RMax Posted January 2, 2017 Posted January 2, 2017 I'm on the hunt for my first fishing kayak. I'm probably only going to be fishing on medium sized lakes and want a sit-on top. I don't want to spend more than $650. Any recommendations? Quote
Flywatersmallie Posted January 3, 2017 Posted January 3, 2017 I guess it depends on what you want it to do, for example, if you want to be able to stand and fish, you're looking at a completely separate set of boats from one where is speed is more important to you. One thing I will suggest, find one with a nice seat, preferably one that elevates. If you don't you will wish you had in pretty short order. At that price rang, you'll probably want to look used. Should be able to pick up a used Ride 115, Jackson Cruise or the like in that price range. Some folks like some of the Ascend boats by Bass Pro and those are in your range new. Though I can't comment as I have never paddled one or even seen one in person. I paddle a Feelfree Lure, its an awesome boat, though out of your budget at like $1200 new, they occasionally come up for sale used in that $700-800 range which is definitely closer to where you're trying to be. Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted January 3, 2017 Super User Posted January 3, 2017 Lots of boats out there but in that price range yo are somewhat limited. You also have to consider the added cost of a PFD, Paddle and transportation of the kayak. All that aside, a tarpon 120, jackson cruise and a few others would fit the bill but you would have to go used. I would also recommend going to a demo days if possible and paddling as many as you can and while you wait for that, save some more cash, you won't be disappointed 1 Quote
Preytorien Posted January 3, 2017 Posted January 3, 2017 I was in the same boat (no pun intended) I found Vibe Kayaks and have been VERY happy with them so far. I have the Skipjack 90 - the more lightweight and portable offering from them, and I paid $499 total Quote
Super User the reel ess Posted January 3, 2017 Super User Posted January 3, 2017 Ascend from BPS and the Perception Pescador Pro are a couple that come to mind. I have the previous Pescador and it has served me well. But the seat just puts kills the behind after a couple hours. I even have to move my legs a little to keep my feet from going to sleep if I fish a long time, and I usually do. Both of the options I mentioned have a stadium type seat and come in under your budget new. The seat is more comfy and keeps your butt out of the water. Well, I just checked on the Pescador Pro and I have to say that one's $729 new. It didn't start there, so it must be selling well. I have the Pescador 12 Angler, which Academy sells for $529. Quote
RMax Posted January 4, 2017 Author Posted January 4, 2017 On 1/2/2017 at 6:16 PM, Flywatersmallie said: I guess it depends on what you want it to do, for example, if you want to be able to stand and fish, you're looking at a completely separate set of boats from one where is speed is more important to you. One thing I will suggest, find one with a nice seat, preferably one that elevates. If you don't you will wish you had in pretty short order. At that price rang, you'll probably want to look used. Should be able to pick up a used Ride 115, Jackson Cruise or the like in that price range. Some folks like some of the Ascend boats by Bass Pro and those are in your range new. Though I can't comment as I have never paddled one or even seen one in person. I paddle a Feelfree Lure, its an awesome boat, though out of your budget at like $1200 new, they occasionally come up for sale used in that $700-800 range which is definitely closer to where you're trying to be. 22 hours ago, flyfisher said: Lots of boats out there but in that price range yo are somewhat limited. You also have to consider the added cost of a PFD, Paddle and transportation of the kayak. All that aside, a tarpon 120, jackson cruise and a few others would fit the bill but you would have to go used. I would also recommend going to a demo days if possible and paddling as many as you can and while you wait for that, save some more cash, you won't be disappointed 6 hours ago, Preytorien said: I was in the same boat (no pun intended) I found Vibe Kayaks and have been VERY happy with them so far. I have the Skipjack 90 - the more lightweight and portable offering from them, and I paid $499 total 5 hours ago, the reel ess said: Ascend from BPS and the Perception Pescador Pro are a couple that come to mind. I have the previous Pescador and it has served me well. But the seat just puts kills the behind after a couple hours. I even have to move my legs a little to keep my feet from going to sleep if I fish a long time, and I usually do. Both of the options I mentioned have a stadium type seat and come in under your budget new. The seat is more comfy and keeps your butt out of the water. Well, I just checked on the Pescador Pro and I have to say that one's $729 new. It didn't start there, so it must be selling well. I have the Pescador 12 Angler, which Academy sells for $529. Thanks all! I was going to get the Ascend FS12T but it doesn't seem as though BPS is selling it at the moment, judging from what I see online. I also looked at the Pescador Pro but it doesn't seem as stable as I would like. The majority of lakes in my area aren't large so I don't really care about speed, I just want enough stability to be able to stand without and issue. Does anybody know anything about Pelican? I've looked at their Premium Enforcer 120x Angler and their Strike 120x Angler. 1 Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted January 13, 2017 Posted January 13, 2017 On 1/3/2017 at 6:54 PM, RMax said: Thanks all! I was going to get the Ascend FS12T but it doesn't seem as though BPS is selling it at the moment, judging from what I see online. I also looked at the Pescador Pro but it doesn't seem as stable as I would like. The majority of lakes in my area aren't large so I don't really care about speed, I just want enough stability to be able to stand without and issue. Does anybody know anything about Pelican? I've looked at their Premium Enforcer 120x Angler and their Strike 120x Angler. I have the Pelican Catch 120. They usually retail for $749 but I bought mine for $599 on sale last summer. It's just under 12 feet long and weighs 69 pounds. It's not incredibly fast but still moves well. It's very stable and easy to stand on and fish which is one of the reasons I bought it. It has a fantastic seat that's very comfortable. There's plenty of room for gear. There are two rod holders built in that are ok but that's it for any type of accessories. It does have plenty of flat spots to install tracks on to add any type of attachments you want. I added an anchor trolley to mine last year and this year I plan to install some gear tracks so I can put my rod holders and fish finder on. Since I'm in Iowa I have to wait till spring to do anything. Quote
Largemouth21 Posted January 15, 2017 Posted January 15, 2017 I recently was in your shoes trying to decide on a budget kayak. I decided on the Emotion Stealth 11 Angler. Haven't bought it yet, will update later to say if I like it or not. Hope you are able to decide and happy fishing Quote
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