Kayak

[JigMe]

As to start the new year, my project is to build a fishing kayak before spring. hehe. Is 8 feet enough or I should look for something bigger?  The one I am currently looking at is "Pelican Pursuit 80 Kayak

" which goes for 250 bucks.

[bilgerat]

I'm no expert by any means. I got my first yak last year but I did a lot of research before buying. I got a Perception Caster. It's 12' 6" long.

First off, an 8' sit-in kayak would be the LAST yak I would choose for fishing. Most people who fish from a yak go for the sit-on top design. It's an all around better platform to fish from, plus it's a safer design. Longer yaks tend to track better and are a bit quicker in the water. Also with a sit-in where to stow your gear becomes a problem.

I would go for a longer sit on top If I were you. You have all winter to find a deal. If you have a Dick's or Gander Mtn. near you, go check them out. The Dick's in my area still have them out. I don't use Craig's List, but that seems to be another place people get good deals. If you want to know any more, PM me

[JigMe]

thank, pms on the way.

[J Francho]

12 or longer.  8 is too small.  Depending on the boat, you might get away with 10.

[JigMe]

haha, I was hoping you would answer Francho.

Would you mind giving me some maker/model, so I can somewhat stay in the ball park?

[hokiefisherman93]

I have been kayak fishing for a year and a half now and started off with a 12ft dager delta "sink" (sit in kayak). That was a great kayak and made for some speed, but I did not feel as safe in it as I do on the sit on tops. It was kind of tipsy while reaching for your gear and getting in an out is more difficult. Also if you "turtle" or flip, then a SINK will be much harder to reenter IMO. So last year I purchased a Wilderness Series Ride 135. Its a "SOT" (sit on top) and it makes fishing much easier, not to mention the added stability of it. As far as manufacturers lots of people I know fish out of Wilderness kayaks; mostly tarpons, but do not let that dictate what you paddle. If you can, paddle many different boats before making a purchase to get a feel for what you want in a fishing kayak. Casters and Pescadors are also two kayaks to consider for a cheaper price. I kept my eyes peeled on craigslist and found a great deal, but had to search for a while and drive a couple hours. Hope this helps, PM if you have further questions!

[bigfruits]

if you dont mind spending more take a look at these:

native manta ray - i own and recommend it. super comfortable. a bit heavy

wilderness systems tarpon - was my second choice. have heard great things about it.

ocean kayak trident - have heard good things about it, can store rods in the hull

id also go at least 12' if you go SOT. i recommend 14' for fresh water.

[J Francho]

Honestly, any decent SOT will work.  i don't think you'll find anything new in the $250 range that is really any better than a toy.  Used, that's another story.

Primarily lake fishing, and want the ability to stand, then a WS Commander 12, OK Prowler Big Game, FreedomHawk 12, WS Ride 135, all would suit you well.

[JigMe]

Thanks.

I have started to read alot about kayaking, and people seems to dislike Pelican. But I can't found out why, at least not on the net. Anyone care to explain, the main difference between Pelican vs. ocean kayak or any other decent brand?

[J Francho]

Pelican are older versions of WS boats.  They reuse the molds, and typically have thinner hulls.

[plymouthrockbass]

I started kayak fishing last year and i was in the same boat you are right now...no pun intended. but i ended up getting a native manta ray and have to say it was well worth spending the extra money. I began looking for kayaks in the 250 or 300 dollar range but quickly found that almost all of them werent of any real quality. Your going to want a sit on top. More room easier to move around and they typically have a wider body which makes them more stable. As long as you dont mind getting a little wet from splashing fish. I worked at dicks sporting goods part time for a few years in the lodge and i cant tell you how many "cheap" yaks i sold to people even after i explained the cons. And more often than not, they ended up back in the store as a return a couple weeks later. Kayak fishing has been a blast for me and its my favorite way to fish now. Pond lakes bays ill take it jsut about anywhere. But dont go to cheap because it could leave you with a bad experience and steer you away from a great way to fish! One more piece of advice...test the kayak before you buy it!!! Thats what made me choose the native, its one thing to look at it and say it looks nice and will do the job but if you try it out in the water before you buy it you'll find a yak that you'll feel completley comfortable in....good luck!

[JigMe]

Test the kayak? I don't think dicks will rental them out? I have checked out dicks here, and they don't have much of a selection. Going to bps next week to check out ocean kayak, and ws.

[hokiefisherman93]

I know it's a bit of a hike, but Appomattox River Company in Farmville VA is one of the best kayak dealers, in my opinion.  They have thousands of kayaks, great deals, and the staff are very knowledgeable.  They also are more than willing to let you demo the kayaks at a local lake.  They have everything for outfitting and SAFETY in their store.  It's atleast worth a peak online at paddleva.com.  They have used kayaks, specials, as well as new kayaks and carry everything from a Jackson Coosa to a Wilderness Tarpon to a Hobie Revolution

[flipin4bass]

Ordered my Trident 13 from OutdoorPlay.Com http://www.outdoorplay.com/

fall of 09 and it was shipped freight to my front door within 4 weeks. I think I paid $143 for shipping then, but I see now they are offering free shipping. Get a sit-on-top and go long, you won't be disappointed. They're more stable and track better.

