Ok, I have tube fished for over 35 years so that is what I know best. I also owned a bass boat for six years and loved it, but gave up the boat to persure other activities.
The closest lake that I like to fish is Alan Henry. Is it feesable to put a kayak on AH and venture past the no-wake zone? I am looking at a traditionaly paddled kayak. Love the Mirage, but out of my price range. I realize a kayak is propelled by human power so there are many varibles, but could someone advise me on speed and range. On my tube I am very limited to range and it is very slow. Would I double or triple my speeds and range? I know this is subjective but your opinions will be apprecitated. Thanks.

2 to 4 mph. On a typical day Ill cover 4 miles and hard day I'll cover as much as 8. Other people here do more im sure.

you are probably looking at 3 MPH as a low effort cruise speed for most yaks. Some are a little fast and some are a little slower.

Range will be defined by how long you can keep paddling. I have gone on 10 mile days on lakes with other paddlers before.

Speed is a trade-off with stability. The more stability the yak has and core strength you have, the bigger wakes you will be able to handle.

You will go triple the distance with ease compared with the distance on a tube. Been there done that. Tubes are ok but the kayak option is ten times better. Get a sit on top. You dont want to be swamped and suk by a mishap.

Wow that looks like a fun lake to paddle on. Nice and skinny but long.

Yes, it's very feasible to paddle beyond the no wake zone. Just keep in mind the idiots you're going to have to make yourself stand out to to keep from being a speed bump. I tend to stick to the shorelines, unless I need to cross the lake.

I would suggest finding someone with a Wilderness, Jackson, etc to let you try out. I fell in love with a Ride 135 as soon as I got in one. Super stable, lots of room for extra stuff, add on a rudder w/o much issue, and a pretty comfy seat. I will admit the jackson's seat looks more comfy, but I'm content with the Ride.

As far as speed and range, that's all fitness related buddy. I've not been paddling long, but I have a pretty stout upper torso, and I can do 10 miles in a morning.

If you're worried about other boats, get a kayak that's a bright color and put a big flag on it.

A yak is the distance answer. Also, don't forget that you can easily add a trolling motor onto almost any SOT style yak.

I put a $100.00 side mount Minn.kota on my Ride 115. It is a very stable yak. They may be on sale now due to a new version 115X coming out in August. Rich

Thanks everyone.

Im in Lubbock too and when I go fishing I go to AH too. I have a Native Ultimate 14.5 with a Bassyak and I can go just about anywhere on that lake. I can go around 5-6mph with that but I am pretty loaded down. I also fish with another guy here who does not have a trolling motor and he can cover alot of ground too. What kind of budget do you have? I'm sure you can find a great setup for you and your budget! Let me know when you plan to makes trips to AH or anywhere around Lubbock and I'll tag along.

I see three main variables for range on a paddled kayak: efficiency of the yak through the water, efficiency of the paddle to transfer energy to forward motion, and fitness level to supply the energy. You can control all three. I can go as far as I would like to go.

I've been fishing a smaller lake, and I'm always surprised at how quickly I can cover distances. While I am comfortable moving into open water, I've been avoiding it during peak summer times. Too many yahoos running top speed with a boat full of people not paying attention, and I hear the jet skis can be a challenge too. A flag is a must if you venture out. At least it gives another chance of being seen.

Alan Henry is in better shape for kayaks now than when it opened. A lot more trails exist to get you to places like Gobbler Creek to where you don't even have to paddle all the way from the ramp. Anywhere you see tents set up (for the most part) are areas you could launch a kayak from (I'd recommend a cart). I like sites 24-32 for best access. Definitely within paddle distance are a couple of really good arms even if you do launch from the ramp. Big grape may be hard to access. Depending on speed and distance covered, Little Grape may be a possibility and Rocky is definitely doable. Partner up whenever possible. Wear your PFD and stay safe!

do you have to buy an annual permit to fish Alan Henry? I want to go there Wednesday, but all I see online is the annual permits!