Hey guys. Iv been going back and forth in my head about what i should do and was looking for some input. Although i think iv pretty much made up my mind. Worth noting i changed my mind a few times already. 

 

Hadn't been bass fishing long. At least not seriously. But im hooked. Currently fishing from the bank. I have about 5 lakes within 20 min drive from my house that i can take a electric water craft or kayak in, one being literally down the road less than a minute away. To some of you guys, these are ponds. They are not big. And i do fish in wind and rain. 

 

My two options are kayak or a pond prowler from BPS and throw a trolling motor on. I was looking at used jon boats but hadn't seen much. And they look heavy. If there's any other options you guys can think of, please let me know. 

 

So here's my criteria/ thought process. First, i drive a silverado. So i want to be able to throw it in the bed. So size and weight matter. I could get a trailer but honestly, i don't want to. Lazy i suppose. Obviously tailgate would be down, bed is 8 ft. Im not a fan of having things over hang out the bed.  So 10ft is max, 8ft preferred. Second is price, I'm not cheap, but I'm not made of money. Price needs to make sense. Third is storage. I have a garage, but it's pretty packed out with surfboards and i built my own little work shop in there. I do have a large back yard and will be adding a little shed for extra storage. But I'll need a place to keep this thing. 

 

My first thought was kayak. But after looking around i decided i would want pedal drive. And the prices are pretty steep compared to standard yaks. I also feel like i might feel cramped in one of those, and wound want to be able to stand. I did however like the idea of adding some exercise while fishing. 

 

Which brought me to the pond prowler. I'm looking at the 8 mainly for the transport side of things but I'm not opposed to getting the 10. I only fish alone. My wife may want to come once in a blue moon but she wouldnt even fish. Obviously would need to add battery and trolling motor. Get an oar. And register. But they seem stable enough to stand in and just look less cramped. More options to customize. I like that it comes in an 8, would fit in my truck bed like a glove. Being bulkier, storage will be somthing i have to figure out. 

 

The pond prowler seems to make more sense size and my wants/needs. But i have no experience so i may be missing things. I hadn't did the math but it's looking cheaper or at least similar to a pedal drive kayak. The cheap ones were over a grand. My only concern would be storage, keep it outside with a tarp over it? I could come up with a pulley system for the garage. Do they hold up over time? 

 

What say you guys? Anything im missing or things i hadn't considered? I know kayaks are a great option. Don't think iv seen any pond prowler type boats. Maybe i have but didn't notice. Any reason for that? 

 

There is a thread on here solely on pond prowlers that you may want to check out.  I am a kayak guy so I am biased towards that but it is also all I know for 20+ years really.  

 

I have a great paddling, stable kayak that i put a motor on almsot two years ago and couldn't be happier for my needs.

If you ever think you’re going to take anyone with you, get the Prowler. If not, it’s more of a toss-up related to storage space and how you want to fish. You can arguably cover more ground quicker in a yak, but moving around on a prowler is more convenient and comfortable. People will argue those last two points. ?

 

They’re both great, just a little different stylistically 

A kayak can be hung from the ceiling in your garage.  look to get a truck bed extender and get a larger kayak (11.5ft. or more).  That way you'll have more room and be more stable so you can easily stand up in it.  Storing any plastic boat outside will greatly reduce the lifespan, especially if it's out in the sunlight.  And with a tarp, you've got to worry about mold and animals.  

A pond prowler is not a bad idea, but they're going to be very heavy and much harder to transport by yourself.  Plus, they're really not good for areas with more waves and wind.  A kayak can handle wind and waves a lot better.  I've had mine out in a big lake in 40mph winds.  I don't recommend it.  It was scary and dangerous (pop up storm that wasn't predicted).  But it proved to me that the kayak can handle more than I feel comfortable taking on.   

 

The advantage of a pond prowler is if the weather and water are stable, then you've got a much more stable and open platform to fish from and you can take a buddy along.  But you don't want to be in one if the wind kicks up.  And if your trolling motor dies, you're going to be in trouble.  They're very slow and hard to paddle, should you even remember to bring one.  They're really just made for small ponds.  But if that's all you'll ever fish, then they're a pretty good solution.  

 

In your situation, I'd consider a jon boat and trailer.  You can store it outside without issue (being made of aluminum), it'll be big enough and stable enough for you, and you won't be limited by the places you can take it.  Find a used one, and you'll be pretty close to the same price range of a new kayak or pond prowler.  