[heavy M]

I have been fishing out of a kayak for about a year now. I have a the perception caster from dicks and it seems to be a pretty good kayak. It isn't the most dry kayak, but it isn't too bad either. I am 6'2" and 275# and it is pretty stable. I mostly bass fish in lakes and saltwater fish in the marsh with it. If you are looking to get into kayak fishing and not wanting to spend too much money then it is a pretty good yak. If money isn't a problem then I would do like others recommend and demo some of the other brands like WS, Ocean kayak, or a Freedom Hawk (especially if you want to stand)

[bigfruits]

I know it's a bit of a hike, but Appomattox River Company in Farmville VA is one of the best kayak dealers, in my opinion.

drove 3 hrs to purchase my kayaks from them. they installed rod holders, rudder and roof rack on my car, no extra labor charge. they had the best prices i could find, too. they also have demo days where you can test out the different brands.

i will probably buy a penobscot canoe from them this spring.

i wish they carried depth finders....

[jrobi007]

I would suggest a new Jackson Coosa, you wont find a better stream/river fishing situp (actually designed by a fisherman) imo. 

[Stinkus]

I am also looking to buy a kayak. Fished last summer @ camp in a Old Town Vapor 12. Hooked. Just not set up for fishing. Looking @ the Ascend 10 Angler @ BPS. Also checked out the site mentioned in this thread. The Native Manta Ray 12 Angler looks pretty sweet. Would have to drive to Foxboro, Ma to look @ the BPS one. Long drive. The Natives are only 20min. up the road. They have a little test tank there too. May be frozen right now tho. At least I could sit in it.

[plymouthrockbass]

I am also looking to buy a kayak. Fished last summer @ camp in a Old Town Vapor 12. Hooked. Just not set up for fishing. Looking @ the Ascend 10 Angler @ BPS. Also checked out the site mentioned in this thread. The Native Manta Ray 12 Angler looks pretty sweet. Would have to drive to Foxboro, Ma to look @ the BPS one. Long drive. The Natives are only 20min. up the road. They have a little test tank there too. May be frozen right now tho. At least I could sit in it.

I bought a Native Manta Ray 12 last year and i love it!!! I would recommend turning it into a fishing kayak instead of buying the angler edition. Its very easy and will save you ALOT of money! If you dont wanna spend the time doing it yourself then the angler edition is nice, but since i bought mine ive put on 2 flush mount rod holders, 2 scotty holders, an anchor trolley, fishfinder/gps and the things good to go anywhere, ive even taken it 2 miles off shore of cape cod (bay side of course ;D) either way, you'll love the kayak and have many good fishing experiences in it!

[Stinkus]

I'll look into that. Work at a boatyard in Maine, so might get some of the stuff cheap. Co-worker has a tiller trolling motor he is giving me too. May try to rig that on the back and be able to tilt still to avoid drag.

[cBooms@SML]

hey check craigslist every few weeks for a deal. you said your lookin at a pelican canoe right? i have a pelican bass raider 10e which is like a little pontoon design of a boat. I got mine 2 years old used twice with a TM and some other small accessories for 550. but i have seen them on craigslist for 250. They are a lot more stable than canoes as i also have kayak. its about 16 feet and its an ocean kayak. its fun to fish from but i definitely prefer my bass raider. i can stand up in it and everything is just a lot easier IMHO.

[Stinkus]

Kittery Trading Post here in Maine carries the native manta ray 12. I'm hoping they have one in stock so I can sit in it this weekend. Watched the video on the coosa also. That looks like a sweet kayak. And its the same price as the manta ray 12 angler. Looked and no one in Maine carries jackson kayaks. Need to dig some more on that. Have till april 1st. 64 LONG days. d**n.

[RandySBreth]

There are a couple of guys I know who are using the Bass Pro brand Ascend SOT's. I've paddled the 12' around a little bit - it's pretty good as far as SOTs go.

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-trade-FS12T-Sit-On-Top-Angler-Kayak/product/10213830/-1759668

I don't know of a better deal new than them - although most of the guys got there's at the Bass Pro outlet store - demo's and scratched models are usually under 300$ - that's a pretty good deal on a starter solo fishing boat. It's too bad that the outlet store is retail only - not online.

[ILBass1958]

I have fished from a Pelican Castaway 116DLX for a couple of years now.  It's an SOT @ 11' 6".  I love it.  I bought it used for $300, new they're a bit pricier and not as competitive.  It doesn't track as well as a longer yak might but for the price it's very hard to beat.  Great storage, too.