I test drove a bunch of the Aquaglide models when they first came out.  Good stuff.  I'm also currently researching inflatables, for a far off adventure to a remote island atoll.   

-Allen

Were you able to test or see the Blackfoot?  Looking at the photos of it online, it almost looks like the position of the front Scotty mounts would interfere with your paddling.  The blade appears to already be inline with the mount, and the guy is finishing the paddle stroke, and I wonder if that's true or just the camera angle:

Gotta be camera angle it appears to be mid to lower shin area unless you gots a bad case of gorilla arms you should be good.

Were you able to test or see the Blackfoot?  Looking at the photos of it online, it almost looks like the position of the front Scotty mounts would interfere with your paddling.  The blade appears to already be inline with the mount, and the guy is finishing the paddle stroke, and I wonder if that's true or just the camera angle:

That's a big concern that I'll have to look into, as I haven't had the opportunity to demo one of these things.  But what I liked was the wide array of options for where to put the rod holder: there are seven Scotty mount positions at various points along the length of the kayak.  So at least I'll have some freedom on holder placement that won't hinder my paddling.  I think the only thing I'd use the rod holder for would be back-trolling or trolling in estuaries, though chances are good that I'll stick with my Hobie for the larger estuary-type fishing.

Videos of the Blackfoot also show people standing up in them.  That could be a very helpful feature, especially if I'm looking for deeper slots in frog water and near tailouts that may not be visible from a sitting position.

I have the NRS Pike and it's a great boat. I've used it on milder rivers, lakes, and in the salt. Not very fast but very steady.

It's the camera angle that makes those rod holders look in the way of the paddle stroke. I've trolled 2 rods at once and never have an issue with my stroke.

There is also a mount for rod holder dead center right at the rowers feet, which is really nice with a extension as you can grab it really easily.


JL