Trying to buy a nice kayak

[JamesWatkins]

So My friend Recently bought a Kayak and it really inspired me to do the same. I am looking for a kayak that the number one thing is stability because I need to be able to stand up in it. I don’t care as much about the foot pedals but would buy one with them if it was a decent price. I want at least 2 rod holders, and a whatchyamacallit with the elastic to hold my backpack down, it’s doesn’t have to come with a paddle either. And my price range is $400-800 about. Any recommendations anyone? Side note about shipping, ideally it would be a place I could pick up somewhere but I would pay up to 100$ for shipping probably. Thanks! -James

[Bankc]

In that price range, wanting one you can stand up in, you're best option is to buy used.  And since these things are ridiculously expensive to ship, you're going to be buying locally.  I'd just keep an eye out on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and see what pops up.  Maybe check out a kayak specialty store and see if they sell used ones.
 

Otherwise, there are only a few options new that meet your requirements.  I can only think of two, the Pelican Catch and Lifetime Yukon/Teton Pro.  I'd probably lean towards the Lifetime Teton Pro, since it's a bit longer and will track straighter and be a bit easier to paddle.  But if ease of transportation and storage space are more important, the Pelican Catch is lighter and shorter.  

[JamesWatkins]

42 minutes ago, Bankc said:

In that price range, wanting one you can stand up in, you're best option is to buy used.  And since these things are ridiculously expensive to ship, you're going to be buying locally.  I'd just keep an eye out on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and see what pops up.  Maybe check out a kayak specialty store and see if they sell used ones.
 

Otherwise, there are only a few options new that meet your requirements.  I can only think of two, the Pelican Catch and Lifetime Yukon/Teton Pro.  I'd probably lean towards the Lifetime Teton Pro, since it's a bit longer and will track straighter and be a bit easier to paddle.  But if ease of transportation and storage space are more important, the Pelican Catch is lighter and shorter.  

Ayyy thanks man! Yeah my dad is crazy about using Craigslist and we just sent out a message to a guy.

[ThatFishingGuy]

Agreed, look around on craigslist or Facebook marketplace for a used one. I got lucky and found an Old Town Topwater 120 barely used for $700, super stable and for a great price I couldn't pass it up. Keep an eye out and you should be able to find something

[Koz]

If you're fairly serious about fishing you're going to want to invest in a good kayak and everything you need that goes along with it. I don't mean that you need to spend $3k on a kayak, but hear me out.

 

If you really want to spend time actually fishing out of your kayak you're probably going to want to add an anchor and trolley system, and maybe a rudder. You're also going to need a good paddle and a PFD. A few rod holders and a crate would help out as well. And don't forget your kayak cart.

 

If you go cheap on any of this stuff you'll probably get frustrated, especially if your kayak isn't stable, doesn't track well, or gets blown around in the wind. So now you're probably $800-$900 into it and you don't even feel like using it because it's frustrating our there.

 

I agree with the posts above about buying used. But before that I think you should rent some different kayaks first. Most state parks have kayak rentals, and many have fishing kayaks. Their kayaks are usually on the inexpensive side, so that should give you an idea what to expect if you buy one of those or something similar. Your local paddle shops may have rentals as well.

 

My opinion is that if you are an avid angler, you should test as many kayaks as you can and don't make an impulse buy just to get out on the water now. I spent months researching kayaks before pulling the trigger, and even then there was some risk.

 

I also looked at kayaks in ALL price ranges, knowing that if I might have to delay my purchase and put away a few more dollars. Whether you're spending $800 or $3k you don't want to end up with something that sits unused in your garage.

[BassinCNY]

My recommendation is to just buy one used on craigslist or marketplace. Do a little research but don't get too hung up on it. What's the worst that could happen? You buy a kayak for $750, hate it and sell it next year for $650. That's not a horrible downside. The only suggestion I'd make is to buy one with a transducer well so that you don't have to mount it off to the side if you're paddling.