Any 10’ kayak is going to be way too small to fish in comfortably, in my opinion. I have a large 13’ kayak and I wish I had something bigger. 
 

I’ve never used the pond prowler, but it looks interesting. I’d probably just get a jonboat… which it sounds like you really want. The trailer is a hassle, but I wish I had just gotten that FWIW

 

Lots of considerations and compromises for your situation I think.  Any chance you could try some of them out locally?

 

i have a 12’ kayak with motor and it’s a great setup, but will be about double the price of a pedal kayak which sounds like it would be out of your budget. If you go kayak, a 12’ will track a lot better than a 106 or similar.  I truck bed mine in a 5’7” bed, so I have about 4’ hanging off (flagged). If you do decide on a 10’ kayak, the old town sportsman series are wide and stable.

 

not sure how handy you are or if you’re looking for a plug and play solution, but the yak killer build from TBN is an interesting concept. 12’ job boat (you could do a 10), well decked, light enough to truck bed but more stable and more storage than lots of other options in that price and class. 

I’d recommend the pond prowler. I fished out of one for 5 years. They are four foot wide which makes them very stable. I never had a problem with wind in mine. I used mine on an 3100 acre lake regularly. I stayed back in the creeks mostly but when I wasn’t I’d just turn and face the wake if a big boat went by. Never had a problem. 
 The pond prowler is also easier to mount a trolling motor to and you don’t have to worry about paddling . I used a utility trailer to haul mine though because I left the motor, batteries and fish finder on it all the time.

I’ve had a 12’ kayak and now currently have something similar to the prowler (Pelican Predator). 
 

Get the prowler. There’s so much more room. It’s more versatile in terms of taking someone with you or standing up in. Like others have said though, it’s basically a big plastic toaster, so they don’t handle waves well. So as long as the lakes you’re going out on don’t have serious chop you’ll be fine. 

On 10/16/2022 at 5:17 PM, JayMac89 said:

My first thought was kayak. But after looking around i decided i would want pedal drive. And the prices are pretty steep compared to standard yaks.

 

 

Seastream Angler 120 PD. I've done a few reviews on it here.

Thanks for the responses guys. Definitely alot to consider. 

 

As far as the kayaks go, I'm not opposed to that idea. And was looking at the old Town pedal drives. If I'm remembering correctly i saw price tags in the 2-4 grand range. Which is fine with me. My only concern would be spending that money then wishing i had more room. And the size, i know its my own problem in my head, but a 12 for yak hanging out the back of my bed i don't feel great about. 

 

The job boat option is most likley my best option on the water. Unfortunately i didn't see many used ones for sale by me. The ones that i did find were pretty beat up looking. And being heavier, I'd need to drag that thing a fair distance at some lakes, others I'd be able to back it right into the water 

 

The pond prowler seems like the best of both worlds. Im not worried about chop or waves, these lakes don't get much of that. Storage at home would be the struggle with this option. I feel there is a solution somewhere, just need to figure it out. I could maybe build a small "garage" for it in the backyard. I do need to clean up my workshop that i call a garage, i have scrap wood everywhere. Might actually have enough room if i organize in there. And hanging out from the ceiling i do think could work. Most kayaks are about 100 pounds right? So is the pond prowler. 

 

Every option has its drawbacks. No right or wrong answer. Just a matter of where in willing to sacrifice. This is why iv gone back and forth in my head so many times. Would like to make a decision this winter so I'm ready by spring. 

Look on Craigslist for kayaks. There are deals to be had. Personally I have hobie PA12, and can car top it by myself. In a truck it would be a breeze. Plenty of similar styles out there. I would think models a couple years old will be floating for sale, and you might find a good deal on a brand new one with holiday events coming up. Also having a kayak will give you options to fish bigger lakes and creeks/rivers if you have any close by. Third if you ever get to saltwater you will be glad you one as well.

 

Sure you will enjoy whatever you get, to get you off the bank!

3 hours ago, JayMac89 said:

Thanks for the responses guys. Definitely alot to consider. 

 

As far as the kayaks go, I'm not opposed to that idea. And was looking at the old Town pedal drives. If I'm remembering correctly i saw price tags in the 2-4 grand range. Which is fine with me. My only concern would be spending that money then wishing i had more room. And the size, i know its my own problem in my head, but a 12 for yak hanging out the back of my bed i don't feel great about. 

