Better Kayak? Ascend FS12T or FS10?

im trying to figure out whether i should get the ascend fs12t sit on top angler kayak or the ascend fs10 sit in angler kayak.i mainly do canal,lake,pond,creek freshwater fishing but in the summer i switch over to backwater saltwater fishing.i want something that is going to be sturdy for me to put a bunch of things in (cooler etc…) but i also want it to be somewhat quick(not going for fast just average).i am 18 years old 6’2″ and weight about 175.what is the better choice?

3 thoughts on “Better Kayak? Ascend FS12T or FS10?

  1. Karl Fohn Post author

    Figure out what you can handle, and let that guide you. I speak from experience, so if you’re not a pro with kayaks, I very strongly suggest that you go with a boat that you can handle.

  2. Kevin M Post author

    Ha! I just was going over this question myself with Ascend kayaks, but I was deciding between the FS12 sit in and FS10. Here is what you really need to consider:

    A sit on is going to be much easier to get in and out of. Do you see yourself paddling out to a spot and then getting out and standing in the water, and doing this a lot? Then I would definitely opt for the FS12T.

    The FS10 is going to feel more secure, you are lower to the water (somewhat) and you may have some more space for gear. While the FS12T has a front dry storage area it isn’t very big. Both the FS12T and FS10 have rear open storage areas with rigging to hold stuff down. In the FS10 you are going to have some space in the cockpit and behind the seat to store some gear as well.

    Is there a reason you aren’t considering the FS12 sit in? This has more storage space than either of the above, and a more comfortable seat that actually comes out and can be used to sit on shore.

    Some other things to consider:

    A 12 ft kayak is going to track better in the water (tracking refers to staying straighter with each paddle stroke instead of wandering back and forth). This will will increase your speed a bit and save you some energy.

    A 10 ft kayak is going to be more maneurverable and will be able to get into tighter spaces. Do you plan on fishing in lots of small rivers? Then you might want to go with the 10 ft.

    There is a weight difference between these boats. The FS10 weighs 51 pounds and is light enough that I can carry it some distance on my shoulder and hoist it easily onto the roof of my car. The FS12 weighs 79 pounds and is heavy enough to be too much for me to put up on one shoulder, I can move it, and with effort get it on top of my van, but after a long paddle this is much harder. The FS12T is 65 lounds so fits right between the other two.

    All are very stable and suitable for fishing, you just need to decide which one best fits your needs.

    Added note, another poster brought up the question of carrying capacity, the FS10 has a capacity of 325lbs, the FS12 350lbs, and the FS12T 350lbs. So any of them would provide you with plenty of extra carrying capacity for gear. With your height, you would want to get in them to make sure that they would be comfortable and accomodate your legs.

    The Old Town Dirigo does not have the cargo space nor the extras that the Ascend fishing models you are considering (anchor, cleats, rod tender, or rod holders). An Old Town would be lighter.

    The tracking on the FS10, as I said would not be the best, but with the keel and the strakes will provide better tracking then other kayaks of the same length with a shallow “V” hull.

  3. c_kayak_fun Post author

    In the same price range, the Old Town fishing kayaks like the Dirigo and Vapor lines are lighter. The 12′ Dirigo sit inside is only 49 lbs.

    http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/kayaks/recreation/dirigo_120.html

    Personally, I think a 10′ kayak is WAY too small for someone your size — it will not have the volume you need and the waterline will be far too low. A 12′ and even a 14′ is plenty maneuverable, and a wide fishing or rec kayak that is 10′ has such a bad width to length ratio it is a pain to paddle any distance or track straight. A 10 footer will not in any way be “quick” or even average. And a kayak approaching 70 lbs is nothing but a barge. 80 lbs is a garbage scow.

    This is the time of year when most outfitters schedule “on the water” demo days — why don’t you call around and see if there is one nearby so you can “test drive” some various models. I imagine you are looking at kayaks at fishing shops like Bass Pro — it really is better to buy one from a kayak specialist, they will have a better range of boats and be better informed to fit you properly. Poor fit in a kayak greatly reduces your enjoyment.

    Have you considered a canoe as well? Canoes are really the better option for fishing if you want to carry a lot of gear.

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