Looking into buying a kayak for fishing. Help and suggestions needed

[Ralph Nicholas Vito]

Was looking at the Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak or the Field and Stream Blade Kayak. I have never used a kayak before but am taking lessons on how to use one at a local fishing shop. If there are any other suggestions for a kayak they are much appreciated. Looking for something inexpensive. Main reason i was looking at those 2 is because they are sold at dicks sporting goods and they are having a boat sale right now.

[Choporoz]

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/204011-yakers-what-kayak-do-you-run/?do=findComment&comment=2286424

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/205227-kayak-fishing/?do=findComment&comment=2301945

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/205291-fishing-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2302904

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/198037-best-low-budget-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2213538

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/202602-fishing-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2269419

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/200170-how-to-test-a-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2239379

Take a few minutes and look at the threads above.  May give you enough to ask some more specific questions.

[Ralph Nicholas Vito]

7 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/204011-yakers-what-kayak-do-you-run/?do=findComment&comment=2286424

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/205227-kayak-fishing/?do=findComment&comment=2301945

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/205291-fishing-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2302904

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/198037-best-low-budget-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2213538

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/202602-fishing-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2269419

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/200170-how-to-test-a-kayak/?do=findComment&comment=2239379

Take a few minutes and look at the threads above.  May give you enough to ask some more specific questions.

thanks!

[Choporoz]

A problem with current sales being a primary factor in your decision is that kayaks vary greatly; the choice is a personal one -- a decision that may well affect your fishing enjoyment for years. 

I suggest rather that you look over some of the threads above and make a list of what's important to you in a kayak (speed, stability, weight, peddle v. paddle, etc.)  Then come up with your upper end out of pocket cost to start.  Don't forget that you will need a paddle, pfd, car top racks, to start....other stuff like crate, trolley, electronics, etc. can come a little later.

Lots of retailers have demo days where you can try out a variety of models on the water...search for one in your area.  Even if you can't demo on the water, go ahead and actually sit in some right in the store -- not sure if Dicks will let you do that, but any reputable yak dealer will.  Lastly, give serious consideration to buying used depending on your budget.  Most decent yaks age very well with minimum care --- craigslist, facebook and local forums all will have good value yaks for sale routinely.

[NYWayfarer]

Just thought I would point out, the 2 kayaks you mentioned are not angling kayaks. Of the 2 I noticed the Blade appears to have a recessed circle in the back that you can probably fit a 5 gallon bucket in. That might be good for some tackle storage.

 

 

[Ralph Nicholas Vito]

15 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

A problem with current sales being a primary factor in your decision is that kayaks vary greatly; the choice is a personal one -- a decision that may well affect your fishing enjoyment for years. 

I suggest rather that you look over some of the threads above and make a list of what's important to you in a kayak (speed, stability, weight, peddle v. paddle, etc.)  Then come up with your upper end out of pocket cost to start.  Don't forget that you will need a paddle, pfd, car top racks, to start....other stuff like crate, trolley, electronics, etc. can come a little later.

Lots of retailers have demo days where you can try out a variety of models on the water...search for one in your area.  Even if you can't demo on the water, go ahead and actually sit in some right in the store -- not sure if Dicks will let you do that, but any reputable yak dealer will.  Lastly, give serious consideration to buying used depending on your budget.  Most decent yaks age very well with minimum care --- craigslist, facebook and local forums all will have good value yaks for sale routinely.

Thanks

Im definitely looking for stability and the least amount of weight because i will most likely be moving it by myself to and from the pond / lake i fish at

4 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

Just thought I would point out, the 2 kayaks you mentioned are not angling kayaks. Of the 2 I noticed the Blade appears to have a recessed circle in the back that you can probably fit a 5 gallon bucket in. That might be good for some tackle storage.

 

 

If i can get a cheapish angling specific kayak i would for sure. Also looking for something that might not get blown around so easily or that won't get tipped over easily either

[Choporoz]

To be a little more specific, I think that most any kayak will be stable for most anyone who stays seated on small waters.  When I think about the 'stability-factor' in fishing yaks, I'm thinking about whether I intend to stand; or if I want to take it on the Chesapeake or main stem of the Potomac, or swift smaller rivers...also may be a consideration for folks at the higher end of the 'weight spectrum', though, while it is discussed often here, I've never heard of heavier guys feeling tippy in any but the smallest yaks.

