I Need Help Choosing A Kayak

[Rhino68W]

I am a big guy at 6'2'' 240 lbs. I want to get into kayak fishing but really don't know many things about them. I know I want a sit on, and I plan on spending about $400 the kayak itself. I am not wanting to go overboard with my 1st purchase, and I want to keep it simple yet functional until I get more knowledgeable and dedicated. I am sure one day I will be getting a Jackson Big Rig with all the bells and whistles, but not anytime in the next year or 2. I know I will need things like an oar, PFD, and some other accessories. Any advice guys?

[DogBone_384]

My advice to anyone looking to buy a fishing kayak, is to write down a list of features most important to you and find a shop and see them in person. Sit in it and paddle it if possible. If you can't get to a kayak shop easily, this forum is the next best place to start. I found tons of info that helped me form my baseline to shop by. With a budget of $400, you might also check your local Craig's List.

I own three kayaks: an Ascend 128T, a FeelFree Lure 11.5, and a Native Watercraft Red Fish 10. All 3 are SOTs, and were pretty affordable. I don't paddle the Red Fish, I bought it for my daughter. Both the 128T & Lure are stable enough to stand on and are rated at 300+ pounds. They both also have all-day comfortable seats, which was a key for me. I bought the 128T first exclusively on price (BPS offers Military & Public Safety 10% discounts on most purchases) and the Lure because I was able to test-paddle it. The Lure also has an integrated wheel that makes it easy to transport from my truck to the water.

This was my first full season fishing from a kayak and really enjoyed it. I was able to fish waters where powered boats aren't allowed and fished ponds I'd previously only fished from shore.

Best of luck picking out your 'yak.

ADD: I forgot to mention that Ascend kayaks are made here in the US.

[flyfisher]

What has already been said is pretty accurate.  What i will add is don't forget about a PFD and a paddle and if that is in your $400 budget, i would save a little longer and keep your eyes peeled for something used.

[Darren.]

I started with a $300 kayak I bought at a local

big box store (BJ's). It worked well for a while.

But at that price, you're getting what you pay for.

 

I agree with the afore mentioned posts to save

up some more and try to get better quality right

off the bat.

 

And definitely see what is on the used market: 

craigslist, demo models at yak stores, etc.

[buzzed bait]

craigslist for sure....  

[paleus]

I found a Native Watercraft Slayer 12 on CL for $600. It would be good for someone your size, it has a 400 lb capacity.

[Darren.]

I found a Native Watercraft Slayer 12 on CL for $600. It would be good for someone your size, it has a 400 lb capacity.

 

Holy cow, that was a STEAL! Great yak on the cheap!

[paleus]

Holy cow, that was a STEAL! Great yak on the cheap!

Yeah, that's why I drove 6 hours to pick it up. Came with a paddle and a couple of PFDs too.

[flyfisher]

that is a ridiculous deal for sure....

[Darren.]

Yeah, that's why I drove 6 hours to pick it up. Came with a paddle and a couple of PFDs too.

 

 

that is a ridiculous deal for sure....

 

 

Wasn't a divorce deal, was it? I remember when I lived in Texas that a rich couple divorced and the wife sold the hubby's Mercedes for $5,000 in a spite move. Sad situation, but oh to be the lucky one who finds it first!!

[paleus]

Wasn't a divorce deal, was it? I remember when I lived in Texas that a rich couple divorced and the wife sold the hubby's Mercedes for $5,000 in a spite move. Sad situation, but oh to be the lucky one who finds it first!!

No. Guy and his wife seemed alright. It was actually through another forum, Crappie.com.

[kikstand454]

Holy cow what a deal! I want a Slayer baaaaaddddd!

OP- to add to the above advice, you're full load should only be 2/3 of the kayaks rating for optimal performance and draining. So you would actually be looking for a 5-600# yak.

That being said, I do just fine almost at my kayaks Max..... but I MUST use scupper plugs or I'm getting wet.

