First time fishing kayak buyers...need some advice

[Glaucus]

My wife and I have spent these cold days on replacement gear and tackle. Now we've got about $1,000 (little more, little less) of fishing budget left and we're looking into 2 fishing kayaks. As it stands we have a couple of cheap kayaks that aren't really meant for fishing and which become uncomfortable after a short while. They're sit-ins. We're looking to sit on top, but sitting inside a comfortable kayak is fine too. Looking for something in the 500 dollar range per kayak (can be a little more, but nothing over 600 and closer to 500 if possible). We will be using these in small to medium sized Rivers, but mostly small (3 to 5 feet... One river will average 7-10 feet). Some small rapids and some sharp bends that can be a bit fast moving and turn the yak around if you're not on your game. I mention river conditions because we've never sat on top, always in, and don't know if that has any impact. 

[Glaucus]

We settled on the Old Town Vapor 10 Angler. It's a sit in but hits everything we wanted at the price range for the most part. 

[J Francho]

The key to any solid kayak purchase is seat time.  This is the only way you can really know how you'll like it.

[Choporoz]

Agree with @J Francho, but you may not see demo days for next 5-6 months.  Sitting in them in the store may feel a bit silly, but there can be some value in it.

I think used or demos are likely to be your best bet.   Getting two different makes/models will allow you both to find out faster what features are important to you.  I have noticed apparently great deals in a few different Facebook forums in last couple years. 

[J Francho]

Just now, Choporoz said:

Sitting in them in the store may feel a bit silly, but there can be some value in it.

Definitely.  Even now, when I want to add something or change the set up, I sit in the yard, and go through all the motions - paddling, pedaling, getting rods and tackle, putting gear away, rigging a stake out pole or anchor, etc.  It's good to know nothing is going to hinder you, and you're comfortable doing it all from a seated position.  Even though I often stand, it's not always feasible.

[Caliyak]

On 12/2/2018 at 4:12 PM, Glaucus said:

My wife and I have spent these cold days on replacement gear and tackle. Now we've got about $1,000 (little more, little less) of fishing budget left and we're looking into 2 fishing kayaks. As it stands we have a couple of cheap kayaks that aren't really meant for fishing and which become uncomfortable after a short while. They're sit-ins. We're looking to sit on top, but sitting inside a comfortable kayak is fine too. Looking for something in the 500 dollar range per kayak (can be a little more, but nothing over 600 and closer to 500 if possible). We will be using these in small to medium sized Rivers, but mostly small (3 to 5 feet... One river will average 7-10 feet). Some small rapids and some sharp bends that can be a bit fast moving and turn the yak around if you're not on your game. I mention river conditions because we've never sat on top, always in, and don't know if that has any impact. 

I'm bias to Wilderness System Tarpon 10 foot. Look at them used to make your budget.

[Fishingmickey]

Glaucus,

     Just make sure you get something that fits your size and has a good seat. If your a big guy the Tarpon 100 is not your boat and will let you know instantly that you got your center of gravity off center.  If you get off center the kayak goes out from under you like a soap dish or stepping on a banana peel.  Smaller shorter narrower cheaper kayaks can be dangerous especially if you haven't practiced capsize recovery in that kayak and learned your limits of stability. See if there is a kayak dealer near you that rents kayaks. Try before you buy if you can. If you go out in the winter time and the air or the water is cold flipping your kayak could have devastating results even with a life jacket on. Not trying to scare you or be a fear monger. There is also a thread on here about cold water survival that has a great video done.  Good luck on finding you and your wife kayaks.

Fishingmickey

[Abby]

I had an old town vapor angler and it was nice. I just got a Pelican catch 120 and it is so comfortable I can not believe it. 

[shootermcbob]

let us know how the new yaks work for you.