Freedom Hawk Freedom 14 Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

If you like to fish standing but want the ease of a kayak, this boat is your answer. Extremely well designed and thought out. Well built and incredibly fun to use. I thought it might be a little gimmicky...but I was wrong - it works so well! I have two other fishing kayaks but I prefer to fish from my Freedom Hawk. Pricey? a bit. Worth it? I really think so! Tight lines.

I've been paddling and fishing out of one of these for almost 2 years. Great boat, and excellent fishing platform. It tracks well for a flat-bottom boat with no keel, and manuevers very easily. Gear storage is a little different, with the main open area being in the bow, and two small hatches on the rear pontoons. My fishing crate fit easily in the front, and was easy to access for day trips. I'm also able to pack plenty for weekend trips, although I had to pack carefully to avoid getting too bow-heavy. Once the pontoons are opened up for fishing, this boat really begins to shine. The stability is rock-solid. I've drifted downstream on the John Day for hours fishing for bass. I can also sit side saddle fairly comfortably, though not quite as good as other boats. I've also paddled it through open-wind swells on the Columbia, and it handled well (make sure to open the scupper holes!). Only downsides I've found to the boat are the weight, although removing the rear pontoons makes moving & storing it much easier on the back. Also, I'd really like side carry handles, and keep meaning to add a pair.

I did fish one for a weekend and I have to say that it is a superb platform for fly fishing - and fishing in general. This kayak is super stable. I have a Hobie and Fish&Dive and this boat wins hands down. The ablity to stand and sight fish makes it unique. Add the ablity to pole yourself along and its the complete package. It also paddles well.

I got to try one of these down in Corpus Christi, TX out in the bay for a couple of days and it was awesome. I am a 300lb guy and was wondering how this would do in the wind with me standing up. I felt comfortable the whole time and it was easy to get up and down from the seated postion without worryin about falling out of the kayak. The rear "pontoon" section is easy to adjust and when you have two sections together it paddles as easily as any other kayak. I have two Old Towns and thought they were similar to this for comfort and use.

This kayak is perfect for any fisherman. Before buying one I tried the Freedom Hawk 14 on the flats in Sarasota Bay, FL for two days. I intentionally selected windy days with choppy waters, on flats near channels with lots of boat traffic. I was able to stand and fish without problems. I caught several fish. I have since bought one and use it in Michigan on lakes and streams. The fish are not spooked by it. While standing, visibility for sight fishing is very good. Boat chop and wind, waves are not a big factor while using this kayak; however, I would recommend a drift sock. The kayak moves very well through the water while paddling, I was able to cover a lot of fishable water (several acres) trying different spots. I did fall out a couple of times (but it was fun), because I was fish excited and forgot to deploy/extend the riggers out. I would recommend installing rod holder(s) that are easier to reach. I actually broke a reel while deploying the riggers, as my spinning reel (with its long neck) got caught in the rigger mechanism (but when I felt the resistence, I foolishly did not look behind me and forced the lever, breaking my reel- completely my fault).