayaks that have a lot of set-up time, issues getting on and off the water, etc.

Brad

haggard reply :

Tracking might depend as much on hull design (such as bottom and bow shape) as it does on length but in general the 10' will probably feel more nimble than a 12, but you may have to add more paddle input.

Tracking sounds like something that's important when you're moving, not fishing (unless you fish while you move, which is very hard to do if you're paddling). If you want to go in a straight line from point A to B, you don't want to be making corrections all the time. You might think a longer boat would be better, but I have a 12' yak (no not the Hobie ) that seems to want to wander off course and is very hard to bring back, while the 10' tippy cheapo Sundolphin responds better to corrections and may actually be easier to keep on track for that reason.

If boat weight is a concern, for loading/transporting/etc, then tracking may not be as important a factor, but only you can decide that.

Eric86 reply :

I own a pescador pro 120 and I honestly think there are better options out there. I would look at a pelican catch 100 or 120. If I could do it again I would do a 10 foot and probably a pelican.

Sam reply :

Crankbait, good question.

It solves the everlasting question: Does Size Matter?

Seems the answer is YES for kayaks.

Let us know how you like your 10-footer; its weight; ease of transportation; ease of putting in and taking it out at the ramp; and fishing from it.

My friend downsized from his big kayak to a 10-footer and he fishes a state reservoir and he does great. At least he tells me he does great. So far he has not capsized the kayak and according to him every bass he catches weighs around eight pounds.

crankbait2009 reply :

I'll never run into bass that size around here.

But I'll definitely come back to this thread once I get the yak on the water. I'll report with pros and cons and I'll go off memory to compare the ascend to the new pesci pro 100.

Thanks for all the input

Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :

Be aware, the rod holder on pro 100 is a joke. It is too big and not secure at all to use. The battery compartment is good only for small stuff like pliers, xtra leash or your phone, it would fit only 5amp battery no dry box. The well in the back always get water in there is you don’t want your things wet you have to buy 2 extra plugs. I didn’t do much on my pro, just recently install yakattack anchor trolley.

I didnt fish in kayak much at all last year, only one time and caught one bass. I pledge to use it more this year, along with my float tube.

here picture of my setup

crankbait2009 reply :

I am making my own scupper plugs to remedy the water coming up. As for the rod holder, I have a crate that I am attaching the holders to. I heard about the deck holders being large. I saw the kayak in person yesterday, and noticed that as well.

thanks for the heads up

what is that green thing? Dry bag?

Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :

Yup for key phone and most important my cig. The rear well is big but will not fit regular milk crate 13x19. You would have to get the rectangular one.

Crankin4Bass reply :

I have the same kayak. Its actually 10’6”. I bought it after renting the 12” many times. (I had an unlimited summer pass at a local lake.) I also debated getting the 10 vs 12. I think the 10 tracks really well. I fish mostly small ponds and wanted something easier to load on the roof that had a comfortable lawn chair seat. Also both sizes are terrible for standing. If you want to stand you need something bigger but it will weigh more. As James mentioned the rod holders are totally useless. I fact I lost a rod one time when I was renting the 12. It was a cheap spinning combo, but still a bummer. (On the upside it gave me an excuse to get something nicer. ????) I got a crate and a 3 rod holder and zip tied it to the outside of the crate. Added some paracord with carabiners to clip the rods in place so I don’t lose another rod. Definitely need scupper plugs especially under the seat as it doesn’t drain well and water will pool under your seat. I haven’t done any mods. I also don’t like the built in handles. I would like to add some handles but haven’t decided whether to put them on the side or the top. Feel free to ask any questions.

J Francho reply :

I've tried a few ten footers, and I just can't. 12' seems to be the ticket. There just isn't room for what I need in a ten foot layout, and it severely restricts waters, and weather conditions I can go out in. I think you can find lighter options, in a better length and layout. 97 lbs. for a 12-8 boat is really heavy. Even my tank of a 13' PBG was around 84 lbs. My current Hobie Compass is 75, at 12'. My 14' Commander 140 is 65, but that is more a hybrid boat.

Paul Roberts reply :

If you have tracking problems, you could try adding a skeg.

jaimeastin reply :

I have 3 10' kayaks, one 12 footer, and hat 1 16 footer. My favorite is the 12 footer. It is faster, tracks exceptionally well, stable, and can carry a lot of gear.

The 10 footers just do not track well at all. They are easy to move around and I like to take them because they are very mobile, but they are slow and just not like a awesome 12 footer.

