Getting into kayak fishing.

[Teal]

Hey guys,  I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a fishing kayak.  I have a 20' boat and fish almost daily now days ( thank goodness)  I do not have my little 10' pond boat any more and gotta say, I'm intrigued by kayak fishing and I want to get one.  

 

I have already looked at several of the threads here on kayaks.  I've already looked at a few at local shops.   I want a pedal kayak but I realize its probably better to start out  with a paddle and then buy another down the road if i really enjoy it and want to upgrade.   For a paddle kayak my budget is 700 but I'd like to keep it as low as is practical. 

 

I want to be able to stand up.

I want decent tracking, I dont mind if its heavier, I'm gonna reckneck fabricate an old jet ski trailer for transport.

I would definitely want to put a depth finder with a map on it.

 

  And I'd be fine carrying 4 rods, gonna be different not able to carry 10plus lol. 

 

I've looked at the life time yukon, ozark trail 10 footer from Walmart, perception pescador, and looked at a couple of the old town kayaks.

 

My questions to you experienced kayakers.... which kayak kinda fits the bill?  What do you think?

 

I keep hearing people telling me to buy a good paddle.. can yall be specific on what to look for or just tell me what product is gonna make my life easier.

 

I've obviously got PFD but should I ditch the inflatable mustang and get one like indee the kayakers wear? I dont mind spending the money to stay safe I was just wondering if.mine would be ok or should I get one specifically for kayaking.

 

You guys that have electronics on yours,.... I have lowrance hd9s on my boat, are their kayak specific units out there or can I just get a unit and mount it ( I've did research on most stuff just not this) 

 

Thanks for reading this long book.  What are yalls thoughts on what boat, how to rig it and any considerations

  

Glen

 

[flyfisher]

Good questions for sure.
I have zero experience with the kayaks you mentioned so i can't speak to them.  What i will say is if you have a local shop see if they allow demos.  most places that do allow demos will apply the demo cost off the boat purchase.  Boats hat look good on paper can change when you are in them.  $700 is a tough budget to be honest to get a new boat that is high quality.  

Paddles, it is about budget and the weight really.  I have a manta ray hybrid paddle which is relatively inexpensive and relatively lightweight.  i think it runs about 125-150 and it does the job for me just fine.  You will want to determine which paddle works for you and your boat though as boat width can help to determine what length to get.

your Mustang inflatable would be fine.  i use an inflatable as well and only use a traditional style PFD if i am on moving water where i may have to use it, that way i don't have to rearm it.

Electronics..you can mount whatever you want on your kayak.  nothing kayak specific.  just be cognizant of the size of the unit and location.  If your boat unit is removable you may be able to just get another transducer and wires and use the one from your big boat on your kayak.  Save you some coin....

 

I'll give the same advice i give to everyone new to kayak fishing.  Don't rig your boat because of what you saw....rig it because of what you need and the only way to now what you need and where you need it is to paddle it.  I have been kayak fishing for a long time and every new boat I get i fish a few times with nothing rigged to it just to see where i want stuff.  I have a general idea in most cases but on the water things change.

 

 

[michaelb]

i'm not sure it makes sense to buy a paddle kayak if you want a peddle kayak. Unless you want to have two boats down the road? $700 is also right in between cheap and used ($200-$500) and the bottom tier of pretty nice for a paddle kayak ($800-1000); so my temptation is to look for used and/or spend a lot less, or think about spending more; and also demoing some paddle kayaks including nice ones so you get  a change to paddle some boats, and ideally peddle some boats, before paying $700 for something you may not like.

[Teal]

Thanks, unfortunately, there is no demo that is close to me just retail... gonna have to outta town to do that.  

 

9inch unit on boat, so I may paddle around in whatever I get first and them see if I really want to put a unit that big on there.  I think it would be fine.  I should be able to just get a new transducer and cables and move the unit back and forth... 

