Starter Kayak

[texasbassslayer]

I have been looking at purchasing a kayak for a while and I plan to use it on lakes/rivers. Any suggestions on what I should look at?

[JigMaster4]

Ascend fs12t

[Turtle135]

I have been bass fishing out of a kayak for 25 years. I would recommend you look for a sit on top kayak in the 11 to 13 foot range. First thing to decide is propulsion (paddle or pedals). Pedals do drive the price point higher. See if there is a place near you that you can get a test paddle in. That is always the best way to go.

If a test paddle is not an option, there are many great brands of kayaks out there but the brand I am most familiar with is Wilderness Systems. This is one place with a close out price on a Ride 115.

http://www.paddleva.com/shop/all/APP03590-wilderness-systems-wilderness-systems-ride-115-kayak-low-outfitting-closeout-colors

Shop around, there may be better prices to be had on the used market.

My previous kayak was a Ride 115. They are stable, durable and handle very well in a variety of bodies of water. Because they are popular with kayak fisherman they are relatively easy to resell if you find kayak fishing not to your liking or if you decide to upgrade to another kayak.

Good luck!

 

 

[Darren.]

What is your budget? That'll help us a lot whether
we push you toward new or used, or cheaper-made
kayaks.

Native Watercraft, Wilderness Systems, FeelFree, Hobie,
Jackson, Ocean Kayaks, are several names among many
brands that offer great kayaks at differing prices.

Also, is standing in your yak a priority, or can you live w/o
it? That'll also narrow down the field.

Me? I use a Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. Stable enough
to stand in, light enough to portage, but no scupper holes
so maybe not the best for rivers, though some use them.
Used they can be found in the $500-800 range.

Heavier craft but better in rivers, Wilderness Systems Ride,
Native's Slayer, FeelFree Moken and Lure, to name a few.

[texasbassslayer]

I want to fish in lakes mainly but i want one that can maneuver through rivers if it has to, i want to stay under 500 or around that price point.

 

[Darren.]

1 minute ago, texasbassslayer said:

I want to fish in lakes mainly but i want one that can maneuver through rivers if it has to, i want to stay under 500 or around that price point.

Have a look at Craigslist for your area and surrounding
areas. As well, Texas has Austin Kayak, which has a great
reputation. austinkayak.com

Oftentimes kayak shops will have used or demo'd kayaks
that they will sell at a steep discount. As well, they often
have demo days, or if they are located near a body of water
they can take you out to demo a few kayaks then and there.

Always best to get some time in a kayak to see how it feels
for you.

[Caliyak]

1 hour ago, texasbassslayer said:

I want to fish in lakes mainly but i want one that can maneuver through rivers if it has to, i want to stay under 500 or around that price point.

 

Dude, go sit and mess with the Perception Pescador at Dick's Sporting Goods. Great kayak that comes in 10 and 12 foot. They are a great starter kayaks and might even be the only one you buy, that's how good they are. I have a WS Tarpon which is the model the Pescador is modeled after. No need to move up unless you want to spend money. The pescador will be good for lakes and rivers and hits that price point. 

[dwh4784]

I'm a fan of the Old Town Vapor 10 Angler, I picked it up new for $399 and couldn't be happier with it. I fished ~15 times out of it this year. I do drool over some of the pricier SOT models though, especially the pedal driven models. I went with the Vapor 10 for a few reasons; price, storage space (limited to 10ft in my garage), weight (it's very light, easy to load on top of the minivan). It's also very roomy, I've taken my son who was 4 at the time out in it twice. Plenty of room for both of us wearing PFDs, tackle box, small cooler, rods, good times.

[Choporoz]

Now's the time to hit Craigslist hard.  Season's about done most places (though maybe not in all of TX), and owners are looking for cash for Christmas presents.  I just peeked at local CL and it is full of great fishing yak deals.  For what you want to spend, I wouldn't sweat particulars too much.  Just make a list of top 3-5 considerations (such as price; Sit-in vs. SOT; length/weight) and go buy one that fits your list.  You aren't shopping for a dream rig at $500, so you'll probably be looking at potential upgrades in next couple years no matter what you decide on. 

And...if going the CL route, keep an open mind as to pricing....for example:

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/boa/5884664692.html

This one is listed at $850, BUT.....it comes with a lot of 'extras' that a buyer might actually need.....if you get usable paddle, PFD, fishfinder, trolley, rod mounts, etc....you may end up spending over your $500 budget, but coming in under what you'd have spent on the kayak...and PFD,....and paddle....and .....