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: 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.

While still a hit, this thread has become a lil outdated.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

Edited -Z

Edited -Z

Edited -Z

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!

watch 30 miles out

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

I wish I would have read this a couple months ago

Consider buying it out of state and have it shipped, Save about $80.