Getting in and out of the Pungo?

[barfly]

I have been shopping around for a new yak and I am torn between the Pungo 14 and the Tarpon 120. I have been wondering how easy it was to climb in and out of the Pungo when you are in a foot or two of water. Almost all our flats and backcountry are wadeable, so the yak will mostly just be for traveling between fishing spots or pure paddling. I would much rather have a sit inside as I am going to use the yak more in the winter and when I do use it in the summertime, I will be going exploring up tiny mangrove feeder creeks and will probably want a full skirt to keep the spiders and snakes out! I have been racking my brain to figure out which of these two yaks would suit me best and both would be out of the question right now.

[BluesCruiser]

a foot or two of water..pungo pungo not a problem I like to walk out that deep when I get in . winter pungo cold very cold..throw a sit-on pfd pad under your legs to keep the cold off ya it will help. :)

[notime]

I agree with bluescruiser, for the most part. I have used the kayak quite a bit this year on the flats and not a big issue getting in & out of water up to my thighs. I find having it anchored a big help. I said "for the most part" because it will depend on your agility.

Snakes and spiders? No thanks.

[Flyflinger]

Barfly,

I've been flyfishing out of the Pungo 140 since last Christmas and have been very happy w/it. I live in Jupiter, FL and have been fishing a lot of the inshore areas that you describe. It's very easy to get in and out of - much more stable than I would've ever guessed. I do it all the time in water from a few inches to about 3' deep (1'-2' should be no problem, 3' is a little tricky). I'm able to sit sideways w/my legs hanging over the side - just like all the yakkers w/SOT's - and the yak hardly even moves! No problem getting in, out or just cooling off this way.

Or you could do the straddle entry/exit - provided you don't have any rod holders, etc., sticking up :brow .

I haven't tried the old Eskimo launch yet (one foot in yak, one foot out for the push off, while holding each side of the cockpit) but I'm sure it'd be stable enough. Just need to practice that move w/o the expensive fishing gear though!

If you have any other questions give me a yell. Or if you're ever over in this neck of the woods let me know and you're more than welcome to take it out for a "test drive". Good luck in your search.

Tony

[barfly]

Thanks for all the input! I do so much fishing now out of a boat, I want a yak for just exploring and paddling around. I figured with the Pungo I could have a fly rod broken down in the cockpit so that if I do see a reason to get out and fish I can. I never thought about the yak itself getting cold inside. I live in Southwest Florida, but still, cold is a relative thing. Do you stay dry enough with a half skirt?

[Flyflinger]

I only use the half skirt when paddling thru rough water or big wakes. In the summer time I take it w/me but just put it down under the front of the cockpit - too hot w/it on. If I need it quickly, I can put it on w/o getting out of the yak. In the cooler months I use it all the time to stay warm, dry and it acts as a good stripping basket. I can push the mini-skirt up far enough to get my legs out to wade, stretch, pee, etc. If it's raining, really cold or very rough - go w/the full skirt.

I don't use a rod holder - just put it under one leg pointing backward (good for trolling, too!). When a fish hits, no fear of the flyrod going overboard.

Never needed anything to keep the legs warm in colder weather as I am usually wearing sweat pants over my swimsuit (just in case) and throw an extra pair of socks in the tackle bag to keep the little piggies warm. If you're planning on doing a lot of wading in cold weather you could always wear a pair of breathable waders.