If $400 dollars is your budget including paddle and pfd, then craigslist is your only hope. I got my tarpon140 off craigslist with paddle and pfd for $400- so it is doable.

[Rhino68W]

Holy cow what a deal! I want a Slayer baaaaaddddd!

OP- to add to the above advice, you're full load should only be 2/3 of the kayaks rating for optimal performance and draining. So you would actually be looking for a 5-600# yak.

That being said, I do just fine almost at my kayaks Max..... but I MUST use scupper plugs or I'm getting wet.

If $400 dollars is your budget including paddle and pfd, then craigslist is your only hope. I got my tarpon140 off craigslist with paddle and pfd for $400- so it is doable.

I decided to go with an Ascend FS12T. I will still get the PFD and paddle. It's all going to be more than I had hoped, but based on everything I have read and seen it will be a decent starter kayak for a while. Hopefully I can get a Jackson in the next 4-5 years though.

[flipin4bass]

I decided to go with an Ascend FS12T. I will still get the PFD and paddle. It's all going to be more than I had hoped, but based on everything I have read and seen it will be a decent starter kayak for a while. Hopefully I can get a Jackson in the next 4-5 years though.

A participant at a local tournament let me try his Jackson Big Rig early this year and I was impressed. It was very stable and kept pace with my Trident with no problem. I think if you saved for one of those you wouldn't be disappointed.  

[eric-j]

I am a big guy at 6'2'' 240 lbs. I want to get into kayak fishing but really don't know many things about them. I know I want a sit on, and I plan on spending about $400 the kayak itself. I am not wanting to go overboard with my 1st purchase, and I want to keep it simple yet functional until I get more knowledgeable and dedicated. I am sure one day I will be getting a Jackson Big Rig with all the bells and whistles, but not anytime in the next year or 2. I know I will need things like an oar, PFD, and some other accessories. Any advice guys?

Big Rig by Jackson Kayak definitely is the right boat for what you are talking about, but they are not $400.     This is the second year for them, however, so used ones will begin to pop up this winter, I think.    Keep your eyes open for that!     The issue with the lower priced kayaks will be- 1. Can't stand up in them, 2. low seating position, 3. narrower and tippier, and 4. not rigged up like the Big Rig.       However, the price is right and it can get you out in the small waters where there are big bass!   

[Rhino68W]

Big Rig by Jackson Kayak definitely is the right boat for what you are talking about, but they are not $400.     This is the second year for them, however, so used ones will begin to pop up this winter, I think.    Keep your eyes open for that!     The issue with the lower priced kayaks will be- 1. Can't stand up in them, 2. low seating position, 3. narrower and tippier, and 4. not rigged up like the Big Rig.       However, the price is right and it can get you out in the small waters where there are big bass!   

 

I decided on an Ascend FS12T as my starter kayak. The price fits, and it seems like a good starter. Once I get more educated on kayak fishing I will get something better along the lines of a Big Rig, and keep the FS12T as a guest kayak for my friends and family. I appreciate the advice! I find myself seaching kayaks everyday online looking for that lovely $250 big rig on craigslist! HAHA

[Darren.]

I decided on an Ascend FS12T as my starter kayak. The price fits, and it seems like a good starter. Once I get more educated on kayak fishing I will get something better along the lines of a Big Rig, and keep the FS12T as a guest kayak for my friends and family. I appreciate the advice! I find myself seaching kayaks everyday online looking for that lovely $250 big rig on craigslist! HAHA

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy the Ascend.

[HoosierHawgs]

My advice to anyone looking to buy a fishing kayak, is to write down a list of features most important to you and find a shop and see them in person. Sit in it and paddle it if possible. If you can't get to a kayak shop easily, this forum is the next best place to start. I found tons of info that helped me form my baseline to shop by. With a budget of $400, you might also check your local Craig's List.