11 minutes ago, michaelb said:

i'm not sure it makes sense to buy a paddle kayak if you want a peddle kayak. Unless you want to have two boats down the road? $700 is also right in between cheap and used ($200-$500) and the bottom tier of pretty nice for a paddle kayak ($800-1000); so my temptation is to look for used and/or spend a lot less, or think about spending more; and also demoing some paddle kayaks including nice ones so you get  a change to paddle some boats, and ideally peddle some boats, before paying $700 for something you may not like.

Yes, I dont mind having two down the road. Pretty sure I'll give it to my son anyways

[Bankc]

I have a Lifetime Yukon.  It's a pretty decent little kayak.  The seat is really comfortable!  I can stand up in it, but the primary stability isn't all that good, so you have to shift your weight so that it tilts into secondary stability to feel stable enough on it to fish.  I've found that I don't stand up on it too often, due to the fact that it's almost always windy here.  I don't trust it or myself enough to try to stand in winds higher than about 10 MPH.  I don't worry about it flipping, I doubt it would ever flip, but I do worry about losing my balance and falling out.  In any case, I'm glad it's stable enough to stand in, because it makes fishing while sitting down a lot easier when you're not constantly having to balance yourself.  

 

It tracks well, but it's pretty slow.  I rarely take it more than a mile out, and if I do go out that far, I'll be sure that I'm paddling into the wind (if it's 8+ MPH) on the way out so the current and wind can assist me on the way back.  I get worn out pretty quickly on it, though I'm not the best paddler so that's probably a large reason why.  Like most kayaks that you can stand up in, they're not very fast in the water.  I've seen guys on peddle kayaks run up and down for much longer distances without the strain, but a peddle kayak isn't an option for me.  So if you're planning on making longer trips in the water, or have to deal with wind or current a lot, you might consider a peddle kayak, or a trolling motor.  Also remember that with a kayak, you don't need a boat ramp to launch, so it's a lot easier to launch next to where you want to fish, and make the distance you have to cover on water a lot shorter. 

 

I  usually take 3 rods with me.  Two stored in the rod holders, and one stored in the hull (accessible from the front bay).  You could install more rod holders if you want, but I find I usually only use two.  I have a Lowrance Hook2 5 TS, which is plenty big enough for a kayak.  You could install a bigger one, but I don't think you'd need the bigger screen, since it's always within arms reach anyway.  But as long as you positioned it in a place that was out of your way, I don't think it would be a problem using a 9+" screen.  The TS transducer is too big to fit in a scupper hole, so I have to rig it over the side using a Scotty transducer and display mount.  Since the transducer is off to the side and so large, it does create quite a drag which pulls my kayak off to the side while it's lowered.  Not a big deal, but it is kind of annoying.  So I usually lift it out of the water for longer treks.  

 

So I can fully recommend the Lifetime Yukon.  I will say, however, that with anything kayak, there is always a tradeoff.  So you have to base your decision on where your priorities lie.  If you want stability, you lose speed and distance.  If you want peddles, you lose shallow water access, loading weight, and money.  If you want to paddle, you lose the ease of traveling greater distances at faster speeds.  If you want lots of accessories, you lose space.  If you want a longer kayak for more space and stability, you lose maneuverability.  About the only thing that you can ignore the comprise on is the seat.  Get one with a comfortable seat, or add one to it.  No one ever complains about having too comfortable of a seat!  

 

Also, be sure to budget all of the other stuff you'll need.  I find a kayak cart indispensable, as well as an anchor and anchor trolley.  Plus, you'll need a place to store it when not in use.  The HDPE plastics that most are made of deteriorate pretty fast in the UV light of the sun, so you won't want to store it outside in the open.  You'll also want a good paddle, and good ones aren't all that cheap.  Plus, you'll probably want a kayak specific PFD.  An inflatable one would probably be fine, but if you go with old style life vest, you'll want one with an exposed lower back so that you're not leaning on the back of the seat with your PFD in the way, and with open shoulders so they don't chap your torso and arms while you paddle.  Plus kayak gloves and shoes are pretty nice.  Just something to keep the blisters away and keep your feet from getting water logged while still protecting you from sharp rocks that you might have to stand on while loading and unloading.  

