Ascend 12T Kayak Update - My fishing setup a 6 month review

[@austinc9474]

Drinking game, take a sip every time he taps something 😂😂

[@greatamericansurvival]

That’s awesome. I’d be trashed..

[@tork62077]

This is the best honest review I’ve come across. Im really wanting to get me one very soon.

[@greatamericansurvival]

Thanks. It’s great kayak my only issue is the price has gone up way to much. I almost bought a 128 last week still might.

[@johnb8991]

Great video, he gave honest review and actually showed how to stand. I am going out to purchase Ascend 12T Sit-On-Top Kayak in Desert Storm from Basspro. I am a heavy guy and the weight limit is perfect.

[@krakhare7111]

Outstanding on-water review

[@stlpro2a386]

Well done review. Have had an identical 12T for several years, very pleased, no issues. Used very little, mainly just paddling around with friend in her pink D10 Ascend. Wanting to rig for fishing, get into fishing this summer. Thinking of modifying an old geezer walker or walker/sit chair for elevated fishing with extra stability. Used to carry inverted beside her D10 on top pf Jeep XJ with 70" Yakima load bars. At 75, the 75# weight/12ft length is getting to be more of an issue topping it. Plan on starting to use a Harbor Freight 1725lb 2-wheel trailer for transport, easier launch/recover. Considering attaching a trolling motor.

[@elektrofry]

There are DIY videos for making your own keel guard out of kydex sheets. I plan on making one for my ancient Malibu X-13.

[@greatamericansurvival]

That’s funny I made one a couple weeks ago. Makes a huge difference. I’m gonna post the video hope it helps. Cheers

[@Gunshotglory]

Great video brother. I'm picking up this kayak later today. I was looking for a review and you nailed it. Great content. *subscribed*

[@greatamericansurvival]

That’s awesome. Hope it goes well, there are a lot of places over charging for this kayak now so be careful not to pay to much. Saw it as high as $900 which is way to much for this kayak.

[@Gunshotglory]

@@greatamericansurvival what do you think would be a fair price for a used one with a trolling motor? It has a title and registration too.

[@seanthompson7592]

Great video. I just bought a 12T. Can't wait to get it out on the water!

[@greatamericansurvival]

So what do you think about it? Did you get it on the water yet?

[@big6outdoors]

Thanks for the review of this kayak. I’m looking at getting one to get started in kayak fishing.

[@Four_corners420]

I bought my ascend this fall have yet to use it I live about an hour from lake Powell but health issue and other family issues have stopped me from getting out in the water hopefully in a couple of weeks I can great review.

[@greatamericansurvival]

Hate to hear that. But we hope everything will improve and you’ll be able to hit the water soon. This has been a great kayak. I do wish they didn’t jack up the price again this year. There are a lot of great kayaks around the $800 range. Let me know if you have any question I can help you with.

[@ladyhawk6999]

I just bought one!!! Excited!

[@greatamericansurvival]

Great boat, let us know how it works out for you. What kinds of water are you fishing and what fish do you usually catch where you fish?

[@brianschindlbeck2807]

Great video. Will be doing this 6 years after the fact. Will say a pull up rope tied to the front handle works great for pulling my old butt up

[@greatamericansurvival]

Exactly. My 50 year old knees need alitlle help too.

[@brianschindlbeck2807]

@Great American Survival Just started to raise my seat 6 years later. Do you have a parts list I can take to home depot.

[@stephenlynch1617]

Just got one of these. I’m excited to use it. However not excited about the turning. I’m in coastal Georgia and the water is always moving

[@greatamericansurvival]

I totally understand that, mostly shorter kayaks turn easier. That being said for me longer kayaks 12-16 foot go against the current much easier and track better meaning go straight. I have used 16 footers to fish oil rigs offshore. Hope this kayak works out for you, I think you’ll like it after a few trial runs. Just don’t get caught trying to paddle in against an outgoing tide it’s rough. Are you looking to use a trolling motor? I don’t but I know a lot of ascend kayakers do. There are a couple of great Ascend groups and some great kayak fishing groups on Facebook.

[@carriekimble2994]

good video thank you for the info. Im picking one up from a lady on Tuesday. Im excited!

