Fishing kayak worth it?

[Gregorym38]

Is this kayak worth 400? Seller says it has a working fish finder. I would use it in bays at night for stripers, as well as freshwater lakes. Needs to be sturdy and handle some waves. I can probably work them down to 350 with some luck, would it be worth it? 

[softwateronly]

Moving from shore only to a yak opens up so much more water.  If you can afford it, move it, and launch it on water that is safe for small craft, it seems like a no brainer to me.  This specific yak?  I have no idea, but if you wanna upgrade later, $400 is about as low as any yak gets so you wouldn't lose much reselling.

 

scott

[Deleted account]

Kayaks are priceless...

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

You might want to go to the YakAttack website and check the retail price … and don’t forget to consider tax and shipping.  A working fish finder is a big plus, but if you intend to fish shallow, it will be more useful for locating structure than actually locating fish.  (At least that has been my experience.) Does the price include a power supply for the fish finder?  PFD?  Anchor?  

 

Just a few thoughts based upon my experience.  Without checking the list price it doesn’t seem like a bad deal but if you can talk him down …

 

 

[Choporoz]

My back started hurting just looking at the picture 

[Gregorym38]

I looked on the website but could not find anything identifying the specific kayak. I dont know if pfd or a paddle are included, or the power supply. I will for sure ask, but i guess my main question is for my intended purpose, would this kayak be good? And hopefully comfy? I can keep looking

[Choporoz]

I am not sure Yak Attack ever had kayaks, just accessories...and stickers.  Same with Harmony.  I don't recognize the design on the bow, but someone will....so you know what make it is.  

   It looks like a great starter fishing kayak for $400.  I couldn't use that seat for long, but I'm old and fat.  

[Bluebasser86]

Looks like a similar design to my first kayak, which wasn't real stable at all and not enjoyable to fish out of. I'd ask them if you can paddle it around a nearby lake if at all possible before you buy it. I would have never bought mine if I'd known how unstable it was going to be. 

[Bankc]

I'd be wearing of trying to land a large striper in one.  Especially at night.  It looks pretty narrow, and probably isn't very stable.  And I don't see any scupper holes, and that might be a problem in rough water with waves crashing over the top and nowhere for the water to drain.  So I probably wouldn't take it out on the bay or any other area you might encounter rough water or high waves from boat traffic.  It could be dangerous.

 

All in all, I'd say that's a good find for $400.  The seat is not going to be very comfortable, and will likely start hurting your back after an hour or so.  That's probably why they're selling it.  That and the stability.  But, it'll probably move pretty quickly through the water, being so narrow, so there's that.  It's hard to find a fishing kayak of any kind for that money, and you'll likely have to make some compromises at that price point.  But you'll also likely get your money back should you decide to sell it later on, and this will open up more water for you in the meantime.  

 

So it's up to you.  Either treat it as a limited use kayak for the short term, or save up to get something better.  

[Gera]

I don't know this kayak specifically, however I would look for a sit on top kayak even if I had to pay a little extra and lose the fish finder. Kayaks are awesome but not really useful if you are not comfortable in them for a long period of time. You will just end hating kayak fishing. 

 

 

[casts_by_fly]

when you asked about kayaks on another thread, this was one of the ones I was referencing on marketplace.  I think its a good value.  Couple reasons why:

 

- its a 12' boat.  A longer boat will track better when paddling.  It also gives more space for storage

- its already coming with a paddle and other accessories that you would need to add.  Its got an anchor trolley system already installed front and back.  An anchor and rope would be nice but a length of rope and a concreted coffee can or some old window weights would do just as well.  

- Its got an electronics unit (older Humminbird) already installed that (if working) will give you at least temp and depth.  It should be a half decent 2D sonar to learn how to read sonar.

 

For others questions above, it does have scupper holes and already has 1-way plugs in place.

 

The kayak brand isn't noted on the boat and I can't tell what it is.  Its listed as a yakattack but that isn't right.  The boat is a little narrow and may or may not be stable enough to stand and fish from.  However, at the price point its not a bad choice.  If you can get them under $400 then I think its a pretty good starter boat.  You won't be taking it into the bay when its rough, but pick your days and you'll be okay.  The seat isn't great and there isn't much you can do about it.  Overall, I think this is probably better value than buying a brand new cheap boat and outfitting it.  You'll come out a couple hundred bucks ahead this way.

 

There is a practically new looking Old town sportsman 106 listed not far away for $700, down from $800, and at a make me an offer stage.  much better seat, comfy boat, has paddle and life jacket plus a yak attack omega rod holder.  I'd offer $600 and pay $700 if they were firm there and you could swing it.  That's a boat you can stand in for sure.  

[Gregorym38]

7 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

when you asked about kayaks on another thread, this was one of the ones I was referencing on marketplace.  I think its a good value.  Couple reasons why:

 

- its a 12' boat.  A longer boat will track better when paddling.  It also gives more space for storage

- its already coming with a paddle and other accessories that you would need to add.  Its got an anchor trolley system already installed front and back.  An anchor and rope would be nice but a length of rope and a concreted coffee can or some old window weights would do just as well.  

