Fishing kayak

[Gregorym38]

Hey everyone,

looking for a fishing kayak, i currently have a keowee2, but it sucks. I want to get a kayak and turn it into something usable for fishing. Preferably under 500 for everything, which wont be that much. Mainly just the kayak and any necessary upgrades. Is it possible to get a pedal kayak? Or if i can get it used, that would probably be better

[DogBone_384]

20 minutes ago, Gregorym38 said:

Preferably under 500 for everything,

 

You'll want a sit-on-top (SOT) for fishing.  If your budget is $500, I'd stick with your local want-ads.  Check your local shops, maybe they have a demo or a 'scratch 'n dent'.

 

Best of luck.

[jhoffman]

As much as I loathe facebook/meta, nothing beats facebook marketplace. I am considering opening a new account ONLY to use that part.

[flyfisher]

$500 is a tough budget but doable if patient.  The other part to remember in that budget is the PFD and paddle which will take a bite out of said budget as well.  

I would say keep saving and keep looking and see what is out there.  If you can double that budget you will open up a lot more possibilities and be happier in the long run.  

 

No matter what you decide to get, try and paddle it before buying if at all possible.

[DogBone_384]

1 hour ago, flyfisher said:

the PFD and paddle

 

Absolutely agree.  DON’T skimp on a PFD.  Not only must it be comfortable, but it must work.  

 

As far as a paddle, stay away from metal ones.  They get hot in Summer and cold in winter.  Also, any flex robs you of efficiency. 

 

Again, best of luck.

[Gregorym38]

Yeah for sure. Is a pedal kayak doable in my budget? I am just hoping there will be a good deal on marketplace, but i doubt it

[padlin]

Does the length make much difference? I’m seeing lower priced used from 10 to 13 +/-.

[DogBone_384]

5 hours ago, Gregorym38 said:

Is a pedal kayak doable in my budget?

A new pedal kayak is going to cost roughly $1,500+.  FeelFree is a brand where you can buy their kayak and add the pedal drive later.  I bought a Lure 11.5 and added the pedal drive after I saved enough money.

 

Good luck in your search.

[Gregorym38]

20 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

A new pedal kayak is going to cost roughly $1,500+.  FeelFree is a brand where you can buy their kayak and add the pedal drive later.  I bought a Lure 11.5 and added the pedal drive after I saved enough money.

 

Good luck in your search.

How much was that pedal option for the feel free? 

[DogBone_384]

1 hour ago, Gregorym38 said:

How much was that pedal option for the feel free?

They run around $1,000.

[Darth-Baiter]

i know a guy that rocks a turqouise/diareha medicine colored Pelican.  he is a GREAT fisherman.  does really well on our local small lakes.  kicks my butt.

 

i asked if he fished Clearlake or the Delta (thought about inviting him)...and he said, he didnt feel his kayak could handle bigger waters.  not sure what that meant.  could have been a confidence thing.  i didnt press.   it does float very close to water level.  (freeboard?)

[casts_by_fly]

At that budget, I would suggest prioritizing the platform.  You're not going to get a pedal drive at that price point. A PFD and paddle is going to eat about $150 or so unless you find a good deal.  Figure out what parameters of the boat you're limited to.  How are you going to haul it?  There is a big difference between a 10' and a 14' boat, so figure out what is manageable for your vehicle and storage space.  Then, pick a boat in that length range that is as stable as you can find.  marketplace is a good shout.  I just had a quick look and see a couple fishing kayaks under $400.  There is an ascend 10T in Connecticut that wouldn't be far for you and another Yak Attack in PA that has a fish finder on it.  I don't know anything else about them, but at that price point either would be a good improvement for you.

 

Once you've settled on one, you're going to want an anchor system.  You can DIY one or buy a setup.  In a paddle kayak, wind is the trickiest thing to deal with and anchors are a cheap and easy solution.  However, once you have the paddle/PFD/kayak/anchor you're in good shape.  A rod holder and some rope leashes (paracord is cheap and easy), maybe a cheap seat cushion.  

