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Kayak Preference Question #15370688 04/06/25 03:18 PM
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polishpreacher Offline OP
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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

Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: polishpreacher] #15373015 04/09/25 04:11 AM
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Justin B Offline
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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


Check out my YouTube channel as I fish out of my Native Titan 12.5X in Texas and Oklahoma reservoirs

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If you are in the market for a great used boat checkout the selecton of bass, catfish and all around fishing boats and boat trailers for all style of boats at www.facebook.com/smithboatsales


Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: polishpreacher] #15373209 04/09/25 02:04 PM
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Jimbo Offline
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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!

Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: polishpreacher] #15373447 04/09/25 06:39 PM
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JJ4MEL Offline
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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.


Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: polishpreacher] #15380597 04/19/25 11:57 PM
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Brad R Offline
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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

Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: polishpreacher] #15384675 04/25/25 01:49 PM
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christian myrick Offline
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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.


Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: christian myrick] #15387902 04/29/25 05:28 PM
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lconn4 Online Content
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Originally Posted by christian myrick
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 roflmao ... but there is one other kayak that is faster, (less of a drag) roflmao The Kaskazi Dorado .. almost the same length as your 500, but 2 inches narrower at the beam, and weighs less, and much more beautiful! roflmao 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. roflmao 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..roflmao

[Linked Image]
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.

[Linked Image]



Last edited by lconn4; 04/29/25 05:42 PM.

A good rule of angling philosophy is not to interfere with another fisherman's ways of being happy, unless you want to be hated.
Zane Grey, Tales of Fishes, 1919

https://vimeo.com/73372194
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Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: polishpreacher] #15388676 04/30/25 02:09 PM
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[Linked Image]

bump. roflmao just giving you a hard time, Christian! by the way, the picture above is Christian Point, Flamingo FL


A good rule of angling philosophy is not to interfere with another fisherman's ways of being happy, unless you want to be hated.
Zane Grey, Tales of Fishes, 1919

https://vimeo.com/73372194
https://vimeo.com/72859045

Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: lconn4] #15389597 05/01/25 12:54 PM
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christian myrick Offline
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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 duel hahahahaha. Both are excellent options far better than any pedal craft unless there is some injury keeping a person from mastering the paddle.


Re: Kayak Preference Question [Re: christian myrick] #15390765 05/02/25 05:57 PM
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lconn4 Online Content
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Originally Posted by christian myrick
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 duel hahahahaha. Both are excellent options far better than any pedal craft unless there is some injury keeping a person from mastering the paddle.



cheers roflmao


A good rule of angling philosophy is not to interfere with another fisherman's ways of being happy, unless you want to be hated.
Zane Grey, Tales of Fishes, 1919

https://vimeo.com/73372194
https://vimeo.com/72859045

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