Anyone know if theres some new rule that requires a kayak to be registered? Academy is telling me that 14'+ yaks have to be registered.

Only if you put a motor on it.

P.S. Kayaks with sails affixed and are longer than 16' would require registration, too.

P.P.S SB708 was a bill introduced in this last legislature that was going to exempt kayaks with trolling motors from registration. It failed to make it past it's first reading. So that's a trend in the opposite direction for registration of kayaks.

Yeah, Josh: It went to the Committee for Quiet Burial!

Island Jim

Well, got it worked out. Had to bring up the TPWD boating website and show the store manager the exact language about kayaks being exempt.

weird

Weird, indeed. Make sure you still get the MSO if you purchase from Academy.

Manager is misinformed.

What did you get? I know an easy place nearby we can test it out. The fish is not great but its an easy place to paddle to get it broken in.

Perception Pescador 14'. Weight capacity 375#, has a comfortable seat with a sturdy backrest; butt is elevated a couple inches off the deck. Two rod holders behind the seat where I can reach them. Fairly large aft storage compartment, and big hatch for the forward compartment. To be honest, I haven't quite figured out how to get at anything stored in those compartments while still maintaining my balance on the water.

My first kayak is/was an Eagle Talon 12'. 400# weight capacity, and very VERY stable, although the mfr seat is nearly useless. But I'm finding that almost all my kayaking so far is on open water chasing sandbass on Lewisville. Must go faster. Also fairly sure that the extra 2' and deeper keel will help me deal with getting through bumpy water when the wind picks up as it has a few times in the past weeks.

In fact, had a lovely day recently where dark clouds scooted in out of nowhere and lightning strikes started hitting closer and closer to the lake. When the first one hit, I was paddling full speed to the shoreline. When the second one hit, I yelled something at the sky about "alright, alright, I'm headed in". On the third one - which was too close for comfort - I looked up and hollered "QUIT SHOUTING - I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME!"

Those forward and far aft compartments aren't really meant to be accessed while on the water unless you are fishing out of a Hobie Pro Angler.
They are meant for camping trips to store extra gear and keep it dry until you get to your campsite.
I had a kayak a few years ago that had a large gator hatch up front and I carried some heavy duty leaf trash bags. I caught a mess of catfish and had to pull up to the bank and transfer my stringered fish into the trash bag and store it in the front hatch in order to paddle back across the lake.

What's this with the sharing of fishing locations?

I broke the yakker code

Congrats on the Yak Zeke. That will work for sure!

I dont go out far on Lville this time of year... I stay away from Lville from Mid April thru Sept.

I have found due to idiots it can be very hazardous to your health being in a yak on that lake in the Summer. Sad but true. I mean we should be able to enjoy the summer out there as well...but with so many fools and so little enforcement. I stick to ponds or lakes with much less recreational traffic in the warm months.

Sharing of fishing locations means I will take you to a Gator infested pond and if you don't get eaten, I may try fishing there myself.