[Ralph Nicholas Vito]

I also want to know if i could buy any kayak in general or would fishing on a NON angeling kayak be a terrible idea (im not someone who uses a lot of tackle so even if theres very little space i can make do) i know it's preferred but for someone just getting into kayaking who has never kayaked before i would like something easy to control something lightweight and something that is stable and it sounds like a LOT of the kayaks out there are very stable and don't get tipped a lot

[J Francho]

You should be getting some "seat time" before making a decision.  Fishing kayaks started as non fishing kayaks, adapted for fishing.  Now they are designed with features created from angler input.  Not sure there's any value in going backwards and getting a kayak that wasn't meant for fishing.

[NYWayfarer]

52 minutes ago, Ralph Nicholas Vito said:

I also want to know if i could buy any kayak in general or would fishing on a NON angeling kayak be a terrible idea (im not someone who uses a lot of tackle so even if theres very little space i can make do) i know it's preferred but for someone just getting into kayaking who has never kayaked before i would like something easy to control something lightweight and something that is stable and it sounds like a LOT of the kayaks out there are very stable and don't get tipped a lot

I have the Pelican Tracker 100 (DSG exclusive) which is basically the Pelican Trailblazer with 2 rod holders added behind the seat. They replaced my model with the Pelican Mustang $279 right now at DSG. It's better than the Tracker as it has a front storage compartment now as well as a removable pod in the rear. This would be a great starter angling kayak. I find the Pelicans to be stable and fast. They track reasonably well. The downside is they are thermoformed 2 piece hulls which some do not like. They are also sit-in kayaks which I prefer. Seems like anglers like the sit-on ones better.

 

If you are going to go the non-angler kayak route make sure you find a kayak that has a rear storage compartment big enough to fit a milk crate. A DYI crate with rod holders can make any kayak into an angling one.

[Ralph Nicholas Vito]

49 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

I have the Pelican Tracker 100 (DSG exclusive) which is basically the Pelican Trailblazer with 2 rod holders added behind the seat. They replaced my model with the Pelican Mustang $279 right now at DSG. It's better than the Tracker as it has a front storage compartment now as well as a removable pod in the rear. This would be a great starter angling kayak. I find the Pelicans to be stable and fast. They track reasonably well. The downside is they are thermoformed 2 piece hulls which some do not like. They are also sit-in kayaks which I prefer. Seems like anglers like the sit-on ones better.

 

If you are going to go the non-angler kayak route make sure you find a kayak that has a rear storage compartment big enough to fit a milk crate. A DYI crate with rod holders can make any kayak into an angling one.

Ya just checked out that mustang it looks like a nice kayak going to go check it out and the place im going to to test out a kayak actually has one of these as i was asking about what kayak to buy if i do decide to get one and they suggested it

[Tripp86]

Check Craigslist in your area for quality used kayaks I have a feel free moken 12 and only paid $600 it fishes great and is super stable I can easily stand up to fish even has a wheel built into the keel for easy transport 

[LadiMopar]

I don't usually send people to You Tube, but in this case I will...check out this video on fishing kayaks that are under $500. All purchased from big box stores like Dick's, Costco, Walmart etc. It might help you narrow down the features and price point you need to work in.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaqgQAoEEsk&t=8s

 

Best of luck!

[The Kangler]

I say definitely be patient and buy used.  You will get much more for your money.  I got an Old Town Predator 13 with paddle for $700.  Basically a new boat.  But if I could do it all over, I would have saved up and bought a pedal kayak to start with.  You are going to want one eventually. 

[thinkingredneck]

Depends on how much you will use it, length of average trip (time and distance), size of water you fish, how heavy you are, how coordinated, balanced and strong you are, how much gear and how many rods.  What is needed for a couple hrs on a small lake or pond by an average healthy  guy is very different than what is needed to fish all day in a big reservoir for an old, big guy.

[crypt]

On ‎6‎/‎13‎/‎2018 at 10:43 AM, J Francho said:

You should be getting some "seat time" before making a decision.  Fishing kayaks started as non fishing kayaks, adapted for fishing.  Now they are designed with features created from angler input.  Not sure there's any value in going backwards and getting a kayak that wasn't meant for fishing.

this is great advice. I had one that didn't fit for me to fish out of. got a sit on top model and it made all the difference. also remember you are limited to gear so pack smartly.remember also to wear a PFD at all times. have seen people not even have one with them,bad things will happen.be safe.