Finding a suitable kayak can be a pretty daunting process and it is even more difficult for beginners. If you’re looking for a fishing kayak that won’t break the bank but give you a good performance and lots of fishing accessories, read on for a full review of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 fishing kayak, and see how it strives to be one of the best kayaks you can buy at an excellent price range.
Again, there is this misconception that heavy vessels are the quality ones. Not true at all! Heavy vessels are of no use if they are not solidly built and stable for different types of water. Veteran fishermen strongly emphasize the stability feature for any fishing kayak. And you should!
The problem is that not many quality kayaks are available that combine stability, solid construction, and comfort in one package. For this reason, we would like to introduce you to a fishing kayak that has become a favorite for beginners. And it will be for you too. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Choosing the best fishing kayak
The choice of purchasing a suitable fishing kayak is overwhelming, there are a lot of things you should look for and many choices to make. Some of the things you might be confused about, especially if you are new to fishing kayaks, include but are not limited to, boat hull design, face-to-face kayaks, fishing accessories, brand reputation, etc. Because you buy a kayak, which you will use for a while, and pay a decent amount of money for it, it is no secret that making a mistake can be expensive, both in the hard-earned money, and your patience.
Companies such as Sun Dolphin have a lot of options when it comes to finding the right fishing kayak. However, many people will agree when they say that the SUN Dolphin Journey 10-foot sit-on-top fishing kayak is one of the best purchases you can make.
So, why choose the Sun Dolphin Journey 10?
Sun Dolphin has been in the game long enough to know what works and what doesn’t in a fishing kayak, and Journey 10-foot is one of their best kayaks. It is 10 feet long and 30 inches wide, which is enough to both speed up and maintain it, as well as providing stability when fishing. The material used is UV-stabilized Fortiflex, a high-density polyethylene. This is one of the best possible materials for this purpose because it has almost unmatched impact resistance and is made to last. And it’s also light enough to carry the kayak alone.
The performance is stellar, because the kayak is very versatile and gives you a constant base, with the ability to change your weight while remaining on the water. It is ideal for both lakes and rivers and will undoubtedly take you to your favorite fishing spot. Even though stability is the main focus and is well cared for, the kayak can also be paddled easily.
Stability
The only thing we absolutely love about Journey 10 is its stability. Although the yak is designed for lakes and calm waters, you will be able to manage a moderate current without overturning. If you know how big the rough waters can get, this kayak has proven its value against moderate current very well.
Storage
In terms of storage, the kayak comes with a portable accessory holder in the back of the kayak and you can use it to store your essentials. It also has a bungee cord storage area in front, which gives you access to all the things you need to have nearby. Comfort is provided by the well-padded seat and thigh protection pads, and the adjustable leg straps mean you will fit in the kayak regardless of your size.
Fishing advantages
Since this is a fishing kayak, it also has some fishing advantages. There are paddle holders on both sides, which are essential if you want to go fishing, and it also has two level-mounted rod holders, as well as a rotating rod holder. This, combined with the storage options and stability it offers, makes it a great choice for your next fishing adventure.
Design
There are sit-in kayaks, then there are sit-in kayaks. However, as we did more research on sit-on-top kayaks, we found that a sit-on would be more than our preference for a fishing kayak.
This is a fishing kayak. Therefore, if you are looking for a kayak for travel, then this will not be right for you. Of course, there are non-fishing kayaks available that are cheap. Many opt for those to reduce their costs. However, customizing the kayak for the rod holders will only cost you more.
Portability
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 fishing kayak weighs just 44 pounds and is 10 feet long. The weight should tell you that it is a very portable vessel. Therefore, Journey, 10 could be a great choice for you if you usually go out alone and need a ship that could be easily transported.
The retractable carrying handles are easy to use, making it easy to transport without much effort. This is a 10-meter long kayak. The short length will be useful for transporting most trucks with a tailgate down.
Comfort
Journey 10 yak is preferred more for stability than its comfort. The biggest upset we had about this kayak is that it doesn’t have any padded seats. Therefore, spending long periods of time fishing in one place can be quite annoying and painful.
You can add the lining to your seat if you find the seat uncomfortable. However, the seatback is padded. It can be a consolation for discomfort. The sitting area of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 fishing kayak is spacious enough to get around and feel comfortable.
Final verdict:
As we said earlier, this kayak is crazy. It really saves you a lot of money kayaking and you will get unmatched performance and comfort in this price range. There are also plenty of fishing accessories to meet your needs and enough storage space so you can take all your gear with you and access it quickly. All in all, the 10-foot Sun Dolphin Journey fishing kayak is a great tool for any angler and won’t leave you wanting more. If this review helped you make a decision on buying a brand new Sun Dolphin Journey 10 fishing kayak, the best price to get for it is on Amazon.com.