Need help on First Ocean fishing kayak

[ctfphoto]

I second the Wilderness Systems Tarpon.

A very stable and fast boat.

Plus a great fishing platform for the price.

[Famous2146]

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

I second the Wilderness Systems Tarpon.

A very stable and fast boat.

Plus a great fishing platform for the price.

They seem to have good reviews but they are also heavier Tarpon 160 80lbs Trident and Malibu are 60-65 lbs with max wight being 500-550 as the Tarpon is only 375. Tarpon also has less storage.

[easyday]

Originally Posted by Famous2146

Does anyone have any experience with the Malibu X-Factor or the Stealth 14? I'm interested to hear about these two as well as the Trident 15 thanx.

Pm sent

[easyday]

The new x factor can hold 600 lbs I believe

[Famous2146]

Originally Posted by easyday

The new x factor can hold 600 lbs I believe

Yes it is rated for 600lbs yet still 65 pounds in weight I believe.

[easyday]

I lift mine up and set it upside down on top of my trailblazer no problem.

[Famous2146]

When I get back those are the three I'm very interested in looking at

[beef78]

Originally Posted by captnblood34

You come home in a few weeks so I understand there are 1.9 billion questions you have because your pumped to get after it. Go to OEX when you get back and test drive some yaks before you convince yourself looking through CL or other website that THAT is the one for you. 2nd there are many threads on here in regards to necessary gear starting out, started by guys just like you. 3rd your a lucky dog, you'll be here for the best fishing of the year and I'll be replacing you next weekend!

P.S. I have a Tarpon 120 and love it, don't forfeit your man card to a Hobie

I know what you mean. When I was on deployment and not thinking about my family, I was planning fishing trips. haha!

[Famous2146]

Originally Posted by beef78

I know what you mean. When I was on deployment and not thinking about my family, I was planning fishing trips. haha!

Lol yup sure do think about fishing a whole lot out here. Specially now that we about to start RIP thats all I do day dream.

[beef78]

Originally Posted by Famous2146

They seem to have good reviews but they are also heavier Tarpon 160 80lbs Trident and Malibu are 60-65 lbs with max wight being 500-550 as the Tarpon is only 375. Tarpon also has less storage.

I have the tarpon 14 and weigh 210. It carries me, my bait tank, about 25-30 lbs worth tackle, 3 fishing poles, and my 4 year old daughter comfortably. It is pretty stable. I had to try to tip it over in flat water. My daughter also likes to squirm and reach off the side of the kayak, but I haven't tipped it over yet, (Knock on wood). The gear track is also pretty awesome. Saves you the trouble of drilling into the hull. Also, I can lift and carry it over my head no problem and put it on top of my jeep commander.

[Famous2146]

Originally Posted by beef78

I have the tarpon 14 and weigh 210. It carries me, my bait tank, about 25-30 lbs worth tackle, 3 fishing poles, and my 4 year old daughter comfortably. It is pretty stable. I had to try to tip it over in flat water. My daughter also likes to squirm and reach off the side of the kayak, but I haven't tipped it over yet, (Knock on wood). The gear track is also pretty awesome. Saves you the trouble of drilling into the hull. Also, I can lift and carry it over my head no problem and put it on top of my jeep commander.

So as far as tack what do you bring on any giving fishing day? Do bring hear for specific fish such as calico, or Hali? Just trying to get info so I can begin to build my slaying arsenal and better prepare for the fishing season.

[beef78]

I have an assortment of swimbaits, spinner baits and crankbaits for bass. For halibut, i use live bait with size 4/0 live bait hooks, 6 ounce torpedo sinker and a 3 way swivel.

[Famous2146]

Maybe when I get back you can school me up on what I'd need for bass. Never really been bass fishing but I would like to. I have a few rods and reels that might be suited for a light and heavy set up.

[alanw]

Originally Posted by beef78

about 25-30 lbs worth tackle

[Famous2146]

Is that a lot of gear?

[captnblood34]

Not alot of gear at all... take your base kayak weight and add....


Depth finder, battery, bait tank, AND the water in your bait tank 8# per gallon, rods, tackle, clothing, weights, lures it adds up quickly. Unless your on your last belt loop.... you know who you are..... you should be good Oscar. Just heed everyones warning that this does in fact become extremely addicting.....

[alanw]

I don't know about you, but 30 pounds just in TACKLE seems like a hella lot. I probably carry 30 pounds combined in tackle, rods, tools, batteries, and beer. I should probably carry more beer though

[Famous2146]

Originally Posted by captnblood34

Not alot of gear at all... take your base kayak weight and add....


Depth finder, battery, bait tank, AND the water in your bait tank 8# per gallon, rods, tackle, clothing, weights, lures it adds up quickly. Unless your on your last belt loop.... you know who you are..... you should be good Oscar. Just heed everyones warning that this does in fact become extremely addicting.....

I've already figured that part out. Just looking at the different yak set ups they are endless. All this information is extremely valuable and I truly appreciate it guys keep it coming. I'm like a sponge just soaking everything up doing research on the side trying to learn as much as possible and set my self up for success.

[Famous2146]

Originally Posted by alanw

I don't know about you, but 30 pounds just in TACKLE seems like a hella lot. I probably carry 30 pounds combined in tackle, rods, tools, batteries, and beer. I should probably carry more beer though

I won't lie right about now a beer would be awesome..........

[beef78]

Originally Posted by Famous2146

I won't lie right about now a beer would be awesome..........

Yeah, It's closer to 20 lbs, maybe, but I carry a lot of spare lead and many different sizes. I am kind of particular about using the minimum to get me to the bottom and keep me there, depending on the current and depth. I guess the assortment is a little unnessacary because I almost always end up using a 6 ounce torpedo weight or an 8 ounce bounce ball. I also like to switch between methods if i find something isn't working.