yak time - suggestions?
 

just found out the bonus plan at my office can be redeemed for REI gift cards. I have been dreaming of a yak for some time but never with any seriousness. now that it can be a reality i need some help.
i will start out going herring river, north river and Scituate harbor
also planning on using it on ponds and streams.

why do most of you seem to use the sit on rather than in style?

Personally I use a Sit on top, much easier to self rescue imho, no pumping out of water, better cockpit layout/ room for your gear. The North river can get a little sketchy at times, weekend traffic then add in a dropping tide and a NE wind, yahoo!
Good luck, REI carries some nice yaks.
I have a Tarpon 140 by Wilderness Systems and I love it!!!
fyi, I am about 6'-1" 240#

I also prefer a SOT (sit on top) vs. the sit in type. As mentioned before, easier self-rescue, no need to pump, etc. Also, much easier to shift your body around to get good casting angles. You can even sit sideways (like on a bench) with your feet in the water and drift. In a sit in, your body is more or less locked into a straight-forward position. Also, SOTs offer better areas to keep fish and store gear (on top and not inside the yak). Many mounting surfaces for extra rod holders, fishfinder/GPS, etc. I think most SOTs tend to be a bit heavier though.

SOTs are not as dry for the paddler, even if you use scupper plugs, compared to a sit-in with a spray skirt. However, dressed appropriately (I wear a farmer-john style wet suit, booties, and a Simms drytop) I fish comfortably in as low as 55 degree water (prime striper season) as long as there's some sunshine.

I have an Ocean Kayak 15 Prowler and it's a great boat. Tracks very straight even when paddling hard (i.e., no side to side bow shift). I probably could have gotten away with a 13 Prowler (I weigh about 185-190). But heavier guys like the 15. If you're going to do rivers, you may want to consider a shorter boat (easier to turn) or a rudder, but it won't be as fast or as stable in choppy waters.

Ocean Kayak and Wilderness Systems both make great boats.

Good luck!

I like the SOTs. I've got an Ocean Kayak Malibu 2, it's really stable and I have enough room for my gear. I don't have it rigged as far as rod holders go, but I manage pretty well with it.

here's mine :vamp:

Everybody has their personal reasons for what they like. Having owned several of both styles, I'll break ranks here and state I preffer SINK's. Not any SINK but wider versions with large cockpits. Here are my main reasons:
1) Usaully better stability for the same length and width ( since you sit lower)
2) Better speed /handling due to hull shapes/ lower wind resistance/ profile.
3)Weather/elemint protection for me/my gear. -I use a simple/sliding "mini skirt" that keeps out water but allows me instant access to my (DRY!) gear/lunch etc below decks. Keeps me and my gear dry all the time ( i.e no paddle drippings spray, floating /soaked tackle bags.) but can be pushed back (think curtain vs wrap around arangement) It also alows you easier (wet or dry) exit/entrance or sun. The mini skirt maes a great stripping apron too.
4) No special clothing required- This arangement allows me to wear shorts and keep from getting my (white:-) legs fried in the summer and keeps my lower half warmer in the spring /Fall and even winter.

Down side is that deep water self rescue is more dififcult (IF you ever need to. Havn't yet.) Still, I always wear a pfd and generally fish within a short swim/tow of shallow water/land.

I agree with Wee Hooker . I have a Necky Santa Cruz and when it gets nasty I would much rather be in a SINK. That being said there are a lot of advantages to the SOT. Somehow wearing waders in a yak is not a good idea in my opinion. Just my .02. I guess I'm a little conservative when it comes to safety in a yak. FishHawk

i cant see wearing waders in/on a boat. maybe wetsuit farmerjohns and a on cold days a top too.

i want something small enough to navigate streams and rivers
and large enough to be stable for me to go along the bays and estuaries
argh

I fish a sink , it has a large cockpit and very roomy at 14 feet

Never wear waders in or on any yak ... Well wear the if you want to die