Been on the other side for years but new job means way less time to hunt and much easier to fish since I can see lake Lewisville from my place.

New to kayak fishing and it's time to get myself something. Beginner set up as I don't want to tick the wife off to bad right now but a decent set up in say the 5-800 range

I know if I jump the budget another 2-300 it opens the doors more but was hoping to get a fish finder with that but can hold off if it's worth spending a little more now.

Not all that worried about speed but stability is a big thing.

Welcome!!

My biggest suggestion would be to hook up with a few of the kayak dealers locally and test drive a few yaks to see what you like. Many dealers on here that will be more than happy to get you in something that will fit all your needs.

Demo... and then demo some more. Keep your eye on the Yakkers Classified forum here. What may seem unstable the first time you get in a kayak will feel much more stable after a few outings.

It's not fair to do what I am doing, extending your budget a bit, but I wanted to note that last weekend's North Texas Kayaking Bass Tournament Championships was won by Guillermo Gonzalez fishing out of a Diablo, not sure which model as he uses several as I recall.

No, I don't own one, but I am super impressed with a guy going out and dominating the kayak fishing tournaments in a simple but effective paddle kayak. Lots of guys are out in $3700 "stock" pedalers and he is manhandling them from this simpler platform.

I think the big Diablo polyethylene fishing kayak is $999. Yes, it'll be stripped but the neat thing is no matter what you buy, you are going to accessorize the heck out of it. Take my word for it, everyone's here, too, about how this goes.

Plan on spending several hundred more for paddles, an anchor trolley, etc.

Oh! You could likely find a used one to boot and that'd be great!

I'd demo one of these for sure, others too.

Brad