Tamarack 10 foot at Walmart - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

kevbeer · 01-18-2019, 08:05 AM

I got a 10 ft tamarack last september. Spur of the moment decision when I came a cross a Walmart sale (online order, in store pick up) for $200! Couldnt pass it up. Pleasantly suprised at quality and toughness, however, it is my first kayak. I have done the SD bays in it with no problem and was working up courage to go in La Jolla in it. I was asking around about that and most people wouldn't go open water fishing in this limited of a yak for several reasons, main being stability, slowness (some hate padal in general), and weight limit. Still,, most conceding it could get the job done in La Jolla just not that well.

I am currently looking at used hobie outbacks...

kevbeer · 01-18-2019, 08:15 AM

here is my thread

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=33515

james92026 · 01-18-2019, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevbeer

here is my thread

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=33515

Granted a 10 footer is not the best choice. I flipped my 12 foot Cobra Navigator in open water. but mostly my fault. I thought I was proficient but sometimes we make dumb moves. Mine was attempting to pull out a rod holder that was in backwards. I had tried to yank it out and as I pulled back, a swell came in and I was over before I realized it. It happened so fast. Had I thought about it, I would have straddled the null and tried to remain centered.

I had been on what some consider "tippy" yaks before with no problem, such as 14 foot Tarpon.

Amish Ed · 01-18-2019, 10:47 PM

Save a few hundred more and get a good used kayak. It will serve you much better. If you can, try it before you buy it. What feels right for you might, be completely different from me. What are your stats? Your size makes a big difference in choosing which might be the best fit for you.

I've never flipped outside of the surf. But, my first kayak was a Navigator. I almost rolled that yak so many times I sold it after 6 months. One of Cobra's worst designs. I paddled a Tarpon 140 for a few years, I liked it a lot. I didn't find it too tippy at the time. I'm so used to my current battleship (Ride 135) though, that most kayaks would feel tippy to me now.

james92026 · 01-19-2019, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amish Ed

Save a few hundred more and get a good used kayak. It will serve you much better. If you can, try it before you buy it. What feels right for you might, be completely different from me. What are your stats? Your size makes a big difference in choosing which might be the best fit for you.

I've never flipped outside of the surf. But, my first kayak was a Navigator. I almost rolled that yak so many times I sold it after 6 months. One of Cobra's worst designs. I paddled a Tarpon 140 for a few years, I liked it a lot. I didn't find it too tippy at the time. I'm so used to my current battleship (Ride 135) though, that most kayaks would feel tippy to me now.

Stats? well, physical are 6ft 1, 170 lbs 76 yrs.

Amish Ed · 01-21-2019, 06:59 AM

Definitely too big for the Wal-Mart kayak. You want something at least 12', but 13' would be better. Weight capacity won't be an issue for you, so that's good.

summers in kuwait · 01-21-2019, 11:11 AM

I've had a variety of fishing kayaks over the years, the smallest being a Tarpon 120. Although it was a fun shape, excelled in the surf and was great in tighter waters (bays, rivers and creeks) this shape still lacked in weight capacity, once loaded up with all necessary salt water gear and didn't track as well as a longer boats.

Anything can be done, but I would personally tell most to start at 12´+ for Ocean Fishing. And you don't have to have a Hobie or higher priced kayak.

There are plenty of reasonable and safer options, new or used like:

Trident 13/ Prowler 13
Tarpon 140
X-13
Fish n Dive

I personally prefer more narrow and longer boats.

"You can learn balance, but you can't make a big kayak fast."

01-18-2019, 10:47 PM	#4
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Save a few hundred more and get a good used kayak. It will serve you much better. If you can, try it before you buy it. What feels right for you might, be completely different from me. What are your stats? Your size makes a big difference in choosing which might be the best fit for you. I've never flipped outside of the surf. But, my first kayak was a Navigator. I almost rolled that yak so many times I sold it after 6 months. One of Cobra's worst designs. I paddled a Tarpon 140 for a few years, I liked it a lot. I didn't find it too tippy at the time. I'm so used to my current battleship (Ride 135) though, that most kayaks would feel tippy to me now. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead! Last edited by Amish Ed; 01-18-2019 at 10:58 PM.

01-21-2019, 06:59 AM	#6
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Definitely too big for the Wal-Mart kayak. You want something at least 12', but 13' would be better. Weight capacity won't be an issue for you, so that's good. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-18-2019, 08:05 AM	#1
kevbeer Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: rancho bernardo Posts: 66	I got a 10 ft tamarack last september. Spur of the moment decision when I came a cross a Walmart sale (online order, in store pick up) for $200! Couldnt pass it up. Pleasantly suprised at quality and toughness, however, it is my first kayak. I have done the SD bays in it with no problem and was working up courage to go in La Jolla in it. I was asking around about that and most people wouldn't go open water fishing in this limited of a yak for several reasons, main being stability, slowness (some hate padal in general), and weight limit. Still,, most conceding it could get the job done in La Jolla just not that well. I am currently looking at used hobie outbacks...

01-18-2019, 08:15 AM	#2
kevbeer Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: rancho bernardo Posts: 66	here is my thread http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=33515

01-21-2019, 11:11 AM	#7
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	I've had a variety of fishing kayaks over the years, the smallest being a Tarpon 120. Although it was a fun shape, excelled in the surf and was great in tighter waters (bays, rivers and creeks) this shape still lacked in weight capacity, once loaded up with all necessary salt water gear and didn't track as well as a longer boats. Anything can be done, but I would personally tell most to start at 12´+ for Ocean Fishing. And you don't have to have a Hobie or higher priced kayak. There are plenty of reasonable and safer options, new or used like: Trident 13/ Prowler 13 Tarpon 140 X-13 Fish n Dive I personally prefer more narrow and longer boats. "You can learn balance, but you can't make a big kayak fast."