Basic guide to buying/using a fishing kayak

[EGbassing]

I've been fishing from the bank for a couple years now and I'm thinking about buying a nice fishing kayak within the next couple years. It's always looked really fun to me, but I have no idea what kind to buy. I'm thinking I'll probably be fishing in smaller ponds in lakes in the future and I want to keep it under $1000 definitely so I'm probably going to get a paddle kayak, but beyond that, I don't know. Could I have a basic guide to buying and using one from one of you kayak guys? Also, in my price range would I be able to get a stable one that I can stand up in? That part is actually pretty important to me. Thanks. 

 

Edit: Will I need some kind of anchor system so I don't get dragged around the lake whenever I hook one? If so, what kind?

[YaknBassn]

The best advice I can give is to demo.  Compile a list of kayaks you're interested in and try them out.  Check Facebook for local groups in your area.  Most clubs will host a demo day a few times a year and more often than not, owners are willing to let you try them on the water. 

 

Are you interested in any particular models? 

 

Edit:  As far as the anchor goes, it's useful but not needed.  It's nice to have for maintaining position, but not critical for landing fish.  These are bass, not tarpon.

 

Edit #2:  Just noticed you're from Alabama.  What area?

 

[EGbassing]

42 minutes ago, YaknBassn said:

The best advice I can give is to demo.  Compile a list of kayaks you're interested in and try them out.  Check Facebook for local groups in your area.  Most clubs will host a demo day a few times a year and more often than not, owners are willing to let you try them on the water. 

 

Are you interested in any particular models? 

 

Edit:  As far as the anchor goes, it's useful but not needed.  It's nice to have for maintaining position, but not critical for landing fish.  These are bass, not tarpon.

 

Edit #2:  Just noticed you're from Alabama.  What area?

 

Thanks. I'm from Huntsville.

[YaknBassn]

So am I.  Check out North Alabama Kayak Anglers on Facebook.  Great group of guys.  We have a demo day coming up in May. 

 

Dont be scared to buy used either.  I just bought a 2018 Jackson Cuda HD for $1100.  

 

Generally speaking though, longer kayaks will track better.  Shorter kayaks dont track as well, but are more maneuverable in smaller waters.  Hull design will also greatly affect how a kayak handles.  

 

[Turtle135]

Take a look at the NuCanoe Flint. They can be found new for $ 999.00 (and probably on sale for less if you hunt around). Stable enough to stand and fish and still paddles very well. There is usually a trade off with stability and paddle speed. There are some stable fishing kayaks that paddle and turn like barges! The reason I mention this particular kayak is they have a pedal drive system coming out mid summer that can be added to the Flint if you decide that is a feature you wish you had.

 

https://www.nucanoe.com/flint-fishing-kayak/

 

Remember you will need to add a paddle and a PFD.

 

I have been fishing in a kayak since 1991 as I too wanted to get off the bank. Honestly, getting a kayak was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you have any questions as you begin you selection process feel free to reach out to me. Good luck!

[EGbassing]

9 hours ago, Turtle135 said:

Take a look at the NuCanoe Flint. They can be found new for $ 999.00 (and probably on sale for less if you hunt around). Stable enough to stand and fish and still paddles very well. There is usually a trade off with stability and paddle speed. There are some stable fishing kayaks that paddle and turn like barges! The reason I mention this particular kayak is they have a pedal drive system coming out mid summer that can be added to the Flint if you decide that is a feature you wish you had.

 

https://www.nucanoe.com/flint-fishing-kayak/

 

Remember you will need to add a paddle and a PFD.

 

I have been fishing in a kayak since 1991 as I too wanted to get off the bank. Honestly, getting a kayak was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you have any questions as you begin you selection process feel free to reach out to me. Good luck!

Thank you. Do you have any experience with the Perception Pescador Pro? My family is planning on moving within the next 1.5 years or so for my brother and I to go to college so I'm probably going to wait til then to get one so I don't have to worry about moving it, and because I don't have enough for a nice one right now. But I want to make a list at some point of the top five I'm considering or something so I'll have an idea of what I want when I decide to get one. Also, in your experience, can a bigger bass pull a kayak without an anchor around very much? I'm wondering if I'll need an anchor...

[Hawkeye21]

I was in the same situation when I started.  My first kayak was the Pelican Catch 120 and I think it was a perfect starter kayak for me.  It was cheap enough for me to still afford to add accessories and it was stable enough for me to stand and fish in.  I learned a lot from fishing out of that kayak.

 

I now have a NuCanoe Frontier 12 and it's amazing.  I recommend Nucanoe products for their quality and customer support.  I would try looking for a used Flint if one is available.

[Turtle135]

1 hour ago, EGbassing said:

Thank you. Do you have any experience with the Perception Pescador Pro? My family is planning on moving within the next 1.5 years or so for my brother and I to go to college so I'm probably going to wait til then to get one so I don't have to worry about moving it, and because I don't have enough for a nice one right now. But I want to make a list at some point of the top five I'm considering or something so I'll have an idea of what I want when I decide to get one. Also, in your experience, can a bigger bass pull a kayak without an anchor around very much? I'm wondering if I'll need an anchor...

 

I do not have any personal experience with the Pescador Pro but I am on another forum and have heard no serious complaints about that kayak.

 

I use an anchor frequently to contend with wind or current. For me being stationary is vital to success when I am fishing a jig or a worm very slowly on the bottom. Largemouth and smallmouth bass typically do not tow you around more than a few feet during a battle. I have a product called an "Anchor Wizard" and my line runs into an anchor trolley on the side of my kayak. My anchor is just a plain olde 5 pound dumbbell. 

