Answers by Steven Green

How long have been fishing the Drifter?

Researched available models and talked to other kayakers decided that
the Ocean Kayak Drifter was the right model for me.

Have you owned other boats? Which? In what order? Discuss your progression.

Bought my first Kayak 3 years ago at the Fred Hall Show, a Ocean Kayak Ambush. Knowing my desire to kayak fish my friend suggested the Ambush because of it's design, with it's movable and removable seat it was the most versatile kayak on the market.(she and I have caught many fish together from the Ambush) As much as I like my Ambush it really is not an kayak suited for one person to paddle alone. with the trolling motor it has replaced my 16 ft Valco) After 2 years I decided to buy a single kayak, on my annual visit to the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach I went to the Ocean Kayak booth and talked with their representative Mark Olson and Jim Sammons from La Jolla Kayak Fishing and decided on the Drifter model, I have not been disappointed. After 10 months of fishing the Drifter hard and redesigning my rod holder, bait tank, adding a fish finder, and making a bracket for fish finder VHF and GPS it seemed time to try some of the other models available from different manufacturers. Some I found to be dryer, have more storage space and hatch availability. Then I got down to putting in water time for the upcoming tournaments and found how comfortable my Drifter feels, and the confidences it gives me and shelved the idea of a new kayak.

What are the tradeoffs of this kayak?

Other kayaks have more deck storage, hatch space, and are dryer

What are the strengths of this kayak?

Comfort, maneuverability and my own confidence in it.

What is the one thing that keeps it above the rest in your mind?

The confidence it gives me to get me anywhere I want to go and back
again.

Anything else?

The choice of the right kayak for you is like finding a comfortable pair of shoes. You need to try them on, make a decision and buy the one you feel best with. Then after using your kayak to the point you are confident with it try other models then go back to yours, if then you feel another kayak gives you more then move on. But please don't sit on the fence any longer paralyzed by which kayak should I buy, there are no kayaks that are bad for you, just some that might be better. See you on the water.