Advice on Ascend Kayaks

I will be getting an Ascend Kayak.  Primarily because I am locked into the Cabelas Ascend Signature Event.  Part of the event is a voucher for a Kayak.  So, I am trying to figure out what Ascend Kayak might be best to fish both Lakes and Coastal Waters (Open Ocean).  If not Coastal Waters, the Puget Sound seems almost like a big calm lake, maybe.

Sounds like maybe you'll be able to try their lineup before choosing one? That'll give you better insight than anyone here can.

Also, in case you were not being tongue in cheek, I don't think I'd compare PS to 'a big calm lake'. A couple hours a day if the tide swings are chill and weather is nice, maybe.

They'll probably take us through the different models. Ultimately, I will need ideas on what to look for, in order to decide what model might handle both environments. As for PS, I just meant that for the most part, I see fairly calm waters unlike coastal areas where you can usually see pounding surf.

I've got some experience with the line. Mostly from using BPS furnished boats in the Charleston SC area while working there.  Stick with the SOTs.

Bear in mind the line is geared towards lakes and protected bays. They are on average 10 pounds heavier than any other comparable kayak because they're built to take a pounding. However, they don't make anything over 14 feet. Personally 14 feet is the smallest I'd take into the Sound or offshore around Pacific City or Neah Bay.   

The two best in that line for you would be the 133X series and the 128T, with my preference leaning heavily towards the 128T because of its V hull and better glide for effort. It's also slighly narrower so you don't have to reach as far when paddling. 

The 133 series is a catamaran hull and paddles like a sheet of plywood screwed to a pair of 4x4's. That's why they offer an electrification "tournament" kit that puts the cost up around $4000 and at least here in WA requires a powered craft registration. It's also , because of its design, more "stable" than a traditional V hulled yak.

I try to keep an open mind when evaluating a kayak, and this line is geared towards beginner/ occasional users. I would NOT use these in waters that tend to get rough on a regular basis.

But, that's my evaluation.  You're going to get a chance to play hands on with them if I understood your post. You might come away with a different opinion.

[WR]

Thanks WR.  I Spoke with the Ascend / Cabelas Event rep over 8 months ago and he also suggested thatthe 128T would be my best choice. Previous to that and your reply I was considering the 12T. Just based on walking around the local Cabelas.

There are a couple areas around Olympia - Tacoma where the waters do not seem choppy or surf pounding, so I will be choosing my PS launch points carefully... After several trips when I'm feeling  , then I will explore coastal waters.

There are plenty of launch locations around the south Sound. Mostly you just need to watch the tides so you’re not fighting currents, and don’t go out on windy days when there’ll be a long reach for the waves to build.  I have taken my Propel 13 out in the Gig Harbor/Tacoma area many times without issues.

Meant to add, I have a file of launch points around Gig Harbor and Tacoma.  You can open it in Google maps or Earth…. This link ought to work:  https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ZXrKrdrs73Hns-Rbz8e-q9RyEXo-yX5f

One biggie that’s missing is Luhr Point on the south side of the Nisqually…. Be a good one to add.  Tides can rip thru there, so plan ahead.

Thanks you. This will is great.  I live 3 miles from Luhrs  Boat Launch.  Only thing with that area is if you get caught out there on low tide.  I think the mud flats run out quite a ways.

Thanks you. This will is great.  I live 3 miles from Luhrs  Boat Launch.  Only thing with that area is if you get caught out there on low tide.  I think the mud flats run out quite a ways.

Oh yeah.  I went down there once, and there wasn’t enough water in the nearest channel to put the drive down… Hell, barely enough to paddle out….

Agreed. I stopped fishing there because of how extensive, and dangerous,  the mud flats are. Stick to the channels and be aware that all that pluff mud is a huge vacuum that doesn't let go easily.

But, if you can hit it on right conditions, paddle outwards to the opposing island and bounce grubs on jig heads for starry flounder. Dick Wark, polyangler, did a great write up some years back about the Luhr area.