12' vs 14' manta ray liquid logic

[jfd]

Looking for opinions on difference between 12' and 14' liquid logic manta ray. I think I would rather have a 14' but not sure there is much difference. I am looking for a 14' liquid logic manta ray sot for open water fishing in the great lakes for salmon/walleye but stocks are limited to 12' for the next 2 1/2 mo. Can't find anything in Michigan/Indiana or Ohio until end of Feb 07. I will use some on rivers as well. Thanks

[Mark]

JFD

Generally, longer is better in open water & when covering some distance. Sometimes, small is better on rivers.
A 12 footer will usually do everything a 14 will, just a touch slower.

[rwolson]

JFD. Geez, I can't anything to what Mark and Jeff said.

Rich

[woodchucker]

since it sounds like you are paddling mostly open water, if you are not in a huge rush why don't you wait and try and test paddle the 14' foot boat and you can choose between the two?

I originally was going to buy a 14 Tarpon, then just for the heck of it paddled the 16' model and just liked the way it felt better. only downside was the additional weight which may or may not be a consideration to you

another factor is what type of rivers you are talking about paddling- small/fast or large/slow? a longer boat in fast narrow water will be less agile of course

why don't you send a PM to 'caffrey' and get his opinion? I think he has the 12' Manta but it may be the 14

[jfd]

I took the plunge and ordered the 14'. I demo'ed the 14 but not the 12. I did set the 12 and 14 side by side in the store and just felt , that in addition to the beter open water performance, I would like the extra room of the 14. I have to wait until end of Feb for delivery. I chose a yellow on for visability of powerboats and I couldn't find any of that color in my home state of Michigan as well as Ohio or Indiana. It would be great to get going sooner. I know it gets cold here but as long as its liquid its kayakable. The steelhead for one go all winter. Thanks to thoes who responded. Very good site. I would love to make a trip to new england to try my had at salt water fishing. Info on closest/and or best place to start would be appreiciated. JFD