kayak suggestions

[-nick-]

I'm looking into getting a kayak before it warms and want something I can take down rivers and small lakes. I really don't want to spend much more than 500, but am open to options. I did a search and came up with some but when you know nothing about them the abbreviations and numbers really get confusing. Plus not knowing any good sites to look at them doesn't help.

Thanks!

[Marty]

I know next to nothing about kayaks, but if I were you I'd get some general questions answered before getting into specifics.

For example, decide what length of boat you want and what style, sit-in or sit-on-top, before getting into specific brands and models.

[-nick-]

Well, since I'm not sure about what the difference in sizes is, it's hard for me to say what size I want. I'm going to be using it in rivers, and small lakes. Not sure what else I can give since I know next to nothing about them as well. I know that SOTs are better for fishing so that is preferred.

[-nick-]

Well now I've started looking at the Commander 120, the Coosa, and that Caster at 550 sounds like it'd save me a lot of money. I really like the Coosa though, and they have one at the great outdoor provision I'm going to go check out after work.

[Gatorbassman]

A Coosa should be the shortest kayak you want to look at. It's probably the best on the market right now, or should I say it's getting the most attention. It will run you 1000 before you rig it. Other than the Coosa your minimum length should be 12 feet. I prefer a Sit On Top (SOT) over a Sit in Kayak (SINK)

I just got a Perception Caster 12.5 and I am almost finished rigging it. Remember to take the price of the Yak and add 100 to 200 for equipment and materials for rigging it to fish. Dicks and Academy both carry Perception Kayaks. Academy sells the Pescador for 495.

A great site to ask questions about Kayak fishing is www.kayakbassfishing.com. In the few weeks I've been over there I've learned the ins and outs and most importantly the safety things you just don't think about all the time.

[bilgerat]

you can't go wrong with the Perception Caster kayak, my buddy has one & its a quality unit~here it can be had for $549.00

It has a Scotty rod holder mounted on the front & 2 recessed ones behind the seat...

^^^^

What he said. I got mine for $500 last year during a Memorial day sale at Dick's. Came with already mentioned rod holders, seat and anchor w/ rope. All you need beyond that is a paddle and a PFD.

[-nick-]

A Coosa should be the shortest kayak you want to look at. It's probably the best on the market right now, or should I say it's getting the most attention. It will run you 1000 before you rig it. Other than the Coosa your minimum length should be 12 feet. I prefer a Sit On Top (SOT) over a Sit in Kayak (SINK)

I just got a Perception Caster 12.5 and I am almost finished rigging it. Remember to take the price of the Yak and add 100 to 200 for equipment and materials for rigging it to fish. Dicks and Academy both carry Perception Kayaks. Academy sells the Pescador for 495.

A great site to ask questions about Kayak fishing is www.kayakbassfishing.com. In the few weeks I've been over there I've learned the ins and outs and most importantly the safety things you just don't think about all the time.

Yeah the Coosa looks perfect for what I'll be using it for and I just fell in love with it after checking it over at the store. Plus it comes pretty equipped for fishing, only really need the safety and paddle gear really which shouldn't be but a couple hundred more.

Maybe in the summer think about adding a fish finder, but for right now I think I'll just mount a waterproof camcorder on it.

Thanks for the advice guys!

[SupraTT]

I have just recently acquired a Perception Caster myself as my Dad and Brother pitched in for my birthday present. They both have the Heritage Redfish 12 and really like them but it wasn't enough leg room for me. The Perception has the leg room I need and seems to be a good kayak for the money. I have taken it out once and I really enjoyed it. For the price, I would guess it is hard to beat unless you are willing to spend more on the Tarpons or Ride.

I will eventually buy another kayak that has better seating and the ability to stand such as the Native or Wilderness Commander or Coosa but will still use my Perception for smallie fishing in faster waters so I can get in and out to wade easier.

And as previously mentioned, allow yourself $200 - $300 extra to spend on Accessories.  I got a good deal on the FishStix paddle for $170 and got a nice MTI Dorado PFD for $60 and then a depth finder and other stuff so it adds up really quick.  You pay $1K for a Coosa and by the time you are done buying all the other accessories, you will be in it for over $1300 I would bet.

[-nick-]

I'm willing to spread my mods out over the course of the summer if needed. I'll be picking up the Coosa tomorrow when I get off work! 

It's going to be a long wait until then. I'll probably just get a Werner Skagit to use for now though.