Top 10 Fishing Kayaks - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

SnookOne · 05-29-2010, 05:06 PM

How about the Heritage Redfish 14?

Who's with me?

drunkenmaster · 05-29-2010, 11:51 PM

my Trident 13 is sick!!!!!!

Iceman · 05-30-2010, 06:36 AM

What, no Scrambler XT?

I would take the new X13 over any other kayak on the market

PAL · 05-30-2010, 10:20 AM

Fact of life. The only major East Coast brand we regularly see on our Pacific Shores is Wilderness. If you can't buy it, it can't be a west coast classic. That knocks out Emotion, FeelFree, RTM, Hurricane, even Native (although at least one SoCal shop sells a couple of their models).

speedydk · 05-30-2010, 04:05 PM

I'll back up Iceman on the X13 ! I love mine!

RockyRaab · 05-11-2014, 09:34 AM

"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not.

Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14.

Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

WildernessWanker · 05-11-2014, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyRaab

"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not.

Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14.

Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

You're taking terms out of context, "seaworthy." The word itself is defined as being capable to sail the sea. If something is capable of performing in the ocean than use in any freshwater lake is automatically deemed as safe and within the capabilities of the vessel. We don't ask which kayaks are the best for freshwater because on the chance we want to expand our fisheries than that vessel may not perform safely in an ocean setting. I don't know about you but when I buy something I look for something that may be more than what I want in the chance I will need it. Plus I want to add the fact that the majority of talk on here is saltwater fishing, seemed like the thread appeals to the masses of saltwater fisherman. Not trying to pick a fight, just explaining my approach if I offended any freshwater purists.

Sent from my SPH-L520 using Tapatalk

Cbad Mike · 05-11-2014, 10:10 AM

I've only owned a Stealth 14 so I may be biased but I think the built in front bait tank is a great design and helps keep it on the list.

GregAndrew · 05-11-2014, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyRaab

"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not.

Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14.

Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

Got to agree with your first point, it is entirely dependent on what you want out of it. As for your last point, you rarely find someone that does pedal that doesn't peddle (whether they are making money at it or not).

FISH11 · 05-11-2014, 11:30 AM

X FACTOR by far the best for surf launching and stability on the water. My X13 is a little easier to paddle and goes a little faster. But when your weight is on the + side of 220lbs the top heavier center of gravity makes it so any quick move to reach for another pole in the back or get something out of the crate in the back of the kayak it rocks a lot more and you have to be a little more carefull not to lean if you don't want to get wet. There is only about a 6 lb difference in weight between the 2. In either case that is like a 45% less weigh with 65% more weight carying capacity than a Hobie. As far as PA's go if I wanted to haul around that much weight and needed a little more deck space, than I would just buy a center console skiff. the X FACTOR is still the best because of all the Hatches and storage room. If I was shopping for a new Kayak the X FACTOR would still be my choice.

JDW · 05-29-2014, 07:56 PM

I vote for the Hobie Outback.

skunked · 05-31-2014, 08:04 AM

Hobie Outback

baitcasterboy20 · 05-30-2010, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnookOne

How about the Heritage Redfish 14?

Who's with me?

heritage makes some good models

BulkCarrier · 05-30-2010, 11:11 PM

Just saw this thread after starting a new one.

Why aren't there any glass kayak's on the list ? ( On the forum and article on website ) I know they are difficult to get , but they must get a chance.

I know I am a bit biased, because I have a kaskazi dorado II, but I always felt that it will be under the top 10 fishing kayaks out there.

Calico Killer Kevin · 05-31-2010, 09:21 PM

I love my Cobra Marauder, though it is a bit heavy. More so than my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. I have the old model and its hatches are a PITA though they are quite waterproof. Its interior space is lacking as well.

da22y · 05-12-2014, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BulkCarrier

Just saw this thread after starting a new one.

Why aren't there any glass kayak's on the list ? ( On the forum and article on website ) I know they are difficult to get , but they must get a chance.

I know I am a bit biased, because I have a kaskazi dorado II, but I always felt that it will be under the top 10 fishing kayaks out there.

I do have a 2013 Kaskazi dorado II and a 2012 Hobie revo 13 too.
I found myself take out my Revo more than my Kaskazi lately.

Hobie revo:
Pro: hands free, easy to turn/circle, easy to break the fishing line if hooked the rock by peddle fast.
Con: mirage drive may fail, and is useless around kelp. storage not great,

Kaskazi :
Pro: easy to launch the surf, easy to paddle, and has good speed , huge storage.
Con: no scupper holes in seat. Wet butt. Hard to hold position on a honey hole.

Both is great , both is not the BEST, no such thing.....

Siebler · 05-12-2014, 02:09 PM

You guys all realize the original list was made 4 years ago right? Since the list was made there have been 10-20 boats that are some of the best fishing kayaks the industry has ever seen. Not to mention I know of at least 4 more that are being introduced at OR this year that are total game changers.