The 16 was just too long and was a touring kayak for big water. It was great for what it could do. Very fast, but just not for the fishing I do.

12 foot kayaks should be the standard and that's that. I am going to get another, but I am looking for a light weight one. I like paddle kayaks more than peddle and all of these other huge kayaks.

flyfisher reply :

Tracking is as much about the hull as the length but the general rule of thumb is that the longer the kayak the better it tracks. I have owned multiple kayaks ranging from 10' up to my current 14' boat. I'll take a little extra weight for the advantages a longer boat provides. It doesn't do great in smaller rivers but it works good enough for my use.

While I didn't rad every comment so not sure if this was mentioned but a longer kayak will generally have a shallower draft than a shorter one which can come in handy, especially on rivers or getting to hard to access areas in lakes.

Crankin4Bass reply :

Forgot to mention that Perception makes scupper plugs for their kayaks that fit perfectly.

https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/scupper-hole-plugs

You can find them cheaper on amazon, just search for "Harmony Scupper Plugs." Harmony is the parent company of Wilderness Systems and Perception.

No doubt 12 footers are the sweet spot. I bought the 10 for slightly lower weight as I have a bad back and every pound counts when I have to hoist a kayak on top of my 4runner. I wish the places I fish had room to park with a trailer. I wound up getting a Thule Outrigger to help. I think I am ready for something lighter. Can anyone recommend a light 12 foot sit on top with a lawn chair style seat?

crankbait2009 reply :

I purchased foam black golf balls to create my scupper plugs. Didnt want the green or yellow clashing with the kayak color.

jaimeastin reply :

I had to have back surgery in august. I used to fish out of my 12' perception sit on top. With my setup, its almost 90 lbs and I have to put it on my fj cruiser. Since the surgery, I haven't used it. Truth is, I wasn't using it before the surgery. I bought my second 10' kayak the year before.

Believe me, I do not like my 10' kayaks for fishing as much as my 12, but my 10' weight like 30lbs, with the sit inside, I can put all of my gear in it and carry it to the water. It tracks badly, but its my current fishing kayak and it gets the job done... So I just can't beat on 10 footers too much. They have purpose and as another user commented, every pound counts.

Crankin4Bass reply :

On 1/31/2019 at 7:40 AM, jaimeastin said:

I had to have back surgery in august. I used to fish out of my 12' perception sit on top. With my setup, its almost 90 lbs and I have to put it on my fj cruiser. Since the surgery, I haven't used it. Truth is, I wasn't using it before the surgery. I bought my second 10' kayak the year before.

Believe me, I do not like my 10' kayaks for fishing as much as my 12, but my 10' weight like 30lbs, with the sit inside, I can put all of my gear in it and carry it to the water. It tracks badly, but its my current fishing kayak and it gets the job done... So I just can't beat on 10 footers too much. They have purpose and as another user commented, every pound counts.

Sorry to hear you had to have back surgery. I hope you heal soon.

Which kayak do you have that is 30lbs? With my bad back I need something light like that to put on my 4runner.

jaimeastin reply :

On 1/31/2019 at 12:00 PM, Crankin4Bass said:

Sorry to hear you had to have back surgery. I hope you heal soon.

Which kayak do you have that is 30lbs? With my bad back I need something light like that to put on my 4runner.

I modified a pelican apex sit on top kayak and a pelican trailblazer sit inside kayak. I have a sit in and a sit on top. I put rod holders on them, fish finder, tie downs and other times to make them very fishable. The current trail blazer is listed at 36 lbs... I know the one I have has a hatch in the rear and was like 29 lbs spec.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/pelican-trailblazer-100-nxt-kayak-17pelutrlblzr100npsk/17pelutrlblzr100npsk?camp=CSE:DSG_pg1053069610_ecom_PLA_452&msclkid=4c53d908ba861f4ee2ee855bd73be727

Crankin4Bass reply :

Thanks Jaime! I like the mods you made. I subscribed to your channel a while ago. Glad to hear that your back is better!

jaimeastin reply :

On 2/2/2019 at 12:07 AM, Crankin4Bass said:

Thanks Jaime! I like the mods you made. I subscribed to your channel a while ago. Glad to hear that your back is better!

I appreciate that .. I just got a warning for promoting my content. It wasn't my intention at all. I just want to help others likeany people have helped me.

Yeah, I am preparing to make up all the fishing I missed out on this year.

Good luck!

FishDewd reply :

On 1/27/2019 at 11:10 PM, Sam said:

Crankbait, good question.

