The Time Has Come... Kayak Shopping!!

[Jdm219]

Hey guys! I've finally came to the conclusion that I want a kayak. But my only problem is which one. A really big dilemma is SOT Or sit in style. Reasoning.

1. I'll be fishing small lakes and river. And I'll also be fishing a bay of Lake Michigan.

2. One area that I'll be fishing has cottonmouth snakes that like to chill in the water and also follow the fish as it's reeled in. Pretty dang scary.

3. I'm not sure which would be the best to get.

My main options are the D10 series from basspro. That's including the sit on top model. But I'm willing to spend up to $500. Keep in mind I'm 17 so I can't afford an $1000 yak. And my local craigslist is useless without driving 6 hours. SO. If everybody can throw in their .2 cents that would be great. I just need to see which would be more appropriate. Thanks guys!

[RipSomeLips]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/136917-fishing-kayak-help-buying/

 

Scroll to the bottom of this other thread to read my advice. The only other thing I would say to you is that I thing the SOT is by far the way to go...but because of your unique snake/safety issue you will have to do what you feel most comfortable with. But for $200 (If you buy the one I recommend from Academy, you won't lose much money are maybe none at all selling it used on Craigslist if the SOT style doesn't work out for you).

[Jdm219]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/136917-fishing-kayak-help-buying/

 

Scroll to the bottom of this other thread to read my advice. The only other thing I would say to you is that I thing the SOT is by far the way to go...but because of your unique snake/safety issue you will have to do what you feel most comfortable with. But for $200 (If you buy the one I recommend from Academy, you won't lose much money are maybe none at all selling it used on Craigslist if the SOT style doesn't work out for you).

As much as I want a SOT , I'm just not trying to get bit or have a snake slide onto the kayak. ALSO I will be fishing in sometimes cold water/weather which is what is pointing me in the direction of a sit in style.

[Mr_Scrogg]

IMO, you should reconsider a SOT. I fished all year in my Pescador 12 (basically a Tarpon 120). Ive NEVER had a water moccasin even come remotely near me while fishing. But I have came upon snakes myself by not paying attention to my surroundings.

Remember, leave them alone and they will leave you alone. Youll also have a paddle, or a stake out stick you can use to ward them off.

Cold water kayak fishing is more about how you prepare rather than what type of kayak. Layers, noncotton, breathable waters, base layer. In the event that you do "turtle" in cold water, you would have a better chance of re-entry on a SOT than a SINK. Not to mention the stability factor of a SOT over a SINK.

You should really try before you buy. I purchase a Old Town Vapor 10 SINK starting out. Cheap, dry, and it got me on the water. 3 months later, I bought a SOT Pescador 12. The freedom of the SOT was priceless.

[Jdm219]

I have a buddy that has a few kayaks but they're the super cheap one and I hated them. So I am considering the SOT for multiple reasons. Anything positive about the ascend d10/t or even the fs?

[Droppingshot]

I haven't used the dt10 but I have seen it in person and have read plenty of reviews. Seems like the chairs don't like to stay put very well, but other than that everyone loves them. I own a SOT ride 115. Go for the sit on top. It gives you a better view to look in the water, will help you sight fish in the spring, and is waaaaaay more stable than a sit in. Not to mention standing up is a huge advantage. Getting into it with just a kayak and a rod and some tackle is fine, but I didn't realize how bad I was going to want an anchor and stake out pole, and some kind of tackle/rod holder. Just a thought. God luck on the purchase man. Kayaks are a very good time.

[Jdm219]

I haven't used the dt10 but I have seen it in person and have read plenty of reviews. Seems like the chairs don't like to stay put very well, but other than that everyone loves them. I own a SOT ride 115. Go for the sit on top. It gives you a better view to look in the water, will help you sight fish in the spring, and is waaaaaay more stable than a sit in. Not to mention standing up is a huge advantage. Getting into it with just a kayak and a rod and some tackle is fine, but I didn't realize how bad I was going to want an anchor and stake out pole, and some kind of tackle/rod holder. Just a thought. God luck on the purchase man. Kayaks are a very good time.