[@greatamericansurvival]

That’s awesome. Let us know what you think after you try it out.

[@mikehunt8117]

I strongly recommend raising the seat. I did it to mine this year and i would never go back. Really easy!

[@greatamericansurvival]

I have thought about it, have to see, might rig one up and try it out on the water and see.

[@mikehunt8117]

@@greatamericansurvival you won’t regret it

[@kevinmedeiros9281]

I have the same kayak and have owned it for over a year and there are a few points that I would like to mention. I have found that it is terrible in winds over 10mph. I feel as though it sits too low in the water and waves can and will come over the top and you will take on water. Also I store mine outside on its side and water accumulates in the hull. I am guessing that the water comes in from the big storage hatch that does seem to ever close water tight and condensation enters it.

[@UserUser-zm3fo]

I fished one for 3-4 years and regreted it. It is very stable and can haul whatever you may bring. The seats will rust and the rivnuts attaching the seat to the base will fail. The hatches leak and are of poor quality. Paddles like a barge and the drink holder is always full of water. It may do better in freah water.

[@MrLotech73]

Great review! Thanks from South Georgia!

[@greatamericansurvival]

Thanks what part of South Georgia I’m near Athens

[@MrLotech73]

@@greatamericansurvival I live in a little town called Patterson. About 10 miles from Waycross, Georgia

[@roberthall843]

How does it do in class 1 class 2. Small river rapids. I do a lot of catfishing and overnight kayaking trips.

[@greatamericansurvival]

This kayak doesn’t do well in moving water personally. There are some much better kayaks for moving water like Crescent. They make really good paddling kayaks and they are geared towards moving water. But if your looking for an Ascend look at the H12 just an awesome kayak. Paddles smooth and the bottom travels up and down river easily. Only negative is it’s a sit in so when you flip it turns into a bath tub.

[@bricesimon2604]

How did you run the wires to your battery, I’m planning using for waterfowl hunting and fishing. Trying to figure out got to run wires to front light pods and fish finding

[@greatamericansurvival]

What kind of kayak?

[@phoneyjdog2914]

Is it worth $869 though? Because that’s the price they’re being listed at now at Cabelas. Just from that price point alone is making me second guess if I want it or not.

[@greatamericansurvival]

It’s not a bad kayak even at this price. But honestly for $1,000 there are some amazing kayaks for every type water. What kind of water do you plan to play in. ?

[@phoneyjdog2914]

@@greatamericansurvival mostly just lakes and slow rivers around Idaho. Just wanting two recreational and fishing kayaks for my wife and I.

[@kevingrace5295]

I'm looking to getting into kayak fishing. I live in an apartment so I'm limited to a 10 footer. I've been looking at 2 that I like. The pelican catch 100 and the ascend 10t. Which one would you recommend for a beginner out of those 2 Kayaks? Thank you any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@baxterbrownentertainment]

Did this have the same issues taking on water in the rear as the 10 T? Just bought a 10 T and it took on major water and became wicked unbalanced. Im only 220. Also, water was in the kayak itself NOT just on the deck.

[@greatamericansurvival]

Honestly the first one I got I had to return then the second was damaged in shipping. Just about every kayak I’ve owned has leaked water inside the hull.

[@jimrich1764]

How do you get to the rods stored behind your seat? Are they easy to reach while on the water?

[@greatamericansurvival]

It’s not bad at all. Just take some practice. Just like everything we do in a kayak it takes practice. Just twist your body and try to keep centered in your seat.

[@supershaggyx3]

im from Georgia as well lol does it go against current well? I really only do salt water fishing

[@greatamericansurvival]

Tidal current yes. It does well I’m big moving rivers here like the Hooch but not to great at turning in current.

[@tnoutdoordudes]

Have u ever measured the speed? It seems to move pretty good to me.I got a pretty wide fishing kayak and it struggles to keep up with other people if we go out with other folks

[@greatamericansurvival]

No. I rarely use my Fishfinder, in my kayak. Yes it’s not a fast kayak but it’s easy to paddle.

