I live close to Lake Worth and would fish there most often. I'm not too far from Benbrook and occasionally would make a trip to Tin Top or other locations on the Brazos. I've never used a kayak but have fished out of canoes years ago (as in too many).

I'm 5'11 and about 175lbs. My budget is unfortunately very small probably under $500.00.

Thanks for your help.

That's plenty. Find a nice one on Craigslist, Academy has tht ocean kayak for 350...

Thanks. I've looked at the Ocean Kayak Scambler XT and was very interested but had read that it was a wet ride. Is that true? And is it a stable for a newbie?

Lusca has an Ocean Kayak Scambler XT and he stands up to throw a cast net from it. Ocean Kayak Scambler XT has by far the best performance/$ in it class.
Watch for the sales and you get it with the high back seat for under 500 bucks new.

A pair of the OK Blue Scupper Plugs placed in the scupper holes in the seat area will solve any "wet ride" problems you may have with the OK Scrambler. $6-$10 depending on where you get them. Academy, REI, and BPS all carry them.

I would say Craigslist is a great spot for a yak. I found mine under the Austin section. Seem to have more there. I paid 750 bucks for 2 wilderness pungo 120 with the stickers still on them and the nice seats. If I could do over again I would have got a sit on top instead no question. I didnt plan on fishing when I got them but now I look like a total dummy! The point is you can get some really good deals on CL. Good luck...its addicting

Thanks for the info and suggestions. I'll be looking more at the OK Scrambler and also watching Craigslist.

www.texaskayakfisherman.com has a big "For Sale" section.

XT & still have $ for Paddle, Sonar n some Rod Holders

Thanks I'll checkout the TKF site.


I like that. Sounds like good solid advise but now I don't see the XT on Academy's website and when I called one of the stores nearby they said they didn't have any and weren't sure they would be getting anymore in. The $350 sure sounded like a good price.

The one here in Wichita still does.

Buddy just got heritage 13' with paddle for 160 bucks. Lightly used. Guy needed to buy Xmas gifts.

Whats a heritage 13? I dont think that exists.

Which store did you check? Last time I looked (albeit before Xmas), the store in Grapevine still had 2 of them. Also, the store on N. Tarrant (Keller/Watauga) still had one a month or so ago. Being an Academy "frequent shopper", I find myself in various stores quite often and will let you know if I see one.

might call the fishing department at grapevine n ask them. if they dont have it in stock ask them to locate a store near you that does. when they find one, they will hold it for 24hrs in your name. id call that store department and confirm before you make the trip though. i too thought i saw the redfish online at academy. anyone know if they are starting to carry them. i looked for it again the other night but couldn't find it. they are nice too n a lil more drym just not as comfy sitting side saddle

I was working in San Antonio for a couple of weeks early this month and most of the Academy's there had the Heritage in stock, but have yet to see one in the stores up in this area.

I was in your shoes about 7 months ago. My budget was about the same and I had no idea what I was doing. Unfortunatly for me, I didnt know at the time about TFF or TKF. I went out to Bass Pro and bought an Ascend FS12T. Dont get me wrong, it has been a good starter yak for me and it bsically does what I need it to and I have added some things to it. BUT, I wish I had taken these guys advice and paddled a few and done my research first. THe one issue that I hate about my yak is that I cant stand and fish in it. Before I started I didnt think that was a big deal but after seeing other guys do it it drives me crazy. Go with a good used yak on CL or TKF IMO. And for god sake make sure you can stand in it!!!

Your size and height make picking a kayak much simpler. Most all sit-on-top fishing yaks 11 feet or longer should be dry rides for someone your size. I recommend you buy a used kayak here, through TKF, or craigslist...just look 'em over for obvious holes or drag damage. Scrambler XT, Ascend FS12T, Tarpon 120 or Pescador 12 all would be fine used yaks to start with, and available used for well under your maximum price. If you need to stand in your first yak, then you are out of luck in your price range for a new yak. I can stand in my Ascend FS12T, but would probably not do so while fishing. In general, narrow and long equals fast on the water, shorter and wider equals more stable on the water. Which is more important to you? Best all around used yak IMO for you would be a used Mainstream/Perception Sport Kingfish. 11'6" long,33" wide, very stable, and easy to rig. You may need to look for a while, but you might find one already rigged with extra goodies and a paddle for around $300, and yes, you can stand in them as well as any other kayak I've paddled. Neither are for sale, but you are welcome to test paddle my Ascend FS12T or my Kingfish. The Ascend is quicker, the Kingfish more stable. Both are fine fishing yaks.

FM

somebody needs to jump on this deal

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...r_K#Post6990598

Thanks to all for the helpful ideas and recommendations. I may have to wait a little longer than I had hoped for to do this but now I have much better idea what to look for.

FM thanks for offer to test paddle one of your yaks. Maybe I can take you up on that.

Fish Zombie & LuvPondFishing I saw a Heritage Angler 12 at the Academy @ Bryant Irving & I20 in Soutwest Fort Worth yesterday but I don't find it on their website either. It looks like the Redfish model a nice looking yak.

Thanks again and Happy New Year and good fishing to all.

These elves heard the Kingfish was a stable ride:


Good luck, I think you'll enjoy yourself just shopping for your yak.

FM