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Kayak Preference Question
#15370688
04/06/25 03:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 326
polishpreacher
OP
Angler
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OP
Angler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 326 |
Hello All!
I am hoping this is the right spot on the forum to post this question. I currently use a Native Ultimate Tandem kayak that was switched over to a single occupancy which really looks and feels like a canoe/kayak hybrid. While I love this kayak, I am always looking for an upgrade or for something to use in different types of water. While looking around, I recently came across the BlueSky 360, which is a pontoon style kayak. I have been looking for something more like a peddle drive kayak to use in the bays along the Texas coast. So, my question is what is yalls preference for alternative drive kayaks, such as motorized, solo skiffs or peddle driven kayaks for bay fishing on the coast? I do not plan on going too far out and would rather chase reds, trout and flounder. I also would like to try potentially fly fishing for reds and trout when the opportunity arises. For those who have had experience with the BlueSky, what are yalls thoughts on it and how it would work at the coast, for instance around Rockport or Port Isabel. My feeling is that at least in the picture of the one I am looking at, it looks like the seat is pretty high, making it peddle more like a bike. Thank you for any feedback!!!
Scott
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: polishpreacher]
#15373015
04/09/25 04:11 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,239
Justin B
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,239 |
While I have never fished saltwater before, but if you are not planning to go out and just stay inland around the marsh type areas the bluesky would more than likely work especially if youre planning on standing up to fly fish. I know for any type of distance the Hobie Outback is very popular with saltwater guys because of the speed and ease of pedaling. Also if you are planning real skinny water a bicycle style pedal drive might not be the way to go and might want to look for the kick style with fins. It drafts in a lot shallower water which would again be a Hobie model even the PA 12 or 14. Just my .02
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: polishpreacher]
#15373209
04/09/25 02:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,382
Jimbo
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,382 |
One word and that is wind. Being from Karnes county you know that the wind in south Texas blows all the time especially the closer you get to the coast. Not familiar with the kayak, and how you will propel it, but that would be my main concern. There are some kayak shops at the coast that could steer you in the right direction or even some kayak guides that work down there every day.
Just one more cast!
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: polishpreacher]
#15373447
04/09/25 06:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,911
JJ4MEL
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,911 |
It's not a bad platform for the bay system. It is pedaled so you would have to avoid sand and oyster bars. Would def need a push pole. Like mentioned before, you sit high on the platform so you will most likely need a drift sock. If I was closer to the coast and looking at the price point of the Bluesky, I would invest in the solo skiff.
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: polishpreacher]
#15380597
04/19/25 11:57 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,124
Brad R
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,124 |
Scott, I had a 360. I was one from that early group who bought one at a big discount during its development. I liked everything about it with one exception: its pedal drive system was just absurd. I doubt one could get a 360 up to 2 mph, if that. Sort of typical of some Jackson Kayak involvements where I just don't think they actually field test new vessels. Likely why they've had so manty models introduced to disappear shortly thereafter.
I live down in Galveston now and I think you'd never make much progress pedaling into the bay winds down here. Of course, I know others have powered 360s up and I'm sure that solves the speed problem for them. I've heard rumors the drives were improved but I'd have to see it to believe it.
I have a Native Ultimate FX and a Old Town 120 Salty now. The Old Town is super fast and would be my kayak of choice of my two for fishing in the bay. Brad
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: polishpreacher]
#15384675
04/25/25 01:49 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,763
christian myrick
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,763 |
So I have a different approach to the same problem. For here local catfish and such i use a wilderness atak 140. This is for when I don't paddle far. Also local I love wilderness tarpon 160. Great boat to cover water fast and still pretty stable the few times I've stood.....in calm water. Offshore I use the best offshore kayak ever made, the stealth fisha 500. It's the perfect boat to cover real distance. It's not pedal drive but I have had many days paddled 25-30+ miles going right to rig to shrimp boat etc.
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: christian myrick]
#15387902
04/29/25 05:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25,186
lconn4
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25,186 |
Offshore I use the best offshore kayak ever made, the stealth fisha 500. It's the perfect boat to cover real distance. It's not pedal drive but I have had many days paddled 25-30+ miles going right to rig to shrimp boat etc. uh, excuse me youngster  ... but there is one other kayak that is faster, (less of a drag)  The Kaskazi Dorado .. almost the same length as your 500, but 2 inches narrower at the beam, and weighs less, and much more beautiful!  The Dorado came out about 20 years ago, so I suppose Stealth was trying to copy it but made theirs wider for less experienced paddlers.  made in Johannisburg, South Africa as an expedition kayak. The Dorado II came out a few years later... wider foot wells and seating area... I take p̶a̶r̶t̶i̶a̶l̶ full credit for the improved design.. ![[Linked Image]](https://texasfishingforum.com/forums/pics/userpics/2025/04/full-76913-268024-dorado_iic.jpg) Dorado II. at my buds koi pond.. he was the biggest kayak attn hoe in America, at the time.. Dr Hammer. I think he backed his truck over this one.. may have been drinking too much that day. Any way, he ended up getting one special made, carbon fiber/glass build... which he rarely used in his old age... which I now have.
Last edited by lconn4; 04/29/25 05:42 PM.
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: polishpreacher]
#15388676
04/30/25 02:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25,186
lconn4
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25,186 |
![[Linked Image]](https://texasfishingforum.com/forums/pics/userpics/2025/04/full-76913-268105-img_0460.jpeg) bump.  just giving you a hard time, Christian! by the way, the picture above is Christian Point, Flamingo FL
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: lconn4]
#15389597
05/01/25 12:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,763
christian myrick
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,763 |
Brother....it is a very beautiful kayak. The reason the stealth has a narrow seat pan is because stealth paddlers go out in bigger water and we need the suction to stay in the seat  hahahahaha. Both are excellent options far better than any pedal craft unless there is some injury keeping a person from mastering the paddle.
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Re: Kayak Preference Question
[Re: christian myrick]
#15390765
05/02/25 05:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25,186
lconn4
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 25,186 |
Brother....it is a very beautiful kayak. The reason the stealth has a narrow seat pan is because stealth paddlers go out in bigger water and we need the suction to stay in the seat  hahahahaha. Both are excellent options far better than any pedal craft unless there is some injury keeping a person from mastering the paddle. 
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