Kayak or Sup

Looking at a kayak or SUP for fly fishing. Any recommendations?

I love my WS Commander 140, but they stopped making those. I use mine to fly fish 100 % of the time and almost all of that while standing. It’s so much more enjoyable to fly cast while standing whether I’m standing in a boat or kayak. The most stable stand up kayaks will have your feet at or below the water line like the Commander.

I’ve never tried a SUP, but one problem I could see is having the loose fly line blow off the deck when it’s windy. Otherwise, I like the clean decks without hatches and straps to catch loose line.

Some guys use their kayaks to paddle somewhere and get out and wade fish or never stand up so I guess any kayak would be fine. Some put a damp towel in their lap to hold the loose fly line. Any little rough surface, seam, strap, knob, pedal, shoelace, cord, electronic device, etc. in the range of the stripped fly line will catch the fly line. I fish barefoot whenever possible as it makes it easier to feel when I’m stepping on the line.

broncos1,

Jackson makes a kayak specifically for fly fishing. Its cockpit area is designed for it, lacks things for line to snag on. It is also wider than most so it is easier to stand in casually. I believe it is called a Mayfly. Worth a look and you could likely find a used one, too.

My only other thought is you are going to want a stable standing platform; one simply gives away too much advantage sitting down. There are only a few kayaks with the sort of true stand-up range so that you can do it without feeling like you are having to consciously balance yourself, else fall out. Brands and models that come to mind would include: the Mayfly (again), Jackson Big Rig, Hobie PA 14 (12 maybe too), some of the Diablos, some of the kayak/canoe hybrids.

Brad

Build one of these!! https://www.google.com/search?q=home+built+hybrid+duck+boat&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS718US718&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Ru-zNKPWDGFbbM%253A%252CPEIkWQI2LYo2pM%252C_&usg=__ufH9iOK5UVr32OaJ_zZ2Lo1OKnk%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjpwImK4OfZAhVM34MKHQHPAgUQ9QEIKzAA#imgrc=Ru-zNKPWDGFbbM:

I built one I fly fish out of and LOVE it!! I put a platform across the rails that I stand on and use a push pole or a kayak paddle. Its really slow in the water but as stable as a small boat can be. Had it out in light house lakes in Port A last weekend and made several 4-5 mile loops.

Cheers

Sit on top kayak, preferably one that will let you stand. I have a wilderness systems ATAK 120 and I can easily stand up. As mentioned above, its way easier, way, way, easier to cast a fly rod standing up. I used to have a kayak where you sat very low in the water. My butt was basically level with the water. It was really challenging to fly fish in it. If you can't find a yak that you can stand in, then one that has a higher seat will help immensely.
I think the SUP would be too limiting I some situations. High wind would be a real issue. Also if you want to get out on the rivers or creeks that SUP wont be the way to go. The fin will hit bottom in the shallow spots. A kaya will run pretty shallow and you can drag it across shallow spots and it will take a lot of abuse.

Man I really like my Diablo Adios-it's stable, it's clean, and it's efficient. I can stand if I need to, but I have the Larry chair elevated enough that standing is not usually necessary. I had a Native Ultimate Tandem before-thankfully it was stolen and I replaced it with the Diablo. It was a nightmare to paddle in the wind, wasn't really a tandem, and the high freeboard made fly casting a none too pleasant experience. You could do worse than a Diablo.

There is a new Native Slayer 12 XC that was to be released in March 2018, but they did not hit their release date yet. Open deck design and a $1500 list price make it a good option. The Mayfly really interest me but $1900 is a little harder to take. Now while we are at it a Bobafide SS127 and Nucanoe Pursuit should be on your test paddle list. Those are the 4 on my personal short list.

I am looking for a kayak too. I thinking the kaku wahoo is what I am gonna buy.

Another ATAK 120 owner here. I got mine last August and have had no problem standing and fly fishing. I still have my Tarpon 120, but fly fishing with a low seating position is not ideal. The ATAK also has a higher seating position which still allows me to stay seated and fly fish when conditions warrant it.

Diablo Adios looks like the perfect hybrid.

These will start shipping any day now. Don't buy until you try one.
Designed by and for fly fishers (I was on the design team).

"I was on the design team".

Scary to think of.

Larry

At least "I" know how to use the quote feature on this forum!!!

My hand speed on the keyboard is so high that it's quicker to just type it in.

Larry