SOT it is. Now the model is what matters. Not sure if I should spend the extra $100 and get the fs10t. Or just stick with th d10t. Basspro is about 15 minutes away(7 with the way I drive) lol. So l be able to get a good look and whatnot. And the lake is another 5 minutes away.

[Jdm219]

I haven't used the dt10 but I have seen it in person and have read plenty of reviews. Seems like the chairs don't like to stay put very well, but other than that everyone loves them. I own a SOT ride 115. Go for the sit on top. It gives you a better view to look in the water, will help you sight fish in the spring, and is waaaaaay more stable than a sit in. Not to mention standing up is a huge advantage. Getting into it with just a kayak and a rod and some tackle is fine, but I didn't realize how bad I was going to want an anchor and stake out pole, and some kind of tackle/rod holder. Just a thought. God luck on the purchase man. Kayaks are a very good time.

SOT it is. Now the model is what matters. Not sure if I should spend the extra $100 and get the fs10t. Or just stick with th d10t. Basspro is about 15 minutes away(7 with the way I drive) lol. So l be able to get a good look and whatnot. And the lake is another 5 minutes away.

[flyfisher]

Given you said you will be fishing some rivers and a bay on lake Michigan i would definitely go with a SOT.  The chances of a snake bothering you is relatively remote and if it does happen, you can extricate yourself from a SOT much more easily than a SINK. Also, think what happens if that snake gets inside the cockpit area of a SINK, yeah not too pretty in my mind's eye  Then there is the topic of self bailing.  On a river, at least where i am and fish, i am getting in and out of the boat pretty often which for one is easier in a SOT and for two allows the boat to self drain.  This self drain feature will also come in handy if you happen to take some water in while fishing in any larger bodies of water.

SINKs have their place but to be honest, for fishing most find the SOT to be a better option.  The rigging options are much easier as well.

 

 

Dang i should have read all the posts before commenting since you already said SOT it is ....lol 

[Jdm219]

Given you said you will be fishing some rivers and a bay on lake Michigan i would definitely go with a SOT. The chances of a snake bothering you is relatively remote and if it does happen, you can extricate yourself from a SOT much more easily than a SINK. Also, think what happens if that snake gets inside the cockpit area of a SINK, yeah not too pretty in my mind's eye Then there is the topic of self bailing. On a river, at least where i am and fish, i am getting in and out of the boat pretty often which for one is easier in a SOT and for two allows the boat to self drain. This self drain feature will also come in handy if you happen to take some water in while fishing in any larger bodies of water.

SINKs have their place but to be honest, for fishing most find the SOT to be a better option. The rigging options are much easier as well.

Dang i should have read all the posts before commenting since you already said SOT it is ....lol

ALL posts are appreciated. Yours is very helpful as well. I didn't think about a snake getting into the cockpit. But that is another factor that is leading me to a sit on top. But my options are now limited to the ascend d10t.

[flyfisher]

While I do not have experience in that particular boat i would say that a 12' boat will serve you better if you can swing the added cost.  Ten foot boats are good and they will no doubt get you on the water but they generally do not track as well as a 12 footer.  On rivers, the shorter boat and added maneuverability will be nice to have but i know i fished for a year with a 12' with no issues on some pretty tight rivers.

 

Good luck in finalizing your decision and no matter what, getting off the bank will be a huge improvement, no matter what boat you decide on.

[Jdm219]

A 12 footer is too big for me at the moment and would be too much on my wallet. But is still an option.

[bartdude186]

Not to discourage you, but i bought a D10T SOT about 5 months ago for my girlfriend. after we went out the first time she was complaining that she couldnt paddle it. I thought it was just bc of her ability so the next day i took it out for myself....that thing is a barge. If you are wanting to paddle any distance (such as the bay you mentioned) i would reconsider,it could be that i am used to a longer kayak but im not sure.On the plus side i ended up selling it for more than i paid for it new. I have paddled several diffrerent yaks and to me even the Pelican SOTs paddle much better.Don't get me wrong the D10T was pretty darn stable, just a pain to make a run more than 100yds.

