New to Kayak Fishing

[PapaMurph98]

I am considering getting a kayak to fish in. I am in college and have a Nissan Xterra with a factory roof rack. I am wondering what kayak would be best for small bodies of water (preferably under $500) and the best way to store and transport a kayak while at school? 

Thanks

[Darren.]

3 minutes ago, charlie.murphy931 said:

I am considering getting a kayak to fish in. I am in college and have a Nissan Xterra with a factory roof rack. I am wondering what kayak would be best for small bodies of water (preferably under $500) and the best way to store and transport a kayak while at school? 

Thanks

Welcome aboard, Charlie!

At a $500 price point, you will want to look for used
kayaks from Wilderness Systems, Native, Moken, 
etc.

What are your requirements for yakking? Is standing
a must-have? Almost all of us would recommend 
going with a SOT - Sit On Top kayak. Better for 
fishing, by most standards.

Best to get yourself to a local kayak outfitter and
"test drive" some yaks they have.

As far as transport, how much are you able to lift?
Reason for question is you can go light or heavy
depending on what you're looking for. Being in 
college, I assume u can lift a bit  

Storing while at school? Does your college have an
area for storage?

[PapaMurph98]

2 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard, Charlie!

At a $500 price point, you will want to look for used
kayaks from Wilderness Systems, Native, Moken, 
etc.

What are your requirements for yakking? Is standing
a must-have? Almost all of us would recommend 
going with a SOT - Sit On Top kayak. Better for 
fishing, by most standards.

Best to get yourself to a local kayak outfitter and
"test drive" some yaks they have.

As far as transport, how much are you able to lift?
Reason for question is you can go light or heavy
depending on what you're looking for. Being in 
college, I assume u can lift a bit  

Storing while at school? Does your college have an
area for storage?

Standing would be a must have. I would prefer something lighter but it would not really bother me if it is moderately heavy. The factory rack can hold up to over 100 lbs. so most kayaks should be fine. I am not sure if there is anywhere to store at school but I will be looking into that. Is it possible to keep a kayak on a roof for long periods of time without damaging the kayak? And how would you suggest strapping the kayak on the roof?

[Darren.]

Just now, charlie.murphy931 said:

Standing would be a must have. I would prefer something lighter but it would not really bother me if it is moderately heavy. The factory rack can hold up to over 100 lbs. so most kayaks should be fine. I am not sure if there is anywhere to store at school but I will be looking into that. Is it possible to keep a kayak on a roof for long periods of time without damaging the kayak? And how would you suggest strapping the kayak on the roof?

As far as keeping a yak strapped on a roof, yes, it can be done.

I believe you can buy locking mechanisms to keep it secure.
Yakima, others make some very good racks, but they can be 
expensive. 

Personally, I go the DIY route. And in that vein, I bought a truck
and it's a perfect transport, easy on my 47 year old back...

I'd suggest you look for used Native Ultimates, Wilderness Systems
Ride, Commander models in your price range, or close to it. These
provide very stable platforms for standing and fishing. I suggest 
these as they've been around a while and you should be able to find
reasonably priced used models on Craigslist or such. At least I
hope you can.

[jr231]

I got a 10ft sit on top yak for 230 dollars and it came with paddles. Has three rod holders, and multiple storage sections. So you can definitely buy brand new with a 500 dollar budget. 

[Yakalong]

For your first kayak don't spend a lot of money, also don't discount sit in kayaks. I picked up a field and stream from dicks 4 years ago it was a sit in for $350 on sale, it was the best $ I spent. I do not get wet even on windy days. Don't get hung up on sit on tops because everyone says that is the best. They both have their advantages, get one and you will have a blast 

[MassYak85]

34 minutes ago, Yakalong said:

For your first kayak don't spend a lot of money, also don't discount sit in kayaks. I picked up a field and stream from dicks 4 years ago it was a sit in for $350 on sale, it was the best $ I spent. I do not get wet even on windy days. Don't get hung up on sit on tops because everyone says that is the best. They both have their advantages, get one and you will have a blast 

x2 I have an Ascend FS10 sit in and love it. 

500 is a very doable budget and there are a lot of great kayaks in that range. Now, you said standing is a must though....for 500 dollars I think you realistically have 2 options if you want to comfortably stand, either outriggers or the used market. Most of the fishing kayaks that are large and wide enough to stand in are going to run out of your budget new. But you can definitely find some used stuff at local shops or by looking online. Outriggers can turn a lot of kayaks into standing ones but you will then be less maneuverable. I have PVC ones I made and they are easily detachable when I don't want to use them. 

As far as storing one while AT college. Do you realistically have an option besides keeping it strapped to your car? 

[PapaMurph98]

35 minutes ago, MassYak85 said:

x2 I have an Ascend FS10 sit in and love it. 

500 is a very doable budget and there are a lot of great kayaks in that range. Now, you said standing is a must though....for 500 dollars I think you realistically have 2 options if you want to comfortably stand, either outriggers or the used market. Most of the fishing kayaks that are large and wide enough to stand in are going to run out of your budget new. But you can definitely find some used stuff at local shops or by looking online. Outriggers can turn a lot of kayaks into standing ones but you will then be less maneuverable. I have PVC ones I made and they are easily detachable when I don't want to use them. 

As far as storing one while AT college. Do you realistically have an option besides keeping it strapped to your car? 

I am going to try to find somewhere to store it off campus if possible.

[PapaMurph98]

2 hours ago, Darren. said:

As far as keeping a yak strapped on a roof, yes, it can be done.

I believe you can buy locking mechanisms to keep it secure.
Yakima, others make some very good racks, but they can be 
expensive. 

Personally, I go the DIY route. And in that vein, I bought a truck
and it's a perfect transport, easy on my 47 year old back...

I'd suggest you look for used Native Ultimates, Wilderness Systems
Ride, Commander models in your price range, or close to it. These
provide very stable platforms for standing and fishing. I suggest 
these as they've been around a while and you should be able to find
reasonably priced used models on Craigslist or such. At least I
hope you can.

How would you suggest strapping the kayak to the roof rack?

[dwh4784]

Do you have a factory roof rack? If so buy the ~$25 rack mount off of Amazon.

FWIW my Old Town Vapor 10 Angler has been the best buy I think I've ever landed. $399 w/ free wall mount. I've added one rod holder, I love fishing from it. I feel like I'd have to spend close to a grand more to appreciate a SOT over it.

[PapaMurph98]

11 hours ago, dwh4784 said:

Do you have a factory roof rack? If so buy the ~$25 rack mount off of Amazon.

FWIW my Old Town Vapor 10 Angler has been the best buy I think I've ever landed. $399 w/ free wall mount. I've added one rod holder, I love fishing from it. I feel like I'd have to spend close to a grand more to appreciate a SOT over it.

Yes I do. Which rack are you referring to on Amazon?

[Darren.]

13 hours ago, PapaMurph98 said:

How would you suggest strapping the kayak to the roof rack?

You can actually buy kits at Dick's Sporting Goods and
other stores like them that are for carrying yaks on your
roof. They come complete with straps and instructions.

[dwh4784]

Looks like it's a bit more $$$ than when I bought it, $39 now. It's called "Lifetime Warranty TMS J-Bar Rack.....". There are several others out there as well.