Let me start by stating: I have access to many small (1 to 4 acre) ponds; even a 10’ fishing kayak would pose a storage issue; a 10’ fishing kayak would likely be too small and/or uncomfortable for me (about 225 lbs and have back issues); a 10’ or 12’ kayak or especially a canoe would not be easy for me to load/unload and launch solo; I have no need for a trolling motor due to the relatively small size bodies of water; and finally I have no wish to spend $700 or so on a kayak so that I had something that would not kill my back sitting in or moving it. 

 

Looking at at several options, I think a Sea Eagle Packfish 7 would fit my needs. Easily stored and inflated. Comfortable seat. With the optional plywood floor you are able to stand. Definitely a good deal ($399 right now with free shipping if ordered by 06/30). But I would like to hear some real world experience if anyone owns one or has fished out of one. 

 

I realize it will have limitations but I don’t need something large or fast on such small acre ponds. Let me know real world pros and cons, please. 

Looks like not many use one of these lol. 

I like anything that floats, so yes this looks fun. I have had inflatable kayaks before (and maybe even an inflatable raft like this before), and my guess/assumption is that this would row or paddle badly. But that may not matter if you are fishing and don't have to go far. You could certainly get out on the water and fish and hopefully don't have to deal with waves or wind.

 

Do you have direct car and parking access to the water, or are you carrying all this for distance with an approach? I am not sure I would want to deal with hauling this down a trail and setting it up and inflating it and loading everything else, etc; so that seems more doable if you can be right at your car or truck for most lakes/ponds. The other obvious option is a "pack canoe" so a short fat hopefully light boat 10' or so; those are designed to haul to remote lakes (on your shoulder mostly) and would be pretty good for fishing and would probably paddle much much better (but may not fish better). You may not have storage space though for even a small canoe.

I would be traveling no more than 50’ from the bed of my truck to the water. Frankly, my biggest issue with a yak is storage. I could get a 10’ or even 12’ kayak in the bed of my truck for the two minute drive to the closest pond. It’s just simply no room to store it. I could likely rig something in the garage but it would take up a lot of space. 

 

As far as rowing, these ponds are small. I’m not overly concerned if it’s a bit slow and maybe a bit unwieldy, as it’s maybe 250 yards from one end to the other. It just appears to be pretty comfortable, likely much drier, and being able to stand and cast is a big plus to me. 

@BrianMDTX, you might have better luck getting some responses on a paddling forum or a Facebook owners group.  The water and storage circumstances you describe make an inflatable seem like a great solution.  I can relate to the storage predicament, here's my carport and I'm embarrassed about how much I have crammed into the garage besides the cars.

1 hour ago, CountryboyinDC said:

@BrianMDTX, you might have better luck getting some responses on a paddling forum or a Facebook owners group.  The water and storage circumstances you describe make an inflatable seem like a great solution.  I can relate to the storage predicament, here's my carport and I'm embarrassed about how much I have crammed into the garage besides the cars.

Now...that’s tight! 

 

I think I have my mind pretty much made up to purchase it. I have read a lot of positive reviews elsewhere. At $399.00, I’m not out much if it doesn’t suit me. 

I don't think I know of anyone with that exact model, but at $400, you're right, that's even cheaper than your likely to find a used 10' Wilderness Tarpon or similar.  Most people have good luck with the Sea Eagle stuff.  Most of them will fit in a compact car trunk when deflated.  

14 minutes ago, CountryboyinDC said:

I don't think I know of anyone with that exact model, but at $400, you're right, that's even cheaper than your likely to find a used 10' Wilderness Tarpon or similar.  Most people have good luck with the Sea Eagle stuff.  Most of them will fit in a compact car trunk when deflated.  

That’s how I’m looking at it. I looked at a Lifetime Tamarack 10’. At $299 it’s inexpensive, but way too small and would sit very low in the water for my taste. For what $399 gets you in the Sea Eagle Packfish, it’s worth a shot. Just being able to actually stand is worth it to me. 

Ok, I bit the bullet and ordered the deluxe version. $399.00 and free shipping. Have to wait to 7/21 to receive it, but $399.00 is way better than $677.00. 
 

Gotta get a decent PFD now!

I'd get one that has a place to keep most of what you'll need fishing (pliers, Fiskar kid scissors, bobber stoppers, bag of rubber worms, whatever) in pockets.  You shouldn't need a high back PFD, but a lot of the fishing-biased ones are built for kayaks with the high seat back.  The most popular one, and one I have is the NRS Chinook.  I have the older version.  Were I buying one today, it would probably be a Stohlquist PiSeas.  It's about $40 cheaper, and for my uses accomplishes the same thing.

I’ve looked at that. Seems like a nice PFD. 

Shipped yesterday and due on 07/14. Should be on the water on July 18th! 

 

Already got my Onyx Kayak fishing vest so I’m good to go! It’s got two rod holders (one on each side), but thinking about getting some PVC pipe, tee fittings and elbows so each holder can hold two rods so I’ll be able to take four rods out. Two months ago I would have said taking four rods was nuts. Now it’s not enough lol. 

 

Between all of you and that d**n monkey, I’ve been on a spree! 

I don't own the Sea Pack 7 but did own the classic Sea Eagle 8 with a hard floor for 5 yrs... Really enjoyed it and even put a 2 hp motor on it from time to time with a trolling motor up front. It would practically go anywhere. Sea Eagle quality is outstanding. Drawbacks to inflatables ... the wind ... and space ... pros can get to places others can't ... storage ... and of course outlay of cash ...

 

inflatables excel in small waters ... definition of small waters vary ... 

 

with a pick up you can have your boat inflated and tie it down in the back right before you fish to save a little time and hassle ...  

 

Have seen clips on the Sea Pack and can go in bigger waters, too ... if need be ... 

 

good fishing ...

These ponds are the classic definition of small waters, but they do harbor some nice bass. 
 

I was looking at storage of the craft and hauling/carrying/launching it as my primary motivators, with price a semi-distant third. Being able to stand (reliably, without constant fear of tipping) was also a big plus. I don’t need a motor as it may take all of five minutes to row from one end to the other lol. I’ll see how it does in wind. If needed, I’ll get some rope and fashion an anchor for it. 

A float tube would have suited you for even less $.

44 minutes ago, Alex from GA said:

A float tube would have suited you for even less $.

Maybe. But there’s a huge difference between sitting up and standing in an inflatable boat and a float tube. And this is suitable for larger or moving bodies of water where a float tube is not. 

I had a sea eagle stealth stalker 10.  I loved it.  Very durable, ran over hidden logs a couple of times with no issues. 

Ok. First time on the water. A quick review:

 

Took my time getting into it from the bank. Probably easier for those 40 and under lol. Sitting it’s very comfortable. Normally my back and shoulders start to ache by 9:00 with a dawn start. Fished to 11:00 with no aches at all. Standing? I tried twice. I will not be standing in it. I’m likely beyond that stage unless it’s a deck on a bass boat. Not hard to row but oars should be a bit shorter to prevent them from hitting your thighs. I’ll cut 8” off and try that. But with a good rythym it tracks straight and moves at a decent speed. 

Not to difficult to cast while sitting. No backlashes with my baitcasters. Storage space is at a premium but at 7’ that’s to be expected. Fully inflated it fit perfect in the bed of my truck and was easy to get it in and out. 

 

Caught four bass. Three dinks and this one. 
 

Almost 4 lbs. and 20”. Glad I bought a net.