Kayak hnting

[JBen]

If you decide to get one I'd strongly suggest learning how the boat handles earlier in the year when the water is warm. Now the water is dangerously cold.

Just my 2c.
If your wanting to hunt out of a yak in the fall, I would make [stability a priority. While most yaks are very stable, in fact more stable than canoe's. Not all yaks are created equal. As with anything there are trade offs. Gain a little here, sacrifice a little there. And the only real difference or way around it, is budget. The more your willing to spend, the more you gain be it stability, cargo capacity, this or that. But that to is a trade of. You trade more money, for more X. One example of this only.

Do you want to have to drop your paddle to grab your gun, or put your gun down to control the yaks orientation and movement? Well you can spend more for a peddle yak, so that your hands free.

Not sure I personally would opt for a 10 foot for fall hunting.
The longer the yak, the better it tracks. The longer the yak the more stable it is. Shorter yaks though are more maneuverable. Thats the trade off there.

Colours.
Think long and hard about this. The reason many yaks are bright colours is because all yaks have a low profile. The more it contrast with the water the more it stands it out. Good for your safety, not so good if duck hunting.

I own a Hobie PA.
It is the most stable yak out there. It has tons of cargo capacity so much, loading it for WFing would be easy ( two large duffle bags filled with Dekes on the back deck is more than doable, could probably put 3 bags without blinking) and more going for it. It weighs 110 pounds empty, cost a ton, and more.

There is no "perfect" personal watercraft. What there is, is Pro's and Cons with each. And what's right for you, well only you can really say.

[urbansherpa]

I have an old 'Old Town Dirigo 140' sit-in. Mine is a khaki, light brown 'marshland' colour. Blends in well. I use a paddle-strap, so I don't lose the paddle. Kayaks are quite stable, so as long as you don't lean too far, you are very safe. I've been kayaking about 25 yrs and never come close to an accidental tip over (on flat water)
I've been in Lake Ontario in six foot waves (for fun, not for hunting) and felt very safe and confident. I feel much safer in a kayak than a canoe, and I have LOTS of experience in a canoe. I've even floated past deer sipping at streams! I've never attempted to bow hunt out of a kayak, though!

[Monks]

I moose, duck, deer hunt out of a Prijon Yukon Expedition. Great boat, lots Of storage. Whitewater, open water hybrid. Lots of storage. As above but one that fits what you want to do. I do lots of overnight trips and can pack in some gear and still hunt with it. If just for ducks would get a sit on style.


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[huntemup]

line052,

You wrote "I see in the marsh all the time on Crown in Ottawa",... would you mind telling which marsh, where? I'm from Ottawa and I have a hellish time finding spots where I can put my NuCanoe Frontier 12 kayak in, for some waterfowl hunting.

[Tony Mo]

Personally, I would not buy a kayak at Can Tire/Costco unless you were able to test paddle those models first.

My family and I were looking for a couple of recreational kayaks this summer. I didn't want to buy a toy. We rented "sit on top" and "sit in" from the Swift store. The kids, wife and I all agreed the sit in was easier to paddle, tracked better and went faster. These are just for day paddling on flat water. We ended up with a "sit in" the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120.

For waterfowling, you are adding a whole other dimension, not the least of which is weight. What may be great for paddling in the summer just wearing your shorts and PFD, is going to make a huge difference in the fall with more clothing, waders, shotgun, ammo, a few dekes etc. I don't think I would want to be in a "sit in" kayak while wearing waders.

I think you will need to spend a little more for a hunting kayak for it to be safer and enjoyable. Look at some of the newer kayaks that have been built specifically for fishing, like Wilderness Systems ATAC or Jackson Kayaks "Big Tuna".

IMO, this is way different from a toy boat that you buy at the box store for the kids/guest at the cottage to play around in.

[line052]

Got this for $100.00 two years ago.Ammana Duck Boat.jpg

[Bluebulldog]

Got this for $100.00 two years ago.Ammana Duck Boat.jpg

That's pretty sweet...

[line052]

It is an Ammana (like the fridge) resin duck boat made in the 80's. If you should come across one buy it.

[Bluebulldog]

It is an Ammana (like the fridge) resin duck boat made in the 80's. If you should come across one buy it.

I'm keeping my eye open for one. Surprised there aren't more around, they look like a pretty decent design.