The BEST and WORST Fishing Kayak Companies - RANKED
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2023
- Discover the ultimate guide to navigating the fishing kayak industry with our latest video! Join Daren Wendell and Chad Hoover, two of the most trusted voices in the angling world, as they meticulously rank and dissect the BEST and WORST fishing kayak companies this year. With their combined expertise, they'll provide an insightful analysis of each company's innovations, build quality, customer service, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned kayak angler or just dipping your toes into the sport, this discussion is your compass for making informed decisions and reeling in the perfect fishing kayak for your adventures ahead. Let's Go! -Daren
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Had to turn off the "Chad Hoover filibuster".. too much
It is a little much at times.
I agree but it’s true passion for the sport for sure
I have a Vibe Sea Ghost 110 and it’s been great for me almost 3 years now! My goal for next year is to add a Native Slayer.
I rock a Sea Ghost 110 and it is pretty wonderful for the money.
@@SquirrelsLiveMusic for sure it’s gotten me through multiple tournaments this year! Definitely hoping to add a pedal drive though. I’ll keep the Sea Ghost also for small lakes and streams!
Nice!
Yep I got a 2018 sea ghost 110 it's been a great fishing kayak
@@jessiejames4906 yes they are great paddling and awesome kayaks to start fishing from! Mine will be with me for a long time even when I add a new kayak.
I got a Hobie Passport 12r and got the 180 drive with turbo fins. I love it. Super stable, lots of room, dry seat, overall an awesome kayak
Niiice!
My cheap blow molded Lifetime Tamarack pro is OK for a paddle kayak. The Ascend kayaks are blow molded. more expensive and way thinner wall thickness which is bad. But the layout is better.
As best quality, I think Bonafide, Jackson and Hobie. As for price not quality Pelican.
Old Town was known for their canoes but really still stepped it up with their kayaks especially motor options.
My next probably be Perception Crank 10 or Hobie Passport. The layout is better on the Perception due to molded in cup holders
Loved the discussion! Im about to buy my first Yak. I fish rivers, lakes, and bays here in Coos Bay Oregon. I target Salmon,Steelhead, Lingod, rock fish, and small mouth. I also will use this for duck hunting in the bay. I want redundancy in propulsion so pedal, motor and paddle is a must. I’m 215 lbs at 5”10. I originally narrowed it down to the OT PDL 120 but then I heard about the Native Titan X 12.5. My concerns with the Titan is it’s weight to speed for trolling salmon with pedal and how it would handle in big open water or tidal waters such as the bay and possibly ocean. It seems the OT 120 would tick off everything but that Titan is just really made for different propulsions and is very roomy. Can you give me your thoughts on this?
I’m sitting in my favorite greasy spoon eating dinner. I can’t wait to get home and watch this one!
What did ya think?
@@wendellfishing I thought it was really good. I’ve only ever been on 3 different brands of kayak so I’ll leave my opinion on who is good and bad out. What you guys did was highlight a really good series of points that applies to a lot of companies making consumer products in general. There have been a LOT of them that used to deliver good quality products and customer service that have flipped the switch and ran the other direction. You should see how bad it has gotten in the automotive industry. Pardon the language, but some of these companies need to hear that their customers are PISSED and looking elsewhere. They need take the example set by companies like Cast Cray to heart. We the people are reaching the end of our rope with some of them. Native/Bonafide and Nucanoe sound like they’re really on the ball, as well.
I really want a Bonafide SS127 but I couldnt pass up the deal I got off fb marketplace on a feelfree lure 13.5. I really like my Lure so idk if or when I'll upgrade. The Shoalie might just be my 2nd kayak for river fishing honestly. One day I'll have a Bonafide but not anytime soon.
Love me some FB Marketplace
@wendellfishing as do I. Hell I sucked it up and made a FB specificly for marketplace. I'm not a fan of social media but marketplace is to good to pass up. Don't tell my wife she will give me hell for it lol.
I ve got 2 feelfree s 1 is 4yrs old no problems
Im a paddler. Best paddling fishing kayaks are Crescents. No peddle but lots of people use trolling motors on them.
Right on brother
Lots of people put motors on them because they paddle so well? Hmmm
Love my Cresent LT
Crescent Lite Tackle owner here. A great do it all boat. Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 for serious flat water fishing. Pungo 120 for just paddling around.
I agree! love them for my paddling, I am a smaller guy and the ultralite is perfect for me! I have also visited Crescent kayaks, great people there!
