fishing kayak decission 2025

sgibby88 reply :

Ive been wanting to get my hands on a fishing kayak for a while now and have came down to one of two kayaks. An atak 140 and a big rig. Anybody have any experience with these two models? If so how do you like them? If you had a choice which one would you pick and why? I would like a kayak with the propulsion setup but the cost is more then I want to spend as I plan on doing a few things to the kayak as soon as I get it. Thanks again

Darren. reply :

I do not fish either, but I have read that both are

quality decisions, each of which will allow you to

stand and fish. So by my estimation, either will

do, although, I do suggest one gets sit-in time in

kayaks you're interested in...

flyfisher reply :

I don't have experience with the big rig but i do own an ATAK and have had one for two seasons now. It is my favorite fishing kayak that I have owned thus far for the fishing i do.

Pros:

stability-best i have experienced

speed

lots of room

tracks already installed for rigging

comfy seat

flex pod is outstanding

Cons:

weight-it is a pig to cartop but once you get the technique down it isn't too bad--i did it on my wrangler for over a year

maneuverability isn't great

seat fastening system stinks-not a concern if trailering the boat

hatches can leak

Overall it isa great boat and i have no intentions on selling mine or getting anything new anytime soon. It also has the ability to be upgraded to a motor later on if desired.

Is there any specific question you would like to know, just ask away....

sgibby88 reply :

That's the one thing that does suck about both models is they do have some weight to them from the specs ive seen. And being both models have some nice length to them I already considered maneuverability to be on the crappy side. But I like the width they have to offer so I imagine the stability is amazing. I will keep that in mind flyfisher as I will be doing a lot of homework on both models. Tired of bank fishing and a boat isn't an option right now

flyfisher reply :

i can paddle my ATAK at 3.5MPH comfortably. The design is also great for shedding wind as well, which in a kayak is probably the hardest thing to deal with.

Tracker22 reply :

I fish a big rig and it is a beast. I put mine on a trailer. The ATAK looks like a good yak ( several of my buddies have them). Both are quality. It's definitely a hard choice. But I don't have any complaints with the big rig.

Landis Carrier reply :

I'm a car topper and weight was a big issue for me. I seriously considered the ATAK but the weight just scared me away. Maybe check out the Jackson LT line (if you're car topping) I went with the Cuda LT and have been extremely happy with it. Otherwise the two you are considering are amazing yaks!

Turtle135 reply :

The ATAK is also offered in a 12' version, the ATAK 120, which brings the weight down 10 pounds.

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/products?family[]=458&activity[]=24&type[]=28

https://tightlinejunkiejournal.pivotshare.com/media/maiden-voyage-atak-120/56519/feature

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RtdRO7j1ew

flyfisher reply :

On 1/30/2017 at 8:55 PM, Landis Carrier said:

I'm a car topper and weight was a big issue for me. I seriously considered the ATAK but the weight just scared me away. Maybe check out the Jackson LT line (if you're car topping) I went with the Cuda LT and have been extremely happy with it. Otherwise the two you are considering are amazing yaks!

The weight is a deterrent but i found three things that really seemed to help.

1-remove the seat

2-remove the front hatch cover

3-learn the balance point of the kayak

Taking off the front hatch cover made a big difference, not so much in weight but in the balance point. I would basically squat down, get the kayak on its side, grab the side rails and lift it with straight arms over my head and slide it on the top of my jeep. Sounds more complicated than it really is. There are also lots of other ways to do it as well involving bath mats and sliding the front end up etc....

I do have trailer now though

mixel reply :

Although I haven't used either of those, I've spent a good amount of time on Hobie Mirage 13 kayaks in the ocean and I can say they are a b*tch to move between the vehicle and water if you're by yourself. Very heavy, long, and cumbersome. They have a fitted hull weight of 70.5 lbs. I can't imagine going heavier than that without a trailer and I consider myself pretty in shape and fit. I'm not getting any younger though.

