I use the Ascend 12 ft from bass pro shops. Earth green color. Can hold a couple dozen decoys, gun and blind bag just fine. Get the longest yak paddle you can find. Unless I'm seeing divers out in the lake I almost never hunt out of my yak. I get out and wade when I get to my spot. Tie a rope on the front so you can pull it behind you and then tie it up to trees/brush. I use aluminum caribiners to secure gear to the yak. The biggest pain is getting the yak to and from the water when lakes are low (not much of a problem last year) I use a homemade cart/dolly. Make or get one with a wide base as the yak will try to tip on uneven surfaces...which seem to be the norm! I camo up my cart and just store it in the brush where I put in...or you can brake it down and carry in the yak. I've not been in rough water yet but i have been in water where about every 7th wave or so is coming over the nose. It does not take much! Keep as much weight in the rear if you do get caught in a little rough water (keep that nose up) Just keep the plugs pulled so the water can drain. Be smart and launch on calm sides of lakes and you should be fine. My first experience in my yak I crossed a major creek arm on an area lake 2 hours before shooting light. Kinda earry feeling knowing I was in 30 plus ft of water in the dark way out into the lake. All I could think about was my beneli sinking to the bottom lol. (keep your gun in a floating case tied to the yak!) I've had some GREAT hunts using my yak. You are limited to a certain distance and to calmer sides of lakes but there are plenty of areas to use them. Plus you can put in where boats can't. The furthermost I went....not sure I can go check the map but we paddled 45 minutes STRONG a few times. Thats about 2 -2.5 miles or close to it. But I try to keep it 30 minutes or less.

I tried it for the first time last year with mild success. I will be doing it again this year if anyone wants to paddle for some puddle ducks.

TX, PM me if you ever need a buddy to go with.