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Advice on a New Kayak

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11K views 34 replies 16 participants last post by  badger75  
#1 ·
Hey guys,

I'm looking to get a new yak for fishing. Right now I use a Sea Eagle 370 blow up. It's been awesome and has taken a beating without complaint. I highly recommend it if storage space is an issue at your house. I originally got it since I lived in an apartment and didn't have the room to store a kayak. But, now I'm in a house and have storage room.

I'm torn between the Ascend FS12T (sit on top) or the Ascend FS10 (sit in). Both kayaks are sold at Bass Pro, and I know many of you out there use these boats. I like the fact the rod holder on the FS10 is right in front of you and easy to get to. However, everyone I talk to seems to prefer sit on tops for the long-term. Most of my fishing would be on the Fox River, a bunch of small lakes/ponds, possibly the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. Both are $500, so any recommendations or advice would be great.

Also, what do you and don't you like about your Kayak?

Thanks!

FS12T:
http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS12T-SitOnTop-Angler-Kayak-Sand/product/11081905012225/
Sit on top
12 foot tracks well
Sturdy/stable
Comfy seat
Plenty of storage
Can stand and Fish

FS10:
http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Angler-Kayak-Camo/product/11081905012223/
Sit in
Keeps you dryer
Rod holders seem to be in convenient location
Smaller/easier to transport
Doesn't track as well as a 12 ft
Can't Stand and fish

Sea Eagle 370
http://www.seaeagle.com/SportKayaks.aspx
 
T
#2 ·
I have a sit on top Ascend D10T and I really like the sit on tops... I'm able to stand and move around a lot easier than you could in a sit in. If you really are into modifying your yak - then a sit in could be a good option. Based on others I have seen, it looks like there are more options for modifying a sit in compared to a sit on top. My buddy has a 10 foot sit in and his tracks just fine... a lot better than mine. I think the front to rear weight ratio is the problem with mine because it tends to turn a lot and I'm going backwards down the river.

Overall, I would recommend a sit on top due to the flexibility of being able to move around or standing up. The 10' will be easier to transport just because it weighs less than the 12', but either way... I don't find it difficult for transportation. That is my 2 cents...
 
#3 ·
Travies comments make sense...sit-ins more easy to mod likely but you could see it doesn't stop these guys from doing good mods on sit on tops. the only thing I would throw out there if you will be wanting to cover some ground in a river and that may be up river with some current flow make sure the yak you get is efficient in doing so, some can be dogs, some okay, some great. Also, make sure your comfortable sitting, if not comfortable when sitting in one at BPS it won't get better after hours on the water.

I'm light and have a bad back so my criteria was a light yak, some of the angling yaks are heavier than I'd like so I rule them out. Whatever you buy you will want a 2nd though :) I have a sit in and i will get a 10' sit on from BPS once I just go up there and get it
 
#5 ·
I was torn between the same 2 you are debating on.

I chose the fs10 sit in because it fits in my condos elevator. I have used it twice and im very happy with my decision.
The rod holder in front is very convenient however I will be getting the scotty triple mount very soon

http://www.scottypaddlesports.com/kayak ... older.html

By putting this in it quickly turns the 1 rod holder into 3 separate mounts...and since the fs10 already has the female connector built in it will require 0 drilling etc. I plan on using the middle for depth finder then put the rod holder in either the left or right depending on what direction im fishing. Whichever slot the rod holder isnt in I will put a large cup holder in due to the fact the cup holders it comes with arent that deep...the ability to take things out and switch locations is as easy as twisting and pulling... you can move the rod from right to left on the water in 2 seconds tops. The triple mount also has the lure holder on front that I forsee being very convenient.

The fs10 is simple to move around and the inner compartment is quite roomy and you have a fair amount of room from where your body ends and the rod holder is located so you dont feel boxed in... I throw my legs out with ease and can fish bent legged or even cross legged and dont feel restricted at all.

It is pretty quick and gets speed....the bottom hitches up a tad which helps keep it stable and track good.

If I could go back in time to when I bought it I would still buy the same exact 1....its a nice ride with a ton of options and easy to use. I recommend it but at the end of the day the decision is yours.... sit in both at the store and see which fits you better...weigh the pros and cons and trust your gut.
 
#6 ·
Bass Pro also has the Malibu Stealth 9 or 10 on sale from $800.00 down to 549.

Its a SOT, nice set up for standing and room to Mod. Its a great one to throw in the mix since the price drop. Its a pretty well thought out yak. Its off their site but it was in the BPS in Bolingbrook last week. There were two of them on the floor.

Image
 
#14 ·
Blackhawks2984 said:
For what reasons FloridaRigger? I appreciate your insights
Click to expand...
here are some of my issues with the Ascend FS12T:
cheap seat (compare it to what comes on a Wilderness systems or Jackson kayak.)
non-elevated seat (your butt will get wet)
molded foot braces (adjustable are way better)
cheap hatches
its about 10lbs heavier than my Tarpon 120
you are not going to be able to stand up in it without a pontoon system. it is too narrow and not much room to put your feet

the lowest price sit on top i would consider is the Perception Sport Pescador 12 (sold at Dick's and other big box stores as well as online). the pescador is a re-branded pre-2009 Wilderness Systems Tarpon.
 
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#20 ·
FloridaRigger said:
TheWoz said:
This is an awesome deal!
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/spo/4038790768.html
Click to expand...
that is a good deal. the tarpon 140 would be excellent for lake michigan. but if you look it is the exact same design as the Pescador
http://www.perceptionsport.com/kayaks/PRS_Pescador_120
Click to expand...
That's because Wildy and Perception Sport are sister companies. PC is the cheaper line and typically sells the previous generations of the Wildy yaks. Pescadors are just an older version of the Tarpons.

FWIW I have one of the older Tarpon 140's in dumpster green as I like to call it. Fantastic boat, I wouldn't plan on standing in it to fish though. It's a little narrower than most SOT's, but that also makes it faster than most. :D
If I recall correctly, it's 2 or 3 inches narrower than the current Tarpons. I picked it up lightly used from an older lady on craigslist for $400. :D :D

I haven't used it on big water yet, but will not hesitate to hit up Lake Mich. after I get a way to get it up here (it's still in OH). It's great on rivers as well, because it's much easier to go upstream than it would be in a shorter wider yak. If you plan on fishing creeks and rivers you definitely want a SOT. They give you the ability to turn sideways on the boat and use your feet to anchor yourself on rocks etc. to fish.
 
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