 

The job boat option is most likley my best option on the water. Unfortunately i didn't see many used ones for sale by me. The ones that i did find were pretty beat up looking. And being heavier, I'd need to drag that thing a fair distance at some lakes, others I'd be able to back it right into the water 

 

The pond prowler seems like the best of both worlds. Im not worried about chop or waves, these lakes don't get much of that. Storage at home would be the struggle with this option. I feel there is a solution somewhere, just need to figure it out. I could maybe build a small "garage" for it in the backyard. I do need to clean up my workshop that i call a garage, i have scrap wood everywhere. Might actually have enough room if i organize in there. And hanging out from the ceiling i do think could work. Most kayaks are about 100 pounds right? So is the pond prowler. 

 

Every option has its drawbacks. No right or wrong answer. Just a matter of where in willing to sacrifice. This is why iv gone back and forth in my head so many times. Would like to make a decision this winter so I'm ready by spring. 

 

An Old town PDL will run about $2200 last I checked.  You can get a used one for that or maybe a little cheaper but it will come with more stuff, often a fish finder and battery or some other ancillary gear.

 

How much gear do you plan to take?  In my 120 I carry 5 rods, a significant tackle bag (5x 3700, 1x 3600, some plastics bags), and a net on every trip.  Then depending I can also add on some smaller 3600 boxes laying loose, a rain jacket, sometimes a 6th rod, etc.  I stand to fish so stability is no problem for me.  Standing to fish in a PDL would be tougher if you have wind or current.

 

 

20 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

An Old town PDL will run about $2200 last I checked.  You can get a used one for that or maybe a little cheaper but it will come with more stuff, often a fish finder and battery or some other ancillary gear.

 

How much gear do you plan to take?  In my 120 I carry 5 rods, a significant tackle bag (5x 3700, 1x 3600, some plastics bags), and a net on every trip.  Then depending I can also add on some smaller 3600 boxes laying loose, a rain jacket, sometimes a 6th rod, etc.  I stand to fish so stability is no problem for me.  Standing to fish in a PDL would be tougher if you have wind or current.

 

 

 

That's a sweet set up! 

 

Honestly I keep things real simple. One because I'm on the bank, and two because I'm new. I carry two rods and a back pack with all my lures and soft plastics, a scale, and pliers. If i were in a kayak or boat id add a net to that. I keep extra line and extra tackle in my truck just in case but i tend to travel really light.

 

Those old towns do look really nice. Much nicer than a pond prowler. Just seat and add ons and all that. Id have to rig a pond prowler. Which is fine. Just an observation. 

 

Id really love to try a kayak but i don't know where I'd even go to test one out. 

4 hours ago, JayMac89 said:

 

That's a sweet set up! 

 

Honestly I keep things real simple. One because I'm on the bank, and two because I'm new. I carry two rods and a back pack with all my lures and soft plastics, a scale, and pliers. If i were in a kayak or boat id add a net to that. I keep extra line and extra tackle in my truck just in case but i tend to travel really light.

 

Those old towns do look really nice. Much nicer than a pond prowler. Just seat and add ons and all that. Id have to rig a pond prowler. Which is fine. Just an observation. 

 

Id really love to try a kayak but i don't know where I'd even go to test one out. 

 

Where do you live?  There are lots of dealers around the country that have trial days or even have ponds behind the shop to try.

 

For two rods and a light backpack, there is plenty of room in a 106.  the 106 has the rear well, but there is also some under seat storage I think.  The front hatch also offers storage for things that you want to have but not need like spare line, spare propeller, etc.  For two rods, I wouldn't even do much to the boat.  I'd use the rear facing rod holders, probably one of them for the net and one for a rod, throw the backpack in the rear tank well and a little tool pouch on the front of the seat (I love mine).  It keeps it light and mobile.

I have the same yak as cast_by_fly and think if you are fishing alone and/or need something just light enough to lift in/out of a vehicle its hard to beat.  Peddle drive vs. Autopilot is a personal preference (budget considerations too) but honestly after using spot-lock and fishing hands/feet-free, I couldn't go back to anything else. Boat control even on smaller waters on windy days in a small watercraft is key.  

 

And yes... you can stand in them ~

What's this auto pilot you speak of? Are talking about a trolling motor on a yak?

 

I'm in NY, long island. I could be wrong, but i don't think there's any dealers near me. At least not that sell these higher end kayaks. The only place iv seen any kayak or pond prowler type boat is dicks sporting goods. The nearest bass pro shops is CT or PA. 