[BustedSwimbait]

May get some poop for saying this but I'd get a Lifetime Tamarac or Teton then use the rest of the money for a solid PDF and paddle. They're definitely budget fishing kayaks but its within the price range.  Granted I got mine for free, I've got the 10' Tamarac and does a great job for me, I wouldn't trust it out in treacherous conditions but I've gained the confidence to be able to stand and fish during calm times. Or, ya could get lucky while scouring Offer up or Craigslist, keep an eye out. Oh, my main use is smaller lakes where motorized boats aren't allowed. Best of luck on your adventures.

[Fishing_Rod]

Season's Greetings!
I have both a sit on top and sit in kayak. Both have different virtues and characteristics to understand and make use of. I started with the sit on top and eventually transitioned to a sit in. All my yaks are shorter than 10 feet so they are easily portable without fuss. I simply slide them into the back bed of the pickup truck, attach a safety flag, strap it down, and we go fish'in.

 

One of the things that made me transition from a sit on top to a sit in was getting the soggy bottom syndrome (SBS). Yes, the freeboard is not helpful with the sit on top so waves generally greater than six inches are going to result in the SBS. Not a big deal if you are prepared or the weather is accommodating (warm weather months). It is a huge concern on larger waters as there are fewer wind breaks along with heavy boat traffic. You and gear need to be able to accommodate the SBS.

 

Use of pedal drives also facilitate SBS as often the water comes coursing through the opening. You can see in some of the many YouTube videos of anglers using pedal drives with water flowing in an out of the yak deck. Which is why many of the chairs are suspended.

 

I am fortunate to be able to angle and catch fish all year round here in SE AZ. So far the only concern using the sit in has been the water temperature. During the winter months the cold temperature eventually makes it through the hull and your legs and feet can feel the chill. A simple blanket helps with that.

 

The sit in yak I have does have a graciously large opening so I don't feel confined getting in or out easily. The freeboard height is better too so you are able to accommodate more challenging waves and wind with less fuss.

Recommend you do some research. I'm sure you'll be able to find something used within your budget. Be well, Cheers!

[casts_by_fly]

43 minutes ago, BustedSwimbait said:

May get some poop for saying this but I'd get a Lifetime Tamarac or Teton then use the rest of the money for a solid PDF and paddle. They're definitely budget fishing kayaks but its within the price range.  Granted I got mine for free, I've got the 10' Tamarac and does a great job for me, I wouldn't trust it out in treacherous conditions but I've gained the confidence to be able to stand and fish during calm times. Or, ya could get lucky while scouring Offer up or Craigslist, keep an eye out. Oh, my main use is smaller lakes where motorized boats aren't allowed. Best of luck on your adventures.

 

 

This isn't a bad option at all.  A brand new Tioga Angler is $250 at tractor supply.  The other $250 will get a paddle, PFD, and anchor system and you're in a brand new kayak with money to spare. I've fished out of similar kayaks and while it isn't the most stable it gets you on the water for a pretty manageable price and size.  There are used options that will come in around the same price so its still worth looking around, but you could walk in and have this immediately and know its new.

[Deleted account]

On 12/17/2022 at 6:05 PM, Gregorym38 said:

Fishing kayak

 

Merry Christmas.

[Gregorym38]

Great advice everyone, i guess it is important to know my use for it as well. I will be using it on any lake near me, as well as bay fishing for stripers, so it needs to be steady. Transporting isnt a problem, i have pool noodles attached to cam straps on my roof, then i secure it with ratchet straps on top. I have driven over 2.5 hours and it didnt budge, so id say its safe to assume its secure. I also have a cart i made for it out of an egg crate, metal rod, and 2 wheels. Works perfect, i just strap it with the ratchet straps that i use to secure it onto the car. The hardest thing is getting it up, especially alone, and my kayak at the moment is really big. Its a keowee 2 seater, and is fun to use with a friend, but not ideal. Looking to sell that and use the money towards a fishing kayak. I dont think ill be able to find a peda kayak, but thats ok, i just need a good reliable and sturdy kayak that can take some waves. I will definitely look into the options you all listed, thanks. If any one nearby wants to sell theirs or something, dm me. Or if you find any deals in my area, i live in bergen county, please shoot me a message

[Koz]

5 hours ago, Gregorym38 said:

I will be using it on any lake near me, as well as bay fishing for stripers

 

Hook into a big striper on a light kayak and you might find yourself in South America ?