Kayaks are very personal. What Brian saw as the top 10 wasnt even close to what my top 10 would be.

rogersmith · 05-12-2014, 02:20 PM

Indeed any such list would be very personal. I have paddled Cobra FnD, Cobra Navigator, OK Big Game I, OK Trident 15 and now a Malibu Stealth 14. My S14 is my favorite, because it gives me what I want right now, capacity, stability, storage, layout and a dry comfy ride. I prefer to paddle rather than peddle. So I know for many guys the hobies will be on top because peddling is important.

05-30-2010, 06:36 AM	#3
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	What, no Scrambler XT? I would take the new X13 over any other kayak on the market __________________

05-11-2014, 10:10 AM	#8
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	I've only owned a Stealth 14 so I may be biased but I think the built in front bait tank is a great design and helps keep it on the list. __________________ [SIGPIC]

05-11-2014, 11:30 AM	#10
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	X FACTOR by far the best for surf launching and stability on the water. My X13 is a little easier to paddle and goes a little faster. But when your weight is on the + side of 220lbs the top heavier center of gravity makes it so any quick move to reach for another pole in the back or get something out of the crate in the back of the kayak it rocks a lot more and you have to be a little more carefull not to lean if you don't want to get wet. There is only about a 6 lb difference in weight between the 2. In either case that is like a 45% less weigh with 65% more weight carying capacity than a Hobie. As far as PA's go if I wanted to haul around that much weight and needed a little more deck space, than I would just buy a center console skiff. the X FACTOR is still the best because of all the Hatches and storage room. If I was shopping for a new Kayak the X FACTOR would still be my choice. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

05-29-2014, 07:56 PM	#11
JDW Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 57	Hobie Outback I vote for the Hobie Outback.

05-12-2014, 02:09 PM	#17
Siebler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richland Oregon Posts: 1,547	You guys all realize the original list was made 4 years ago right? Since the list was made there have been 10-20 boats that are some of the best fishing kayaks the industry has ever seen. Not to mention I know of at least 4 more that are being introduced at OR this year that are total game changers. Kayaks are very personal. What Brian saw as the top 10 wasnt even close to what my top 10 would be. __________________ CJ Siebler

05-29-2010, 05:06 PM	#1
SnookOne Junior Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 9	How about the Heritage Redfish 14? Who's with me?

05-29-2010, 11:51 PM	#2
drunkenmaster Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: chino hills! Posts: 42	my Trident 13 is sick!!!!!!

05-30-2010, 10:20 AM	#4
PAL Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 754	Fact of life. The only major East Coast brand we regularly see on our Pacific Shores is Wilderness. If you can't buy it, it can't be a west coast classic. That knocks out Emotion, FeelFree, RTM, Hurricane, even Native (although at least one SoCal shop sells a couple of their models).

05-30-2010, 04:05 PM	#5
speedydk Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Orange County Ca. Posts: 99	I'll back up Iceman on the X13 ! I love mine!

05-11-2014, 09:34 AM	#6
RockyRaab Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 138	"Best" can have soooooo many definitions that a list like this will always be contentious. Just as one glaring example, your question seems to assume that all kayak fishing is SoCal ocean fishing. That's hardly true. It may be all that YOU do, but for folks in the other 99.44% of the country, it is not. Another example: I've only owned one kayak, so by definition it is the "best" one ever - for me. It's a ProAngler 14. Finally, one of my pet peeves: The word is "pedal" not peddle (which means to sell door-to-door.) You only peddle a kayak if you schlep them around selling them.

05-31-2014, 08:04 AM	#12
skunked Jr. Junior Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 31	Hobie Outback

05-30-2010, 11:11 PM	#14
BulkCarrier Junior Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Posts: 2	Just saw this thread after starting a new one. Why aren't there any glass kayak's on the list ? ( On the forum and article on website ) I know they are difficult to get , but they must get a chance. I know I am a bit biased, because I have a kaskazi dorado II, but I always felt that it will be under the top 10 fishing kayaks out there.

05-31-2010, 09:21 PM	#15
Calico Killer Kevin Junior Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 10	I love my Cobra Marauder, though it is a bit heavy. More so than my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. I have the old model and its hatches are a PITA though they are quite waterproof. Its interior space is lacking as well.

05-12-2014, 02:20 PM	#18
rogersmith Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 465	Indeed any such list would be very personal. I have paddled Cobra FnD, Cobra Navigator, OK Big Game I, OK Trident 15 and now a Malibu Stealth 14. My S14 is my favorite, because it gives me what I want right now, capacity, stability, storage, layout and a dry comfy ride. I prefer to paddle rather than peddle. So I know for many guys the hobies will be on top because peddling is important.