Defiant Clone

This does work on offshore fish, so I could see it working on fresh. Few times I have been out, we would target floating seaweed/grass patches and run by them turning to churn them up. This has brought up some big Cobia when we have done it.

Whats the general consensus?

Not a bad pond to fish, just do it from Long Horns ?

so what are we waiting for?

Nope, but I have now, thats a nice looking one! Have you tried the NRS Raku? They look to be roughly smilar.

Good question, no its for Kayak only. While were on the subject what do you recommend? I have looked at Onyx PFD since they seem to be very prominent when you start looking. As far as paddles, all I know is that I have read you want to go light as possible (CF preferred) but there are a million different options and them suckers get $$$$$. I 100% agree, I will give them some credit based on reviews for current products. Since its due to release "soon", I would rather wait a little bit and demo the Shearwater and find out if I like it or not before jumping the gun and buying one of my others. Shearwater meets a lot of what I am looking for on the surface, however performance still remains the ultimate question. The dealer I spoke with who saw it at ICAST said the hull reminded him of the Yellowfin and he has always liked how it performed. That what draws me to it right now is the versatility, it looks like it has a lot of flexibility for how you want to use it that would allow it to grow with my style. The pronounced center consoles on certain models and brands is what drives me away. I want storage space, but would prefer it under seat or further forward/backward then to have it take away from deck space.

Thank you so much for all the reply’s! Seems like comfort and stability rank the top Followed by weight which is what I figured. I came across the Vibe Shearwater and think I’m going to wait and test it out before deciding. It seems to check a lot of the boxes I am looking for and has versatility for paddle/peddle. Local shop has some set to come in with no waitlist. My dad and I are In the process of fixing up my grandads old 14’ Jon boat, which I’m sure I will use on larger bodies of water with friends or my sons when older. Majority of the time it will be just me and I really like the idea of getting the kayak out and going. Plus we are moving end of year to a house that has a lake behind it and figure I will use it around there as well.

I have been trying that but with zero fishing kayak experience its hard to determine these factors, so I am reaching out to those with experience. I am looking to keep it under $1600 since that's the top line price for one of my choices (Bonafide ss127). I have found several peddle options that fall under that price point. So that could be an option. Southern Louisiana, so majority would be small local ponds, canals, bayous with occasional inshore fishing around Grand Isle/Venice. Might occasionally hit up False River and Atchafalaya Basin. My only option is standing to fish since I can only fish banks, been 15+ years since I was last in a boat so I cant recall sitting and fishing, much less trying to do it in a kayak. Do you prefer to sit or stand or mix it up? Right now lift solo, roof of Ford Escape, Hull weight is an important factor and I don't mind removing accessories to load/unload.

I looked at that one and their PK13 Peddle and so mad I didn't just go on ahead an buy it right then and there. Was waiting on my bonus. Have you used it yet? If so do you like the overall design and confort?

About to pull the trigger on my first Kayak. I have it narrowed down to a few, but it seems to me that between every model and brand there is a give and take factor. What are the "must haves" that you have developed after being on the water for a while. As a bank angler all I have ever done is stand and fish, so naturally I am looking at ones with bigger decks and more stability for standing, but my friend seems to think I will regret that in the long run and want a better seat. So what are your lists of priorities when choosing your kayak, what made your ultimate decision or lead you to change with your second yak. Did it come down to price/value, Paddle/Peddle, Seat, Deck Space, Versatility and storage, style/color, etc. Looking for insight more than I am into a brand discussion although I am sure that will come up at some point.

I am in the same boat as you and started looking for one about a month ago, so its great to see some good advice and recommendations here. I have a ford escape (Company Car) and I have looked into methods for putting in on top of the car instead of on a trailer (i can't add a hitch to my car) if you are strapped for cash. They have kayak specific roof racks for under $50 that look to be removable. I even read of some people making their own roof racks with rope and pool noodle cut in half then strapping the kayak to the front and rear on top of the noodles (not saying I would do this but multiple people stated they did it)

Lots of good information in here, so far the only bites I have had since the cold spurt has been from fishing shallow and going with a smaller profile lure (Rooster tail and Ned Rig). I am going to have an opportunity to fish a reservoir this week, maybe I can hit some deep water and use my trust Chatterbaits/Jigs!!!!!

Yes they make some, but some of them are costly, I did see one for $15 though. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lip+gripper+scale&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

My theory is: If I see gators around then I will be fishing there just at a safe distance. Down south we have gators in almost every body of water but one thing is certain; a gator will not hang around an area that doesn't have a steady food source.

Lets see, I have lots of first since its my first year really being into fishing: First Baitcaster First time using Flourocarbon First fish on Chatterbait (6.89PB LMB) First fish on a Ned Rig (LMB Caught) First Fish with a Spoon (Cerival Jack?!?!) First on a lot of fishing locations First time fishing a T-Rig Finess/Senko worm (LMB Caught) First time using topwater, WP (2 fish Brim & LMB), Frog (No fish yet ?), Hula Popper (2 LMB) Probably have more but this is what I could think of off top of head.