Fishing kayak suggestions

[Grayson Everett]

I'm looking for suggestions on a fishing kayak. I know there's tons of options/price ranges but I would like to keep it $800 or less. Considering the EMOTION Stealth Pro. Let me know what you guys think.

[michaelb]

What kind of water are you paddling/fishing? So rivers or lakes and whether you will have to travel long distances over open water, etc. That can make a big difference on the choice of kayak. I have never seen the emotion stealth pro, but at 11'8" and 32" wide, it may track and paddle pretty well, but it also doesn't look like a fast boat or an open water boat. I think you will be able to stand and fish on it, but 32" is on the narrow side, so while that makes it paddle easier, it means that it won't be as stable for standing as kayaks that are really fat, so 35" wide or wider. At 85 lbs it is going to be a beast to lift, so car topping alone will be a serious challenge, and you may want a truck or trailer.

 

I like the open deck for fishing and the gear track. there are many other boats to consider in the $800, as that is top end for cheap kayaks and the bottom end for nice kayaks. So maybe look at the Jackson Bite or the Kaku Wahoo 10.5 as generally similarly set up boats?

[Hook2Jaw]

Squeak some extra coin out and get a Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2 or a Crescent Litetackle.

[Bankc]

I fish from a Lifetime Yukon.  It's basically the same as the Emotion Stealth Pro, but has different handles at the front and rear, and maybe a few other minor differences.  It's also the same as the Lifetime Teton Pro Angler.  Personally, I'd look at the Yukon or Teton Pro and save a few bucks, since it's under the Lifetime brand and Lifetime makes the Emotion brand of kayaks.

 

Michaelb is right in that it tracks well, but is pretty slow.  It's a chore to cover much water in, so I usually only paddle in larger ponds or smaller lakes.  In a medium sized lake or larger, I use a trolling motor to get around.  It's also not super stable, but I can stand in it, so long as the waves aren't white capping.  It does require some balance on your part though.  I have learned to tip it over to it's secondary stability point and just kind of put my weight over one leg and hold it down there to keep it stable.  I also have to keep my knees bent so I can roll with the waves.  So if you're looking for a super stable platform, have mobility issues or aren't good at keeping your balance it won't be a good option.  At 85 lbs., it's also pretty heavy to handle on land.  I can top it on my car pretty easily, but I use a kayak cart turned upside down on the trunk of my car to roll it up and down on.  So I'm never holding the full weight of the kayak.  

 

Overall, I think the Yukon and Teton Pro are amazing values in kayaks.  You won't find anything near as nice anywhere close to their price range.  The Emotion Stealth Pro is a few hundred bucks more and doesn't really offer much, so I think it kind of eats into the value proposition pretty hard.  If you have the money for the Emotion Stealth Pro, I'd probably look at saving up another couple of hundred bucks and get something a bit nicer.  There are a lot of good kayaks in the $1,000 neighborhood.  Though, keep in mind that you'll need more than just the kayak.  I spent about $450 on my Yukon and the total bill when it was all said and done was a little over $1,200.  Though that included a 5" fish finder and a 30lbs. thrust trolling motor.

[the reel ess]

I just bought a new kayak because the old one was the old molded in seat design. My butt would ache and eventually my feet would fall asleep if I didn't get out and stretch. My two biggest must haves were a good stadium style seat and and light weight. I ended up with the Pescador 100. 10-6" long ad 57 lbs. A very comfy seat. Can't wait for the maiden voyage. Now, I know this is a cheaper kayak than some. It's also more expensive than some. I had a Feelfree Lure with a trolling motor. It was more trouble than I wanted to deal with. If I wanted to spend $2K on a boat I'd get a jonboat with trolling motor.

[DaubsNU1]

Look used (craigslist, FB market place, etc.), especially once the covid stuff starts to subside. 

 

Lots of people got outdoor equipment when this all hit...I'm thinking this summer when vaccinations ramp up, they will be selling their stuff...and selling it cheap.

Or you could look for an older small boat.  I picked this up in 2001, paid $600 for boat, motor and trailer. Added trolling motor, casting deck and seats. It's a 1960 boat with 1974 Merc 20hp. 

 

If you don't have a place to store, or a tow vehicle, it's a moot point...but something to consider. 

[Hawkeye21]

On 2/21/2021 at 9:41 PM, Grayson Everett said:

I'm looking for suggestions on a fishing kayak. I know there's tons of options/price ranges but I would like to keep it $800 or less. Considering the EMOTION Stealth Pro. Let me know what you guys think.

The Pelican Catch 120 is a good fishing kayak for it's price.  It has a comfortable seat and is stable enough to stand in.  This is just one kayak of many that might work for you.  You're going to have to put in some good research and even demo some if you can.

[HookInMouth]

Under $800 the Perception Outlaw 11.5 is very hard to beat. 

[GTN-NY]

I 2nd the used market. I picked up a 1 yr old Jackson Big Rig for $1000. 

[HookInMouth]

I paid $1030 for my brand new SS127. It was a last year's model in a discontinued color (sandstorm). 

[928JLH]

Been pretty happy with my ascend H12. Kinda the best of both worlds of the sit in and sit on top kayaks. You'll definitely stay warmer in the cold months of fishing with the trade off of being hotter in the summer. It's very stable. I've had it out in 15+ mph winds and holiday boat traffic without any issues. 

 

Cons are slower speeds when paddling, not the best for customization, tracking isn't as good as some, and turning. If possible near you maybe rent a few to try out. Definitely check out the classifieds near you. Amazing deals pop up with patience and some searching. Unfortunately many people are in financial peril with covid-19 and you might find a killer deal in time.

[FrogFreak]

I'm late to the thread but I'd consider kayak rental places. I picked up a used Topwater 106 for $650.

[snake95]

On 3/13/2021 at 12:39 PM, FrogFreak said:

I'm late to the thread but I'd consider kayak rental places. I picked up a used Topwater 106 for $650.

Wow that is a good idea and good score.  Did not think of that.

[FrogFreak]

On 3/16/2021 at 11:32 AM, snake95 said:

Wow that is a good idea and good score.  Did not think of that.

Yes it was. I'm pretty stoked to add a boat to the fleet. I happened upon it by accident.