Good conversation. Chad is closer than anyone to the overall industry and his work with multiple companies should be respected. As for top three brands, since I haven't bought or shopped officially in a while, tought to comment. But based on products that jump out at me, I think Native for bigger kayaks, Crescent for old time basics stand out and the versatility of the Hobie mirage is still top in pedal drives. I have to agree with Chad, the cupholder is a negative on the ATAK (I own one and really wish Wilderness would freshen up that model, I may have to do a video just on my opinions on that). I was never a big fan of Jackson, always feel they were overpriced with all the little extras they threw in that didn't really add to the value of what I wanted. But theydefinitely got stale. As for the commenting on FB posts, I only comment on things I know and for those just starting to look, I always suggest to narrow it down to style and brand you like and fits your body and style of fishing, then test drive, test drive, test drive.
Right on.. solid comment brother! Thanks
I'd put a few Native models at the top of my list and I like some Old Towns as a close second which are the two kayak brands I own now, have the most history with. The Native pedal drive is just so smooth, fluid and easy to operate. Old Town is not far off in my mind. The worst kayak issues I've had are with Jackson. My Cuda Lt leaked and my 360's (I was in the Kickstarter program) drive was too slow and clunky to be of almost real value. And I just don't believe Jackson does much "on the water" testing and releases and often quickly terminates its models. I should add that a Jackson Bluesky rep called me and told me they'd give me a $100 discount if I drove to Arlington TX to pick up the 360 instead of their promise of a home delivery inclusive in the price. I bugged them for awhile with emails and phone calls, got sort of the "check is in the mail" routine. I'll let you know if the $$s ever show up. After 3 or 4 years, I'm not holding my breath. ***Heard the same thing about the venerable Hobie kayaks and I'd have to see more evidence that the firm, under new owners, isn't diluting the value. Once, for sure, among the greatest of all fishing kayaks.
Right on .. solid comment boss
Hearing Chad say old town is best in the market right now makes me feel really good about my recent purchase
Right on!
I love my Old Town Sportsman PDL 106. It’s not ‘sporty’, pushes a wake in front of it, but it is such a well rounded fishing machine. The five year warranty on pedal drive was a big thing to me.
I run a Crescent Lite Tackle II absolutely love this yak, quality built and great to paddle, will be adding a Crescent K Craft this spring for Fly fishing
I paddle a jackson liska and absolutely love it on rivers and in lakes. It's so versatile and is definitely a shame they discontinued it
Best yak they have designed in a while. Paddles good and had just enough fishing features to make it useable with minimal rigging. Really the Liska was a nod to their good paddling fishing roots. Too bad they killed it.
Old town, native,feelfree in that order.
Right on
You forgot Vibe sir.
I picked up a persuader pescador on sale and modded it a bit for fishing and it's been decent... was considering buying a old town that was similar sized but had a few more features but at the time of purchase up here in Canada the Old Town was double the price. I wish I had space (I pay for storage because I live in an apartment) and extra budget for a pedal drive -- one day...
Right on brother.. some day
I have two Perception Pescador 12's (I assume you meant that kayak). I also have a couple of Hobie pedal drive kayaks. I take the Pescador kayak as often as the Hobie's. It is simpler to take out and is a fast gliding kayak. Nothing to break or forget to bring on the Pescador. The bigger/heavier full featured kayaks add complexity and pain in the rear to getting out on the water that I didn't think of before I bought one.
@@TheZX11 yeah lol guess my keyboard has a mind of its own
I have a wilderness recon 120. This is my 1st kayak & when researching i was looking for price, stability because of being totally new to the sport. I knew i wanted a paddle one because i wanted to learn how to paddle right before looking for peddle or motor one. I got lucky with my choice because I'm into my 2nd full year of kayak fishing & still love my kayak. I have upgraded stuff on it alot now. But i don't recommend someone do it like me i did not water test mine first. I always recommend the wilderness recon but i always tell people to go to a place that will let them test out different ones first. Because everyone is different & not one brand is best of everyone.
Right on brother!
My Pelican 110 Hydryve 2 is all I could ask for in a $1400 pedal drive.
Right on !
Brooklyn kayak company is my worst all around company, not too name brand though, ordered one from them and had a horrible time getting my money, had to drive 6 hours to return it or i had to pay 300 for shipping
What was the issue you had with the kayak?
@@jasonmatta165 super thin plastic, was scratched dented, and had multiple pin holes . Also had obviously repaired marks. Was put in touch with thr owner, he would exchange the kayak for no cost but when I saw info about how they just buy cheap kayaks and slap their logo on it I wanted a refund instead, well that would cost me 300 dollars shipping. I'm lucky I live close enough to the shipper, really shady and was begging me to exchange like 4 times after I wanted a refund
@drbuttfungus3477 I'm pretty impressed with my hull. I originally bought the 12ft w trolling motor and didn't like it and Isaac swapped it right out for me. I work like 20 minutes from their Hazlet location, so it wasn't a big deal. I just dropped a Native Propel Drive in their PK13. I love it.
