Best Beginner's Kayak

[Zcoker]

54 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

I'm pretty sure that @Zcoker fishes the everglades in a kayak and can inform on gators.

 

Yes I do and those gators can get aggressive! A stable sturdy craft is must! Just the other night I was slammed by one, lifted my yak a good bit and tossed it to the side. I run an Old Town minn kota powered yak and fully loaded its not the lightest. Goes to show just how strong those gators are. If I was in a cheap light unstable boat, I'd be swimming! I mainly fish at night out there, which most don't do. My advice is to always be prepared, day or night, eyes in the back of the head....gators can be just as aggressive during the daylight as they are at night! 

 

 

 

 

[Pogues2300]

I started in a cheap 10 foot pelican that had a flat spot behind me with bungees and I put a milk crate there. Bought some pvc and cut it in 4 pieces the height of the crate and zip tied them to the corners. There’s four rod holders for you or maybe one is for the net. Only other mod I made was attaching a taco clip to hold the paddle. Lots of videos doing simple stuff like this. Lastly rod length never bothered me I frequently use a 7’6” crankbait rod. Really was fun moving from bank to kayak. Have fun! Ps… I now have a pedal kayak and it’s great especially in the wind but definitely not needed.

[Tatulatard]

On 4/10/2023 at 9:17 AM, kevinmyfsu said:

Hey everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice. I've been bank fishing for quite a while and had some really solid success, but hitting the same few yards of bank week after week is getting a bit old. I'm looking to buy my first kayak, preferably something relatively inexpensive (happy to buy pre-owned). I'm not looking to put anything fancy on it, no motor or pedal system for now. Just want something I can throw two or three rods into and take to one of the boat launches in my area (we have many productive lakes, ponds and rivers in my area, but most are accessible only via watercraft of some type). I'm in North Florida, so it needs to be able to survive at least a glancing blow by a gator or two. Anyone have any ideas or can point me towards a model in particular? The other thing I need advice on is how to adapt my arsenal for a kayak. All of my rods are over 7', so I'm thinking that will require some adjustments. Any other info is welcome!

Perception outlaw.  Get a shallow water pole and jam it through a scupper as a shallow water anchor.  Lay 3 rods between your feet and under the seat.  Its like fishing from a lawn chair bolted to a surf board.  Light weight and super stable too.  Under $1000 on amazon.

[flyfisher]

3 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

 Get a shallow water pole and jam it through a scupper as a shallow water anchor. 

 

Horrible advice and is a quick way to have a leak, not to mention it is in the way of all the other advice you mentioned.  Only one kayak recommends using scupper holes for any type of support and it is Hobie and only one set not all of them.  Scuppers are a spot that is known to leak if given added stress.

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, flyfisher said:

Horrible advice and is a quick way to have a leak, not to mention it is in the way of all the other advice you mentioned.  Only one kayak recommends using scupper holes for any type of support and it is Hobie and only one set not all of them.  Scuppers are a spot that is known to leak if given added stress.

My pole isn't in the way stored or deployed at all and it's super convenient.  I have it's placement drawn here.  Good point about the scupper hole strength.  I'll have to take that into consideration but I also treat my yak like it's a plastic fishing tub built to last about 6 years.  It gets cart transported to the side of a ramps then slid down the ramp and into the water so as not to hog the ramp messing around with a cart. It also gets slid down rock embankment regularly.  My view of "kayak" is probably more disposable than yours but I will be aware of the good point you raised and further research into scupper mounting and stress.

[flyfisher]

2 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

My pole isn't in the way stored or deployed at all and it's super convenient.  I have it's placement drawn here.  Good point about the scupper hole strength.  I'll have to take that into consideration but I also treat my yak like it's a plastic fishing tub built to last about 6 years.  It gets cart transported to the side of a ramps then slid down the ramp and into the water so as not to hog the ramp messing around with a cart. It also gets slid down rock embankment regularly.  My view of "kayak" is probably more disposable than yours but I will be aware of the good point you raised and further research into scupper mounting and stress.

nah the storage piece wasn't what i meant, i was talking the deployment.  A stake out pole is probably the most important thing if you fish shallow water, especially with an anchor trolley.  I love mine in lakes.  I have my kayak set up for rivers primarily and I don't baby it by any means but I will say be careful on those boat ramps, they chew up a kayak fast.  I do use a cart but once I am on the water it is all fair game to me.

[the reel ess]

The best advice I can give is get one with a stadium seat and adjustable foot rests. I have a Perception Pescador Pro 10. It's fine for fishing but I wish I had bought the 12 footer. The shorter ones turn easier. The longer ones track better. This model is not one you'd want to stand in. I don't want to stand anyway.

[FishTax]

I have an Old Town Sportsman PDL 106. It's my first kayak, I bought it used on FB Marketplace. I think for the first one buying used is great, not just for cost reduction but also because many times you can get paddle, some accessories, etc. with it which all add up fast after buying it. I paid 1600 with trolling motor and battery, paddle, pedal drive of course, and a few other things here and there thrown in by the seller which I feel is an excellent deal but would understand if that's over budget. I have no issue with the length, chose 106 because it fits in my truck bed with no additional support and so far I'm happy with the storage space, etc., and don't think I'll be looking to get a longer one even if I could afford a new one right now. I'm 6', 185 lbs for reference. 