[RDB]

Focus primarily on the kayak…comfort and fishability will influence how often you use it.  Like @Koz said, I wouldn’t just jump at the first thing that comes along.  You can usually find good deals if you are patient.  In my area, there are several kayak distributors that have times scheduled on weekends during the warmer months to allow potential buyers to try kayaks with different features and prices.  You might see if that option is available in your area…determining what is nice to have v need to have is important.  They also often have a line on used kayaks in the brands they sell as people consider upgrading.  Personally peddles, hand steering, and a comfortable seat were my drop dead requirements but I am getting old.  I also like to stand the majority of the time.  My choice was Hobie but they aren’t cheap.

As far as a lot of the other components, you have some DIY options.  You can get a milk crate for $10 and attach PVC pipe to the sides for rod holders which will cover tackle and rod storage.  Another inexpensive but useful purchase is a retractable clothesline ($15 at Home Depot) to serve as your anchor line.  I have mine attached to the side of the crate and replaced the line with paracord.  That will eliminate any excess anchor line and open up more room.  Also like @Koz said, you need an anchor trolly and wheels, both of which will probably come with a decent quality used kayak.  There is no need to pay big dollars for all of the components.  Kayak companies overcharge…I would use that money on the kayak.

[the reel ess]

I've been kayak fishing for more than 10 years. I haven't used an anchor more than twice and never a dolly. You can get out on the water without those things and add them later if you wish. 

 

With stability comes weight. I've owned a FeelFree Lure 13.5 that was stable enough to stand on. I still didn't feel comfortable standing very long. I just prefer to sit and fish. I like being close to the water. If I wanted to stand I'd buy a SUP or a jon boat, which I still might do.. I feel standing is overrated and not really necessary most of the year. Spawn is an exception. Good sunglasses will help you more than standing. My Lure weighed in at 107 lbs. Pretty heavy for one person to be loading and unloading, even off a truck bed. So I downsized to a Pescador Pro 10 and dropped 50 lbs. The only drawback here is you probably wouldn't want to stand on it, even though they claim it's stable. And a 12 footer would have tracked a bit better in retrospect. I paid about $800 for the 10 Pro. At a minimum, I'd insist on a stadium style seat.

 

The Perception Outlaw is a stable kayak and the seat sits pretty high. It's in the $900 range new. The drawback there is it's not as easy to paddle or turn. For slow, leisurely kayak fishing on still water, you might find it ideal. And of course, as mentioned before, scour Craigslist and strike fast if you see a screaming deal. Good luck. It's an awesome experience to have a big fish dragging you around.

[Bankc]

What I would do first, is consider where you'll be taking it, and how you plan to get it there.  Are you going to put it into the bed of your truck or on a trailer?  If so, weight isn't that important.  But if you're going to car top it, weight might matter more. 

 

Also, are you going to be taking it out to small ponds?  If so, ramp access isn't always available, and a smaller, lighter kayak will be easier to get in and out.  However, if you're taking it out on larger lakes, then you'll want something that handles waves and wind better.  But if you're going to be taking it up narrow creeks, a shorter kayak will be easier to maneuver.  Then again, if you plan on covering larger distances, a longer kayak will move faster and track straighter, making getting there less exhausting.  

 

I have the Lifetime Yukon (same as the Teton Pro).  It's an excellent kayak for the money.   It's not super stable, but I can stand up in it without a problem.  It's not very quick in the water, but I use a trolling motor with it, so it doesn't wear me out.  It's not light at 85 lbs, but I can still car top it on my SUV.  I fish a lot of large and windy lakes, and it handles those fine, but it's a real pain to load in and out.  It's especially bad if I don't have access to a ramp.  Hauling it through 50 feet of grass is a workout, even with a kayak cart.  

 

As noted, you'll want to budget money for accessories beyond just a paddle and PFD.  This is where buying used also helps.  Some people never us an anchor.  I don't know how I'd fish without one, as the wind is almost always blowing 15-20 mph, and even with an anchor, holding position is tough.  You'll most likely want a fish finder one day, as that makes fishing offshore so much easier.  And part of the appeal of owning a kayak is being able to fish those deeper waters.  And that means you'll also want a battery.  You may need lights for fishing in the dark, or at least during dusk and dawn (or fog).  An anchor trolley is extremely valuable if you fish in the wind, because the wind will dictate which way your facing, and with an anchor trolley, you can regain some control over that.  A kayak cart is a must if you're going to fish any place you can't pull right up to the bank or ramp.  I would say it's safe to add 50% of the kayak cost to your budget for all of the accessories you'll want, and where not even talking about the "nice to have" accessories like trolling motor, power pole, landing net, or forward-facing rod holders. 