For comparison, the Big Rig weights 99lbs and the Atak 120 weigh 86lbs, and Atak 140 weights 95lbs. Both those rigs look really nice for fishing though! I'm sure you can't wrong with either.

kschultz76 reply :

This may not help your decision but I have a Jackson Kilroy and love it. It is a great platform for fishing with great storage. Personally I prefer a sink to a sot. Good luck and I'm sure you'll enjoy the freedom of kayak fishing which ever you decide.

dwh4784 reply :

I car top and went with a fairly small kayak mainly due to storage concerns, but as far as weight just keep in mind you have to load that thing up after paddling it out on the water for several hours. It always feels heavier at the end of the day especially if you have to carry it from the water very far.

YoTone reply :

The Perception Pilot is what im looking into. Hard to beat that price for a new pedal propulsion kayak.

If I cant find a used native at a price im willing to pay i might go this route.

mixel reply :

On 2/2/2017 at 1:21 PM, dwh4784 said:

I car top and went with a fairly small kayak mainly due to storage concerns, but as far as weight just keep in mind you have to load that thing up after paddling it out on the water for several hours. It always feels heavier at the end of the day especially if you have to carry it from the water very far.

This is so true. Every time we get out of the ocean, and I'm exhausted, it's even harder to lug the kayaks back to the truck, especially while trying to not to slip on the shore or carry up a few stairs barefoot. Good workout for the forearms but it's not exactly an ergonomic position carry a kayak. Remember to use your legs, not your back!

Turkey sandwich reply :

I own neither, but would really like to paddle an ATAK. I have a similarly large Lure 13.5 and I can't load it car top without help (just too awkward to lift). The pros and cons are pretty similar to those mentioned above with the Big Rig and ATAK, only likely slower. My suggestion is to either trailer a boat that size or make sure you have friends to help loading it.

YoTone reply :

On 2/3/2017 at 5:45 PM, Turkey sandwich said:

I own neither, but would really like to paddle an ATAK. I have a similarly large Lure 13.5 and I can't load it car top without help (just too awkward to lift). The pros and cons are pretty similar to those mentioned above with the Big Rig and ATAK, only likely slower. My suggestion is to either trailer a boat that size or make sure you have friends to help loading it.

Ugh, that Lure 13 is what ive been looking at. I found one used and was wondering how bad it would be to car top. Do you try to car top it on a suv or a regular sized sedan?

Turkey sandwich reply :

Sedan. I have the Thule folding kayak mounts and it is pretty close to impossible to load by my self. I generally like the boat a lot except for loading and storage.

mixel reply :

On 2/4/2017 at 4:55 AM, Turkey sandwich said:

Sedan. I have the Thule folding kayak mounts and it is pretty close to impossible to load by my self. I generally like the boat a lot except for loading and storage.

Good to know as I've been considering a roof rack for the 4Runner. Which model are you talking about?

https://www.realtruck.com/kayak-racks-canoe-carriers/

guest reply :

I have my eyes on the lure 115

BrianSnat reply :

I've been looking at the ATK 140 and sort of drooling over it, but in the end, I'm happy with my canoe for car topping. It is way lighter and a cinch to car top and carry, has way more room for stuff and does the job well.

Turkey sandwich reply :

On 2/4/2017 at 7:37 AM, mixel said:

Good to know as I've been considering a roof rack for the 4Runner. Which model are you talking about?

https://www.realtruck.com/kayak-racks-canoe-carriers/

Hull-a-port, I think.regardless of rack (some maybe easier to load), getting a big kayak on top is much, much easier with a second person.

mixel reply :

Thanks for the info. Yah I have serious concern being able to load a kayak on top of my 4Runner without scraping the hell out of the paint or falling off myself as I try to perch up on tires to hook the thing up. I've never tried to launch or get out on anything besides nearly flat beach. Trying to load something solid on a steep boat ramp would be ridiculous by myself. A true benny hill moment for sure.

kschultz76 reply :

On 2/4/2017 at 1:31 PM, mixel said:

Thanks for the info. Yah I have serious concern being able to load a kayak on top of my 4Runner without scraping the hell out of the paint or falling off myself as I try to perch up on tires to hook the thing up. I've never tried to launch or get out on anything besides nearly flat beach. Trying to load something solid on a steep boat ramp would be ridiculous by myself. A true benny hill moment for sure.