Right on
I have the 10.5 non pedel from BKC for 3 years with no issues. It just took 4 months to ship.
The only grip I have is it is a bit narrow. Looking at a hoodoo non pedal now since I have heard nothing but good things.
Well being I'm kinda within my first 2yrs of kayak fishing, I started with a simple Predator Catch 10.... its light and plastic and has served me will for my level of kayak fishing.... and I did as the kids would say I pimped it out... Nav and spot lights...inner deck and outer rim lighting......and did the DIY milkcrate by Wendell ...but I'm now interested in upping my game and been leaning towards a Native Slayer 12' or the Titan X 12' but would like to have proper traveling vehicle for it or trailer.....not to sure I could handle popping a 12 footer on the top of my explorer....
I hear ya.. I had a utility trailer I modified into a double decker kayak trailer. You have some nice options for upgrades BTW. czcams.com/video/ENgtscpK4_Y/video.html
Just purchased a Jackson Bite FD and it’ll be my first fishing kayak. It’s good to hear chad Hoover say it’s one of Jackson’s better fishing kayaks. I’ll be using it for ponds and small lakes. I’m under 160lbs so I hope it gets me around where I need to be comfortably without much hassle.
Congrats!
I have an Oldtown Topwater PDL 106. It's great. I don't have alot of experience with other fishing yaks. I know way more about whitewater, but am now addicted to bass fishing. I'm definitely interested in the Titan X. I'm mainly cracking up that you're peddling and not moving. You rocking a green screen? 😂
Ha! I was moving a little. No green screen.. definitely on the water.
I had an OT106 pdl. Very stable kayak but it lacks the bells and whistles that a slayer max and/or Titan x has. I got rid of my 106 due to the fact that I wasn’t able to put a motor directly centered to the stern of the kayak. Being off to the side it would go left at higher speeds no matter how I positioned the motor. I now have a slayer max but have a Titan x preordered.
2011 bought a Jackson Cuda. Absolutely loved it, extraordinarily good in rough water. Now in a Hobbie PA14 180 which is better for fishing but I miss being down close to the water and paddling. Looking at the Nucanoe Pursuit to add in as a paddle boat.
Native, Bonafide and Creasant, Nucanoe are really the only ones I trust
Right on brother
Yes on Jackson kayaks I still own a Cuda 12 and it's my river boat, and a 2018 old Town pdl my joy in life.
Right on brother!
IMO, For what I need, Crescent shoalie is the pinnacle for river fishing and camping and the one to beat. Thanx Drew. Bonafide is stuck on a 'good' hull design, but its not 'great'. My dream boat would be the shoalie with the Jackson peddle drive, with the new PWR 129 rudder. The rudder needs to be underneath so I can keep a motor on it. And when not using the drive, a flat floor, no pod. Also, put a 360 seat that is height adjustable. But thats just me.
Yes! I agree! There was NO WHERE for me to demo a kayak in East Texas! No where! Every dealer was buy it, then return it if you don't like. As a short guy 5'6" with a 30" inseam, it was hard just to look at a boat and judge. With the Bite, I have to back the seat up to clear out the blades.
Desert fishing !
Love it. I’m in the market now for a hardshell kayak. I’m looking at Bonafide, and Feelfree
Heck Yeah!
I have a Pelican Catch 130 HYDRYVE. I swapped out the oem HYDRYVE for the Hobie MirageDrive 180 ONLY because of the reverse pedal feature of the MD180. I love this boat.
Freakin Awesome!
The Pelican will take a Hobie drive? Or you swapped out the whole kayak? I'm fascinated by how Hobie patent expired so China is copying exactly Hobie's design. How close is the copies or did they improve and change the design to make it better.
That makes two of us @@TheZX11
I am a huge oldtown Predator or Bigwater fan! I fish mine hard for salmon and trout on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. I havn't had any maintenance trouble except a few minor things like a bolt or screw getting a little loose from bumpy dirt roads to river mouths. I feel like very few kayaks put there can handle a big 6ft4in tall guy on the Great Lakes like my yak.
