Small, Light Kayak Recommendations

Christopher · #1 21-04-2003, 05:13 AM

Hi There.

I'm planning to get myself a kayak for bream fishing etc. In the lake that I fish at, there are a lot of small sand islands and bars that hold lots of fish in the drop offs, but I just can't get to them! I'm looking to get a kayak for simple transportation around the lake, but also perhaps to fish FROM in other situations.

I'm looking for something small, and probably quite short (will be going on top of a car, and also speed is not a primary concern), and fairly stable.

I've been looking at the Australis Bass (a basic, well-priced kayak), and it looks fairly suitable. I'm really not going for anything too flash. I need to be able to lift it up onto the top of the car by myself.

What's the Perception Minnow like?

All the best!

Ol' slab sides · #2 21-04-2003, 07:18 AM

G'day Christopher

I've got a minnow, had it for about 5 years now & I couldn't live without it. I reckon I could catch fish on wet grass in that thing!!!

Na seriously mate whatever gets you on the water is good but those short kayaks are great for fishin. Mine's not to bad to paddle, not to fast but I cover some good distances, even in the channel were the tide screams along...

I had already bought the minnow b4 I seen the bass but the bass is wider so is probably more stable...

Slab

Titfish · #3 21-04-2003, 08:23 AM

G'day Chris,
I have a Bass and think it is terrific. It weighs 18 kgs so is easy to lift onto the car and apparently will fit intoo the back of a station wagon as well. They are very stable and I find it good to fish from. They are a bit pushed for space but that is the price you pay for going compact.

They are also available in cammo colours although some say that having such is a danger in relation to not being seen by power boats.

Bottom line an excellent fishing platform.

Regards Titfish.

Christopher · #4 22-04-2003, 02:25 AM

Hey there, thanks for the replies.

Titfish, when you say that the Bass lacks some room... exactly how much room is it lacking... and are you talking storage room, or leg room, or general body room?

Coz I'm not a tiny guy... I'm not huge either, or too fat, just fairly broad, you know? Also, I'm just over six foot, what's the Bass like for leg room?

Titfish · #5 22-04-2003, 08:41 PM

G'day Chris,
I'm a 6 footer(height that is) and find that I need the foot pegs at the end of their limit. I have actually thought of taking them out. Maybe it would be worth contacting Australis (get their number out of Yellowpages.com.au), they are in Wollongong and see what options that they can offer. Maybe they can move them forward if you are tall.

There is room in the thing. I carrry a spare rod with the tip pointed to the back and the rod down one side, two stowaway tackle trays between my feet and camera in a dry bag, along with snacks, drink bottle and maybe a rain jacket or jumper behind the seat.

At the moment I'm wrestling with the idea of putting an environet somewhere, (possibly on the rear deck).

To give you some idea of the space I have given thought to going on overnight bass trips. I just have not worked out what to leave behind as you would have to travel light. I reckon I could fit a sleeping bag, tarp and either food or beer (that's the big decision) along with my fishing gear. It is possible there just would not be any luxuries.

Anyway hope this helps.
Titfish.

Christopher · #6 22-04-2003, 11:06 PM

Hey mate,

yeah, that does tell me a lot, thanks. Sounds like just about the right choice for me. Pretty good prices on offer, as well.

Is there anything on the market that is like the equivalent of a trailer for a kayak? some light, floating, hydrodynamic storage tub that is waterproof that you could attach to the back of the kayak and tow along?

You'd have to have something with a minimum of drag... just something smallish to bring sleeping bag etc. for overnight trips.

I'm not really into the game yet, so I don't know if there's anything on the market, but I assume there should be, right?

But yeah, the Bass sounds really good.

Also, has anyone tried fly-casting from a kayak? Is it possible?

All the best

Ol' slab sides · #7 23-04-2003, 05:42 AM

G'day Chris

I've used the wand from mine & its like deep wading, if you dont get your cast right your line slaps the water & you lose all your line speed.

Slabs

Christopher · #8 23-04-2003, 06:03 AM

Thanks Slabs, that sounds about right. I guess the idea of the kayak, though, is that you shouldn't have to cast outlandishly far, and so it shouldn't be too much of a problem... the fact that you're on the water means your casts shouldn't need to be as long, right?

I tried a Perception Minnow today, and I was pretty impressed with the speed that it had, surprising for a little short fat kayak. It was pretty shallow tho, and pretty low to the water. Also there's not HEAPS of room inside for me and gear. Will wait and see if I can try out a Bass.

How do the minnow and the bass compare for roominess?