First Kayak

[NWI-Bassin']

I'm looking for a kayak as a new way to fish , mainly because I only fish from shore. I'm only 16 so I really can't spend more than $400. I like the Ascend D10 but haven't seen many reviews or people with it. Any suggestions ?

Thanks !

[J Francho]

That's a great starter kayak.

[flyfisher]

Yup what he said.....and keep,your eyes peeled for Craigslist deals and for a few dollars more you can also get a native redfish which is another highly under rated boat IMO.

[NWI-Bassin']

Yup what he said.....and keep,your eyes peeled for Craigslist deals and for a few dollars more you can also get a native redfish which is another highly under rated boat IMO.

My original price was $200-$250 but I seen how cheap those kayaks were and how cheaply made they are. So I'm pushing it at $399.

[Darren.]

My original price was $200-$250 but I seen how cheap those kayaks were and how cheaply made they are. So I'm pushing it at $399.

 

I started out with a $350 kayak. Worked for me for the time I had it. You'll enjoy it until/if you decide to upgrade later.

[NWI-Bassin']

My grandfather is providing me with a vest and possibly a paddle as well as a "fish finder " . So that helps a lot.

[flyfisher]

If that is the case then go for whatever gets you on the water. You will adjust to what you have and learn what you want in your next one.

[J Francho]

If that is the case then go for whatever gets you on the water. You will adjust to what you have and learn what you want in your next one.

 

Exactly.  Anything that gets you off the bank will bring your fishing to a new level.  There's a lot to be said about learning the shallows from the banks, but getting off shore will open new doors.

[NWI-Bassin']

Exactly. Anything that gets you off the bank will bring your fishing to a new level. There's a lot to be said about learning the shallows from the banks, but getting off shore will open new doors.

Should I look at the SOT version or throw in another $100 if possible. The SOT's kinda scare me , falling in and stuff like that.

[J Francho]

You want a sit on top for fishing. 

[NWI-Bassin']

Some of the waves can be a little wild even when it's relatively calm.

[flyfisher]

You want a sit on top for fishing. 

In that line of boats and price range a SOT is the way to go.

[HeavyDluxe]

I'd echo what other posters have said... Most fisherman I've talked to prefer a SOT or hybrid-style kayak.

 

I wouldn't say that's universal, though, so go and test paddle some boats if you can.  You'll very quickly get a feel for what you like (at this point).  Tastes change/evolve, but you'll know almost as soon as you sit in a boat if you like it or not.

 

I'm starting my first season as a 'yak angler, and I tested a few boats last year.  I'm very happy/confident now with the purchase I've made and looking forward to getting her wet in a few weeks.

[NWI-Bassin']

I'll be trying both. The ascend D10 and D10 SOT. my local bass pro has a small pond I believe that they let you test them in. I just don't want to capsize in the SOT

[HeavyDluxe]

In a way, flipping a SOT is a better deal.  You're right that you might slip over the side a little easier, but SOTs are plenty stable.  

 

And, because of their design, SOTs are easier to right than a SINK.  If you tip over too far in a sit-in, you'll still turtle the boat *and* it will take on water.  The SOT self-bails.

 

Trust me on that.  

[NWI-Bassin']

What about turning and things like that?

[Wintersun]

I see used fishing kayaks for sale on Craigslist.com all the time. Often one bought new for $700 is listed at $400 or less.

 

The very inexpensive new ones are usually much heavier or much shorter or both and not much fun to paddle any distance and not much room for gear.