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Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10635582 02/21/15 08:08 PM
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The Leadbetter Legend Offline
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I started with a $229 Pelican and have upgraded to an $500 Ascend FS-10.
I really like it. Very stable. I also like Sit Ins. Wakes tend to break
over the front and I don't have to spend my fishing time "Sitting In Water"
like many have posted here on the TFF with SOT's. I think there are at least
(2) different types of kayak fisherman. The gadget guys ie graphs, glow in the
dark lights etc.. And then guys like me - PFD, lic, pliers, (2) 3600 plastic
boxes, and (2) rods. (I've got a lake boat for all that other stuff).

Main point: Buy what you can afford ... if it gets you into a kayak.
During Christmas shopping with my wife, she apologized to me (after 30 yrs of marriage).
We just got thru buying over $160 worth of stuff for the house to decorate
for Christmas. She said that she spends $39, $49 $69 worth of stuff many
times during the year. She noted that I just buy (1) major thing worth
$400-$700 each year. ie new graph, trolling mtr, kayak. Every 4 yrs or
so, we have a garage sale ... guess whose "stuff" we are selling ?
You get the point.

Follow the wisdom on TFF. Demo kayaks first. Look for good used kayaks.
Consider End of the Season Sales. I visited Mariner Sales in Dallas this
past November. $700-$900 would have bought a nice kayak.

Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10678815 03/08/15 03:59 PM
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RE: Low priced Kayaks under $300.

If you are looking for a new kayak under $300, check
out Atwoods Farm & Ranch stores. They have sit ins &
sit on tops for about $269. They look to be better
equipped than Walmart's & Academy's for that price.
I checked their web site couldn't find a picture of
them. So check one of their stores.

Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10699747 03/16/15 08:05 PM
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Fish ZoMbiE Offline OP
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While still a hit, this thread has become a lil outdated.
After kickin it around, i believe it comes down to this.
Delete & start over or just whittle it down to 1 pg or so & maybe freshen it up a bit.
Needs to b something that most would b willing to dig into.
Editing has begun.

Just have 1 word for those that have been contributing wink thanks


Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10699829 03/16/15 08:36 PM
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Fish ZoMbiE Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Fish ZoMbiE
Some General Rules:

1. Paddle or Peddle (tryout) as many as you can before you make your purchase.
2. For BEST performance & SAFETY, pay attention to weight capacity ratings.
3. A comfy Seat & Quality Paddle will help make the experience more pleasant.
4. The Classifieds section above, Craigslist & Kayak Shop "Demos" can b a good source to pick up lightly used yak on the cheap.
5. Start a thread asking what others have experienced with: EXAMPLE: Pelican 116,Ocean Scrambler XT, Hobie PA, Wilderness Ride.
6. See what the reviews are on your choice click-> YakAngler.com or Paddling.net

* Some shops offer Forum Members 10%-15% discounts!



>>>Fastforward to 1 min.





Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Neumie] #10711780 03/20/15 11:07 PM
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Fish ZoMbiE Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: Neumie

7. Go fishing several times before you start attaching accessories.
8. Consider how you're going to store/transport, longer kayaks are a little more difficult than shorter kayaks.
9. Generally speaking, longer kayaks are quicker/less maneuverable, shorter kayaks are more maneuverable/not the best for longer distances, wider kayaks are more stable/slower on the water, narrower kayaks are less stable/quicker on the water. So find your equilibrium.

Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: bert] #10711795 03/20/15 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by bert
To expand on #3, make sure you budget for this as well

10. Go to retailers web sites and look for users reviews on kayaks don't just trust the pro reviews
11. Compare yak strengths to your desired activity, if you are creek fishing, a 15' kayak designed to go offshore is probably not going to suit your needs
12. (AFTER PURCHASE) If you're new to the sport we suggest u take someone who is experienced along with you or take a paddling class rather than putting yourself at risk


Edited -Z

Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: spiny norman] #10711818 03/20/15 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted By: R E N
Demo, demo, demo...


Originally Posted By: spiny norman
Before you buy, think long and hard about where you will use it most. This is where those trade offs are made. EXAMPLE: My first yak was an OK Scrambler. Not a bad yak for a starter, but I quickly realized that it was not best suited for what I'm doing. Paddling bigger distances over coastal flats and big Texas lakes.


Edited -Z

Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10711861 03/20/15 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Fish ZoMbiE
14. Kayaks w/ more pronounced or curved up bows (Rockers) allow you to rider the waves higher (dryer, faster) in chop & surf.
[Linked Image]
15. Overnighters: Larger hatches allow you to stow & grab LARGER items below deck easier.
[Linked Image]
16. If you plan on taking a lot of gear, look for kayaks with larger cargo areas (behind the seat)
17. As well as length, a streamlined bottom means less paddling & more gliding through the water & better tracking.
18. Some yaks are designed to install sonar/transducers below the hull in direct contact with the water. Others like the Feel free Lure & Ride 11.5 have removable thru sonar pods. fastforward to 50sec


19. More round & flatter bottoms are typically easier to turn. Example: White water kayaks & paddle boards
20. High sides (gunnels) generally = a drier ride. As do elevated multi position seats.
[Linked Image]
21. Lower gunnels & lower seating means you'll catch less wind, will also allow to sit side saddle but generally = a wetter ride.


Edited -Z

Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10723137 03/25/15 05:28 PM
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22. Drainage - If you plan to use your yak in the surf or in rough conditions be sure it is designed with enough scuppers to drain quickly. My first yak only had one in front and one in back. It took forever to drain. Paddling a yak half full of water is not fun!


Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10740913 04/02/15 03:59 PM
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watch 30 miles out





Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10758221 04/10/15 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted By: Fish ZoMbiE
While still a hit, this thread has become a lil outdated.
After kickin it around, i believe it comes down to this.
Delete & start over or just whittle it down to 1 pg or so & maybe freshen it up a bit.
Needs to b something that most would b willing to dig into.
Editing has begun.

Just have 1 word for those that have been contributing wink thanks


I disagree because people who are new to kayaking can still find some of the old information helpful. I did.


[Linked Image]
Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Shaun Russell] #10778547 04/19/15 04:34 AM
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Originally Posted By: Shaun Russell
Originally Posted By: jazzalbart
As I experienced, Going to your local kayak fishing retailer is probably the most important thing you can do. Your local dealer will be able to help you understand the options available and you can perform any service or warranty work if necessary.

I wished someone would have given me this advise when I first started out. I went to a big box store that sold me things that didn't fit me or the purpose that I was getting a kayak.

thumb


Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10778549 04/19/15 04:37 AM
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Originally Posted By: fishin_on_credit88
i was a a walmart a few weeks ago and these guys were about to buy their sink kayaks and go fishing... welll i spoke up and let them know that they were about to waste their hard earned cash on something they wont like and explained the basics of kayaks and why they need to shop around... the sales guy said thanks bc he didnt wanna have to get em down lol


thumb


Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #10865164 05/23/15 02:18 AM
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I wish I would have read this a couple months ago


"Skin that smokewagon and see what happens"
Re: How to Choose the BEST Fishing Kayak [Re: Fish ZoMbiE] #11025812 08/07/15 12:53 AM
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Consider buying it out of state and have it shipped, Save about $80.


95 Skeeter 150ZX w/ Merc XR6 150
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
59 Yellow Jacket w/ Merc 50
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