Kayak?

[Wurming67]

I went kayaking for first time this past weekend and was wondering how long do you guys stay out for on your kayak?Also can you recommend a kayak for a beginner in the $500 price range ?Thanks!!

[Jim Mac]

I'm usually out about 3-4 hours max. My poor back gets too sore !

 

The Field and Stream Eagle Talon 12' from Dick's gets very good reviews. 

 

You can probably get a better kayak if you buy a used one. I would recommend you buy one at least 12' long. 

[Choporoz]

Six hours.  Almost always.... sometimes more if I take an opportunity to stand for ten or fifteen minutes after a few hours

[Dens228]

I go between 4-6 hours depending on how big the body of water is, and how good I'm doing!

 

[Darren.]

I get out when I can, sometimes 1.5 hours, sometimes over 5...

 

For under $500, best bet is to check local Craigslist for used yaks

from Native, Wilderness Systems, Jackson, Feelfree, Ocean Kayak,

among many others.

 

Or you can hit up a big box store like BJ's, Costco, Sam's Club.

My first yak came from BJ's and I got it for about $299. Not a stand

and fish yak, but it helped me "fall in love" with kayak fishing. I was 

able to upgrade to a "better" model (Native Ultimate 12) a couple of

years later. Been using that ever since.

[Todd2]

I store 2 kayaks for a friend in my shop, in return I get to use them whenever. I've had them for about 2 years and have had them out twice. They are Pelicans, on the lower end I believe but serve the purpose. I went with a group Sunday and they were talking up Jackson as a good brand for me to look at should I choose to buy.

 

Fishing clear moving water for smallies was a lot of fun. No size to speak of, but those river smallies are fighting machines. It's a different experience than driving the big boat on big water and chasing green fish.

[Angry John]

I fish for long hours in my yaks 3-8 hours at a time.  The fall is the longest because the temperatures are lower but not cold yet as it gets dark.  

I would so go used and see if you can find a classic nucanoe.  I just sold mine after 8 ish years and it was great.  No bells or cool features but rock stable and ready to rig your way.  I spent a ton of time standing in that yak and I feel it's just as stable as anything around.

 

[flyfisher]

Anywhere from an hour to 12+.  I have a kayak that standing in isn't an issue so stretching my legs isn't a concern.  As far as finding one in your price range i'd look for the used market, especially with a new crop of boats coming out and lots of people will be trying to sell their boats to get the newest model out.  
 

Jackson, Native, wilderness systems are all good brands among others.

[Wurming67]

I was in a sit in rental kayak it was pretty painful,so I'm sure the better ones are alot more comfortable and perform better,just alot to choose from.

[kenmitch]

1 hour ago, Wurming67 said:

I was in a sit in rental kayak it was pretty painful,so I'm sure the better ones are alot more comfortable and perform better,just alot to choose from.

 

I'd be keeping an eye on your local craigslist or some of the apps available on phones for a good deal. Looks like a lot of new models are dropping so maybe you'll be able to find somebody that's looking for a quick sale on a nicer one.

[Yakalong]

For under $500 Dicks, as mentioned above, has the the field and stream both sit in and on top. I know people that have both and work very well. Just wait for them to go on sale. As for how long anywhere from 1-4 hours are usually my trips. Get one and get on the water, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun. 

[moguy1973]

Take a look at the sit on topAscend kayaks from Bass Pro also.  The 10T and 12T are pretty well outfitted for fishing and are $549 and $649 respectively.  Both have pretty comfy seats also.

[Wurming67]

I hear alot of positive things about the 

Perception Pescador .

[JLBBass]

On 7/11/2018 at 9:00 PM, moguy1973 said:

Take a look at the sit on topAscend kayaks from Bass Pro also.  The 10T and 12T are pretty well outfitted for fishing and are $549 and $649 respectively.  Both have pretty comfy seats also.

^^^THIS^^^

I own an Ascend 12T, and love it! 

[NoSlackin']

I have an ascend 10t and I like it a lot. Seat is really comfortable 

[jreach]

I own the ascend 12T and LOVE IT!  Paddles nice, though not as nice as a touring kayak.  Super stable, though not as stable as high end yaks like Wilderness Systems and Bonafide but it gets the job done.  I cannot say enough about the Ascend Kayak and am a fan, though if I had the ability to justify more money spent I would buy a Bonafide or Wilderness System as they have more features and initial stability is a little better...that said I am slightly over 200lbs and I can sit on the gunwale of my kayak and it doesn't tip or even lean very much...secondary stability is STOUT.  I can stand with most all my weight on one side and its fine as well...initial stability seems to be the weak point, that and the overall weight.

[NYWayfarer]

I usually spend 3-5 hours on the water in my Yak.

 

Good Beginner kayaks in your price range are:

 

Perception Hook Angler

 

Old Town Trip Angler

 

Future Beach Trophy 126

[J Francho]

I can do 8 hours or more, but I need some walk around time for a break.  Really, same as in my bass boat.  Even then, I need to sit, and relax a few times.

 

At $500, you're pretty much limited to used.  Just check the hull for excessive wear, and get a test drive.

[Dens228]

On 7/11/2018 at 3:55 PM, kenmitch said:

 

I'd be keeping an eye on your local craigslist or some of the apps available on phones for a good deal. Looks like a lot of new models are dropping so maybe you'll be able to find somebody that's looking for a quick sale on a nicer one.

I've been looking on Craigslist here for my son.  It cracks me up that most are listed for within $100 of new........

 

[J.Vincent]

 

On July 11, 2018 at 3:24 PM, Wurming67 said:

I was in a sit in rental kayak it was pretty painful,so I'm sure the better ones are alot more comfortable and perform better,just alot to choose from.

Absolutely make sure you purchase a stable design you can stand up in. If that BPS Ascend is stable enough to stand up, it might be worth spending the extra money for it. 

[Wurming67]

1 hour ago, Dens228 said:

I've been looking on Craigslist here for my son.  It cracks me up that most are listed for within $100 of new........

 

That's what I noticed what's the point,people that sell used stuff expect to get pretty close what they paid,I use to buy and sell alot of musical gear and the standard is if it's used and in good shape you get half of what you originally paid,unless it's rare ,vintage or classic collector item.

[kenmitch]

5 hours ago, Dens228 said:

I've been looking on Craigslist here for my son.  It cracks me up that most are listed for within $100 of new........

 

Maybe they'll take less than what they asked. Craigslist is haggle city for the most part. Just look for the older listings an ask if it's still available. If so just say your interested but it's a little out of your price range. They'll then ask for an offer. You'll offer and they'll accept or they'll counter offer....Just like on american pickers.

[Dens228]

15 hours ago, kenmitch said:

Maybe they'll take less than what they asked. Craigslist is haggle city for the most part. Just look for the older listings an ask if it's still available. If so just say your interested but it's a little out of your price range. They'll then ask for an offer. You'll offer and they'll accept or they'll counter offer....Just like on american pickers.

Yes, I know that part.  Most of them refuse to negotiate at all and I see their ads continue on for weeks and months. LOL

[Somd Fx4]

My wife has a perception swifty and I have a future beach trophy angler 126. Both are sit in and pretty stable. I haven't tried to stand up yet but one day I will try. They were kinda impulse buys for our first kayaks. If I had to do it again I think I would have spent the extra 150 for the field stream eagle talon(we shop at dick's a lot). I feel like there is more storage on a sit on top. Every time I go out I wish had more room for my tackle bag.