my new yak - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

William Novotny · 10-08-2011, 09:26 PM

After a few weeks of trial and error, I think I found the yak that ill keep for a bit. Its an Ocean Kayak "Manta". Its 16' of offshore beast and I got it for a steal. The manta was made and marketed in 1996 and was discontinued after only 1000 were made. I don't know why, this thing is awesome! Its sturdy, stable, fast and from what I hear, it handles big chop like nothing. It has 2 large A hatches at bow and stern, came with 2 forward faceing flush mounts. I will add 2 rear facing flush mounts, a johnnybar for my scotty and finder. I'm picking up a paranahamax 210 that ill install. I also plan to add a rudder and an anchor system. It has this weird winged nose it looks like a giant squid too!

William Novotny · 10-08-2011, 09:34 PM

tagyak · 10-08-2011, 09:40 PM

nice looking boat; cool nose too. just wondering where would you keep the live well? it seems there really isn't a good spot for one.

William Novotny · 10-08-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tagyak

nice looking boat; cool nose too. just wondering where would you keep the live well? it seems there really isn't a good spot for one.

I know, that's the only thing its missing is a tankwell. I'm exploring the possability of an internal livewell. There is enough room behind the seat and a big enough hatch to get inside and tinker. I'm going to take a bunch of measurements of the inside tomorrow and brainstorm a bunch of ideas.

William Novotny · 10-08-2011, 11:09 PM

But for now I'm draggin a pvc bait tube

pchen911 · 10-08-2011, 11:29 PM

Tough without the rear tankwell. That's what made the difference between Scupper Pro TW being fishable and Scupper Pro not.

Bait tank isn't even the problem, you can just use a bait tube.

But no place to keep tackle or tools or anything else for that matter... especially without a center hatch.

My suggestion is to NOT tinker with it. Use it as-is for a few sessions and find out if you can overcome the storage issues or be willing to live with the limitations.

My bet is you'll want to sell it and upgrade it to something else very shortly after, so don't bother spending money to upgrade it with gadgets.

JRD · 10-10-2011, 08:13 AM

There is tons of room on that ride for more than you need to carry. First get a good fishing seat, that will transfer with you to any kayak you use. Your pliers, knife, and ready tackle can be right there in the seat with you. There is alot of potential for small crates behind the seat or on the back hatch. Its not like you have to bring your offshore tackle bag every trip anyway. The big hatches are great for rod and reel stowage for big launches and landings and dry bags keep everything neat and handy.

Good luck with it and just put miles and miles on her.

10-08-2011, 09:26 PM	#1
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474	my new yak After a few weeks of trial and error, I think I found the yak that ill keep for a bit. Its an Ocean Kayak "Manta". Its 16' of offshore beast and I got it for a steal. The manta was made and marketed in 1996 and was discontinued after only 1000 were made. I don't know why, this thing is awesome! Its sturdy, stable, fast and from what I hear, it handles big chop like nothing. It has 2 large A hatches at bow and stern, came with 2 forward faceing flush mounts. I will add 2 rear facing flush mounts, a johnnybar for my scotty and finder. I'm picking up a paranahamax 210 that ill install. I also plan to add a rudder and an anchor system. It has this weird winged nose it looks like a giant squid too!

10-10-2011, 08:13 AM	#7
JRD Junior Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 21	Storage - NO problem! There is tons of room on that ride for more than you need to carry. First get a good fishing seat, that will transfer with you to any kayak you use. Your pliers, knife, and ready tackle can be right there in the seat with you. There is alot of potential for small crates behind the seat or on the back hatch. Its not like you have to bring your offshore tackle bag every trip anyway. The big hatches are great for rod and reel stowage for big launches and landings and dry bags keep everything neat and handy. Good luck with it and just put miles and miles on her.

10-08-2011, 09:34 PM	#2
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474

10-08-2011, 09:40 PM	#3
tagyak Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Alhambra Posts: 506	nice looking boat; cool nose too. just wondering where would you keep the live well? it seems there really isn't a good spot for one.

10-08-2011, 11:09 PM	#5
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474	But for now I'm draggin a pvc bait tube

10-08-2011, 11:29 PM	#6
pchen911 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 218	Tough without the rear tankwell. That's what made the difference between Scupper Pro TW being fishable and Scupper Pro not. Bait tank isn't even the problem, you can just use a bait tube. But no place to keep tackle or tools or anything else for that matter... especially without a center hatch. My suggestion is to NOT tinker with it. Use it as-is for a few sessions and find out if you can overcome the storage issues or be willing to live with the limitations. My bet is you'll want to sell it and upgrade it to something else very shortly after, so don't bother spending money to upgrade it with gadgets.