[Rhenium]

Ok so here it goes. Ive never kayaked before but have been wanting to for awhile now. Im not much for fishing in the ocean but would most likely do both given the circumstances. Im trying to pick out my first kayak but dont know what to look for. Im a first time buyer and first time kayaker. Someone give me some pointers as to what I should be looking for when purchasing. I like the idea of staying dry although getting wet isnt much of a problem. So I think a sit in would be better for me. Im on a budget of $500 so it has to be a decent deal for a first time buyer. Im a occasional fisherman but I havent really done much since coming to Florida. Im probably gonna hit up a river first before heading into the bay with it. Im dying to catch some big bass. Can anyone recommend a first time buyer a good affordable kayak?:notworthy:

 

[sweetyak]

I will be the first of what I assume will be several people telling you that a sit in is not the answer in the gulf. If you get some swells, you are going to sink that thing in 60ft of water. If gulf trips are possible, go ahead and cross sit in kayaks off the list. Plus SOT kayaks are far more comfortable to fish in, IMO.

 

[rfh21]

I will be the first of what I assume will be several people telling you that a sit in is not the answer in the gulf. If you get some swells, you are going to sink that thing in 60ft of water. If gulf trips are possible, go ahead and cross sit in kayaks off the list. Plus SOT kayaks are far more comfortable to fish in, IMO.

+1. How wet you get results on how you want to operate. If you avoid rough/windy days, take it easy paddling (most of the water I get on me is from my paddle dripping) and use scupper plugs you'll stay dry. SOT have a ton of storage spaces too with easy access which is needed if you're going to be fishing.

I have a Pompano from West Marine got a great deal for a new yak. However, if you are patient (I'm not) you can get an even better deal on a used one on here. Most of the people selling include a lot of the extra expenses like paddles and seats that come along with buying one new. There is a ton of information in the review sections as well which helped my when I was buying mine. Good luck and look forward to seeing you out there. Welcome to the addiction.

 

[Bud2290]

Check out the Wilderness System tarpon Series. I had a Tarpon 120, very stable yak. I have to agree that sit on tops are more comfortable and if your going to even do a little fishing out of it, a sit on top is the way to go. You can find the tarpon series used for about 500-600.

 

[Bud2290]

check out Wilderness Systems tarpon series. I had a tarpon 120 and it was a great yak, very stable. They are just solid yaks. You can usually find one used for about 500-600. I agree that the sit on top is the way to go. fishing from a cockpit can be very difficult. I'am new to this site but im sure you can find them on here and also craigslist.Good luck, let me know if you any questions about the Wilderness system series, ill help ya the best i can with questions.

 

[Bo Keifus]

Yeah..sit ins don't make good submarines...I know from experience. SOT is the way to go. You can get a good SOT and stay dry if you avoid rough days like he said.

 

[dvldocz]

+1 to all of the above. I have been kayak fishing for about 8 months now and talk about an addiction! Like was said earlier if you are patient you will definately be able to find a great deal on here or CL. If not I think the Pescador 12 is about in your price range. Just know that I don't think that includes a paddle. I started with a Pompano 12' From west marine and I am now in a Hobie PA. I do miss my pomp 12 though. Was in my buddy's the other day and i realized that I do wish I would have kept it. Good luck with your search...I know it is soon but WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION!:thumbup:

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_196951_-1?Ntt=pescador&Ntk=All

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=50596&subdeptNum=50620&classNum=50621

I posted a couple of links if you want to check out some specs on the kayaks mentioned.

 

[Rhenium]

Would this one that is being sold on the forum be a good deal? Im hearing great things about the Wilderness Systems Kayaks.

http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/f77/wilderness-ride-135-a-131854/

 

[Rhenium]

Also found this one of CL http://pensacola.craigslist.org/boa/3286932004.html

 

[Patriot]

I suggest you visit Pencasola kayak and sail. They have demo yaks. You really should try out a yak before buying. Some are more comfortable than others. Size makes a difference. Features and eronomics make things better on long fishing trips......so I am told.

 

[oxbeast1210]

That one on craigslist is a great deal its like new . THe pictures make it look kinda old but ive seen it in person belongs to a forum member. After taxes I think the pescador 120 is 530 or so thats without a paddle or anything else.


HEres the link


http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/f77/pescador-12-a-132071/#post1020943









..

 

[Patriot]

It just dropped to $650. The accessories alone are worth close to $400.00. Great price to get into yak fishing.

Oxbeast knows his yaks. If he says its good.....its good.

 

[vickroid]

I suggest you visit Pencasola kayak and sail. They have demo yaks. You really should try out a yak before buying. Some are more comfortable than others. Size makes a difference. Features and eronomics make things better on long fishing trips......so I am told.

I agree with this. I went out and tried a Tarpon before I bought it and giving it a test was perfect. But if you are sure you want to get one I say the one Oxbeast posted pics of really is ready to fish. I am still trying to get mine all set up and I still have to get the electronics. That one is set. Also prepare for the addiction of a lifetime. Just a little idea from my wife to get a kayak has led to now three kayaks, two new PENN battle series reels, three new rods, and a whole new tackle box. My wife tells me that I am ridiculous, I tell her that it is all her idea and I now have to support the habit.

 

[reboot_me]

Check out this information;

http://www.gulfcoastkayakfishing.com/GettingStarted.htm

 

[WallyFish]

Academy Sports - pelican $300-$400 and a $45 paddle will let you know if you like Yak fishing ... you can get most of your money back on resale should you move either UP or OUT.

 

[Bo Keifus]

Academy Sports - pelican $300-$400 and a $45 paddle will let you know if you like Yak fishing ... you can get most of your money back on resale should you move either UP or OUT.

It's kayak fishing...of course he'll like it:thumbup:

 

[DBryan]

Make sure you are looking at the weight capacity of the kayak too. I am 6'5'' and heavy, so I needed something a little more stable than an cheaper yak. Went to Pcola Sail & Kayak, tested the WS Ride 135, and have loved it since day 1.

If you can get there, or any other place which allow you to try kayaks out, or a friend, DO IT before you buy.

There are more people I know then I can count on my fingers and toes who bought a kayak and were upset about it, so they bought a second one.

I did!!

 

[Rhenium]

I appreciate the input guys. I have already purchased my yak. Got the Pescador 12 from one of the forum members. And Im sure I will like it. I did not doubt if I would like it. Probably gonna hit up yellow river next weekend to try it out and do some fishing.