[BoatSquirrel]

None of the kayaks you have listed are great stand-up boats.  I have been in the Old Town Topwater which was a pretty good kayak for standing.  But the king, sir, is the Jackson Bite.  $899 for a boat I could do a handstand in, 67 lbs, made in TN.  Winner.

 

[Teal]

2 minutes ago, BoatSquirrel said:

None of the kayaks you have listed are great stand-up boats.  I have been in the Old Town Topwater which was a pretty good kayak for standing.  But the king, sir, is the Jackson Bite.  $899 for a boat I could do a handstand in, 67 lbs, made in TN.  Winner.

 

Thanks man! That's the kinda info I'm looking for... I'll look at the Jackson.  

 

 

[Junk Fisherman]

Considering that you are fishing from a 20' bass boat on a regular basis, there is a chance that you don't care for kayak fishing.  I bought a kayak 7 years ago and have definitely not gotten my money's worth out of it.  It is very different than fishing from our boat and standing on our deck with our spot-lock trolling motors, shallow-water anchors, and our choice of a half dozen rigged combos.  Boat control, standing on our deck, and the ability to pick apart cover by pitching baits are the biggest areas that I have had to change when going from a boat to a kayak.  I have started to get a little bit more into kayak fishing since I've been home for the last 2+ months but the fact remains that I will always pick fishing out of my boat over the kayak.  The kayak is great for the little lake down the street for a couple hours but whenever I want to do some serious fishing, it is out of my boat.  

 

So I would recommend getting a used kayak rather than sinking a lot of money into a new kayak.  So many people are upgrading their kayaks so you can find a good kayak at a very reasonable price.  If it turns out that you enjoy it, then upgrade to that pedal-drive kayak you have your eye on.  If you are like me and do not enjoy kayak fishing nearly as much as out of your boat, you can sell the kayak and take a very small hit or just keep it with the knowledge that you didn't spend too much on it.

 

And while I probably offended a kayaker in what I wrote earlier, my advice is going to a boater getting his first kayak.  I have recommended kayak fishing to many people in order to get off the bank and investigate small lakes and ponds.  I understand why people enjoy it and I hope to get into it more in the future.  

 

 

[Teal]

2 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said:

Considering that you are fishing from a 20' bass boat on a regular basis, there is a chance that you don't care for kayak fishing.  I bought a kayak 7 years ago and have definitely not gotten my money's worth out of it.  It is very different than fishing from our boat and standing on our deck with our spot-lock trolling motors, shallow-water anchors, and our choice of a half dozen rigged combos.  Boat control, standing on our deck, and the ability to pick apart cover by pitching baits are the biggest areas that I have had to change when going from a boat to a kayak.  I have started to get a little bit more into kayak fishing since I've been home for the last 2+ months but the fact remains that I will always pick fishing out of my boat over the kayak.  The kayak is great for the little lake down the street for a couple hours but whenever I want to do some serious fishing, it is out of my boat.  

 

So I would recommend getting a used kayak rather than sinking a lot of money into a new kayak.  So many people are upgrading their kayaks so you can find a good kayak at a very reasonable price.  If it turns out that you enjoy it, then upgrade to that pedal-drive kayak you have your eye on.  If you are like me and do not enjoy kayak fishing nearly as much as out of your boat, you can sell the kayak and take a very small hit or just keep it with the knowledge that you didn't spend too much on it.

 

And while I probably offended a kayaker in what I wrote earlier, my advice is going to a boater getting his first kayak.  I have recommended kayak fishing to many people in order to get off the bank and investigate small lakes and ponds.  I understand why people enjoy it and I hope to get into it more in the future.  

 

 

That's good stuff man, I appreciate it.  I grew up in a pond boat with a paddle, I have an idea of what I'm getting into.  But you hit the nail on the head, theres a good chance I'm gonna miss the comforts of my boat. But I'm committed to getting more exercise and I've always been intrigued by it. 

