Looking for a yak

So quick back story. I used to float tube fish a lot back in California, I loved being on the water. I never had money or room for a boat so it was the next best thing. So now I got a truck I am looking for a yak. My budget is around1k give or take a few hundred. Rather spend more once than buy again a few years later.

I don’t know if I want a paddle or pedal. Yak fishing is so new to me. I have watched youtube videos and have fished from one before. I think it was a prescedor or something, and fishing and having to worry about my paddles was kinda tricky. Maybe because it was a new experience.

Any input info would be so greatly appreciated.

Try out as many different types as you can if possible. Everyone is different. It took me a year of renting something new to paddle every weekend, several demo day events and fishing different types of water in different conditions to feel confident in choosing the best kayak for me. I doubt anyone else would have come to the same conclusion but I've never had the urge to "upgrade" to anything available that I've paddled since and am still happy 15 years later.

From Round Rock, if that is your current hometown, take in one of the great kayak demo day events. They have them several times a year.

My first "decision" cut? Deciding on whether you want to pedal or paddle. There is a simplicity to paddling that cannot be approached by pedal kayaks. And, just as an aside, arguably the best competitive kayak bass angler in Texas uses a paddler as do many others.

Pedals? Great for using bigger lower body muscles to cover more water, hands free fishing, etc. If you are fishing 5 acre stock tanks, some of the utility is lost, that or rivers.

If I had to choose one, it'd be a paddler.

Next cut? Do you want to stand and fish? If so, the number of kayaks you can do it with ease is slimmer than most will admit. I mean standing at ease, not consciously balancing.

To win the trifecta of proper kayak selection, to me? The third thing would be issues related to weight/portability/ease of getting on and off the water.

It is hard to get all three. And, really hard if you want to go the pedal route.

I'd demo then there are some really, really good bargains on very slightly used kayaks that could bring a really good one down into your desired cost range.

Brad

Thank you n for your input. Yes I live in round rock, I will be using it in river and small lakes. How do I find out about demo days in my area. Sound like pale may be best for me. Standing would be nice but at the top of my list.

Also another question 10 or 12?

Contact Austin Kayak. It would be one.

12 will handle better than a 10, for sure.

If I were fishing rivers and small lakes, I'd go paddle likely.

There are some SUPER buys used on these!

Brad

This looks like a bargain to get someone on the water quick. Austin Craigslist. You could use this for a few months and sell it for the same amount later this year. Spend the extra bucks on a Surf to Summit expedition seat and keep it for your next kayak if you decide you want something different. At least you'll be learning to paddle and get the feel of a decent paddling kayak.

https://austin.craigslist.org/boa/d/perception-pescador-12-foot/6593832700.html

Seriously I have seen some great prices on Craigslist.

Any one have a kaku wahoo 10.5? I'm liking that yak.

I started with "something different" and ended up using pescador 12 exclusively -- does this make me weird?

Made my decision. Going with a kaku wahoo 10.5. I like the features out has also being able to stand a plus. Now going to hit some overtime and get it.

Pulling my hair put lol looking at a prescador pro 10 or 12. I have used the 10 and I liked it. Also looking into the old town 106 and wahoo 10.5. I can't make up my mind. Weight and seize is a big deal for me I don't want something heavy and I am not a big guy. 6'feet tall and about 160lb. I keep going back and forth. I will be wanted to use it for local small rivers and some lakes around Round Rock. I like the extra space on the old town too. I don't plan on going crazy with add on's would only add a anchor system maybe a small fish finder and would like to bring a cooler and milk crate.

When you refer to the Old Town 106, are you referring to the Dirigo SINK? I personally would not recommend a SINK for Central & South Texas fishing. The Wahoo looks like a good ride and super stable. Should be efficient for handling the waters you're most interested in. I have owned the Pescador 10 & 12. The 12 is a fantastic paddling yak.

As many others have mentioned, I would go to a demo day and try out as many different brands, styles, etc. as possible.

No the topwater 106

Used to have a 10” Pescador that I could lug around by myself in and out of my truck and to the water if needed.

Now I have a 12.5” diablo and a c-tug cart and things are much, much easier.

Also, there are many great yaks out there now but for me the diablo amigo was hard to beat considering weight, stability, tracking, load capacity and speed.

I only came to that conclusion after attending multiple demo days and trying lots of yaks however.

One thing that has not been covered is comfort.
Several hours fishing in an uncomfortable seat or one without support is not fun.
Find one that is comfortable to sit in.

Another is do you want or need storage inside the kayak, ie. in hatches, or want a more open deck.

Think about how many rods you might take, what tackle you would take and where it will all go on the kayak.
Take it all with you on the demos if possible to see where everything would go and how accessible it is.

First thing I did when demoing was to put the kayak on top of my suburban. Only if I could do that comfortably would I continue looking at it.