[@pcp2522]

the tapping on stuff non stop was a little destracting haha but overall great review. thinking about buying this

[@JAYNOCHTTV]

mine broke two of having it i took it back got me a outlaw 11.5

[@greatamericansurvival]

That sucks, I’m in the Ascend owners group on Facebook and I’ve heard lots of horror stories but haven’t had any issues with any of mine yet? Fingers crossed. I almost bought an Outlaw last summer but the one I looked at came in damaged to Academy. I own quite a few kayaks and have owned over 100 in the last 30 years. The Ascend have a purpose but like you said they seem to have quality control issues. When I bought my 10T all the Traction pads were coming off when I unwrapped it.

[@davidbartsch255]

How are you liking the outlaw? I’ve been doing my research and have it narrowed down to outlaw, crescent lite tackle or a tamarack pro/yukon

[@siknessgaming7305]

That looked like Lake Rutledge at Hard Labor Creek

[@corefishing4858]

I really like mine but its just not to stable. I put outriggers on

[@greatamericansurvival]

Never had that problem with mine. I have fallen out a few times. Always when standing never flipped though. Thanks for watching Cheers

[@FrankyGkayaking]

I just got a new to me kayak, I need to wire it from scratch it’s bare . I sorta understand the process but still don’t know what system to use to power all the fish finders , trolling motor , or light . Any suggestions 🤔

[@greatamericansurvival]

I made a box to power my stuff, but I have put a trolling motor on any of my kayaks. I like paddling on the water to much. Plus I think a lot of people use them and miss a lot of fish. I find a small tournament last year and never the left first cove after I left the boat ramp. What state are you in?

[@FrankyGkayaking]

@@greatamericansurvival california, thanks for the response

[@greatamericansurvival]

No problem. I grew up in Sacramento but went to college at UCLA.

[@bernieburch226]

I would love to have a kayak like that

[@nickbruce5658]

Sixgill for the win 🤙🏼

[@faustinofernandez8879]

Im 5’4 150pounds should I get the 10t or 12t I do have balance to stand on and fish

[@greatamericansurvival]

You should be fine with either one honestly. I’m 6’0 and just under 200. If your gonna fish moving rivers go with the 10T it turns much easier. but if your gonna fine lakes and maybe offshore saltwater or plan to add a trolling motor go with the 12t.

[@faustinofernandez8879]

@@greatamericansurvival thanks for the fast reply

[@elconquistadorism]

Thank you sir 👍👍🤘🤘

[@9009matorres]

I’m 280 and don’t have any issues standing and fishing in the 12t. Honestly, I wish I’d have gotten the 10t. Also have a fish finder. I mounted mine in front my custom raised seat on the lid of the dry storage (the one with the cap you broke). Battery is located in large dry storage along with a in-hull transponder.

[@greatamericansurvival]

That’s awesome it sounds like a great setup. I do really like the 10T.

[@patrickgniech7873]

Gator guard keel protector

[@greatamericansurvival]

Never used one, have you installed one on a kayak yet?

[@harleydad1975]

Sea worthy or not?

[@MrJcarter1994]

Can someone 6'4 be comfortable?

[@greatamericansurvival]

Are wanting to stand and fish? I’m 6’0 and 200 and I do it easily. It’s more about your level of balance.

[@MrJcarter1994]

Yeah I want to be able to stand. I'm more worried about how much I will have to Bend my knees while paddling

[@Dpeppers]

I’m a big guy I’m 6’8 300 pounds would you recommend this or the vibe sea ghost 130

[@greatamericansurvival]

Now even though I like this kayak the Sea-ghost 130 is a great kayak and a better fit for your size in my opinion. Both paddle great. Let me know which one you decide to get.

[@Dpeppers]

@@greatamericansurvival if you have any other suggestions for me on a bass fishing kayak under 800 let me know

[@greatamericansurvival]

Last weekend I paddled a Perception Outlaw that belongs to my buddy. Really nice kayak also, geared towards bigger fisherman. The chair is really comfy and lots of room to stand and fish. Let me think about what else would be a good match for you.

[@d410Media]

There's no "Staying Dry" on a kayak.

[@dillonbrown1658]

I’ve never wore my life jacket I got the cheapest orange pull over one and have it under the seat only because I’m required to lol