ClintIsKING Posted June 4, 2019 Posted June 4, 2019 I know there are numerous threads and I’ve read quite a bit recently. I’m looking to find a good deal on a used kayak since I’m in no rush. From my research I’ve come up with a few makes/models to keep an eye out for. Keep in mind I’m 5’8” 190lbs. Pelican Catch 120 Field & Stream Eagle Talon 12 Perception pescador I’ve never owned a kayak so I wanted to find a good deal on a used one incase I don’t like it. In the event I do, I can learn on this and upgrade after a season or two. I’m looking to spend about $500 give or take. Want it to be sit on top. The three I listed from my research seem to be pretty reasonable for that price range. Are there any other males/models I should look out for? When buying used, what are some key things to check/look over? Any help is much appreciated and thanks in advance! Quote
Bass Ninja Posted June 4, 2019 Posted June 4, 2019 I currently use an ascend FS12T that I bought used for 400 bucks. I've been fishing from kayaks more or less for the past 12 years and everyone I've had, I bought used and modified them. For me, I did the same as you. I researched kayaks and their cost so I would know a good deal if I saw one. When looking at one, my biggest concern was the hull. I'd always closely inspect for deep dragging grooves and heavy wear and tear on the bottom. The only other thing I was worried about was how much they had modified it because mods mean holes for screws and bolts, and I'd rather have a clean slate for me to work with so I know every screw and hole is sealed properly. Other than that, I would just carefully inspect it for any cracks or patches. If you haven't already, when you do buy a kayak, look up videos on stern mount trolling motors with steering cables going up to your foot pegs. That is by far the best decision I ever made, and I only wish I had done it sooner. Facebook groups are a great resource for me for ideas and tips from other kayak fishermen. Hope that helps and good luck. 1 1 Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 4, 2019 Author Posted June 4, 2019 47 minutes ago, Bass Ninja said: I currently use an ascend FS12T that I bought used for 400 bucks. I've been fishing from kayaks more or less for the past 12 years and everyone I've had, I bought used and modified them. For me, I did the same as you. I researched kayaks and their cost so I would know a good deal if I saw one. When looking at one, my biggest concern was the hull. I'd always closely inspect for deep dragging grooves and heavy wear and tear on the bottom. The only other thing I was worried about was how much they had modified it because mods mean holes for screws and bolts, and I'd rather have a clean slate for me to work with so I know every screw and hole is sealed properly. Other than that, I would just carefully inspect it for any cracks or patches. If you haven't already, when you do buy a kayak, look up videos on stern mount trolling motors with steering cables going up to your foot pegs. That is by far the best decision I ever made, and I only wish I had done it sooner. Facebook groups are a great resource for me for ideas and tips from other kayak fishermen. Hope that helps and good luck. Much appreciated. I'll be sure to look at the hull and for any modification holes to ensure there sealed well. I think I had a good deal on an Eagle Talon 12 the other day for $275 but by the time I checked my messages, it was sold ? Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted June 4, 2019 Posted June 4, 2019 If you can find a Catch 120 for a good price I don't think you'll be disappointed. 1 Quote
Fishingmickey Posted June 4, 2019 Posted June 4, 2019 Take your time, save your money find the right sized kayak for you with the best seat possible. I would avoid the cheapest available. You could essentially be having to trust the performance of the kayak with your life. Search the ad's, Craig's list, Face book, local paper, visit your local kayak stores if ya have one. See if they have any consignments. Find you a Native water craft, Wilderness systems, Feel free, Old town, Jackson, Bonafide, NuCanoe, Vibe or even Hobie etc. A good reputable name brand that isn't pushed by some big brand name box store. Good luck, FM 2 Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 4, 2019 Author Posted June 4, 2019 5 hours ago, Fishingmickey said: Take your time, save your money find the right sized kayak for you with the best seat possible. I would avoid the cheapest available. You could essentially be having to trust the performance of the kayak with your life. Search the ad's, Craig's list, Face book, local paper, visit your local kayak stores if ya have one. See if they have any consignments. Find you a Native water craft, Wilderness systems, Feel free, Old town, Jackson, Bonafide, NuCanoe, Vibe or even Hobie etc. A good reputable name brand that isn't pushed by some big brand name box store. Good luck, FM Facebook Marketplace is loaded with them. I've seen some Old Towns and Hobie, and Jacksons. Some decent priced Old Towns but I don't know if there good deals or not. Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 5, 2019 Author Posted June 5, 2019 Seen a couple Eagle Talon 12s for $300ish that seem to be like new condition. Quote
Allen Der Posted June 5, 2019 Posted June 5, 2019 the perception hook is not a sit on top. look at the pescador instead 1 Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 5, 2019 Author Posted June 5, 2019 10 hours ago, Allen Der said: the perception hook is not a sit on top. look at the pescador instead Yeah, that is my mistake. I typed the wrong one. Quote
Smalls Posted June 6, 2019 Posted June 6, 2019 I think you’re looking at this backwards. First look at whats available. If you see something that might interest you, then google the make/model and read reviews, watch YouTube reviews, etc. If you’re still interested, then go look at it. If you wait for certain models to pop to pop up on the used market, you might not get into a kayak... ever. 1 Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 6, 2019 Author Posted June 6, 2019 17 hours ago, Smalls said: I think you’re looking at this backwards. First look at whats available. If you see something that might interest you, then google the make/model and read reviews, watch YouTube reviews, etc. If you’re still interested, then go look at it. If you wait for certain models to pop to pop up on the used market, you might not get into a kayak... ever. That is partially what I did. As well as looking on here for what was recommended for good brands/models. Then I went to Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc and looked for those specific ones. Found a few eagle talon 12s for ~$300. Quote
Super User fishwizzard Posted June 6, 2019 Super User Posted June 6, 2019 On 6/4/2019 at 1:03 PM, Fishingmickey said: find the right sized kayak for you with the best seat possible. This is the best advise you are going to get. A yak that kills your back after few hours is never going to get used. 2 Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 6, 2019 Author Posted June 6, 2019 49 minutes ago, fishwizzard said: This is the best advise you are going to get. A yak that kills your back after few hours is never going to get used. Yea I think anything I do end up getting, I'm going to upgrade the seat regardless. Quote
Fishingmickey Posted June 7, 2019 Posted June 7, 2019 19 hours ago, ClintIsKING said: Yea I think anything I do end up getting, I'm going to upgrade the seat regardless. Upgrading to a decent seat might run you a hundred bucks. Only kayak seat company I know of is Danuu. I'm sure there are others out there. FM 1 Quote
ClintIsKING Posted June 7, 2019 Author Posted June 7, 2019 6 hours ago, Fishingmickey said: Upgrading to a decent seat might run you a hundred bucks. Only kayak seat company I know of is Danuu. I'm sure there are others out there. FM I've watched a lot of YT videos about reviews and upgrades and a lot of people seem to mount stadium style seats. Quote
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