Ascend Yaks

[HoosierHawgs]

So I can't exactly afford a Jackson.. Sigh... I'd like to have one, but I don't have the means to drop 1,200 bucks on a yak. So I've heard good things about the Ascend, and even after hearing the bad about them I think I can deal. I can seal the leaky areas myself w/silicone, and I can make a nonslip casting deck w/some paint and sand. My question is should I go w/ the FS12T or the FS128T? I'm familiar q/general differences but wanted to ask here. My worries at home are storage, loading it onto my FJ Cruiser, and weight. On the water my worries are stablility, standability, and having enough room for my gear. Does anybody have experience w/these kayaks?

[Rhino68W]

So I can't exactly afford a Jackson.. Sigh... I'd like to have one, but I don't have the means to drop 1,200 bucks on a yak. So I've heard good things about the Ascend, and even after hearing the bad about them I think I can deal. I can seal the leaky areas myself w/silicone, and I can make a nonslip casting deck w/some paint and sand. My question is should I go w/ the FS12T or the FS128T? I'm familiar q/general differences but wanted to ask here. My worries at home are storage, loading it onto my FJ Cruiser, and weight. On the water my worries are stablility, standability, and having enough room for my gear. Does anybody have experience w/these kayaks?

 

I too am looking to get into the kayaking world, and I too have been looking a lot at the Ascend series. I have looked everywhere I can think of concerning the FS12T and FS128T and have come to the conclusion that I will get a FS12T. It is a little lighter than the 128, has the same basic dimensions. Both kayaks are decent starter kayaks that have a lot of rigging options once the angler gets more experienced and decides what he/she wants to do to it. But the main reason I am getting the 12T is because the 128T is $200 more, and I can't really seem to find any drastic differences that result in the price difference. Both have a lot of storage space, both are wide and can be used to stand on. I feel for my first kayak the FS12T will be the best fit. Even if I don't like it, it will give me something to use for a few years until I can get a Jackson Big Rig!!! 

[Rhino68W]

Also, check out the topic I posted a while back. I was given tons of helpful information from the guys on here.

[J Francho]

Ascend is a good boat to get you off the bank, and get your feet wet in kayak fishing without breaking the bank.  If you can afford better, do it, but get some seat time before making the decision to commit on a $1000 or more boat.  Having the Ascend will give you the opportunity to better assess what you REALLY want in fishing kayak, if you decide to upgrade.

[buzzed bait]

ascends are solid yaks that will certainly get you off the bank for cheaper than others.  i had a fs10 that i started out with, but after a couple years i upgraded to a wilderness ride 135.  the sit on top is a huge difference.  after 2 years of pretty solid abuse, the kayak was in great shape and the only thing that was a small issue was the strap fixture broke on the seat (which i easily rigged up a quick fix).  all in all, they are really solid yaks.  however, if you can afford it and can wait it out, i would be ALL OVER craigslist right now.  tons of people offload them this time of year and you can find a solid deal. 

[HoosierHawgs]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I have checked Indianapolis area craigslist, and found an outfitted NuCanoe for $1800, but that is slightly out of my price range. There were also some Jackson 12' SOT Recreational Kayaks. they came w/the added seat (which is a must on my features list), but they are orange and not outfitted for fishing. Thinking about buying the 2 of them (one for myself, and one for my dad), painting them, and outfitting them for fishing/hunting, or other outdoor activities. Seems like a good summer project. Worth a look?

[buzzed bait]

i would be LESS focused on how they are rigged/what color they are and MORE focused on them having the proper features for paddling (good seat, solid body construction, reputable brand, COMFORT).  I can assure you that the fish will not mind what color the yak is!  once you get the yak, you can begin to rig/outfit the thing as you see fit.  a lot of the ones that are "rigged for fishing" have the upgrades, but they may be in the worst spot imaginable on the kayak.  best to find a floatable unit that is COMFORTABLE and then begin the rigging process.  after a while i found that the less is more approach was the way to go on rigging my unit.

either way good luck, and make certain you have $ set aside for a decent paddle and a quality PFD that you will actually wear.