 

[Fishingmickey]

I'm also a proponent of the dumb bell for an anchor and 50 to 75' of 1/4" rope. I use a 8lb anchor for mine. They come up a lot cleaner, easier to get muck and grass off of and I haven't had any snagging problems (yet). Been tournament kayak fishing for five years now. My advice as far as finding a good fishing kayak on a limited budget is to buy a quality name brand kayak used. There are some very good lightly used kayaks that people bought and figured out that kayak fishing wasn't for them.  Avoid the cheap under sized kayaks. Remember that the seat is everything! A cheap crappy seat will leave you "sore" in no time. Name brands like Wilderness systems, Nu-Canoe, Hobie, Jackson, Feel free, Native are going to make your fishing time way more enjoyable. 

Good luck,

FM 

[Dens228]

Be patient and look for a well kept used. If you go too cheap it may not be as enjoyable and you'll end up spending more to replace it. 

It also helps to get one that you can customize with tracks and such.  

Other than the obvious need for a PFD and paddle, add an anchor and anchor trolley to the list. It makes life easier on the water, you'd be surprised how little wind is needed to move a kayak all over the place.   Some more than others. 

As the season goes by and you learn how you like things set up and where you can slowly do as needed at minimal cost.   

 

And welcome to the addiction!

[Timothy Glen Vaughan]

I've upgraded to my third Kayak this year. 

 

For a paddle kayak that is relatively inexpensive I would look at a pescador pro, pelican catch 120, or the new Jackson Bite. I'm by no mean an expert but the pro and the catch have done very well for me. 

 

I bit the bullet and got a pedal kayak for this season and so far it's been amazing. I'm from Oklahoma and the wind can make paddling unbearable sometimes. I would not completely discount a used pedal kayak as my brother got a pescador pilot for $1100 on Facebook. 

 

No matter what you do, you're sure to enjoy it as it opens up so much water. Good luck!

[Dan C]

I am a Feelfree Moken 12.5 owner, my i first fishing kayak purchase 2 years ago. I absolutely love everything about that boat. It’s have great seat comfort, great stability, tracks straight, easy and convenient storage. If your looking for a good website to browse and get reviews I would look at AustinKayak.com 

[EGbassing]

8 hours ago, Dan C said:

I am a Feelfree Moken 12.5 owner, my i first fishing kayak purchase 2 years ago. I absolutely love everything about that boat. It’s have great seat comfort, great stability, tracks straight, easy and convenient storage. If your looking for a good website to browse and get reviews I would look at AustinKayak.com 

It's hard to tell in the pictures. Is the seat elevated at all? 

[J Francho]

10 minutes ago, EGbassing said:

It's hard to tell in the pictures. Is the seat elevated at all? 

It is not an elevated seat.  It's a great boat, pretty stable, tracks well.  I've taught many a class out of one, but it's a dated design.  Back to the original question, here is a starter article.  There are hours worth of reading about kayak fishing if you just type kayak in the search bar in the articles section.  Have at it!

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/kayak-bass-fishing-start.html

 

[NYWayfarer]

Get some actual paddle time in kayaks by renting or going to demo days at local outfitters. At that point make a list of the things you liked about each one. Put a check mark next to anything that is a must have for you. Then try to find a kayak in your price range that meets most of the things on your list.

 

I like a stake out pole more than an anchor. I have a DIY version but I plan on upgrading this year.

 

A fish depending on it's size can pull your kayak a little or a lot. Shouldn't be a big deal on a pond or small lake.

[EGbassing]

53 minutes ago, J Francho said:

It is not an elevated seat.  It's a great boat, pretty stable, tracks well.  I've taught many a class out of one, but it's a dated design.  Back to the original question, here is a starter article.  There are hours worth of reading about kayak fishing if you just type kayak in the search bar in the articles section.  Have at it!

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/kayak-bass-fishing-start.html

 

Thanks. Don't you have a Pescador Perception, or am I thinking of someone else...?

[J Francho]

Someone else.  I have a Hobie Compass.

 

[Tizi]

Another option could be a close out on last year's models.  I got my current kayak - Jackson Cruise 10 Angler for 25% off retail from a local dealer.  I paid less than $700 for mine.  Great kayak...

[Harold Scoggins]

On ‎3‎/‎15‎/‎2019 at 4:44 PM, Tizi said:

Another option could be a close out on last year's models.  I got my current kayak - Jackson Cruise 10 Angler for 25% off retail from a local dealer.  I paid less than $700 for mine.  Great kayak...

This is very good advice @EGbassing, especially if you are watching your coin. I saved $300 on my last kayak doing this and I've saved on all my kayaks like this. Once you've identified your dream yak, wait until November-December for that years models to go on sale.

[Hower08]

Go try some yaks out. And don't be afraid to shop for used. I bought a wilderness ride 135 for $375. These are approx $1200 kayaks new . Deals are out there to be had. Also don't be afraid of a little heavier kayak. I feel that they are more stable. I just bought my first one last year but I can stand and fish no problems. A quality stable vessel is worth the little extra money. I feel safe enough in it that I floated rivers in middle of winter term shooting ducks out of it

 

[Crankin4Bass]

I've had a Perception Pescador Pro for about 3 years now and I've been pretty happy with it. It's my first kayak and just getting off the bank is great. When I bought it, having a frame seat and lightest weight were the most important things to me so I went with the 10.0 which is actually 10'6". If I had to do it again, I would have gone with the 12 footer. The seat is really comfortable and the kayak is pretty light (57 lbs). It's definitely not stable enough to stand up and the rod holders are terrible. I use a crate with a 3 rod holder zip tied to it. I use this for small ponds around me and it's perfect for that. I got it at REI when they had it 15% off. I think they do this sale twice a year in May and June. I would also suggest you take advantage of demo days to try out several kayaks to see what you like. Another one I would look at is the Old Town Topwater.