 

I'm definitely open to buying used and starting with a paddle yak. Upgrade if needed, or just keep it.  Worse case scenario, I give it to my son. I'm an adventure junkie and I think I'll enjoy it, I can then fish the river here more. ( Id be crazy to put 20 foot of fiberglass in the Roanoke River) 

 

Thanks for your input, no feeling hurt here. I definately see where you are coming from and you are not wrong.   I'm gonna give it a shot, prob gonna jump on the auction sites and see what is used out there...

[Hook2Jaw]

I'm a huge Hobie and Old Town fan, so they've gotten my coin when it comes to kayaks thus far.

 

That said, take a look at the Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2.  That's an excellent boat for 800 bucks.  Also take a look at the Old Town Salty PDL and consider just dropping some bank and grab an Old Town Predator PDL 2020 at $2350.

[archman]

I fish Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario probably 40 times a year out of my Hobie kayak. I typically have better control than boats in those waters on flat days. The one poster though is right as you may not be into a kayak if you are used to a boat. For another $500 over your $700 budget you can get a pedal drive these days. 

[GioFromNJ]

i have a 2020 Vibe Sea Ghost 130 --- it's 13' long, tracks well and i have attached a 55# trolling motor, lithium battery, custom rear/stern mount for the motor, and custom mounted the trolling motor head to the left side of the seat for throttle usage, ram ball mounts/go pro mount, pedal steering, etc. 

i put it all on a single-jetski trailer and can get it loaded/unloaded in a mere 5 minutes max. 

if you'd like pics please let me know, i'd be happy to help. 

[kayaking_kev]

I've heard good things about this kayak and Headwaters Kayak on Youtube's staff seem to really like them also.

 

They are $699 and weigh just 49 lbs, making for easy transport.

 

https://www.crescentkayaks.com/product/ultralite-fishing-kayak/

[ApacheGuns515]

On 6/2/2020 at 3:49 PM, Teal said:

That's good stuff man, I appreciate it.  I grew up in a pond boat with a paddle, I have an idea of what I'm getting into.  But you hit the nail on the head, theres a good chance I'm gonna miss the comforts of my boat. But I'm committed to getting more exercise and I've always been intrigued by it. 

 

I'm definitely open to buying used and starting with a paddle yak. Upgrade if needed, or just keep it.  Worse case scenario, I give it to my son. I'm an adventure junkie and I think I'll enjoy it, I can then fish the river here more. ( Id be crazy to put 20 foot of fiberglass in the Roanoke River) 

 

Thanks for your input, no feeling hurt here. I definately see where you are coming from and you are not wrong.   I'm gonna give it a shot, prob gonna jump on the auction sites and see what is used out there...

A few things you may want to consider here before making a purchase. 

 

If you are SURE you will enjoy kayak fishing even having never experienced it before then you may want to think about saving a bit more money and getting the kayak that you actually want. If you want a pedal kayak but want to start off with paddle for financial reasons then I'd at least look at the kayaks that can accept a pedal drive kit later down the road. That will be much cheaper in the long run than trying to buy 2 boats. Almost all of the kayaks that either have pedal drive or can accept a pedal drive kit as an add on are going to cost a little more than $700. 

 

In saying that although you are used to a pond boat with a paddle a kayak is still much different than even that. I had a one of those Bass Raider plastic boats that are pretty popular here on this forum for years as well as my fishing kayak. Although my kayak is about 2 feet longer than my plastic pond boat the boat was still more comfortable and roomy than my kayak and they nearly weighed the same. I much preferred fishing out of the 10' bass raider than the kayak due to the space and the fact that it had a trolling motor on it. It's not necessarily the space per say but the ergonomics of the space. I can fit just as much stuff on my kayak as I could my bass raider but I have to actually pack my kayak properly whereas I could just toss stuff on my boat and go. 

 

Also remember that YOU are the motor on a kayak and paddling a purpose built a fishing kayak is closer to paddling your childhood pond boat than it is paddling a "normal" kayak. So if you are going to be primarily river fishing be aware of that and remember that when paddling yourself down the river you also have to paddle yourself back up the river. 

 

Paddling upriver, in wind, and/or over long distances are the 3 main things that make kayak fishermen curse out mother nature lol. 