- Its got an electronics unit (older Humminbird) already installed that (if working) will give you at least temp and depth.  It should be a half decent 2D sonar to learn how to read sonar.

 

For others questions above, it does have scupper holes and already has 1-way plugs in place.

 

The kayak brand isn't noted on the boat and I can't tell what it is.  Its listed as a yakattack but that isn't right.  The boat is a little narrow and may or may not be stable enough to stand and fish from.  However, at the price point its not a bad choice.  If you can get them under $400 then I think its a pretty good starter boat.  You won't be taking it into the bay when its rough, but pick your days and you'll be okay.  The seat isn't great and there isn't much you can do about it.  Overall, I think this is probably better value than buying a brand new cheap boat and outfitting it.  You'll come out a couple hundred bucks ahead this way.

 

There is a practically new looking Old town sportsman 106 listed not far away for $700, down from $800, and at a make me an offer stage.  much better seat, comfy boat, has paddle and life jacket plus a yak attack omega rod holder.  I'd offer $600 and pay $700 if they were firm there and you could swing it.  That's a boat you can stand in for sure.  

Yes!! You did respond on the other thread, and i think i found that exact kayak on marketplace. Would it be good for all my uses?? 

[casts_by_fly]

26 minutes ago, Gregorym38 said:

Yes!! You did respond on the other thread, and i think i found that exact kayak on marketplace. Would it be good for all my uses?? 

at that price point I don’t think you can do any better. For a little bit more, I’d take the old town in a heartbeat. 

[Deeare]

Don’t do it!!!   That seat will give you spina bifida.   A good seat is very very very important no matter how old you are.     I’d highly suggest saving a few more bucks and buying something in the $800 range like the olde town mentioned above.    go to a shop and take a few for a test drive and you’ll see what I mean.  Good luck!!   I love my kayak. 

[Gregorym38]

1 hour ago, Deeare said:

Don’t do it!!!   That seat will give you spina bifida.   A good seat is very very very important no matter how old you are.     I’d highly suggest saving a few more bucks and buying something in the $800 range like the olde town mentioned above.    go to a shop and take a few for a test drive and you’ll see what I mean.  Good luck!!   I love my kayak. 

Can i test drive kayaks??? I will go tomorrow if i can. What kayak do you have?

[Choporoz]

6 hours ago, Gregorym38 said:

Can i test drive kayaks??? I will go tomorrow if i can. What kayak do you have?

Many shops have a 'demo day' in late spring or summer.  Not sure where in NJ you are, but if south, I suggest you drop into Deleware Paddlesports.  You won't be able to demo on the water, but you can sit in a variety and you will learn a ton.

[the reel ess]

Just my $.02 here. That kayak looks to be in fine condition. But that seat will wear you out after a couple hours. You'll be lifting your butt off the seat to get some blood in it and your legs. And your lower back will be sore through the next day. Find one with a stadium style seat, preferably one that sits up a bit. Go to a kayak shop and sit in different models. You'll be glad you did. And adjustable foot pegs are a bonus. Now, if you only fish a couple of hours it will suffice. I'd offer le$$ though.

 

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=kayak+stadium+seat&atb=v314-1&iax=images&ia=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.shopify.com%2Fs%2Ffiles%2F1%2F1778%2F5045%2Fproducts%2FStadium_Seat_for_BigGame_Pro_and_Pedal_Pro_front_other_angle_2048x2048.jpg%3Fv%3D1576109347

[Captain Phil]

1 hour ago, the reel ess said:

But that seat will wear you out after a couple hours. You'll be lifting your butt off the seat to get some blood in it and your legs. And your lower back will be sore through the next day.

 

I tried serious kayak fishing a few times in my life.  They allowed me to fish in places that were otherwise inaccessible. Unfortunately, they come with some serious negative issues.  Kayak fishing is definitely a young man's game.   Just getting in and out can be a challenge for an older or even slightly handicapped person.  Back problems are the worst of these.  You will never be comfortable for any length of time.  A few hours is OK, all day fishing in a kayak is out of the question.   Unless your back is made of steel (mine is partially titanium), you will be a mess when you get home.   Fishing alone in a kayak is not a good idea.   If anything happens and you find yourself in the water, you could be in trouble quick.   I always went with a buddy.  Buying a kayak looks like a way to get into fishing on the cheap.  You get what you pay for and that's not much. Unless you fish where boats are not allowed, buy a boat.

[flyfisher]

3 hours ago, Choporoz said:

Many shops have a 'demo day' in late spring or summer.  Not sure where in NJ you are, but if south, I suggest you drop into Deleware Paddlesports.  You won't be able to demo on the water, but you can sit in a variety and you will learn a ton.

My dad has bought a couple kayaks from there and I am pretty sure they "rent" kayaks and then if you purchase it goes towards the cost.  

