Big Orange Yakker

I have the Lure 11.5. I have used it for the last year and have nothing but good things to say about it. I'm a big guy 6'4 and 275 and the kayak is very stable, whether you are standing or sitting with the seat in the high position. My choice came down to the Lure 11.5 or the Jackson Big Rig. I chose the Lure because of the lower cost and ease of loading when I'm alone without the loss of stability. There is ample room to stow gear in the hatch, a crate or the small middle compartment (great for a couple bags of plastics you are throwing). The scuppers are recessed on the bottom which makes scupper mounting a transducer very easy. Last but not least is the seat...it is awesome. It's easy to raise and lower so you can make your long paddle with the seat down and raise it when you start fishing. You can paddle in the high position without feeling tippy it's just not as efficient. The good thing is you don't get numb legs from a few hours in the boat and the seat is just comfortable. The seat is heavy but it comes out of the kayak very easily. Once it's out, the kayak is a easy to move (wheel in the keel) and load on roof racks. It is a wide boat and takes a while to get it going. But, once you are going it moves ok for a wide short kayak. One thing I would say is make sure you get the rudder kit. I have a hard making it track well without the rudder but this is my first kayak and I'm not an expert paddler. You do need a 250 paddle minimum for that kayak. Bottom line is that I really like the boat and I am happy with the purchase. I think if I were fishing big lakes and paddling long paddles I would look for something a little longer that would be easier to paddle like a Jackson Cuda LT. Good luck!