It solves the everlasting question: Does Size Matter?

Let us know how you like your 10-footer; ease of putting in and taking it out...

I couldn't resist, I'm sorry...

crankbait2009 reply :

Here is my review of having the kayak on a LAKE. Winds (10-15mph), very minor boat traffic (water still cold, 50 degrees).

I have finally had the kayak out on the water a few times now and would like to add my 2 cents worth of the experience I have when comparing it to the 12'-8" I had.

First off I do notice that the FS128T IS a little more stable. I forgot what I was doing, but I leaned to the side, and quickly had to upright myself to avoid rolling. Once I got that pivotal point out of the way, I was fine after that. That was a close call. But it is still stable, I just found out what the limits were unintentionally. This was also with the seat in the higher position.

A lot of people mention that these kayaks are slow. Comparing it to the FS128T, I believe it's faster, and doesn't take much for me to go. You definitely feel the weight difference.

As for paddling and turning. Holy crap, I can turn this kayak on a dime. I really like that. Not much effort to change direction. I was able to go a pretty decent speed as well. I did notice that I had to redirect myself more often. Nothing too crazy, but I see where the tracking comes in to play. Especially when the winds started blowing. I did not use the wind chute, or anchor to hold my position. Might try that next time, especially the chute. See if that would make a difference.

I dropped the seat down in to the lower position and that was definitely more comfortable. Easier to paddle, and obviously felt more stable in that position. In the lower position, it definitely makes it a little harder to stand up. I might install an assist strap, like the FS128T has. That was rather convenient.

I definitely like the shorter length. Everything behind me is easy to access, and I don't need to crawl on the deck just to get something.

Putting the kayak on top of the vehicle is soooo easy. I was really worried about that, but that is working out really well. 50 lbs vs 98lbs = night and day, in a good way!

There's some of the things I've noticed so far. All in all, it's definitely a change. Taking a little getting used to. I think it'll get more comfortable and easier the more I use it. Regardless, no turning back now

Tizi reply :

I went through the same thoughts before I purchased my signature kayak. It is actually 10'3" and weighs 53 pounds. It tracks well and you can stand up in it, but I would not do it for long periods or if the water is rough. Very happy with my JK Cruise.

Brad Reid reply :

For my Propel 10, I feel absolutely no disadvantage regarding actual "fishing" speed. Most of us move around at a very predictable 2.5 mph give or take anyway. When I fish along with a PA 14, we move along at the same speed. But, the PA 14 could cross a big lake faster, has more top end speed. It's just not an asset used all that often the way I fish, where I fish.

This is my 10 footer with 4 rocket launchers for my rods, underseat storage for 2 3600s, Boonedox Landing Gear . . . which means I am rolling onto the lake while so many guys with giant kayaks are still back in their driveways.

With this kayak, I can literally fish on a whim which I do often. I just get home or end my day, think to myself that I guess I want to fish for a while, it takes no time to put this on my truck and off I go.

This is the great advantage of a shorter and lighter kayak that you can get it on the water so much easier, so much quicker.

Brad

shootermcbob reply :

On 4/13/2019 at 8:59 AM, Brad Reid said:

For my Propel 10, I feel absolutely no disadvantage regarding actual "fishing" speed. Most of us move around at a very predictable 2.5 mph give or take anyway. When I fish along with a PA 14, we move along at the same speed. But, the PA 14 could cross a big lake faster, has more top end speed. It's just not an asset used all that often the way I fish, where I fish.

This is my 10 footer with 4 rocket launchers for my rods, underseat storage for 2 3600s, Boonedox Landing Gear . . . which means I am rolling onto the lake while so many guys with giant kayaks are still back in their driveways.

With this kayak, I can literally fish on a whim which I do often. I just get home or end my day, think to myself that I guess I want to fish for a while, it takes no time to put this on my truck and off I go.

This is the great advantage of a shorter and lighter kayak that you can get it on the water so much easier, so much quicker.

Brad

Sweet rig!!!

lukedh94 reply :

Totally new to kayak fishing. Is there a major difference between saltwater and freshwater kayak fishing? Do I need to buy a "saltwater" kayak or would a freshwater one work just as good?

Thanks!

J Francho reply :

There is no difference. Most companies use stainless hardware, and the rest of the boat is made of plastic. Now, if you want to talk big water opposed to flat water, that's a topic for another thread. Not all hulls are designed for breaking surf.

https://www.facebook.com/hobiefishing/videos/10155999829121708/

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