I have a 4Runner as well, had an Explorer before. Car topping solo on a tall suv is very difficult and a great to ding something. I was worried about it like you when I got my Kilroy, it is not light. I have two other kayaks that are much lighter and easier to load. I also find with the Kilroy it's not just the weight, it's how wide it is and how poorly it balances that makes if harder then weight alone.

I didnt want want a trailer to store and because I wanted to be able to take it places while towing something else. I chose to spend the money on a set of Thule Hull a vators. Expensive, yes they are. But they are the only way I could load this boat by myself, and they work incredibly well. I highly recommend you budget for them if you were already going to get a rack. I'm using the Thule Aeroblade bars and they're fantastic, way quieter and way better then my old Yakima round bars. But keep an eye on your total weight because the carriers are heavy themselves and with a large boat you'll be pushing the overall limit for the 4Runners roof rails.

Dye99 reply :

Another ATAK owner here. Awesome boats, wouldnt trade mine for anything.

ChrisD46 reply :

On my short list :

- New Old Town Predator PDL 14'

- Wilderness Systems Radar 135 14'

Both have what appear to be awesome pedal powered systems ! *Given the choice (other than price / amputee) why would you NOT want to have a pedal propulsion system so you can keep your hands free for fishing ? To me it is clunky to have to figure out what you have to do with your paddle while casting or fighting a fish - not to mention repositioning the Yak if need be once a fish is hooked .

mixel reply :

I've used the pedal power systems in Hobie's in the ocean and I can say without a doubt, the pedal system stuff is AWESOME! However, knowing certain instances in bass fishing I want to be pretty shallow, they could get in the way. I've hit bottom in harbors and it's quite a pain when that happens. But of course if you're expecting shallow stuff, you can remove them and use the paddle.

sgibby88 reply :

I really like the idea of the pedal propulsion but my thing is if I want to stand in the kayak and fish how much space will I lose with the pedal assembly right there? And some of the creeks I want to fish with it have some very shallow sections to navigate through

mixel reply :

That's a good point sgibby, however I think the pedal systems are usually positioned far enough forward that you're not going to be standing in that area of the kayak. I could be wrong as I've never tried standing up in the kayaks I've used on the ocean. I didn't realize until right now that Hobie seems to have the market cornered on pedal systems. I don't see anything even close to theirs. So I guess wanting a pedal system would significantly narrow your choices as to which kayak to buy.

http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/articles/paddlepedal.html

Some pics for feet placement comparison

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d823b3127ccef011f65cfa3900000040O08AatmzRs3cNwe3nwE/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

mixel reply :

There are a lot of nice kayaks on the market for anglers. Tough to choose.

ChrisD46 reply :

Mixel : It amazes me the ocean Yakers who have just caught fish (with blood in the mix) who then dangle their feet in the water ! Central CA. are Great White Shark waters - you are a braver man than me !!

mixel reply :

On 2/7/2017 at 7:41 PM, ChrisD46 said:

Mixel : It amazes me the ocean Yakers who have just caught fish (with blood in the mex) who then dangle their feet in the water ! Central CA. are Great White Shark waters - you are a braver man than me !!

I should clarify. Not me in the pic and I would NEVER ocean fish from a kayak for exactly the reason you mentioned. Too many great whites on the entire coast of California. In Cambria, there have been several bumps on kayakers from the landlord (great white), including one guy who was unlucky enough to have the shark attack the front of his kayak. The jolt threw the guy into the water. Not long after the shark let go and left, while the guy climbed back on. But that is one of the types of kayaks we use for the ocean.

sgibby88 reply :

Kudos to those who take a kayak out in them waters. That's one thing I probably wouldn't do. That's my luck I'd get knocked off by one. To each their own though

I'll check that link out once I get home to the pc. For me the price difference for something with pedal propulsion will take some thought as that's a nice penny to spend for a kayak.

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fishing kayak decission 2025

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