Another thing not mentioned is there are some kayak companies that warranties are not transferable so if uou have issues yo uare stuck

 

[the reel ess]

3 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

 

I tried serious kayak fishing a few times in my life.  They allowed me to fish in places that were otherwise inaccessible. Unfortunately, they come with some serious negative issues.  Kayak fishing is definitely a young man's game.   Just getting in and out can be a challenge for an older or even slightly handicapped person.  Back problems are the worst of these.  You will never be comfortable for any length of time.  A few hours is OK, all day fishing in a kayak is out of the question.   Unless your back is made of steel (mine is partially titanium), you will be a mess when you get home.   Fishing alone in a kayak is not a good idea.   If anything happens and you find yourself in the water, you could be in trouble quick.   I always went with a buddy.  Buying a kayak looks like a way to get into fishing on the cheap.  You get what you pay for and that's not much. Unless you fish where boats are not allowed, buy a boat.

I've been doing it over a decade. I'm 52. I feel it now. But how else am I going to get into a 2 acre backyard pond for $800? A tube, maybe??? As I get older, I think more and more I want a jon boat with a casting deck, but we live in town and I'm already short on space. Honestly, standing up all day doesn't feel much better to me than kayaking.

[Captain Phil]

50 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

Honestly, standing up all day doesn't feel much better to me that kayaking.

Standing while fishing is for TV shows and youngsters.  I've been fishing sitting down since the 60s.  I first noticed my back problems while standing in tournaments.  Ended up having a four vertebra back fusion.  Buy a Jon boat and install a good fishing pedestal.  Fish like Bill Dance and you will never go back.

[the reel ess]

1 hour ago, Captain Phil said:

Standing while fishing is for TV shows and youngsters.  I've been fishing sitting down since the 60s.  I first noticed my back problems while standing in tournaments.  Ended up having a four vertebra back fusion.  Buy a Jon boat and install a good fishing pedestal.  Fish like Bill Dance and you will never go back.

Too many irons in the fire right now. LOL. I bought a 1981 Z28 back in September that takes my "spare cash". I have a laundry list of things I want/need to do to it and have only marked off 3.

[Gregorym38]

Unfortunately a boat is not an option for me, but a kayak would suffice. Im considering the oldtown sportsmen 106

[casts_by_fly]

3 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

 

I tried serious kayak fishing a few times in my life.  They allowed me to fish in places that were otherwise inaccessible. Unfortunately, they come with some serious negative issues.  Kayak fishing is definitely a young man's game.   Just getting in and out can be a challenge for an older or even slightly handicapped person.  Back problems are the worst of these.  You will never be comfortable for any length of time.  A few hours is OK, all day fishing in a kayak is out of the question.   Unless your back is made of steel (mine is partially titanium), you will be a mess when you get home.   Fishing alone in a kayak is not a good idea.   If anything happens and you find yourself in the water, you could be in trouble quick.   I always went with a buddy.  Buying a kayak looks like a way to get into fishing on the cheap.  You get what you pay for and that's not much. Unless you fish where boats are not allowed, buy a boat.

 

I partly agree with what you're saying.  There are certainly considerations when fishing from a kayak and things you have to think through.  But a kayak and a boat are different animals made for different (but overlapping) places and circumstances.  I think I've put this in another post here before, but for me, the lakes I fish, the space I have, and my needs, a kayak is a fine choice (and especially the kayak I have).  Here in north jersey, we don't have big reservoirs and lakes like other places.  There are two over 2k acres (round valley and Hopatcong.  I am excluding Greenwood as it is only half NJ and there are no public ramps), 2 or 3 more in the 1-2k acre range, and then the rest are largely under 500 acres.  There are lots of places in the 5-200 acre range.  Across all of them, we have 4 lakes that are unlimited horsepower (three are under 300 acres and barely 1.5mi in the longest dimension).  We have 3-4 more that are limited to 9.9 HP (including two of the bigger ones).  The rest are electric only.  A 20' bass boat with a 250 HP isn't going to be used to its full capability and in some places it will be a hindrance.  The ideal boat for this area is an electric powered aluminum bass boat with a 9.9 equivalent electric motor.  A jon boat with a 9.9 and a good bow mount wouldn't be a bad choice either.  But some people don't have a place to keep a boat.  Some don't want the maintenance of a boat.  A lot of waters up here don't have a ramp for a boat.  For $2k or so, you can pick up a very good PDL kayak that you can load in the bed of the truck yourself, fish practically any lake here, and then roll it into your garage corner when you get home.  It can be a low intensity way to get onto the water and be 85% as capable as a boat if that's what your situation calls for.

[Gregorym38]

Anyone have experience with the brooklyn kayak company? They have a sale right now hwere they are selling used, open box, dented kayaks for a discount. They have a lot of options, including the pk13 for 950. Or the 10 ft version for 900. Is that better than the oldtown sportsmen 106? I dont know if i would need the bigger size, but the 10 foot is probably better as it will be going on top of my car. But they both have pedals which the oldtown does not.