I am new to kayak fishing. I just about finished my 2nd year as a kayak owner. But I got interested in kayak fishing 3 years ago. For 1 year, I did research kayak companies. I did go to Riverbound Water Sports store in Tempe, AZ, to try out kayaks. I settled for the Feelfree Lure 11.5 v2. I really wanted the Old Town with the spotlock minkota motor, but it was out of my price range! I loved the fact that you had peddle and motor drive all in one spot, and their price. Their are only 2 things I don't like about my Feelfree, and they are their built-in rail systems and the wheel in the keel! But, the way things are going with our economy, I am not in the market to sell my kayak and get what I believe I want, and that is either a Native Slayer or the Titan! I really want the landing gear system! Well, my aching back wants one. 😊
The track system is so annoying. I use the wheel in the keel all the time though!
@mackflanagan7002 That wheel in the keel, to me, is useless once you add milk crate battery, 5 Rods, and dry bag with clothes, etc. Plus the steering system behind it rubs with barely a lift up! I had to get a kayak cart. So, to me, it's useless!
I hear ya... the back speaks loud!
@@mackflanagan7002 careful with that wheel, very easy to blowout if you use with load in kayak.
Appreciated the video, Chad had a lot of good and interesting points. My 2 cents, no such thing as the perfect kayak. Every angler requires/wants different accessories and yak design. Not to mention budget constraints.
I’m 54, been yak fishing for 25 years, first 20 years had an OK Prowler 11’, then Trident 15’, next a Trident 13’ and a OK Malibu 2XL (for me and the wife).
A few years ago, after much research, I opted for the Crescent Crew. For the type of fishing I like (pretty much anywhere but prefer saltwater bay and flats) the yak is perfect.
I enjoy paddling, I love the easy transition from 1-2 people, the huge open and flat deck is convenient and I can still throw it on top my SUV. For me, yak fishing is, do more with less. The Crescent Crew checks all my blocks.
Right on brother!
I bought the Jackson Bite FD, took it out twice and took it back to my dealer. He told me when I bought it if I didn't like it bring it back so I did. While I liked the FD drive mark 4, I hated the steering and it didn't maneuver for crap with a paddle. I think I'm gonna stay away from peddle drives for a while and just keep using my Crescent Shoalie. Best paddle only fishing kayak I've owned hands down.
Thinking about picking up a shoalie myself
Crescent, Nucanoe
Hi! There are any feedback for Native Titan X 12.5 for offshore / saltwater?
My Wilderness Ride is 11 years old and still going strong. So are the old Pelicans sit insides. My wife's Feel Free Moken is still good after 6 or 8 years, but she needs one with a modern seat. The new kayaks are too expensive for good ones and the affordable ones are crappy. And there are too many of them out there now for me to even figure out what I would want if money were no object. I look at a lot of modern kayaks and think the center of gravity is too high for the moving water I prefer, but I haven't tried them so I can't say for sure.
Right on
Newer feelfree mokens have a modern seat that is pretty comfortable. A crescent litetackle 2 or a newer feelfree moken 12.5 could be an awesome fit for you.
I have a Kaku Zulu. It’s ok. There are a few changes I would make with it if I could.
If I had my druthers, I think an SS127 or even a SS107 would fit the bill. Sans pedal drive, and install an Xi3.
That being said, economic factors will keep me in the Zulu for awhile, so I’ll upgrade with accessories as necessary.
What would you change about it?
@@fishingismydrug1 I’d make an alternate seat available. The one that comes with it is uncomfortable. I’d add the option to add seat risers to current seat as I have long legs. Switch the handles to something a little more rigid.
The pedal drive is “clunky.” Devise a better way to keep the drive secure. I paddle 90% of the time. That’s a start.
@@elizabethz569 Thank you! Much appreciated!!
That’s what I need to hear.
Right on
Kaku was very dishonest with the advertised weight
So what pedal drive kayak would you recommend if you were never going to put a motor on it & pedal, paddle only. That you could easily load from bed of a truck without a trailer?? I've been kayak fishing for 9 years now. I've owned 2 PA12's in that time, last 2 years the PA12 -360. I love my Hobies & they both have been awesome & reliable for me. I fish 2 days a week 12 months out of the year. So my kayak gets a lot of hard use! But I haven't had pleasure of trying different brands. I'm not brand loyal, I'm am curious to what else is put there & would also fit my style of fishing. Mostly lakes, massive ponds & some rivers too. Eventually I'll upgrade again & not sure what I would get?
I would look into the Bonafide P127. You may need a bed extender depending on your truck size.. but with Native sidekicks, would be easy to get it to and from the water. I have fished like you do for a year and love it. It's Solid. I did a review on it on my channel. czcams.com/video/vjMytSJ55C4/video.html
I like my Nucanoe a ton, but I use a trolling motor. My buddy’s old town is an awesome pedal drive.