 

I thought i had my mind made up but you guys got me on the fence again. A kayak does seem easier and would fit the bill of what i need it to do. I might prefer more space, but I'm not a complicated guy. If it works, it works, and id be cool with that. 

Slayer Max 10 propel. If you want to go deeper down the rabbit hole add a NK180 on the back. Going really deep? Put a XI3 on the bow and have spot lock.

 

https://nativewatercraft.com/pages/slayer-propel-max-10

 

https://newportvessels.com/products/kayak-motor-nk180?cmp_id=17453038517&adg_id=140073966160&kwd=newport trolling motor&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhIWGkvfu-gIVqhNMCh3aaQRzEAAYASACEgIY6_D_BwE

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/motorguide-xi3-freshwater-gps-kayak-motor

 

That should give you more to think about.

FM

 

 

If you have a pick up truck look into a Bass Hunter  Bass Baby . It has wheels . I have one and can handle it by myself . I fish an irrigation ditch  in it . Never seen another person there .

Whoa . I just looked at the price of it . More than twice what I gave twenty years ago . I paid like 400 for it and now they are over a grand .

On 10/17/2022 at 8:03 PM, casts_by_fly said:

i have a 12’ kayak with motor and it’s a great setup, but will be about double the price of a pedal kayak which sounds like it would be out of your budget.

I will disagree there.  You can get a quality kayak and mount a motor like a NK180s and everything needed for under 3k.  You can go even cheaper with the motor and get under 2k if you wanted.

 

On 10/17/2022 at 5:42 PM, JackstrawIII said:

Any 10’ kayak is going to be way too small to fish in comfortably, in my opinion. I have a large 13’ kayak and I wish I had something bigger. 

Cockpit size isn't always different based on length.  My 14' and 12' kayaks had the same cockpit area and size as do many in the same model line.  It is totally worth checking them out ion person though as everyone is different based on their style of fishing and size etc....

1 hour ago, flyfisher said:

I will disagree there.  You can get a quality kayak and mount a motor like a NK180s and everything needed for under 3k.  You can go even cheaper with the motor and get under 2k if you wanted.

 

I was speaking specifically to the boat I'm in (autopilot 120) and why I'm not recommending it.  Its roughly double the price of a PDL equivalent.  I wholeheartedly recommend the autopilot, but not if the budget is $2k.

its no secret i am a kayak person.  i love mine.  i feel the only limiting factor on my kayak is ME.  it can do any body of water i am comfortable with.  even the Pacific Ocean.    i kinda feel the pond prowler is just that.  for ponds!!  hell, it is in the name.

 

without knowing your local waters or comfort level on the water, i cant answer.  i would get bored only fishing ponds.  kayaks do well in big waters.  at least mine does.  

 

i think for me, i have a 12' length minimum.  it just helps with speed and stability.  with an 8" truck bed, that is low hanging fruit.  you wont even need a bed extender.  

On 10/16/2022 at 5:17 PM, JayMac89 said:

Hey guys. Iv been going back and forth in my head about what i should do and was looking for some input.

I'm going to try to offer you advice again in the spirit of saving you lots of grief and wasted money. I fish all the places you're likely to fish, including the places closest to your house. These are some of the better spots on the entire island, but if they haven't been hit with an algae bloom like Artist did they'll all top out with milfoill. Besides February into mid June, they're choked. Last time my brother and I were at West we needed to row it in the jon boat. Same with Great P. My buddy just yak'd both and they're still choked. Props or Hobie drives on yaks are a no-go in many of the places you'll want to be. If you insist on getting any type of yak with a drive you'll be forced to extract it on the water then end up paddling anyway, or you'll simply get stuck or be kept out of prime areas. It's not a big deal paddling 30-40 acres, which is the what the vast majority of our so-called lakes are. Even Blydenburgh at 100 acres is no big deal to paddle. BTW, it recovered from the bloom and is shore to shore weeds again.

 

The Sun dolphin 8' and the Pond Prowler are fantastic fishing platforms. Super stable, but you do not want to row one by yourself if your trolling motor keeps getting jammed up, or if your battery dies from fighting through weeds. Same with a jon boat. Rowing by yourself through high weeds absolutely sucks. Also, besides the Victory Drive ramp at Ronkonkoma, there are no real ramps anywhere. Dealing with either platform by yourself from a truck bed at most of these locations will be terrible unless you're Andre the Giant. My son in law has the Sundolphin 8', so I know the drill well, but we only fish with it in the natural Hampton lakes that have eel grass and no high Milfoil.