[flyfisher]

Sonem good advice on the thread already.  One thing I will add is to not try and solve a problem you don't have.  I have been kayak fishing over 2 decades and while I am pretty comofrotable with what I want and I think I need, on any new kayak I never permanently rig anything other than an anchor trolley prior to fishing the boat a few times.  Every boat is set up different and your needs are different.  

In your price range used will be your best option for a quality kayak but keep in mind many kayaks do not transfer a warranty to a second owner.  To me that is a factor but to you it might not matter as much but it is something to consider.  

 

I primarily fish rivers the past 2-3 years and for me the items that are invaluable are an anchor set up directly off the bow, a quality cart and my motor for self supported shuttles basically.  When I created this set up I wanted a boat that paddled well and then put a motor on it, not a boat that was designed for a motor.  You will have to paddle a motorized kayak at some point and it is nice to have a decnet paddling boat in these situations and for me, i float downstream after motoring up stream so it is crucial for me but your mileage may vary.  Everything else is nice to have like my yak attack omega rod holders which hold my fly rods flawlessly as well as conventional gear when I bring that occasionally. 

 

Also a quick note on standing to fish.  It is fantastic to have the ability to stand and sometimes the techniques being used standing is better but it isn't always as necessary as you think. Most kayaks now have a pretty elevated seat position so standing isn't as crucial.  Even me as a fly fisherman primarily don't stand all the time, especially on windy days.

 

Above all else, have fun with it and get what you need and fits your fishing, not what others say you will need.

[Choporoz]

Agree that you will be looking for a used yak.  I see them on Craigslist sometimes.  But I where I usually see used 'fishing kayaks' is on FB.  I will bet there are half a dozen group pages of kayak fishermen in your area.  Join a couple/few and keep an eye open.  

[the reel ess]

4 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

Agree that you will be looking for a used yak.  I see them on Craigslist sometimes.  But I where I usually see used 'fishing kayaks' is on FB.  I will bet there are half a dozen group pages of kayak fishermen in your area.  Join a couple/few and keep an eye open.  

Also, another great place to ask brand-specific advice on fishing kayaks.

[schplurg]

Stability is important even if you don't stand. I feel way more comfortable in my newer yak then my old one, even sitting. I felt shaky in my old yak when I turned around to access my crate. I had to think about it at least a little.

 

In my Sportsman I can move around as if I were in my living room. Twist, crouch, stand, turn around to grab something that went way under my seat. I don't really even think about it.

 

Koz is correct above. Well for me, I went the cheap route with a paddle and didn't like it. Almost gave it up entirely, until I bought my new yak. World of difference.

 

The paddle was the deal breaker, but that's just me. I couldn't stand having to grab it all the time, drop the rod just to move a few feet. Plus it hurt my tendinitis.

 

Try one first if you can. Any kayak. Heck fish out of an inner tube even and get an feel for it all.

[Darth-Baiter]

Wind.  even a breeze.  I took my wife's friends inflatable out and I felt like a plastic bag blowing around in the wind.  it was at it's beckon call.  they are so light, wind really affects an inflatable.  at least this was my experience.  

[Alex from GA]

Figure out where you're going to use the kayak.  Big lakes, small lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks or all of the above.  All I use mine for are rivers and creeks so mine is shorter and lighter than a big water one.  

[VirginiaKayakBasser]

A "nice" fishing kayak will be more like $2000 - $5000.  There are loots of great used kayaks for sale though.  Try Facebook Marketplace.

[Tatulatard]

Perception outlaw for low $800 is what I see them running.  Looked into them once and almost pulled the trigger but want something with a pedal drive support.  Looks like a good super stable kayak though. 

[TnRiver46]

Stability is great but I paddled a huge stable kayak once or twice and it felt like paddling a barge. I like a combination of speed and stability 

[Darth-Baiter]

3 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Stability is great but I paddled a huge stable kayak once or twice and it felt like paddling a barge. I like a combination of speed and stability 

truth.  there is no free lunch.  my kayak is actually easier to paddle while I am standing.  hah.  or is suck at paddling which is entirely possible.