Sounds like a nice setup
Oh yeah when the P127 came out it was the kayak to buy the turning ratios sucks I sold it 3 months later sold I bought a old town 120 pdl and the Bonafide ss127 it paddles like a barge I put a trolling motor on it Motor guide torquedo is the one to buy SS127 is great with that motor $6000 later I would rather buy old town big water 136 plus battery still under $6000
Right on brother
I love my old town 106 powered by minn kota. I mean i literally am in love with this yak. Its that good. Thinking about buying a bonafide skff for some tough to get to snakehead fishing ponds.
I have an AP120 ( getting rid of ) but that Native X 🔥🔥 I’m looking to add
Good choice!
I have a Bonafide RS117, and I have pre-ordered the Titan-X and can’t wait to get it and use it.
NIIIICe!
I have a Slayer Max now, got a Titan X preordered. Can’t wait!!
Ooohhh . nice!!
I got my seastream angler 120 pd for $1600 now it’s only $1300! Not bad at all, this is my second season with it and haven’t had one problem.
Niiiice!
I almost got a native, but I ended up with a Jackson Bite FD. This is my first kayak. I've really enjoyed the flex drive. In Texas we are experiencing a drought and i have hit a few things i never saw! But i got mine 30% off, because it was last season.
Nice Deal!
What’s your opinion on the feelfree dorado v2 I been looking at one for a while I’m so close to pulling the trigger . Just love the setup battery box , all pre wired ready to go and has the ability to upgrade with a overdrive motor system . All in all would be 3500 ish with the overdrive system included . I’ve heard good things about feelfree In groups and reviews but there’s some bad stuff out there too just wanted your opinion
I wish I could give an opinion but i have never laid eyes on one before
I'm getting one and getting the lure 11.5 v2 for my girlfriend
I purchased a feelfree moken pdl 10 and it is fantastic for the money!!!!
Heck yeah!
@ WendellFishing I have a HooDoo 120p I love it! It does everything the more expensive kayaks out there I have a trolling motor on it a depth finder on it light's on it along with all kind's of goodies on it.
Had to stop where he talked about Feelfree being a good brand. They have many different brands With the Feelfree, 3 Waters, Johnny Boats, Seastream. They are all manufactured at the same plant and they are all absolute junk. I made the HUGE mistake of buying into the big fish brand thinking it was what I wanted. It took me 3 shipments to finally get one that was not broken in shipment.
First one was smashed across the rudder control and the bolt holding the drive snap in was stripped and bent, 2nd one had paper thin plastic around where the drive sits in the seam, took on about 5 gallons of water in a 10 minute test float. 3rd one, who knows. I sold it for half what I paid as soon as it arrived. I chopped up the 2 kayaks I had laying around, my lifetime kayak from Walmart has deeper gouges on the bottom of that kayak than the Big Fish has in thickness of plastic all around the sides and inside of the piece. It is like a paper plate thickness in 80% of the kayak. There is no way I would ever support The Feelfree brand and recommend others to not do the same.
Right on boss. thanks for sharing your experience.. Sorry about your troubles.. that SUCCCCks!
I just purchased a 22 Vibe Shearwater 125 and love it. If I choose a different one, it would be a Bonafide.
that would be a solid choice boss
Just curious, why would you switch your Vibe? What complications have you had? I just bought the same one about 3 weeks ago.
I have a 2017 Old Town Loon 126 rigged for fishing but seriously considering getting an Old Town Sportsman 106 or 120 pedal drive.
On the low end - Pelican. Made in Canada. I own a few - one boat was my starter kayak but I still use it occasionally. I have couple for my young kids to use and they seem to be the best balance of well built but cheap and light.
Anything else - Jackson Kayak. I have a 11'6'' Bite and the stability is ridiculous. You'll fall out of the boat before it flips. Open deck design with big aluminum tracks already built in. Want to use a trolling motor? Bolt it on. You want a pedal drive version? They make that. You want a ridiculous 13+ft barge for a week long fishing/camping trip - they have Big Rig!
Had a BKC with trolling motor for 5 seasons. Other than upgrading the motor. I have 0 Complaints. Love this thing!
I have a Pelican Catch 120 NXT, and I love it! Not into pedal drives.
Same here. I use it for duck hunting as well. I can stand and shoot my 12g in it at 250lbs.
I'm going with a feelfree dorado 12.5 v2 for myself and the lure 11.5 v2 for my girlfriend, the overdrive having the motorized option is a great thing, and the price and for everything anyone could look at for add ons I think they are hard to beat.
Right on Brother!
