Rhino68W Posted November 6, 2014 Posted November 6, 2014 I am a relatively new fisherman, who only fishes from the banks of small local ponds, not lakes. I am currently stationed at Fort Riley, KS but I will be moving to Fort Worth, TX here in the next few months when I get out of the Army. With the new home, I want to pursue a new direction in my fishing, Kayak fishing to be exact. I feel that my foundation of fishing is fairly solid when it comes to the banks, but as many of us know, the amount of lessons one can learn is severely limited from the shore. I honestly don't know where to start when it comes to my change in gameplan. What kind of Kayak would be best for a newbie like me? I'm 6'2'' 235 athletic build What kind of accessories? extra oar, electronics, anchor/pole What kind of equipment? Rods, reels, lures What kind of Tactics? Areas to target I don't exactly want to spend all the money in the world, but I am willing to invest a solid $1,000 into a kayak, oar, vest, and maybe some new rod and reels. Also, I don't know if I should invest into any electronics right away or not. Any advice or guidance on this topic would be AWESOME! Thanks in advance guys! Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted November 7, 2014 Posted November 7, 2014 I can't really advise on the kayak, aside from recommending safety gear and an anchor. With that said I would rather fish from an inner tube with my Lowrance, than to fish from my boat without it. Quote
benthinkin Posted November 7, 2014 Posted November 7, 2014 depends on the lake your fishing. a jon boat is a good alternative Quote
atcoha Posted November 7, 2014 Posted November 7, 2014 Good question that could elicit many responses. You can easily drop $1k on just a kayak, even more. Spend some time, research, go to a local dealer and take some test rides, that will at least help steer you in the right direction. You do not want to buy a kayak that you will be uncomfortable in, you will ultimately not use it. There are plenty of choices, sometimes too many. Narrow down your budget, research prices on accessories. Do yourself a favor, take your time, check craigslist every day. There are good deals to find on there. You will save plenty of $ buying a used quality kayak. The accessories add up quick! Don't go and buy every accessory you "think" you will need at first. Get a decent paddle, life jacket, maybe a rod holder or two. After you have a few trips under your belt, you will know what you "need" and what you don't. You don't want to be packing for a road trip on a kayak. I took the kayak plunge early this year, bought a couple for me and the kids, have them outfitted the same for when me and my son go fishing in the local bays/inshore. I would outfit my kayak a little different if I was bass fishing in a lake. Most local dealers will have a demo day on weekends or just call them up, I'm sure they would be happy to let you test any model they have available for a demo. Good luck, I have had a blast with mine! ps, check out http://www.yakangler.com Quote
Rhino68W Posted November 7, 2014 Author Posted November 7, 2014 Good question that could elicit many responses. You can easily drop $1k on just a kayak, even more. Spend some time, research, go to a local dealer and take some test rides, that will at least help steer you in the right direction. You do not want to buy a kayak that you will be uncomfortable in, you will ultimately not use it. There are plenty of choices, sometimes too many. Narrow down your budget, research prices on accessories. Do yourself a favor, take your time, check craigslist every day. There are good deals to find on there. You will save plenty of $ buying a used quality kayak. The accessories add up quick! Don't go and buy every accessory you "think" you will need at first. Get a decent paddle, life jacket, maybe a rod holder or two. After you have a few trips under your belt, you will know what you "need" and what you don't. You don't want to be packing for a road trip on a kayak. I took the kayak plunge early this year, bought a couple for me and the kids, have them outfitted the same for when me and my son go fishing in the local bays/inshore. I would outfit my kayak a little different if I was bass fishing in a lake. Most local dealers will have a demo day on weekends or just call them up, I'm sure they would be happy to let you test any model they have available for a demo. Good luck, I have had a blast with mine! ps, check out http://www.yakangler.com I am looking to go as basic, but yet smart and functional with is as possible. This kayak will probably be one I use for a few years. Did you watch any videos before you bought a yak? and if so, where can I find them? Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted November 7, 2014 Super User Posted November 7, 2014 When you get to Ft. Worth, there are a couple of places that do demo days (I live in Dallas). You will be able to take a few kayaks out and get a feel for them. They can also help outfit you with the basics. I wouldn't go crazy rigging your kayak until you've been out a few times and have a better idea of what you want and where you want it. Expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars on a paddle, pfd, crate, rod holders ect... All that stuff adds up. I also highly recommend some kind of fish finder. Even a basic unit will help your fishing tremendously. There is also a very large group of kayak fishermen in the metroplex, they have get togethers and are a tight knit group who love welcoming new people into the fray. This is a great way for someone new to kayaking and new to the area to make new friends and learn from people with more experience. Feel free to pm me and I can give you a little more local info. 1 Quote
