Pro Angler on Missouri Rivers?

I have been invited to join some freinds on a trip to the Big Piney and/or Gasconade River in central Missouri. I am torn between playing it safe and taking my Ascend H12 don't give a damn what happens to it kayak or my 2016 PA14. I have been on a lot of rivers in mo, but neither of these. I have never had my PA on smaller rivers where you might come across Class I or II Rapids (depending on the water level).

Anyone have experience with the PA on smaller rivers with minimal class Rapids? I think the PA would be a blast to fish out of especially being able to peddle up stream to those honey holes and or hold myself better in the current. But I am worried about the fins and rudder in the shallows. In my mind, I think I could get the drive out fast enough in really shallow places, but the currents on even a Class I can surprise you with their swiftness and ability to turn you around or force you in a direction you might not expect.

I have a pretty decent spares kit built, but have only had to use a shaft after an inadvertent meeting of a stump at speed. That gives me pause, because inadvertent meeting of a stump at speed on a lake is different than on a river. You can usually stop on a lake, but on the river the Rapids, small as they are, can take you where they please in a kayak as big as the PA.

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STLKayak
2020 Pro Angler 14 360
St. Louis, Missouri
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005695487937

I had my pa14 out on the shanendoah a while back. Kept the drive out until deep water spots but had no issues with the rudder on the small rapids. I did pull my rudder up going over them which made it a bit harder to turn but not horrible. Hope that helps


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STLK,
I have been on or at least around both of those, there are some very shallow spots but in general i think i would chance it and take my PA down them. I think the key is to be watching ahead of you more and just read the river, from what i remember of them (been away for 2 years) the skinny spots are fairly visible of course i dont know how the water look currently. Really think you should be ok if when your not actively peddling just hook the pedals so they are up and then pull when you see it possibly getting skinny. I just moved back from HI and finding a place in O'fallon IL, will have to pick your brain about some of the areas close by! Let us know how it goes! might have to head back down to my old stomping grounds.

Go Easy!

Welcome back to the area. I actually just acquired a piece of property in Collinsville, just a few acres and the old family 'farm' house. Guessing you are air force out at Scott? Send me a PM if you ever want a fishing partner. I am out and about southern Illinois lakes most every weekend, and some small ponds on the weekday nights. Been spending time on Otter, Litchfield, Silver, Coffeen and some of the other nearby lakes recently. Just got back from two trips to Kentucky Lake, and heading to Kinkaid early on Saturday.

We have been catching a LOT of fish on Senko's and Ned Rigs (I have been mostly throwing Gary Y Senko's Wacky Rigged). Nothing huge, mainly 2#ers, flirting with 3. I have not hooked a big one this summer, but I will take 15-17" fish all day long, they are a lot of fun to catch.

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STLKayak
2020 Pro Angler 14 360
St. Louis, Missouri
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005695487937

In about 2 months i will be officially retired Army lol, but my wife works on Scott and her family is all in STL. Still finding a house and have my kayak sitting in california with the rest of my stuff lol. Will shoot you a PM and good to hear, i have been studying up on senkos and the BPS Stick-os which after watching the underwater footage acts very closely like the GY Senko so will give it all a try. Been burning up the bank account on Bass Pro, Cabelas and Tackle Warehouse and getting close to being set up for when the yak gets to town to try my hand at serious bass fishing! Will shoot you a PM.

Go Easy