 

Get an extender if your truck has a hitch receiver, and get the 12' Yak you want, but invest in a cart and don't forget hull protection. You'll be dragging it on rocks a lot. Deep gouges happen quickly.

 

Good Luck

On 10/24/2022 at 9:23 AM, PhishLI said:

I'm going to try to offer you advice again in the spirit of saving you lots of grief and wasted money. I fish all the places you're likely to fish, including the places closest to your house. These are some of the better spots on the entire island, but if they haven't been hit with an algae bloom like Artist did they'll all top out with milfoill. Besides February into mid June, they're choked. Last time my brother and I were at West we needed to row it in the jon boat. Same with Great P. My buddy just yak'd both and they're still choked. Props or Hobie drives on yaks are a no-go in many of the places you'll want to be. If you insist on getting any type of yak with a drive you'll be forced to extract it on the water then end up paddling anyway, or you'll simply get stuck or be kept out of prime areas. It's not a big deal paddling 30-40 acres, which is the what the vast majority of our so-called lakes are. Even Blydenburgh at 100 acres is no big deal to paddle. BTW, it recovered from the bloom and is shore to shore weeds again.

 

The Sun dolphin 8' and the Pond Prowler are fantastic fishing platforms. Super stable, but you do not want to row one by yourself if your trolling motor keeps getting jammed up, or if your battery dies from fighting through weeds. Same with a jon boat. Rowing by yourself through high weeds absolutely sucks. Also, besides the Victory Drive ramp at Ronkonkoma, there are no real ramps anywhere. Dealing with either platform by yourself from a truck bed at most of these locations will be terrible unless you're Andre the Giant. My son in law has the Sundolphin 8', so I know the drill well, but we only fish with it in the natural Hampton lakes that have eel grass and no high Milfoil.

 

Get an extender if your truck has a hitch receiver, and get the 12' Yak you want, but invest in a cart and don't forget hull protection. You'll be dragging it on rocks a lot. Deep gouges happen quickly.

 

Good Luck

 

I had totally forgot you had mentioned this before, and didn't consider it of course. Thank you again. Think my mind is pretty much made up. Yak it is. 

 

I do really think a pond prowler is a great option. But a yak seems easier. And let's not forget I'm a surfer. Standing in a yak should not be a problem at all.

 

I think i found a place. Little bit of a drive but next free weekend i get in going to try and get my hands on some and see what's in stock

13 hours ago, JayMac89 said:

 

I had totally forgot you had mentioned this before, and didn't consider it of course. Thank you again. Think my mind is pretty much made up. Yak it is. 

 

I do really think a pond prowler is a great option. But a yak seems easier. And let's not forget I'm a surfer. Standing in a yak should not be a problem at all.

 

I think i found a place. Little bit of a drive but next free weekend i get in going to try and get my hands on some and see what's in stock

If you can surf, you can stand on a kayak.  However, they're not the same thing.  With a kayak, there are primary and secondary stability points.  At the primary stability point, where the kayak is level to the water like a surfboard, they're not very stable.  So you'll feel it want to tip over on you pretty easily, unlike a surfboard, where your primary concern is keeping your balance over the board.  The surfboard won't roll so much as get out from underneath you.  You also can't push a kayak around with your weight like you can a surfboard.  However, at the secondary stability point, the kayak is a lot more stable.  This is where the kayak will be tipped over maybe 5-10 degrees on its edge.  But it'll hang there pretty solidly so long as you keep your balance over the kayak.  And that's a lot easier to do on a kayak than on a surfboard, as the kayak won't want to shoot out from under you. 

 

My point being that it'll still take some getting used to.  You'll need to develop some confidence in the kayak's secondary stability point and learn how to take advantage of those stability points.  Since you've got experience with balance on the water, it probably won't be a tough or long transition.  But just don't expect it to come easy the first time you're out.  So you might wonder how anyone can actually fish standing in one on your test drive, but after about a dozen or so trips, it should be no problem for you.  

Well i was pretty much sold on a kayak when some luck struck. Well, maybe luck. I guess we will find out. 

 

Got a jon boat, plus trailer. For free. Needs some work. Doesn't appear to be anything major. Have one small leak to fix, new tires on the trailer, trailer lights need all new wiring and lights. But hey, for free I'll put the work in. If it dosent fit my needs i flip it for a profit after fixing it up to fund a kayak. If it does work out, I'm off the bank and on the water. 

 

Win win if you ask me.