Wpart
Member
Guys.....I'm looking to purchase a Kayak to use on the Hooch and other Ga Rivers...What opinions are out there?
THANKS!
THANKS!
I would choose 12-13. Shorter boats have less deck space and don't perform as well is you decide to fish in places other than rivers. Turning more a function of hull design than length though is you get over 13 it starts to become harder to get in tight places in the shoals.I use my kayak for rivers primarily, and my advice is to get a shorter kayak (10 to 12 ft) if you're going to be running through shoals. A longer boat is harder to turn quickly, and can lead to problems like turning over.
A Jackson Coosa is probably your best bet, it was designed for use in rivers.
Yaknfish brings up a very good point - if you are switching from a pontoon to a kayak so you can paddle up & float down, & don't have to worry about a second vehicle or finding a shuttle (like me), then a boat that paddles fast and easy is just as important as stability.I have a 13 foot kayak and a 8 footer. The 8 footer is great in little ponds, especially when I'm alone. Fishing with other people? Your kayak oughta be at least as fast as theirs, or you'll be paddling like mad. In a river, a longer, faster kayak will allow you to paddle upstream easily. A shorter one may be float down only.
The advice is greatly appriciated!!! I hope to join you all soon on the water. My NRS raft is getting to be too much work and I'm only able to fish downstream. No going upstream in this schoolbus!!
I'm leaning toward a Native Ultimate 14.5. I visited Outside World and that appears to be a comfy ride!!