Help Me Find A Kayak!!

[Ima Bass Ninja]

For under $500. I will only be fishing river (congaree to be exact) no big water i have a boat for that . Our stretch has probably 3 sections that are open water with no rocks. The rest is very mild rapids. I will only be using it 10-12 times during the summer months so it won't get extenssive use unless the better half lets me out more often I was thinking of the old town vapor 10 angler.

almost forgot to mention i'm a bigger guy 6'1 230.

Any other suggestions?

[J Francho]

A lot of lake guys are getting rid of Coosas because they aren't as well suited to that.

Would be a great river boat, though. Even a big guy should be able to stand in one.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

A lot of lake guys are getting rid of Coosas because they aren't as well suited to that.

Would be a great river boat, though. Even a big guy should be able to stand in one.

Aren't the Coosas expensive? Plus won't be standing much ,usually if we get out we pull our boat up on the rocks and stand or wade while we fish for the smallies in the rapids.

[J Francho]

Used.....

And if it's stable enough to stand in, it will be MUCH easier to get in and out of.

Anyway, keep an eye out on the used market. Tons of deals...

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Didn't really think about buying used thanks! Being new to kayaks what are some red flags to watch out for when looking at used kayaks?

[tnbassfisher]

Like J Francho said, I would try and check out some used ones. You will be able to find a much better quality yak at $500 than you would if you were only looking at new. I would also look at one of the Ride 115s, they have apparently been more designed for the river angler.

Edit: Look at making sure that the hull is in good shape. Scratches are okay, but make sure there are no deep cuts in the plastic. Also, most people have rigged their kayak for their personal preference. I personally think that this can be half the fun. That being said, if I was you I would probably look more into one that hasn't had much done to it so that you will be able to outfit it to your own liking.

[Hi Salenity]

J, I was going to send you a PM about a Coosa but since this came up... I am wanting to get another Kayak by spring that I can stand up in and sight fish out of. My main concern is Length. If it's longer than 11'6'' It won't fit in my van & will not work for me.

I'll be fishing only small lakes with it on short day trips.

Do you think a Coosa is the boat for me & any ideas ware do I find a used one near KC?

[Hi Salenity]

Ninja, Have you checked CL?

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I looked at craigslist this morning. There are none that are what i need. Just about all are whitewater kayaks. River fishing is not very big down here so im thinking my options for used may be limited. Any ideas on where i might could find some used ones at?

[tnbassfisher]

Check your pm's

[kikstand454]

I have spent the last 7 months researching and trying out kayaks and just last night got my first on.... a wilderness systems tarpon 140.

If you are determined to stay under twelve feet then I would have to say either the ride 115 (unlikely that you will find these used as they just came out this year...they are around 850 new) or the malibu mini x.

The length you want at the amount of weight you will need really limits your choices.

Typically you want to take2/3 of the weight rating as the "working" weight the yak can handle.

You can go above this (I am with my tarpon) but realize that it is gonna be a wet ride and you'll. probably need to keep scupper plugs in to keep the water out.

You are gonna LOVE chasing smallies with your kayak!