 

Mine has a trolling motor added to it, which I love but don't always use. The PDL is sufficient for me. I find it very difficult to paddle and fish at the same time, so if you are going to use it a lot I'm in the camp of starting with a pedal model so that you aren't looking to upgrade 2 months after buying it. Also if you buy used, the resale market is pretty strong on FB (at least in my area) so in my mind it's relatively low risk if it's in good condition and a desirable model because you can resale if you don't like it for some reason. 

[flyfisher]

I find it interesting how on these types of threads so many people state to get a pedal drive first because you will want one eventually.  I went 20+ years using just a paddle and when i tried out the pedal it was clunky and got in the way.  I think when you go straight to a motor or pedal drive you are missing out on some of the baseline skills of fishing out of a kayak.  They aren't the panacea many claim them to be and with the advent of cheaper motors they don't make much sense to me over a motor but I digress.

 

[TnRiver46]

7 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

I find it interesting how on these types of threads so many people state to get a pedal drive first because you will want one eventually.  I went 2+ years using just a paddle and when i tried out the pedal it was clunky and got in the way.  I think when you go straight to a motor or pedal drive you are missing out on some of the baseline skills of fishing out of a kayak.  They aren't the panacea many claim them to be and with the advent of cheaper motors they don't make much sense to me over a motor but I digress.

 

I don’t count foot pedal kayaks as “beginner” kayaks either 

[Junger]

54 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

I find it interesting how on these types of threads so many people state to get a pedal drive first because you will want one eventually.  I went 2+ years using just a paddle and when i tried out the pedal it was clunky and got in the way.  I think when you go straight to a motor or pedal drive you are missing out on some of the baseline skills of fishing out of a kayak.  They aren't the panacea many claim them to be and with the advent of cheaper motors they don't make much sense to me over a motor but I digress.

 

Yep, when I first gave getting on the water a more serious thought, I rented a sit on top fishing kayak from a local place and used it 3 times before deciding a boat was more suited for me. My lower back could just not handle being seated like that for more than a couple hours before it would start to spasm. Then I thought maybe a peddle would alleviate the problem by getting my to spots faster. So I tried a friend's Native Slayer and it was HEAVY to carry and launch, which basically killed my back before I even got to the water. I'm glad I was able to test out that style of fishing, and while I really enjoyed it mentally, I wasn't able to do it physically and bought a small fiberglass boat that I could push around my garage easily. Glad I didn't splurge right off the bat for an expensive pedal/motorized kayak.

[Darth-Baiter]

i jumped right in with a pedal yak.  no regrets.

 

the term "beginner kayak" is a bit of a word distraction anyways.  what makes it beginner?  cost? added stability?  roominest?  i think i could catch one fish off a floating door, but i digress. 

 

we live in a good time for kayak choices for sure.  there is a flavor for everyone..whatever you consider "beginner"

[TnRiver46]

29 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

i jumped right in with a pedal yak.  no regrets.

 

the term "beginner kayak" is a bit of a word distraction anyways.  what makes it beginner?  cost? added stability?  roominest?  i think i could catch one fish off a floating door, but i digress. 

 

we live in a good time for kayak choices for sure.  there is a flavor for everyone..whatever you consider "beginner"

Floating door is definitely beginner level but I don’t think you could catch one off it……..

 

[Darth-Baiter]

7 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Floating door is definitely beginner level but I don’t think you could catch one off it……..

 

hahahhaha...

[flyfisher]

2 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

i jumped right in with a pedal yak.  no regrets.

 

the term "beginner kayak" is a bit of a word distraction anyways.  what makes it beginner?  cost? added stability?  roominest?  i think i could catch one fish off a floating door, but i digress. 

 

we live in a good time for kayak choices for sure.  there is a flavor for everyone..whatever you consider "beginner"

Beginner kayak is a lot of times cost dependent for most as they are dipping their feet into the sport and not wanting to spend a lot of money.  There are lots of kayaks out there that aren't pedal kind of money that have a good seat which is probably the biggest factor in initial enjoyment of the sport.  Most of the kayaks designed to be pedaled are super stable and super heavy.  Neither of which are an issue really but it doesn't prepare you to handle a kayak in a true manner should you need to at some point, plus they are not designed to paddle.  

I guess I am of the thought that learning on a paddle kayak will helpo your overall kayak fishing experience as you are able to learn to fish from a kayak and not a small boat with pedals.   

[michaelb]

I think the jackson bite is the best beginner kayak out there and all most folks may need for a long time. Excellent compromise of design/ quality / stability/ price. 

[Darth-Baiter]

28 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

Beginner kayak is a lot of times cost dependent for most as they are dipping their feet into the sport and not wanting to spend a lot of money.  There are lots of kayaks out there that aren't pedal kind of money that have a good seat which is probably the biggest factor in initial enjoyment of the sport.  Most of the kayaks designed to be pedaled are super stable and super heavy.  Neither of which are an issue really but it doesn't prepare you to handle a kayak in a true manner should you need to at some point, plus they are not designed to paddle.  