Super User Angry John Posted November 17, 2014 Super User Posted November 17, 2014 I have spent about 2 grand on paddle seats pfd anchor and all the stuff required to get out on the water. Do you plan on fishing alone or bringing someone. I like nucaone, but hobbie is more popular. Having nice stuff is fun, but safety gear is just that. I buy the best in pfd's for me and the family. One of the reasons i got the nucanoe was that it floats even swamped and filled with water. Is this an important feature for you or is comfort. There are outdoor stores that will let you try different models, but go to a dedicated store that has the higher end vessels to see what you want/need. Getting a geo metro when you would be better served with a toyota camry is an expensive lesson. Paddles can be very expensive but your paddle style needs to be matched. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NHnUYhJevw Quote
Super User buzzed bait Posted November 17, 2014 Super User Posted November 17, 2014 When you get to Ft. Worth, there are a couple of places that do demo days (I live in Dallas). You will be able to take a few kayaks out and get a feel for them. They can also help outfit you with the basics. I wouldn't go crazy rigging your kayak until you've been out a few times and have a better idea of what you want and where you want it. Expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars on a paddle, pfd, crate, rod holders ect... All that stuff adds up. I also highly recommend some kind of fish finder. Even a basic unit will help your fishing tremendously. There is also a very large group of kayak fishermen in the metroplex, they have get togethers and are a tight knit group who love welcoming new people into the fray. This is a great way for someone new to kayaking and new to the area to make new friends and learn from people with more experience. Feel free to pm me and I can give you a little more local info. you should talk to and listen to this guy.... Quote
jignjake Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Ok, so I was brand new to kayak fishing only about 3 years ago. Like you I loved fishing but was stuck fishing from banks of ponds, lakes, rivers etc. THE most important thing in buying a kayak for fishing is the sit-in or sit-on top style. I have an Old Town DLX Angler 10 ft. fishing kayak. Google it for reference. It is a hybrid between the prior mentioned styles. If I had a time machine and could do it all over again I would probably get a sit-on top style strictly for ease of getting in and out of the boat, comfort and accessible storage, specifically tackle box, pliers etc. Make sure to check to buy a QUALITY kayak with plenty of weight capacity also. You want to be sure the kayak can handle your weight plus all your gear and then some. Kayaks these days are so sturdy and reliable, some people are worried they might fall out or roll one. I was one of these people and now I know from experience that they are very difficult to roll. Do your homework by going into dealers and asking lots of questions about tracking and stability. Pick one you feel confident about and have a blast dude! They are a fantastic way to get after bass on the cheap. If money is no big issue GET A HOBIE FISHING KAYAK! Absolutely the best money can buy. Good luck on the kayak and tight lines! Quote
jignjake Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Just read you are 6'2" 235......... weird because I'm exactly that same height and weight. Guys our size especially need to be very sure to find a kayak that can handle about 300 lbs for gear and other stuff. Quote
Super User HoosierHawgs Posted January 21, 2015 Super User Posted January 21, 2015 Just read you are 6'2" 235......... weird because I'm exactly that same height and weight. Guys our size especially need to be very sure to find a kayak that can handle about 300 lbs for gear and other stuff.True. If you are tall, it is a good idea to find a kayak that fits you comfortably. Spend some time w/a local dealer or friends and find out what you like. Make a list of your wants/needs, and see what a dealer has that matches them. If they don't fit your exact needs, you can add stuff as you go for very little extra expense. Quote
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