Corpusfishing.com

[Johninaustin]

I'm looking to sell off all the kayaks, I no longer have the back or shoulders to use them any more, esp with the surgery I had in July. I'm thinking of a small inflatable with a gas motor to get me beyond the surf line. Something light and easy to launch/recover without a trailer or ramp.

This will just be beyond the surf line or for running baits, I have a Boston Whaler for rig trips and offshore.


What are you guys using? I currently have several outboards I can use, 2, 3.5, and 9hp. although the latter is a 4-stroke at over a hundred lbs so it's not really a consideration. Trollng ability is more important than top-end speed.

What rigs do you guys use? I'm looking at this one right now because of the double thick bottom and extra air chambers.

https://www.boatstogo.com/kayaks-sk385xl.asp

[thile321]

I fish from a zodiac with sectioned aluminum floor and it's nice to be able to stand up and fight the fish sometimes. Air floor will have high chance of puncture when fish comes on board and start flopping around. I think most zodiac has multiple chambers for safety, mine has 4. I think for one person a 10' zodiac would be perfect, it's probably gonna be in the 130lb range, depending on what kind of floors you have. I would never get solid/sectioned floors if I had to disassemble and reassemble every trip; it takes quite some effort and usually takes about 30-45mins if done alone. Imagine if you fish for 7-8 hours and have to come in and take it all apart then stack it up the truck. Air floor would make it somewhat easier; but I think a trailer is the best way. Have everything setup at home before the trip and clean up at home after the trip; and spend all your time/energy fishing. Personally, I'd go with a 10' RIB with a newer 9.9hp (~75lbs) everything on a trailer; it's the easiest to setup, launch and clean up.

[Hoggeman]

Lot of big fish in the second gut.
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Fin in the wind

[Rhino]

I have a 12ft with a 4 stroke 9.9. Takes 4 to get off the trailer and launch. Boat and motor weigh around 350lbs loaded. If you are planning to use it on Pins, they don't allow RIBs and inflatables can't be over 12ft. For 1-2 guys Id want a 10ft inflatable with a 2 stroke 9.9hp, but it will be tight with 2 guys. The 12ft is perfect for 2 guys fishing. The extra hp really comes in handy when coming back in, you need to be able to beat the waves in. Id go for the aluminum floor for added rigidity and protection from hooks/teeth. I've already had a hook puncture from an angry cobia.

[BayFly]

Maybe Towboat Trash will respond and tell you about his rig which he seems to launch alone. You might look at his old posts and see if he has described it before.