Nucanoe’s Ultimate 10 Fishing Kayak

I decided to dive into kayak fishing. This type of vehicle seemed like a good step to get back to some seroius fishing. After a lot of research, reading, watching videos, and talking talking talking, dreaming dreaming dreaming, I settled on the Nucanoe’s U10. The Ultimate isn’t new, but the 10 foot version is.

The reasoning behind this purchase was this:

• A Local dealer      Vermont Unlimited – Bennington VT
• Based on research this was one of the most stable kayaks available (although stable is subjective)
• At 10’6″ it would fit in the back of my truck
• At 10’6″ it would be easier to haul along with the camper (on the roof of the Silverado)
• It would accept two seats for an occasional second rider
• It can be powered by paddles, peddles, electric or gas motors. (With caveats)

Warning to beginners like me: the term stable when used with kayaks is mis leading. I had to learn to kayak and as of this writing I still will not stand in it.

Needing some storage I opted for a diy egg crate type of deal. Some 1 1/2″ aluminum pipe I had laying around but I absolutely hated it. I went to a soft sided tackle bag and I like it much better.

My very first time out was A solo excursion to Mill Pond in Grafton, just to test it out. No motor, just paddling and fishing. Fish were not being cooperative and there was a wind, but it did ok. It was my first time in a kayak, so I don’t have anything other than a canoe to compare it to.

Also added some Fishing Rod Floats Tubes for Kayaking to the fishing rods. 

I order the pivot drive to go with it. The first time out I went to a local pond/lake I’ve never been to. This pond is shallow with lots of weeds. It was also windy that day so it did not do well. The propeller got weed logged and didn’t work very well at all. I really thought I was going to have a heart attack before I made it back to the ramp. In retrospect I should have paddled back. I’m leaning.

I’ve found you really need to be careful and stay out of the weeds. If I figure out a way to get the weeds off while on the water, I’ve since practiced on land spinning and removing the drive system to remove the weed and put it back. Now that I know this, it really isn’t that hard.

The second time was at Woodford State park in Vermont . No motors are allowed so it was all paddle and peddle. This time everything worked fantastic other than the fishing. It to was a pretty windy day but the reservoir is pretty small.

Then I went to Emerald lake, another Vermont state park that doesn’t allow motors. I seen lots of bass but couldn’t provoke a strike. I really like the pivot drive for fishing. I like the fact it’s providing a little exercise as you fish. If I was regularly going long distances I would definitely want a motor though, although that might be a little old age talking.

I have the Xi3 and it works well. The remote control takes some getting used to but it does what it’s supposed to. I find it much faster than the pivot drive.

Now here are a few notes about the Nucanoe’s Ultimate 10 Fishing Kayak that may help you decide.

• My wife and I rode fine in the U10 with the Xi3. Her second seat is a low as it goes to help with stability.
• You definitely CANNOT have two people of any size with the pivot drive AND a bow mounted motor.
• The casting bar CANNOT be used with the pivot drive.
• The pivot drive and Xi3 work well together.
• You may need some practice to be proficient kayaking. It seems this is something I didn’t hear until after I had the kayak.
• If you want a second seat to use with the pivot drive (without the bow mounted motor, the buddy seat works with the inside forward track.

From front to back, here is my setup:

• Minn Kota Xi3 with GPS and spot lock. The only thing I’ll mention is I haven’t found a way to recharge the battery when camping with an electric hookup. Today’s solar is to slow.
• Trolling Motor Plugs
• Wire is 8 ga 
• Second Seat. I have both the fusion seat which is set as low as possible. The buddy seat fit the forward inside tracks.
• Pivot drive. I like the exercise and I like using it to work lake edges for bass. I think it may also work well for trolling for lakers.
• Fusion 360 swivel seat.
• #8140 – 260-280cm Adjustable Angler Fiberglass Paddle
• Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
• Scotty transducer mount
• Scotty fish finder mount
• 12V 7Ah Battery
• A tackle back I had with these trays
• Seat quick release. Saves taking the bolts off to remove the seat. It will not work for the front seat on the low setting.
• Lithium battery wired for the Xi3. 12v 60ah
• Anchor wizard
• I’m currently using a bunch of short chain lengths for an anchor
• Walmart pole holders. I should have ordered the Scotty rod holder with base.
• YakAttack TowNStow Kayak Cart
• Cell Phone Lanyard

I added this rope handle I picked up at Walmart. It makes moving the Nucanoe’s Ultimate 10 Fishing Kayak around a little easier when the motor is on.