have any of you guys/gals invested in yak and just wasn't into?
didn't feel like they could do all they could do with it?
wasn't comfortable fishing in a one?

OR!

realized that it was even better then they thought?
got way more use out of it then they thought?
Love it and wont go without it?

I know this most likely should be in the Kayak Forum but I don't just want the opinions of the die-hard yakers. I'm more interested in the few people who tried it and found out it was or wasn't for them.

Its just up in the air for me. I don't mind trekking way out to get where I want to be, its really half of the fun for me. Although there is just a few spots where I start to think "if only.."

I just got one this year and so far I love it. I have to admit, it hasn't been the "end all be all" I thought it was going to be, but I'm still getting a lot of use out of it. I say it's not the end all be all because I'm still very weary of taking it out in the open ocean at night along rocky structure, and I think that's when it would really shine, the ability to drag an eel over a LOT of water is bound to produce great results. I'll try that eventually but now I'm just trying to get comfortable with it during the day in the swells, which I'm pretty much there. The best part about the yak is that you can troll, which in my opinion is just easy and relaxing fishing. I love surfcasting too much to give up, so I'll always be somewhat of a surf rat, but the kayak is definitely worth it for me.

I have been using mine in the local ponds more than the ocean. For quick easy access it can't be beat. If I only have a couple hours to fish, I can load up in 5 minutes and have the ability to go anywhere. It has been in the ocean twice this year also.

...it's also a great way to access shore areas that may be impossible to get to any other way, because of private property or parking issues or there may be just no way to walk there (some marshes I fish in the Bay are that way).

...it's also a great way to access shore areas that may be impossible to get to any other way, because of private property or parking issues or there may be just no way to walk there (some marshes I fish in the Bay are that way).

Living in Ct I just looked at one today for that very reason. The very first spot will be directly under a 15 million dollar home that would take about 45 minutes and three legal violations to access. By yak about 10 minutes from car top to beach front :hee:

I would suggest renting or borrowing a yak at first to see if it's your "cup of tea". Even if you don't plan on doing much fishing from the yak it makes areas much more accessible.

If you are new to kayaking I wouldn't even worry about bringing the rods with you the first time or two. Get out on the water and get a feel for things, preferably with a buddy who has some experience. You may want to practice reentry should you dump the yak.

Lastly, should you decide to purchase your own you will need to decide whether you want a sit on top, or a sit inside, paddle or pedal, if possible try as many yaks as possible to see what works for you.

As a part time kayak fishing guide, my guide service partner and I have witnessed quite a few smiling faces as first timers become addicted to kayak fishing. Good luck!

One more thing, ALWAYS wear your PFD.

Kevin

thanks for all the input!

I did end up lending one from a buddy (his old sik). since I never fished out of one before... it was great experience, minus bringing a 8' set-up along with me. Where I fish there is a ton of spots that you can't access by the beach. I think I'm going to take my time with it but look into a SOT, my buddy had a Hobie when we went out and it looked like it was way easier to fish. especially with the peddle. I think I will skip a peddle kayak for this season but I'm definitely going to try to get a decent SOT.

I've done VERY little shore fishing since getting the Yak. At first, your results will go down as you learn and get comfortable. There is a learning curve so be prepared. It's definitely NOT a motor boat, but it will give you infinitley more access than hoofing it on foot.

I've never felt too comfortable fishing from a kayak. Done some freshwater from what I would call a recreational kayak, but just didn't feel to into. May be because I've fished from an 18' Boston Whaler my whole life. It is something I'd like to get into though. A Hobie with peddles seems like sure bet and easier to fish from, but have never used one.

just another thought.... the kayak is perfect for a surfcaster looking to expand their range (and who is comfortable with the idea of bobbing around in the ocean on a piece of plastic)
however, I can already sense (for me at least) that the kayak is a "gateway drug" if you will, a stepping stone to becoming a full blown boat guy, scary I know, because then NONE of my fish will count.... :D :rotflmao:

I just picked up a SOT and I'm itching to get out and fish.
I had talked to a number of yak fishermen over the past year, and based on the excitement in their descriptions, I will probably never want to come ashore again. Of course, I do love the surfcasting aspect of striper fishing, but the yak will definitely add anotgher dimension. That plus the added options for fresh water action as well.

just another thought.... the kayak is perfect for a surfcaster looking to expand their range (and who is comfortable with the idea of bobbing around in the ocean on a piece of plastic)
however, I can already sense (for me at least) that the kayak is a "gateway drug" if you will, a stepping stone to becoming a full blown boat guy, scary I know, because then NONE of my fish will count.... :D :rotflmao:

haha..yeah, I didnt get a yak. I got a small 8' aluminum pram, and yes it was a gateway drug. turned me into a 19' boat owner/addict in 2yrs.

I love mine. Best thing I ever invested in.

Just spent a week on block island.. long story short, i took my yak, used it for about 10 minutes and realized that all the fish were 10 feet off the beach. It sat at the house all week.

I think the yak has its place though. It is the ultimate search and destroy tool for seeking out soletary bass that are not schooled up, and its a great way to access shore fishing areas that are not accessable by foot.

I used to surfcast off of seal rock in newport many moons ago with my 1st kayak.. it was insane.
I will never abandon surfcasting for yak fishing though..

I love my kayak it gives me much more of a advantage. I still fish from the surf alot but now when the heat is upon us i can get to the deeper water.