Kayak Fishing..Again:

[Duce]

I remember when the White river around Madison/Delaware county was a sewer. In the fall you'd find carp so thick you couldn't see the bottom around bridge priers, and see the occasional dead hawg {non-Harley}float by. Now I cross it and find gravel bottoms and hear about the smallies and rock bass caught. I want to do a little float fishing and explore it , much as my father did. Dad was a kid when he did it and used a canoe, he taught me to handle one fairly well. My idea though is to use a kayak lighter and easier to carry, plus I frequent the strip pit around Terra Haute many with a portage to get in. I've found a good price on a Pelican Pulse 100X Angler, any thoughts on my choice?
I'm no kid, I've got knee problems, is getting in and out of one any worse than getting in and out of a tub? Thanks:...................<><Duce

 

[rem788]

I have a Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 sit in kayak that I fish out of. It can be a little difficult to get in and out of depending mainly on where you are launching/taking out. With a little planning and care, you can manage. I am no spring chicken either and still enjoy fishing in the kayak. Another consideration would be a sit on top, might be easier for you to get on and off. I an not familiar with the Pelican model you refer to. I chose the sit in kayak because I also use it for camping trips and recreational kayaking also.

 

[Mark 1911]

All these threads about kayak fishing have really got me interested in getting one too. Nice alternative for getting on the water and getting to where the fish are at. Now I just need to educate myself on which one to get. There are soooooo many, and such a price range. Each time I start looking for one, I always end up thinking that I could almost get a nice basic used boat, motor, and trailer for the same price, or just a little more. But then again, there are advantages to kayaks that boats don't have. I'm at the point now where I am trying to decide between spending my money on the kayak, or a small used boat. Tough decision. My back may help me decide this one, as comfort becomes a back issue for me for all day fishing.

 

[Shootin'IN]

Like rem788 said the sit in kayaks are a little hard to get in & out of if you have flexibility problems, I would suggest getting a sit on type if you have this problem.
I am going to try bow fishing out of my kayak, I hope I don't hit anything too big until I get the bugs worked out.

 

[nate77]

I remember when the White river around Madison/Delaware county was a sewer. In the fall you'd find carp so thick you couldn't see the bottom around bridge priers, and see the occasional dead hawg {non-Harley}float by. Now I cross it and find gravel bottoms and hear about the smallies and rock bass caught. I want to do a little float fishing and explore it , much as my father did. Dad was a kid when he did it and used a canoe, he taught me to handle one fairly well. My idea though is to use a kayak lighter and easier to carry, plus I frequent the strip pit around Terra Haute many with a portage to get in. I've found a good price on a Pelican Pulse 100X Angler, any thoughts on my choice?
I'm no kid, I've got knee problems, is getting in and out of one any worse than getting in and out of a tub? Thanks:...................<><Duce

I've had the non fishing version of that kayak for about 5 years, it was cheaper to buy the base version, and add the rod holders myself. The kayak works great for fishing, plus the opening is so large getting in and out isn't too bad, it just takes a little grace. I kayak with a few people over 50, and they do fine.

Sit-in vs Sit-on

I like sit-in, it is easier to keep your legs dry in cool weather, it offers more protection if the going gets rough and there also seems to be more storage on the

 

[BigJ]

I've got a Wilderness Systems Ride 135, which is made for fishing. Amazing Kayak and perfect for my size and what I need, but it's a bear to handle alone and I'm a pretty big fella. I would suggest the ride 115 as a smaller and lighter version, or anything from Jackson kayaks. It really depends on what your are doing though, a river fishing kayak is completely different than a pond/lake yak. I would HIGHLY suggest going to Wild Cat Creek in Zionsville and talking to one of their guys, they are not only super friendly, but VERY knowledgeable as well! Last thing I'll leave you with, the old saying holds very true for kayaks, you get what you pay for!

 

[zimzum]

I'd think that if you avoid steep banks when launching and getting out you'd be ok.
You could launch at Yorktown park or Priest Ford and stop at Walbridge in Chesterfield.
Probably be fine.

 

[Duce]

Thanks Folks:
Looks as if I'm heading in right direction. Any thought on launching at High Banks north of Daleville? Any advice on paddles?
Has anyone floated from Chesterfield area west to 600W? Now where'd I stow my wading shoes and Life vest?..............<>< Duce

 

[zimzum]

High Banks would be good, too. I've never gone past Chesterfield. In a boat, launching from Yorktown or close to it, stopping at Walbridge....makes for a pretty long trip. May be quicker in a kayak. You'll have a definate advantage when the river is low.

 

[Duce]

Zimzum: What are you using on the river with?................................<><Duce

 

[zimzum]

Zimzum: What are you using on the river with?................................<><Duce

Just a jon boat.