thinking about buying a kayak

[Fish Man]

hey guys, lately I've been considering the idea of getting a kayak this summer. i was wondering if anyone had any advice on a brand and model they think would be my best bet for about 5 to 6 hundred dollars? thanks for any help or suggestions

[flipin4bass]

There are quiet a few brands out there, I suggest searching the forums and talk to some people who use them. I do have one bit of advice; don't get a yellow or orange craft, the bees will have a party with you when you're near the shoreline

[J Francho]

I have four yellow boats....never had an issue with bees.  Sounds like you were near a hive.  :

OP, your going to be looking at used in that price range.  You'll find a lot more boat, and more rigging in that range.

[JCummings]

I just bought a Kayak and started kayak fishing last summer.  For the price you are talking I would go used.  Get the biggest best set up you can afford.

[bigfruits]

after doing quite a bit of research i bought a native manta ray 12'.

my next choice would have been the wilderness systems tarpon 120.

i agree with above, buy used if you want to spend $500.

check out these forums if you haven't already:

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/

http://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbfBB3/

[Dr Pigg]

Try to rent or borrow one first.  They're hell on your lower back! Then if you still want one, used are the best buys and usually easy to find :-/ :-/

[ArcticCat500]

normally I dont push the big box stores, but in your price range and if you have one near you I'd suggest Dicks Sporting Goods, they have the Perception Caster Angler, near me its $599, comes rigged and ready....also look at the Pelican Angler $499.  I fish with a guy how has the Perception, I jumped in it friday for a lil spin, a nice kayak at this price range..worth the look .  Good Luck and head over Kayak Bass Fishing.com

[hz]

Dont know if you have a Gander Mountain near or not but they have a Malibu Mini x you might like. It has tons of room and almost cant be flipped. I think it was about $500 or $550. what ever you get make sure you get the BEST seat you can.

[hokiefisherman93]

look into a sit on top rather than sit-in.  I have a sit-in and it becomes difficult to fish out of until you get acustomed to it

[Fish Man]

thats for the help guys. yesterday i went to a local store that sells them and after looking online for about the past week ive realized id rather cough up the cash for a new one and that would put me up around 8 or 9 hundred unless i found a good deal on a used one. everyone has told me to look at a sit on top due because apparently the sit ins can get a little warm in the summer?

[ArcticCat500]

thats for the help guys. yesterday i went to a local store that sells them and after looking online for about the past week ive realized id rather cough up the cash for a new one and that would put me up around 8 or 9 hundred unless i found a good deal on a used one. everyone has told me to look at a sit on top due because apparently the sit ins can get a little warm in the summer?

where did you go and look?   Do you have a Dicks Sporting Goods near you?

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3902129&cp=2367438.2367826.2672651.2674153

heres a great kayak for the money...

[bigfruits]

i have never been in a sit-inside but i recommend a sit-on top for fishing. it can hold a good amt of gear and if you take in a wave it will drain out the scupper holes. i think its probably easier to rig with accessories like rod holders, gps, anchor etc but dont quote me on that. the tank well is also nice to hold a milk crate to hold supplies/tackle/rod holders.

[c17Lat]

I have one of these: http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=130870&stc=1&d=1209650736

very stable...I ALWAYS stand up in it and fish, and it's great with two people standing and fishing also, but they don't make them anymore :'(

[heavy M]

I agree with ArticCat500 you should check out Dick's for a kayak in the price range you are talking about. I have the perception kayak mentioned and it is a great kayak for the money it is very stable and has plenty of room for gear. Also you might check with places that sell kayaks some of the ones around here have demo days where you can try out multiple models.  You might be able to find the same type of thing where you live.

[Fish-r]

for a non boater, I would love to have something like that. However, being in freshwater or saltwater down here, the stuff in the water that is the size of a kayak that wouldn't mind eating me. I'm thinking about a bass raider type boat, personally.

[ArcticCat500]

for a non boater, I would love to have something like that. However, being in freshwater or saltwater down here, the stuff in the water that is the size of a kayak that wouldn't mind eating me. I'm thinking about a bass raider type boat, personally.

theres a ton a guys who fish Florida, fresh and salt out of kayaks. Bounce around a couple kayak sites and see guys holding tarpon and stripers and tuna.  It can be done.