I'm still loving my 7 yr old 2016 Native Slayer Propel 13. In fact, I'm 70 yrs old and plan to motorize the SP13, likely with the NK300! One thing I think is a plus for my SP13 that is almost unobtainable with newer kayaks is more limited hull access that ensure that you are less likely to take on water due to hatches leaking, etc. I was disappointed when the Native replaced the SP13 with the 12 foot model, and proceeded to open the hull access through the hatches. I think that Hobie PAs are the most overrated and are easier to turtle and take on water than many kayaks. I enjoyed my used 2012 Outback for several yrs with a homemade chair attached, but I'm not high on the recent Outbacks!
Love it.. run a 2018 Native Slayer myself sometimes
Awe man. I have a hoodoo impulse 120 with fin drive. 😂 I love it though 🤷♂️💪
All that matters.. hope it lasts you a long time !
How do you like it brother?
I am an Old Town fan and have owned an older Predator PDL for the last 3 years. However, I think the TitanX is a sweet-looking kayak and would purchase it if I had the funds when it becomes available.
You and me both brother
I love my FeelFree Moken 10 pdl. The wheel in the keel, the customer service and it’s roto molded. Plus the pedal drive floats.
Is jackson still a good brand. Im about to buy a coosa x
I love my Native Propel but there are no decent center mounted trolling motor options.
My Hobie is nice but scores points for motor options.
I use the Native inshore because of stability.
I strap a big yeti cooler into the back of my native and I can stand on top of the cooler and site fish for reds. I can’t do that on my Hobie.
On the other hand, I could turn the trolling motor on the Hobie and take a nice relaxed ride offshore about 3 miles to catch some tuna or mahi. I don’t need the same stability that I have with the native while fishing offshore.
An all-in-one option would be awesome.
I love my Jackson Bite. I'll go up and down any river in that thing.
Ahh yeah!
My best 3 : native, oldtown, and nucanoe. I own a native. I want an oldtown autopilot or a nucanoe with motrguide xi3. I can't say for worst. But my last purchase was a jon boat. lol
Right on!
The Old Town EPDL is about the only thing that is going to get me out of my Blue Sky Boatworks Angler 360.
Oh man.. I want one of those
Wait and see how the range turns out. I'm interested, but with a 20ah battery and no passive charging. I'm concerned about range.
I have a 48v ebike with a 15ah battery and I get 40 miles. I know the old town won't get anywhere near that. Just curious to see where it lands. A newport on a PA14 180 will get you 12 miles easily. That's 6k total, yak, motor and battery. If the epdl gets 20 miles, it's a game changer. 15 miles, it's just overpriced with a single point of failure. 12 and under is a hard failure imo.
My personal favourite would have to be kayak to fish pedal king 12. I highly recommend you try one
I guess its good and bad when the brand kayak you have didn't make either list? 🤷♂
Means you are in the middle probably :)
Which brand is that?
@@dormie9 I went with the budget friendly HooDoo tempest 120p, it took quite awhile for shipping but it's been pretty nice! After doing my homework (post-purchase)there are a few others that i would have probably preferred but all in all I'm pretty happy with it. Coming from a Menards $150.00 special that i have been using for close to10 years this has been a game changer.
@@watchluverwasn’t it mentioned along with Brooklyn kayaks?
@@Danxiong you are correct! not sure how I missed that...🤷♂
Jackson should have never cut the Liska, Kilroy and OG Coosa. Coosa X is too damn heavy for creative access points. Coosa HD was amazing they should have just updated that hull.
Right on
What do you think of hammer head company , specifically the whale shark model
I can't really speak to this myself as I have never seen one
Kaku Zulu above all. The versatility and conversion ability, power options, configurability, storage space, comfortability, stability is the best out of all of them in my opinion. I have owned several kayaks, and this one has been the best all around fit.
Thanks for sharing
I’ll second the KAKU ZULU. ! I think it’s an awesome kayak with a great hands on owner. I love my AP120 and my 106 MK but I would buy the ZULU with the Xi3 in a heartbeat
Any kayaks with a pedal is a must have. I thought about getting the Old Town auto pilot changed my mind you never know when a battery goes bad or motor burned out you need that pedal as your last resort for safety.
100%
Il put my 2 cents in, I found a kayak called the lost creek lunker 10+, it was on sale for 650$ at sportsman's warehouse. Never heard of the brand then I see it's like sportsman's inhouse brand and they make everything, I'm assuming this thing is a clone of something. It had everything I was looking for at the time as far as features. It's a hell of an upgrade from the sun dolphin, but you can tell the quality of the plastic is not great. I have no warranty. It came with wired foot pedals to a rudder which I have since replaced with a trolling motor and so for about 1000$ I have a motorized fishing kayak with loads of space internal storage and it's really stable. the worst thing that happens is I'm out 650.
