Freedom Hawk

[jarrod white]

Well guys here is my take on this kayak.
I don't see how any other kayak can be even as close in standing up stability as this rig. I realize you can stand up in others, and canoes too, but this type of craft with the versatility it offers is simply amazing. I can simply pull the handles when loading or unloading my 265#'s and its a breeze , you can get on this kayak in 10' deepwater if needed. Its a pretty well though out design that paddles nice and for stand up kayak fishing , I say it's second to none....


                    JW

[JoelO]

I do like the looks of those and it looks like it would actually be stable enough to stand and fish in.  I'm surprised I haven't seen a bunch of these on the Caney given the ability to stand and fly fish from a kayak.  Would you add a trolling motor or is it pretty easy to paddle as is?

The promo pics for my Native Ultimate 12 show people standing up in it...its stable but it ain't that stable...maybe the 14.5 is stable enough to stand in but not the 12.

[jtuohy]

I have a Freedom Hawk and use it on the Caney fairly regularly.  They are great.  I can stand up and cast very easily.  Fight fish and reach for nets, ect. without losing stability.  If you are a big guy you probably cant use the trolling motor and battery.  The boat would ride too low in the water.  I am 170 and I am reluctant to put a trolling motor and battery in the yak.  maybe in the 14.  I think about 275 give or take is all the weight the 12 can handle and not take in some water. 

Still trying to figure out the best anchor solution.

[gaspergou]

The real test would be to get a bunch of these out on the water for folks to play with...

[Fred Mertz]

If it makes a difference to you, the guy who designed the Freedom Hawk (Dave) is a teriffic person and loves to fish.  I've met and fished with him in MI.
It's also interesting to note that he subs out some of the production through one of Mike's new sponsors...Jackson Kayak.  They're making them in their roto molds right over there in Sparta, TN.

I've fished out of one a couple of times, but for a guy that's 6 -6 and on the wrong side of 300, they are a bit tippy (like every other yak I've been in).  But, if you're a bit more "normal" size, I know a lot of folks who love them. 

Fred

[RonS81]

I've got a Freedom hawk 12. Have had it for a couple of months. I haven't taken it to the Caney yet, though. I have the trolling motor mount. I used it with a 40 lb thrust I had and it did set low. I'm 200 lbs and didn't see it as a problem. After ruining the 40 lb thrust Minkota,( shortening the shaft and burning up the electronics ) I got a 30 lb thrust generic. It's a lot lighter.

[MidTNKayakAngler]

I don't think I could pack enough gear on it for my liking with minimal to no tankwell, and I've herd reports of it being a bear to paddle. I've not personally paddled it, but would think the pontoons would create a lot of drag, and maneuverability would be compromised.