I own three kayaks: an Ascend 128T, a FeelFree Lure 11.5, and a Native Watercraft Red Fish 10. All 3 are SOTs, and were pretty affordable. I don't paddle the Red Fish, I bought it for my daughter. Both the 128T & Lure are stable enough to stand on and are rated at 300+ pounds. They both also have all-day comfortable seats, which was a key for me. I bought the 128T first exclusively on price (BPS offers Military & Public Safety 10% discounts on most purchases) and the Lure because I was able to test-paddle it. The Lure also has an integrated wheel that makes it easy to transport from my truck to the water.

This was my first full season fishing from a kayak and really enjoyed it. I was able to fish waters where powered boats aren't allowed and fished ponds I'd previously only fished from shore.

Best of luck picking out your 'yak.

ADD: I forgot to mention that Ascend kayaks are made here in the US.

 

What was your opinion of the Ascend? I've heard mixed opinions, but it has the features I want, and is a good price! My worries are leaking (which if it does I can seal it easily myself and tighten the vilts no problem) and weight, as it is slightly heavier than other yaks. I'm more interested in stability than maneuverability.

[DogBone_384]

What was your opinion of the Ascend? I've heard mixed opinions, but it has the features I want, and is a good price! My worries are leaking (which if it does I can seal it easily myself and tighten the vilts no problem) and weight, as it is slightly heavier than other yaks. I'm more interested in stability than maneuverability.

If you've read that it's as stable as an aircraft carrier, that its hatches need proper sealing, and that the deck warps a little in hot weather, you'd be spot on. I've now fished it for a full season against my Lure 11.5 and overall like it a little more because of its swivel seat and overall size. I'd love to see Ascend add rails, a universal transducer cut out (I made my own), and solid handles on the sides. It's a bear to load on my truck's ladder rack alone.

Also, @ $750 (less 10% if you're military or public safety), it's the best value I found while shopping for my 'yaks.

Best of luck with your 'yakking.

[basshead1]

Perception Sport Pescador 12s are great deals and you can find em on sale at Academy, Dick's and Amazon for a good price. I paid $429 shipped for mine off of Amazon. I used it for 2 years and just sold it for $400. I only sold it because I have only used it 4 times since I got my Bass Raider and I was cleaning my garage. I have had it in 4 foot washing machine chop and 30mph winds and it was dry inside when I was done(and I am still alive heh).

 

I only flipped it one time and that was because I had a 2foot mullet jump into my boat with me and it wacked me in the nads. I lifted my butt out of the seat and my leg to the side and I rolled like it was a log. hah Other than that one time I have always felt super stable in it as long as my butt was in the seat. You can even sit sideways and soak your feet.

[Texas Pride]

Basshead1 you should of had a vedio of the mullet ordeal lol i want a kayak but i cant even afford a hundred dollar rod and reel so i will keep dreaming for now

[flyfisher]

Perception Sport Pescador 12s are great deals and you can find em on sale at Academy, Dick's and Amazon for a good price. I paid $429 shipped for mine off of Amazon. I used it for 2 years and just sold it for $400. I only sold it because I have only used it 4 times since I got my Bass Raider and I was cleaning my garage. I have had it in 4 foot washing machine chop and 30mph winds and it was dry inside when I was done(and I am still alive heh).

 

I only flipped it one time and that was because I had a 2foot mullet jump into my boat with me and it wacked me in the nads. I lifted my butt out of the seat and my leg to the side and I rolled like it was a log. hah Other than that one time I have always felt super stable in it as long as my butt was in the seat. You can even sit sideways and soak your feet.

 

That would have been youtube gold if you caught it on a gopro.  

[basshead1]

That would have been youtube gold if you caught it on a gopro.  

It was at a touristy place called Manatee Park on the Orange River and there is an observation/fishing dock with half a dozen people on it and not 1 with a camera rolling. It would've been worth the embarrassment for a video to prove my story. I dumped a couple rods but came back at low tide and got em back. A reel ended up rusting out but Abu replaced it but the Shimano is still smooth as ever.

 

Most mullet skip once or twice but this one got me on the third and it changed his direction like he was aiming. hah