[Jdm219]

Not to discourage you, but i bought a D10T SOT about 5 months ago for my girlfriend. after we went out the first time she was complaining that she couldnt paddle it. I thought it was just bc of her ability so the next day i took it out for myself....that thing is a barge. If you are wanting to paddle any distance (such as the bay you mentioned) i would reconsider,it could be that i am used to a longer kayak but im not sure.On the plus side i ended up selling it for more than i paid for it new. I have paddled several diffrerent yaks and to me even the Pelican SOTs paddle much better.Don't get me wrong the D10T was pretty darn stable, just a pain to make a run more than 100yds.

Is it really that bad? and i'll more than likely be paddling more than 100 yards. just to get to a few spots will be a little distance. But what would you recommend?

[willembop]

I have paddled my D10T as much as 4 miles in a day of fishing. It is a slow boat and you need to be patient to get where you're going. Longer, narrower yaks will get there faster. BTW, I'm 66 years old, and exercise regularly, but I'm not a highly fit individual. But I am retired and not in a hurry. 

[Jdm219]

The D10t is the only SOT kayak on my price range so it's the one I'll be purchasing in the next week or two. Hopefully it isn't too bad

[tntitans21399]

Remember weight of kayak and how you are transporting it. You don't want to lift a 200lbs kayak over your head. I like sit ins and I think you might like the Ascend fishing kayaks. I believe they are under $500

[Jdm219]

Remember weight of kayak and how you are transporting it. You don't want to lift a 200lbs kayak over your head. I like sit ins and I think you might like the Ascend fishing kayaks. I believe they are under $500

I'm most likely getting an Ascend D10T or a perception pescador 12.

[Hanover_Yakker]

I'd go with the Perception Pescador 12 (a pre-2008 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 hull).  It is one of the most versatile hulls out there.  Several friends of mine use theirs both on the river and in big water.  It is easy to paddle ( ihad one for a bit myself), plenty of space for a milk crate and a couple rod holders and you can find them fairly cheap.  Look on craigslist in and around your area.  Often times, you can find one for sale with a paddle and other things. 

[bowjunkie76]

My 2 cents

 

I own a WS Ride 115 and my buddy has the WS Tarpon 120.

 

Both Great yaks,  ride is more stable and the tarpon is a little faster.  Both are awesom and a SOT is by far the way to go. 

 

Honestly if you are not hung up on buying new then look for a good used one.  Well worth the time and money to get a quality used over a cheaper new one.  I did months of research before I bought mine and have been happy ever since.   

[Jdm219]

I'd go with the Perception Pescador 12 (a pre-2008 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 hull). It is one of the most versatile hulls out there. Several friends of mine use theirs both on the river and in big water. It is easy to paddle ( ihad one for a bit myself), plenty of space for a milk crate and a couple rod holders and you can find them fairly cheap. Look on craigslist in and around your area. Often times, you can find one for sale with a paddle and other things.

Pescador it is. $400 on cl about 20 minutes away from me.

[200racing]

Dicks has dropped the field and stream eagle talon 12 to $400.

[Mr_Scrogg]

I sold my Pescador and Aquabound Carbon Paddle for 400 last year. Pescador is a great platform. Youll be happy. Dont forget a PFD, best paddle you can afford. You wouldnt think it, but a few ounces matters when you are paddling a good distance.

[Jdm219]

I sold my Pescador and Aquabound Carbon Paddle for 400 last year. Pescador is a great platform. Youll be happy. Dont forget a PFD, best paddle you can afford. You wouldnt think it, but a few ounces matters when you are paddling a good distance.

should I try to negotiate the price?

[Mr_Scrogg]

I sold to a friend. Look it over, take note and point out all the scrapes on the hull, damage, and take it for a test float. Look for leaks . New I think they are around 500.