[Darth-Baiter]

20 hours ago, Gregorym38 said:

Great advice everyone, i guess it is important to know my use for it as well. I will be using it on any lake near me, as well as bay fishing for stripers, so it needs to be steady. Transporting isnt a problem, i have pool noodles attached to cam straps on my roof, then i secure it with ratchet straps on top. I have driven over 2.5 hours and it didnt budge, so id say its safe to assume its secure. I also have a cart i made for it out of an egg crate, metal rod, and 2 wheels. Works perfect, i just strap it with the ratchet straps that i use to secure it onto the car. The hardest thing is getting it up, especially alone, and my kayak at the moment is really big. Its a keowee 2 seater, and is fun to use with a friend, but not ideal. Looking to sell that and use the money towards a fishing kayak. I dont think ill be able to find a peda kayak, but thats ok, i just need a good reliable and sturdy kayak that can take some waves. I will definitely look into the options you all listed, thanks. If any one nearby wants to sell theirs or something, dm me. Or if you find any deals in my area, i live in bergen county, please shoot me a message

careful using ratchet straps to tie down a kayak.  they are almost too powerful. you can distort a hull.

[Gregorym38]

On 12/19/2022 at 8:56 PM, Koz said:

 

Hook into a big striper on a light kayak and you might find yourself in South America ?

Lmao thats a good problem to have

 

On 12/20/2022 at 11:50 AM, Darth-Baiter said:

careful using ratchet straps to tie down a kayak.  they are almost too powerful. you can distort a hull.

Yeah fs, i never go too tight

[jitterbug127]

I have a sit in kayak. If i did it again id have got a sit on top kayak. I don't think you'll find a pedal drive kayak for $500 and if you do Id be scared to see the shape it was in. 

[Deleted account]

On 12/19/2022 at 8:56 PM, Koz said:

 

Hook into a big striper on a light kayak and you might find yourself in South America ?

As long as it's not Ecuador....

[Gregorym38]

4 hours ago, jitterbug127 said:

I have a sit in kayak. If i did it again id have got a sit on top kayak. I don't think you'll find a pedal drive kayak for $500 and if you do Id be scared to see the shape it was in. 

Yeah i think you are right. Are they as sturdy as sit in though? Like would you feel comfortable riding it in the bay at night? I think that is probably something i would end up using it for. 
also, i will be in college, and i might find myself wanting to use it in the bay during the school year. Obviously, i dont have anywhere to store it. Is there a way to lock it on top of my car? I dont think i could…

[Fishingmickey]

Gregory,

     One thing you really need to take into consideration is your size.  How big of a person are you? If you get a small cheap kayak and your a plus sized person (tall and weigh a couple of hundred pounds or so) you will flip the kayak very easily.  All it will take is for you to lean the wrong way and the kayak will squirt out from underneath you and you will be swimming.

     Second thing to take into consideration is the seat!  If your are uncomfortable and there are plenty of cheap crappy kayak seats out there.  You'll find yourself "hurting" after about 30 or 45 minutes in the kayak.  If at all possible try to rent of test drive the kayak your thinking about before you buy.  If it were me and I had a $500.00 budget. I'd be scanning the want ad's and figuring out how to make more money and saving.

FM

[Gregorym38]

15 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

Gregory,

     One thing you really need to take into consideration is your size.  How big of a person are you? If you get a small cheap kayak and your a plus sized person (tall and weigh a couple of hundred pounds or so) you will flip the kayak very easily.  All it will take is for you to lean the wrong way and the kayak will squirt out from underneath you and you will be swimming.

     Second thing to take into consideration is the seat!  If your are uncomfortable and there are plenty of cheap crappy kayak seats out there.  You'll find yourself "hurting" after about 30 or 45 minutes in the kayak.  If at all possible try to rent of test drive the kayak your thinking about before you buy.  If it were me and I had a $500.00 budget. I'd be scanning the want ad's and figuring out how to make more money and saving.

FM

Yeah probably will. Problem is im at college so income is definitely subdued. Im 5’9” and about 180, if that helps?