Hello all I’m a new member and this is my first post. I have been fly fishing from an Old Town Predator K140 for a long time, about 14 years, and it's time for a new kayak.
I need help deciding between the Old Town Predator 13 and the new Jackson May fly. I love both of them but I really like the transducer scupper in the 13. I would love to have side imaging sonar in my kayak. I exclusively fly fish and fish for bass, pike and musky here in Illinois. I hear some say that the center console of the predator could be a problem for snagging fly line but a towel draped over it should take care of that problem. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Nice to someone from Illinois on here. I can't give you any advice on your choice become I fly fish out of a Native Ultimate 14.5 which I love. Your post caught my eye because of your yak, my fist kayak was a Old Town Loon I bought back in 98.

Hey man- tough choice I had to make a similar choice last fall - had been fishing since 2001 out of a Wilderniss Systems Manteo, sold it last summer and bought the Old Town Predator 13 in November (Austin Kayak 2016 model Sales). I am about to take it out for its maiden voyage as Winter has been lingering around until now...

I am mainly fly fishing (over 90%) from the yak - for every species I can find Fresh and salt...
I think the first trip will be to a local lake/pond for trout fishing. Will let you know how well it went with the fly rod. Haven't equipped the yak yet as I want to take it out a couple times to figure out my needs.

Have you purchased your new yak yet? IF so which one did you go with?

I understand choosing a right Kayak as per need is little tough but even you have to go with Kayak which is better for you & I think "new Jackson May fly" is good one to go.

Boomer, I suggest you look at something that is peddled. Both hands are occupied flycasting. I have a Native
Slayer propel 13. I also suggest a sit on top model. Good luck.

New to kayaks and brands.

Here is a few I have been looking at.

Wilderness Systems Ride 115X Advance Angler Kayak
Old town predator 13 and predator MX
Ocean Kayak big predator II

I need the most stable, that is the most important to me.

Any info will help a ton, thanks...

I ended up getting a mayfly and I love it. I have also lost 100 lbs which makes it even easier to use.
I also got a lowrance hook2 tripleshot side imaging fish finder. This has been great for finding structure.

Boomer_J wrote: Congrats on the new yak!

I mostly fly fish from my kayak. Usually freshwater. I'm in the SE Alabama/NW Florida area, so mostly Bluegill and Bass. I do like catfish too, but don't target them often. An accidental catfish on my 3wt can be a handful.

Good luck fishing from the new boat.



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