Not a bad gamble for $650
If I missed hearing you say anything about the kaku Zulu, with pedal drive, I apologize.
If not, why wasn’t it on your list? Either good or bad.
Nothing on that topic. And I have no opinion on it as I have never laid eyes on it
@@wendellfishing Thank you!
You should check out the KAKU Zulu, may be the best out there. Quality and innovation and an absolutely hands on owner !
Need more throw and go recreational/fishing kayaks
Collect them all!
@@wendellfishing unfortunately barely have wife’s approval for one
@@wendellfishingthat’s what I say!
I have a 2001 Hobie Outback Mirage Drive wanted a second kayak cause me wife confiscated it went to buy a new Outback I loved it but was way out of my budget $3500 so I bought a Lightning Strike its a basic made in USA fin drive kayak $1900 I've been happy with it
Right on! All that matters
I have owned a nucanoe frontier 12, an old town predator pdl 12,. Now I have an old town 106 min kota and a 106 pdl. They are both perfect fishing kayaks.
Some of the Jackson kayaks could be great boats but they have major flaws. For example, the Yupik has a great hull design, wide open deck, and lots of track; but, it has no hull access. Absolutely no way to rig wiring through the hull. That is a major issue.
The vibe shearwater fuckin kills it. So glad I god rid of my titan native slayer for the shear water.
I own a Nucanoe pursuit, wilderness systems ATAK 120, and a few Jackson Kilroys. Nucanoe has great customer service and makes a decent boat. I feel like Jackson kayaks are overpriced for what you get. However, their older models like the Kilroy really offer some great designed features and hulls. They need to get back to their roots of good paddling fishing kayaks. Wilderness systems doesn’t get enough hype. My ATAK 120 was ahead of its time. It has a spot for live scope and a spot for downscan/sidescan transducer. The hull hits the right spot of stability and speed. I think anyone that gets locked into only one brand is severely limiting their fishing opportunities.
I have a NuCanoe Frontier 12. It’s a bit of a barge to paddle but I love the stability and the 360 degree swivel seats. Considering adding the peddle drive to it.
I love my Vibe Shearwater 125 but I can't recommend it at the price it is now. I got mine when they first came out and the price was just right. The SH 125 has a great layout and the electronics box is great for the dish finder but the rudder isn't very good, I have a after market rudder on it and it turns better but still turns too slow. I really wish Vibe would make all the parts in the USA instead of China. I don't have any plans on replacing my kayak for fishing but I'm getting a Eddyline Sandpiper 130 which you could fish out of. Great review of the different kayak companies and the kayaks themselves.
thanks Chris!~
What do you think about the perception pescador pilot 12.0 pdl?
Can't say much as I have never fished out of one
Hobie all day long. The Old Town Sportsman with the spotlock motor looks intriguing. Never been in a Bonafide or Native. I started in a Ocean Kayak Prowler 13. Once I started pedaling, that was last time I paddled.
Have the Prowler 13 and was fishing in it this evening. With the current in the river/wind, my upper body is wasted. Going to keep it as a torture boat for extreme workouts. It will make you work for those fish.
Pedal: Old Town PDL, Titan/Slayer
Add a motor: Nu Canoe or inflatable
My ideal yak doesn't exist; I want a Titan or Slayer with a beavertail rudder. If I have to use a cart to move in the driveway=dealbreaker. I'll rock my Kilroy till then...besides I just spent my yak money on some new shop tools.
Re: Forum posts...they suck! If you think kayak tribalism is bad, stay away from stereo/home theater. If you disagree with someone that has an Elec Eng degree, prepare to change your religion or be cyber-bullied as "less than cordial" when you call them out for not coherently reading your question before giving you a 3 paragraph answer why you should do X...sheesh!
Right on
lol...
I think you guys hit it with the top 3 and bottom 3. I’m a Native guy for many reasons but Old Town has been a quality company for longer than most of us have been alive. They know what they are doing. Don’t get me started on Hobie. They are like the frat boy, all flash and nothing to back it up. Chad has a ton of knowledge but he sure does like to hear himself talk and talk and talk and talk, zzzzzzzzzzzz. I would hate to be stuck in a meeting with this guy. It would be worse than a power point presentation.
Thanks boss! Appreciate you!
Like Randy, I've been in meetings where I'd waited for someone to finally stop talking so the rest of us can contribute and then the meeting comes to a close. Do you have another video where Randy gets to speak?