[GTN-NY]

Look for a used 2017 or 2018 Jackson Big Rig. I’m very nervous in kayaks because I found out the hard way I can’t swim for sh@t. I’m very comfortable in my BR

[Teal]

Rigged out ..comes with depth finder, anchor, paddles, battery, etc.

 

More than i wanted to spend but I'm taking into account that it's mostly ready to fish 

 

What do you guys think?

[Bankc]

15 hours ago, Teal said:

Rigged out ..comes with depth finder, anchor, paddles, battery, etc.

 

More than i wanted to spend but I'm taking into account that it's mostly ready to fish 

 

What do you guys think?

That looks like a good price to me!  One thing that I learned about buying kayaks is the price of the kayak itself is like half the price of what the whole set up is going to cost you.  You get nickel and dimed like crazy on these things!  With that in mind, you'll probably have to spend a little more on some other stuff.  Like you'll need a way to store it (maybe a ceiling hoise for the garage?).  

 

For reference, I spent $500 on my Lifetime Yukon.  I spent another $700 on all of the other stuff to go with it.  And I never saw a deal that good where I live, or I would have jumped on it.  Of course, that might just be my area, as I often see used kayaks missing seats and UV faded that people ask more for than I could buy brand new with a seat.  

[Teal]

I got plenty of room in my shop. 

[TcRoc]

Just got into the Kayak scene this year.. my advice/take it from me .. save more money. You WILL quickly find out you want and or need a upgrade if you skimp out.

[CountryboyinDC]

18 hours ago, Teal said:

What do you guys think?

Depending on what's on it, that could be a pretty good price.  Graphs are pretty wide ranging in price.  That one has the rudder, which isn't mentioned.  Unless the graph is a real high dollar one, I'd imagine $900 or so is what it should go for.  You won't be standing on that one, but you will go pretty fast for a 12' fishing kayak.  It's a good all around boat.

[Teal]

Thanks man

[Bird]

Being able to comfortably stand and paddles well don't mix well. 

 

I've demoed quite a few and really liked the Nucanoe Frontier, over your budget some.

 

At the present, own 2 Feelfree boats......Moken and Jonny bass 100.

Both are built like tanks and paddle like tanks but the Bass 100 has the steerable motor pod, love it for fishing lakes. 

 

As far as going from a bass boat to a kayak......seamless transition. 

 

Good luck in your search. 

[Teal]

4 minutes ago, Bird said:

Being able to comfortably stand and paddles well don't mix well. 

 

I've demoed quite a few and really liked the Nucanoe Frontier, over your budget some.

 

At the present, own 2 Feelfree boats......Moken and Jonny bass 100.

Both are built like tanks and paddle like tanks but the Bass 100 has the steerable motor pod, love it for fishing lakes. 

 

As far as going from a bass boat to a kayak......seamless transition. 

 

Good luck in your search. 

Thanks brother, means alot.  

[flyfisher]

I'll disagree with the paddling well and being able to stand.  I have an ATAK 140 and have paddled the 120 as well.  The 140 paddles very well and is decent in the maneuverability aspect given it is a 14' boat.  I can easily paddle at 3.5 mph for extended periods of time and over 4 if i want to give it a little more effort.  Both of the boats are very easy to stand in and i even paddle standing up to get to different spots.  Is it going to be super nimble like a boat designed for rivers, nah but i'll take it for lakes any day of the week.  It is the first kayak i have owned that I haven't thought about upgrading after a few seasons.  it truly is a great kayak for fishing.

[michaelb]

Does the Cuda come with the trailer? then yes on the price. Otherwise, there are plenty of new boats in the 8-1200 price range new. How old is this boat? The rigging is not worth that much to me; no idea how old the stuff is or its condition, but all used; the rudder is nice but only if you plan to paddle open water with wind and waves?

 

I haven't paddled one, so don't have an opinion, but lots of reviews online. At 31" wide it seems like it will paddle better than most but be less stable for standing probably. Is it better than a brand new $800 bite though?