I am a big guy at 6' 2'' 240 lbs. I want to get into kayak fishing but really don't know many things about them. I know I want a sit on, and I plan on spending about $500 the kayak itself. I am not wanting to go overboard with my 1st purchase, and I want to keep it simple yet functional until I get more knowledgeable and dedicated. I am sure one day I will be getting a Jackson Big Rig with all the bells and whistles, but not anytime in the next year or 2. I know I will need things like an oar, PFD, and some other accessories. Any advice guys?

And yes I know I won't be able to get a fancy one for $400.

Mariner sails is the place to go. They have all the kayaks that matter and are second to none.

It aint about fancy. Its about amazing fun catchin fish from a tiny plastic boat and earning your catches...i could.go on forever about how awesome kayak fishing is but you will see! Great luck!

yes sir I agree with esteemed friend Christian, you can find some nice deals here and there. look around craigslist kayak classifieds on TFF. Mariner sails is great. Demo if you can before you make the purchase. I have 2 perception illusion I let me friends use and 2014 fs12t that I use. I will be upgrading to pedal kayak soon. I have absolutely loved every second fishing out of the kayak and I am learning more everyday from people like Christian, Blayne, Jcrash and KQT just to mention a few. All are great guys and willing to pass on knowledge.
remember long and skinny = fast but not stable....short and wide = slow but stable. If you are close to S Arlington we can meet someday soon and paddle both of mine. What kind of fish are you wanting to chase? What type waters are you going to frequent the most?

Don't be afraid of a used kayak it is pretty tough to mess one up unless its really abused.

just read Kansas soooooo I guess not in my area. lol Thanks for your service!

Depending on where you are in Kansas, you're limited to big box stores like Bass Pro/Cabelas/Academy, or buying online. I hardly ever see used kayaks on craigslist here in Kansas. I have 2 kayaks from Austin Canoe & Kayak (www.ack.com). Delivery was free, there was a discount on accessories when buying the kayak, and you can also get an ACK discount by joining www.texaskayakfisherman.com.

I think it will be difficult to find a kayak with the weight capacity you'll need for just $400.

I am moving to the Benbrook area once I get out so I will be in the area soon enough haha. So far I am looking at the Ascend FS10 sit-in and the FS12T sit on top. And Largemouth bass will be what I am chasing primarily.

Ok cool drop me a note and you can try mine out

To the Texas Fishing Forum! Glad to have you on board.

Acadamy had Pescadors on clearance for 399 recently I was able to get mine for a lucky 320. My first Pescador I weighed in at 240lbs and it was great. just plug the scupper holes with foam golf balls.

I have a wilderness commander 120. Looking to get rid of. Has ruder and paddle. Decent shape. Pm if interested.

I debated between the Pescador and the Ascend Models. I went with the Pescador because I found in on clearance for $299. I do not regret it at all. I'm 6'4" and 240lbs, I have no issues in it. As stated above plug the scuppers with some foam golf balls and it'll help that out. For the money you will not find a better made yak that is also suitable for fishing. You can not go wrong with the Perception Sport Pescador 12' as your entry level kayak, and even beyond that.

You also might check out the prowler 13. I upgraded from a pescy 12 and the prowler is both faster and 4x more stable then the pdescador. Also holds a lot more weight