thinking about pulling the trigger on the ascend 128T at bass pro... any pros or cons? Also looking at the field and stream 120.

Or is there a better option in that price range?

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Btw I will be using is mostly freshwater, lake, rivers, and occasionally a bay saltwater trip.

Search YouTube for videos to help you decide. That's what I did.

11.5'- 13.5 is a good length ImO. The Ascend u r lookin at is a decent yak. Never paddled the the field n stream. 2 Problems with ascend... 1. leaky hatches and 2. The nose of the yak is flat. Combine those 2 things n uv got a yak that takes on water in choppy water. Not ideal in my mind. (Here come the im happy with mine comments)
Assuming ur not too heavy for the yak, on a no Wind kinda day, just about any yak will more than get the job done SAFELY! Problem is when I finally get free to fish, the weather doesn't want to corporate. So, I found myself looking for a yak that could float in shallow water but still handle rough water well. We Need to know ur height n weight to make some other yak recommendations 4 ya :-/

just get a Pescador, stop lying to yourself ;-)

After some, not a while, of research I think I'll eliminate the ascend from my choices. I would like something that isn't too slow and I feel like the ascend will be slow. Btw, I'm 6' 185lbs

Before you make a purchase you should really check these out. Go to www.onefrogtwo.com they are a much better fishing platform, easy to store, load, etc., etc., etc....

See if there is a Vibe kayak dealer near you. Best bang for the buck.

Just bought one last week and anxious to get it on the water. Rough weather this past weekend so looks like tomorrow is the "maiden voyage". Will try to remember to post some feedback for ya.

If you're that size the the FS12T would be a good fit. It's lighter than the big ole 128T

But yeah, I would check out a Vibe Sea Ghost 130. They're great for the cost.

I had never heard of Vibe Kayaks until now. These look sweet. I think I'm going to try to the SG110. The 130 will be a little. If to haul in my truck. If anybody has one, I'd love to hear some feedback.

Lonestar, if youve truly done ur research, u have probably read/seen it b4, "demo, demo demo" Too many noobs will go to the store n buy the yak that's on special, or the yak that comes in their favorite color. This is Not a good way to buy. Each yak has its pluses n minuses. When u go to a well known yak shop their r people there that can take u thru all the pros n cons. But the best way to know n buy is to demo them side by side. If u do this u won't regret it. Trust us

I bought the FS128T last month. The hatches leaked on the older model, not this one. It is heavy, but it paddles pretty good for its size.

This is what our family paddles. I am 6ft and 170lbs. I paddle the viking reload, my love paddles the pro fish 400 lite, 2 of our sons have the profish 35 and the gt, we are also getting in a few weeks the profish 440. All super solid yaks that can outrun most any other fishing yak made. I usually fish open water lakes and offshore in the salt. We have paddled as far as 25 miles in a day with no issues. Great luck on finding the right yak for you

Don't sleep on the Pelican Catch 120 for a entry level kayak, I think it has a lot to offer, Stable, comfortable, paddles good for a big kayak. I have fished out of them for a year and love em, I also did a couple youtube reviews on both of my kayaks

https://youtu.be/w0Tdiiwzg0g

What is a Fleet Farm? I'm new to this, but am getting the itch to buy one.

I believe its an online store.....I too have the interest in a kayak,am gathering info and opinions on models and prices.

Agree with everything Zombie said. Demo demo demo. You don't list your location, but just find the nearest yak store and call them. Tell them you'd like to set up a demo. Most established yak retailers will do that for you.

It's like Atwood's or Tractor Supply for Yankees.

FINALLY got her out on the water and am very pleased with the initial results! I will admit I didn't stand up during today's maiden voyage, but will give that a shot tomorrow morning for sure. I'm 6' 1" and 212lbs... here's a few things to share about my maiden voyage on the Ascend FS128T:

-Loading her into and out of my F250 pickup takes a little effort but very doable, she's probably just over 100lbs with the few items I leave onboard.

-Maiden voyage was on the lake in Buescher State Park here in Bastrop, Texas. Water was like glass and I was actually a bit surprised at how smooth and actually how quick she moved through the water.

-Didn't fish much but DID catch a small bass on my 3rd cast! I like the rod tip protectors in the bow of the boat.

-Am planning on adding the Yak Command Stand Bar for stability when standing and fishing. Will report more tomorrow in a separate post on how the standing up for the first time goes.

-Lastly, will do some tweaking on where things are placed around the cockpit and will try dropping at least one if not both anchors tomorrow and fish a lot longer.

Now off to email the gang at "Heroes on the Water" to get engaged with their activities. All I can say is I'm hooked and looking forward to much time on the water. In summary, this new adventure is going to do wonders for my PTSD, period.

Thanks for reading, more to share I'm sure.
-Doc

congrats on the new Yak. Buescher is an easy little lake to kayak. you also have the Colorado River and lake Bastrop nearby.

Thanks! Yup, that's why I'm starting on the local lakes so I can get comfortable and a little experience before jumping into the Colorado.

Just wanted to share a couple things.... I will admit, I SHOULD have went to a recent "Demo Days" that ACK held in San Marcos, because if you have the opportunity, I agree with all the posts about trying out different models on the water. If you have that opportunity, I highly recommend it. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy so far with my Ascend and the price was right for me, but there are a couple other models I am still interested in, one being the Lure 13.5.

It is a retail store in the Midwest, they had them on sale earlier this spring

Mariner Sails is having a demo day on lake Lewisville at Little Elm Park on April 29th. Its free and the best place to check out the latest kayaks and gear.