I guess I am of the thought that learning on a paddle kayak will helpo your overall kayak fishing experience as you are able to learn to fish from a kayak and not a small boat with pedals.   

i get your point.  my 1st kayak was a Hobie Compass.  it wasnt bad to paddle around, and i did it a lot in the shallows.  i actually stood up and used the paddle the long way, and treated it like a SUP.  it really solidified my "Standing up skills" on a kayak and my core got exercised.

 

i went in looking for a fishing kayak first.  it had to be comfy and fishing friendly.  

[TnRiver46]

11 hours ago, michaelb said:

I think the jackson bite is the best beginner kayak out there and all most folks may need for a long time. Excellent compromise of design/ quality / stability/ price. 

I have several buddies with those , they love em 

[LootyDjibouti]

FeelFree makes several fishing-specific models that one could potentially describe as "beginner". I'd say they are all a step above the Lifetime's/Ascend's of the world.

My first fishing kayak was a Moken 10 V2. Comes with four accessory rails, a very comfortable seat, front and rear storage, two flush-mounted rod holders, adjustable foot pegs, storage console, and an integrated "wheel in the keel" so you don't need a cart. Only 65 lbs, I car-topped it on a coupe. 

Does it track better, or is it as fast as my 10' PDL Old Town I now use? No. But for fishing-specific, paddle kayaks under $1k it served me extremely well and got me super into kayak fishing. Retails at $799 it looks like now. 

If you want possibly the most comfortable seat in kayak fishing you can look at the Lure as well. But I'll say the Moken seat is very comfortable in its own right.  

[Motoboss]

I think “beginner” perception is most always based on cost. So “spending less” for your first one doesn’t make it a beginner, it makes it a cheaper alternative. Basically I see it as spend less, get fewer options, less focused activity (fishing) and more of a general overall use kind of kayak, or learn how to do the basic stuff then have a better idea of what you want or need. I disagree. The additional cost spent outfitting a lesser value kayak will eventually equal or overtake a better, well outfitted one.

 

Personally, I never owned a kayak and my first one is an Old Town AP120. Several reason I chose it as my first; quadruple bypass, near 70 years old, bad knees and knowing I would “move up” eventually. I have great physical strength but my endurance is a bit lacking now so I wanted options. 
I don’t regret the decision at all!

 

That being said I did learn to use the paddle as mode of movement, positioning and control. The kayak is heavy to paddle but is doable with the proper method and paddle. Would I want to paddle all day or river fish with just the paddle, NO! But I have learned a bit about boat positioning and maneuvering so I can be effectively stealth if need be.

 

If money isn’t an issue, buy what you want, or what you  believe you’ll eventually move up too. Things change and after 2, 5, 6 even 10 years you may find a small boat a better option.

Life’s to short for creeping up on your goals and ambitions.

Tomorrow is not guaranteed………….

[Catch and Grease]

I’m a total noob when it comes to kayak fishing but I made the leap recently and got this Perception Outlaw 11.5ft from academy , it’s been great and I fish more standing in it than sitting. Super stable.

 

It’s big, 77lb with nothing in it so if you do get it make sure you have enough room for it and a good way to transport it. It’s pretty challenging for me to get it on top of our Jeep by myself but I can do it.

 

It’s expensive compared to other smaller ones I was looking at but my logic was that I didn’t wanna a buy something cheaper/smaller and want to upgrade.

 

[michaelb]

2 hours ago, Catch and Grease said:

I’m a total noob when it comes to kayak fishing but I made the leap recently and got this Perception Outlaw 11.5ft from academy , it’s been great and I fish more standing in it than sitting. Super stable.

 

It’s big, 77lb with nothing in it so if you do get it make sure you have enough room for it and a good way to transport it. It’s pretty challenging for me to get it on top of our Jeep by myself but I can do it.

 

It’s expensive compared to other smaller ones I was looking at but my logic was that I didn’t wanna a buy something cheaper/smaller and want to upgrade.

 

One of the best choices. Probably not going to win races but for fishing should be great. 

[Jleebesaw]

Probably get laughed of the post for this, but I bought a lifetime Tamarac pro 116 last spring. It was $550 at wal mart. I didn't want to spend much on a kayak because I mostly fish from a bass boat. This thing has been great for me. The seat is comfortable. I can fish for 4 hrs or so without the slightest discomfort. It had the biggest weight capacity of the kayaks available at that wal mart store. If you are brand new and not looking to spend much, this will get you on the water and fishing. It's not top of the line by any stretch, but for the price, I like it. I fish several lakes that don't allow motors and some rocky shallow river areas that are sketchy water for a boat. I really like it. 

[Smirak]

While I’m not sure if it qualifies as a “beginner” kayak, I bought a Bonafide SS127. I absolutely love it. I do wish I had a pedal drive sometimes, but I think I’m going to just save up and buy a torqeedo. 

 

If money was no object, it would be a hobie PA (length undecided - probably a 12).