If you want to know what is the best all around kayak ever made, you have to look what offshore/inshore kayak charters use, such as Deep Blue, Pushing the Water, Los Buzos, etc. Those people catch the largest fish in the world from a kayak and what do they use? Jackson? Old Town? Bonafide? Native? You can check their pictures and videos and see that is the most popular kayak is Hobie Outback 2018 -2017 models. Do you know why? Because it is the best all around kayak. It has been my experience as well. I have tried multiple kayaks and each of them has pros and cons. However, if I have to pick up one that I trust in high wind, strong current, choppy water and big fish situation, outback is simply the best. If condition are good, I would pick up revolution 13, just because it is fast, light and stable.
I'm still considering going with the Knarr based off its features but it would be nice to try one out if possible
Right on brother!
I subbed here to get away from nda industry shills like mr hoover. What gives bro? Keep it real. The best kayak is the one that gets you on the water fishing at a price you can afford. It's gonna be different for every angler. I paddle a pelican rebel xp and it does everything I need it to. And it only cost $400. If you're a big fat guy it's probably not for you but it doesnt mean its a "bad yak" .
As someone with a Podcast, I interview everyone in the industry, It would irresponsible not to interview the one who trailblazed it all. Plus, Chad has been nothing but good to me. I will continue to keep it real the only way I know how. Being me and being transparent. PS.. I agree with your comment on getting a yak can afford is the best yak ever.
@@wendellfishing fair enough. At least you're honest. I can respect that. Most just say what they're paid to say.
PS keep making those funny shorts. They crack me up.
Respect.. will do .. Shorts are so dumb but man.. do they perform.. Just havin fun@@seancline8130
That a good kayak means something different for everyone is a good point. I recently thought similar when I saw people off shore in deep ocean water with big pedal propeller drives on big kayaks. They make sense there. I''m in weeds and sunken tree branches so smaller kayak and Mirage drive works better for me.
@@TheZX11 🎣🎣🎣👍
As much as I would like to own an old town, I don't have old town money..... I had to think of how many times I use my kayak and the fact that I'm 5'6 and 240. I went with a local company called Hammerhead kayaks from alabama. Love using it even with a few drawbacks I came into.. ie 12 ft and being 5'6 😂. Whatever kind of kayak you choose you are never fully happy and will always want to keep up with the latest and greatest. What sold me on the hammerhead brand was the owner and if you have an issue he was willing to speak to me one on one, that's down south service.
I just bought a Kaku Zulu. I looked and studied for a long time. This one just for my bill.
NOICE!
They are awesome!
Thoughts on wilderness systems?
Can't personally give a solid opinion as I have only seen 1
@@wendellfishing That brand seems like the unicorn of the industry. Before I did any research that was one of the first brands I found on my own and the pedal drive system looked good. I was looking for a good sit on top kayak that was very stable to stand in.
I like my Pungo 120 sit in. None of their fishing kayaks interest me.
Still having trouble finding my right kayak. Want to invest for the long run. So many names but still don’t get it. I’m big and I rock. I love the water but don’t want a paddle. Can’t break the bank but want an upgraded. Shoot. More I investigate the harder it is.
Yeah.. I have heard of some people taking 2 years of research to get the yak they really want
I would suggest narrowing it down to a few you really like, then look hard on the used market. Many dealers will drop prices 10-20% if it's been sitting in their inventory for over a year.
But in the end what yall call the Aliba brands. Gives someone just getting into kayak fishing the chance to do so that doesn't have the option to drop 3-4k on the big brands. I researched and settled on a Hoodoo Impulse 120.
I've test a couple, So Far Hobie Pro Angler 14 and BKC Pk14 Tanderm has the same plastic thickness. Native Slayer and bonafide would be another good choices. Everything is in medium range or low range of Lifetime plastic. lmfao
Lol, the comments on Vibe is totally true. It was cult like.
:)
I want to get into kayak fishing but don’t want to spend a lot initially. Is it even worth looking at BKC or Seastream?
I mean.. the best kayak is the one you can afford. I have always bought the brands I wanted... just second hand. czcams.com/video/VXre9gmAgeg/video.html
I’ve owned over 50 different kayaks. The best are Crescent, Crescent, Crescent.
That is a lot of kayaks
@@wendellfishing it’s a problem. Been kayak fishing since 2013. Nothing like new plastic.
100%
@@bigguyinalittleboat7927
Pelican catch 100 best buy for 650 after tax.... don't need to spend 3000 on a Kayak or have electronics to catch fish its all foresight and intuition
I bought a Lifetime. But that's because I live by their manufacturing headquarters, and bought a cheaper discontinued color. But I haven't had any issue's with it. It's heavy, but I figure most fishing kayak's would be.
What’s your opinion on the vibe sea ghost 130?
No opinion from me.. never been on one
I can't say anything about their new boats. But, I love my cuda HD