I did a lot of research looking for a fishing kayak. I had certain criteria I wanted to meet, and a few “nice to have” ideas.

Note it’s been a few years since I did any serious fishing, but I’ve fished from several different boats from a jon boat, a v haul and a Tracker bass boat. I’ve also fished from a Mad River canoe. I fish for fun and to relax. I do not do tournaments and if i do it will not be a serious thing.

Here is what I was looking for.

• I needed something I could fish solo or occasional have my wife come along. There would be days there would be two of us fishing, days one would just be relaxing on the water while I fished, days while camping I’d be fishing and my wife would be relaxing on the beach. 
• I needed a way to carry it while towing the camper. I figured 10′ would be easier than 12′
• I’m old enough where weight makes a difference. I wanted as light as practical, with to much sacrifice elsewhere.
• I wasn’t sure if I want something to peddle, row or motorize and I wanted the option to change.
• Some of the lakes I will fish will allow motors and some will not.

The U10 fits nicely in my short box chevy Silverado.

It will be roof top when I head to a camp ground

I’ve added this rack since this picture was taken

• https://amzn.to/3UTB2F7
• https://amzn.to/3WA1hSg
• https://amzn.to/4ahorQw

I decided to go with the XI3 Minn Kota 55pd thrust with spot lock

Spot lock will keep the kayak in one spot based on GPS. I liked that feature. It’s an added cost but an added luxury.

Here are the U10 spec’s

I received a lot of feedback that the U10 wasn’t going to be good for tandem fishing. Although some of the statements had some merit, there is a lot of personal preferences involved. My comments would be as follows:

• If there will be two full time fishermen an Ultimate will definitely give more room, but for the occasional fishing it seems fine.
• If most of the fishing will be solo the U10 is the way to go.
• There are definitely trade offs to be made
• The U10 is only a foot and a half shorter than the Ultimate

If you plan on adding all the goodies, a trailer comes in handy. It get a bit heavy, especially when loading from a boat ramp. I had a 13′ utility trailer that works out pretty well.

Stability

I wanted stability. The U10 is said to be one of the most stable kayaks on the market. My balance has dwindled with age and I do not find it stable. I ended up adding stabilizers.

It is good for catching fish however.