Kayaks - Product Reviews

Zack's been wanting to go kayaking for quite awhile. He kayaked in a lake in Montana with my brother in law's kayak with his cousins and had a ball. I bought him a sit on top kayak for his birthday in April and this weekend the weather finally got nice enough to give it a try. The kayak I decided to buy him was the "Spitfire" manufactured by "Emotion".


Spitfire from Emotion Kayaks

This kayak is 8 feet long and is very maneuverable. You can turn it on a dime and Zack could probably eventually run the Lower Yuba with it with no problem. It is light weight and comes with the backrest. This kayak was a package price including the paddle for $325.

Standard Features Manufactured from specially compounded polyethylene plastic Easy to repair, UV resistant, designed for years of care free use 3-year warranty on hull Dual carrying handles at each end of kayak Specifications Length: 8 ft (243 cm) Width: 30 in. (76 cm) Weight: 38 lbs. (17 kg) *Weight capacity: 225 -240 lbs. (102 -109 kg) *Depending on water conditions

Tarpon by Wilderness Systems

I picked up a "Wilderness" kayak for myself 12 ft "Tarpon" touring kayak. It has a large storage compartment in front and a small compartment right in front of the seat. The seat is very comfortable and has good adjustments. The foot rests are on rails and also very adjustable. I purchased the model that was the touring kayak because the "fishing kayak" is set up with spinning rod holders. The touring kayak is the same setup but without rod holders. I can order a "Fly rod holder" when I want to. I'm mostly going to use the kayak for playing around with the family and not for fishing. But you know how it goes. The Tarpon retails for $1049 without the paddle. I purchased the kayak on sale with the paddle for $875 from Wolf Creek Outdoors in Grass Valley.

Phase 3 SOT seating syste TriggerLock adjustable footbrace system SlideTrax adjustable accessory system 10" oval Orbix bow hatch 8" round Orbix center hatch Large tank well/ bungee storage system Dual paddle holders Scotty spinning rod holder - My model came without the rod holders Two flush mount rod holders 3.5 lb Anchor w/ Bag FREE Scupper plugs included Optional Rudder System

Freedom 12 Angler Kayak fro Wilderness

Now if you are really serious about fly fishing from a kayak you should check out the "Freedom 12 Angler Fishing Kayak" also from "Wilderness". This kayak features removable multi-position outriggers so you can actually stand up and cast. It has a casting brace and stabilizing bar. They had one on the floor at "Fish First" in Chico if you wanted to take a look at one. What will they think of next.

High-density polyethylene plastic Removable multi-position outriggers Watertight storage in each outrigger Casting brace & stabilizing bar High back seat Multi-position molded-in footbraces 2 cup holders Paddle holder 2 flush mount rod holders Self-bailing scupper holes w/ plugs Reinforced floor Stainless steel, aluminum, & plastic hardware