Tex@OIP

Been doing some research on kayaks. Just curious on people's opinion on the best tandem kayak for fishing the gulf. I was going to get two singles but i have decided that my fiance having her own kayak will bring me alot of stress. I want a really roomy one...I also want it to be decent on speed and stability...Doesnt everyone??? I was looking at the WS Tarpon 130T but decided it might not have enough room for all the stuff i want to bring. Does anyone have any exp. with the OK Zest II? Any reccomendations? Thanks for the help.

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Baitcaster

why do you think it would be stressful if she had her own yak ?

but if you insist, try out some of the hobie tandems at key sailing.

matter of fact, it's getting close to their demo day.

Team Hobie

My wife loves going out on the tandem with me. I use fishing as a way to not be bored, and she can just casually sit and sightsee or sunbathe or peddle along.

If you can afford the $2200, I highly recommend the Hobie Outfitter. Several P'cola area yak fishermen solo them and add kids or spouses on occasion. My kids love ours and so does my wife.

Come demo them on April 6th at Key Sailing or actually anytime. They are right on Quietwater beach on Pensacola Beach. Ask for Kaz, Kirk or Mike.

Alternatively, the GCKFA www.gulfcoastkayakfishing.com has two tandem paddle kayaks that members can check out to use. If you want to try one with your wife it can probably be arranged.

Ted

jake69455

I agree with the " try before you buy " idea. Try the tandem, then some singles, then the tandem again, then some OTHER singles if possible. Once she (and you) get your sea legs and get comfortable being in a kayak, you will be able to notice the things you didn't notice at first. No need to rush your purchase, take your time and be sure as you can before you buy. Get to a Demo Day and start early and stay late. Try everything several times.Go prepared to get wet. Actually TRY to flip the yak (in shallow water) to see what it actually takes. ( I'd suggest you try this solo lol) Be polite and they won't mind. After all, THAT'S WHY THEY DO THESE " TRY OUT" DAYS. All kayaks are NOT created equal.

FLSalomon

Good advice here - if the fiance really enjoys the kayak, then two singles are the way to go. If she will only be going with you occasionally, a tandem may work - almost all of them can be paddled/pedaled solo with no problem. Of the avaialble tandem models I know of, I could recommend the OK Malibu II XL, the Hobie Outfitter and the Native Watercraft Ultimate or Magic 14.5.The OK and Native boats can be demo'ed at Pensacola Kayak and Sail (Barrancas Ave. in P'cola) and the Hobie at Key Sailing on Quitetwater Beach.

The Native boats are new and easily adjustbale for solo or tandem and have the most comfortable seats on the market. Plus, they are so stable you can easily stand up in them. I tried it at their demo day 2 weeks ago.

The Hobie demo day is Sunday, April 6th. You can try out every model they make... Our club will be there with some Hobies rigged for fishing if you are interested... see you there.

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