School Me In Fishing Kayaks.

[Fishindan]

Title says it all. Im interested in purchasing a kayak for fishing and recreational use on the lake. What should I look at, what size, style, ect. Stand up or sit in? Im only going to be carrying two rods at the most and a small lure case, maybe cooler. Not looking to spend a whole lot, $400 tops. Thanks for any advice!

[SouthrnMisnomer]

i suggest finding a good paddle shop that has a demo day so you can try a variety of watercraft. If you don't find the platform comfortable, you're unlikey to continue use of a kayak.

I have fished from a variety of platforms including my own rec. kayak (as i do enjoy a river paddle).

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I bought this one http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_296051_-1?N=581132415

Last winter. Finally got to take it out on the river memorial day. I was extremely happy with the way it performed. The large cockpit opening was a blessing when gettin it and out. Especially when nature called. The only mod I did was to install a bungee to hold the paddle when anchored The molded in paddle rest did well for short period but I wanted something to hold the paddle outta the way when fishing and for long periods of time.

[Darren.]

I started out with a $300 fishing kayak I picked up at BJ's Wholesale club. It's a Pelican, and it was (is) very functional. If $400 is your limit, you can find a decent vessel. I've since moved on to a Native Ultimate 12 because standing was a necessity for me and I didn't want to futz with outriggers. I tried out a number of different yaks and fell in love with the U12. Out of your price range for now, but worth considering in the future.

BJ's no longer carries the model (Pelican) I have (it's orange), but carries this which is more outfitted for fishing.

Dick's Sporting Goods has their kayaks on sale (I think it's still on), good place to check.

Two rods is great. I usually carry 2, well, sometimes 3... okay, even 5, but normally I'll take 2. Or 3. I started with the notion that less tackle is more. But, that changed. Unfortunately. LOL.

Allow me to give you a piece of fishing advice, take it or leave it. Buy a kayak that can be used for fishing, not necessarily a fishing kayak.Why? Because you may find that the way the company outfitted their fishing kayak may not be an efficient fishing outfit. You may say, "why didn't they put that over there?" If you were to outfit a yak yourself, you decide where you want things. $.02.

Finding a demo day at a dealer is a great idea. Also buying from a kayak-specific dealer is great as well as their staff will be more versed in the sport than DSG, or other retailer. I bought my Ultimate from Appomattox River Company in Hampton, VA. Fantastic folks.

As for SUP (Stand Up), they'll be pricey. A Sit-inside will keep you drier, but not my choice, personally. Sit-on-top is probably the top choice. My U12 is a hybrid kayak/canoe. The SOT will have scupper holes allowing water to drain. Hybrids and sit-insides will not have scupper holes for drainage.

There is SO much you can do kayak fishing in terms of outfitting the yaks. Happy to help with other questions, as are the other yak fisher-folk in the forum.

[Lance Nickel]

Title says it all. Im interested in purchasing a kayak for fishing and recreational use on the lake. What should I look at, what size, style, ect. Stand up or sit in? Im only going to be carrying two rods at the most and a small lure case, maybe cooler. Not looking to spend a whole lot, $400 tops. Thanks for any advice!

I was were you were about 6-7 month ago, doin research and trying to figure out what was going to be the best fit for me... what i found after trying out multiple boats was this. Size matters. More specifically size matters as to performance on what type of water you are going to be on. Long/Skinny is faster and tracks straighter for open/flat water, and short/fat is more stable and maneuvers faster for river/rapids/tight quarters.

Do you plan on running rivers(wide/deep or shallow with rapids), Lakes/open water, or Surf/inshore/Offshore. While you can use almost any boat in each of those situations, choosing the correct one will make it a much more enjoyable day for you.

I ended up with a Ride 135 from wilderness as i am larger than most people that kayak, and still wanted to be able to stand and sight fish and pitch/flip. I would recommend for almost every fishing situation besides constant class III and higher rapid running to go with a SOT kayak. It allows easier getting in and out, more open for casting, and allows you to stand and get higher point of view. Also there is NO type of water that is not able to be safely navigated by SOT. That allowed me more bang for my buck as i can go to a lake, fast river, or the ocean in the same boat. instead of having to have one for each. I can tell you i will be buying more specific boats for each type in time, but for now i have what i believe is the most diverse.

I bought mine new, without going with the angler edition because i didnt want the stock locations for rod holders, but you can find a perfectly decent boat used through craigslist, but you will be stuck with what ever mods the original owner had. Also there are "generic versions" like the perception sports pescador from academy, or a heritage, these are kind of like the same boat as their more expensive counterparts without a lot of the "add-ons"...

Sit-ins kind of are a pain in the butt if your having to get in and out over and over to navigate log-jams/extreme shallows, and are

Hope that helped

Here is a pic of meh boat, standing to pick my line through the next rapids on the Flint River: http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/457682_3605116921275_1283872325_o.jpg

I am in no way a expert, just someone who recently went through the same process you have started...

[Fishindan]

Thanks for all the advice! Im mainly looking at large, calm lakes so I'm thinking about a longer/wider kayak. Im looking for something that I can stand up on if I wanted. Still looking around at some, trying to find the best.

[SouthrnMisnomer]

Thanks for all the advice! Im mainly looking at large, calm lakes so I'm thinking about a longer/wider kayak. Im looking for something that I can stand up on if I wanted. Still looking around at some, trying to find the best.

look at the kayaks made by diablo paddlesports products.. texas made and a load of stand up options... however they are pricey

[ARH4AU]

look at the kayaks made by diablo paddlesports products.. texas made and a load of stand up options... however they are pricey

The Diablo's are uber-cool, however the $400 limit you mentioned might make a down payment.

[Yinzyaker]

I am on my third kayak, first I will warn you that kayak fishing is highly addicting. I started out with a $250 8' spitfire kayak which was very small and uncomfortable to fish out of. I have bough two more since then. The best advise is to demo one or find a place that rents the kind your interested in and take it out for the day. Their is alot to consider when you are looking for a kayak, so dont just run out and buy one do our homework. I would not recommend buying a cheaper pelican or similar budget brand kayak. If you can't afford a quality name brand like wilderness systems, native, hobie, ect. Then get a good used one, it will save you form buying a different kayak after you realize you don't like that one trust me I know. I highly recommend getting a kayak you can stand up in as well. Sitting down all day makes your butt sore. It is nice to be able to getup just to stretch out. Not to mention that being able to stand and fish is a better position than sitting. If your in or around Virginia I agree that appomattox river co is the best place to buy one from. They have the biggest inventory and best prices. They also take tradeins and have a large used inventory.