Hello all, I've been wanting to get a kayak for a while, but it seems like something always gets in the way and prevents me from buying one before I pull the trigger. I know a lot of people used to recommend the Pescador 12.0 as a good budget minded starter kayak. I'm talking about the original Pescador, the recycled Tarpon 120 design. I've found a few of them locally for sale at about the 399.99 mark, and am trying to decide if I should go ahead and pull the trigger or keep waiting and get something else.

I know they used to come highly recommended for a beginner kayak, but have they been bumped from their spot with all the new stuff on the market? I'd love to get a Wilderness Radar 115 or something similar, but right now that's just not in the cards. I'm trying to decide on whether to buy a Pescador now or keep dreaming and saving for something like a Tarpon or Radar.

Let me know what you think on the matter, I'd love to hear some good opinions.

Yep, still one of best paddling designs ever for a 12 foot kayak. For folks in the 200 lb range with another 30 lbs of gear, max in my opinion.

At my heaviest at 260lbs this was my kayak and loved it, paddled easy and was stable for me at 74 yrs young. Sold it but loved it. You will not regret getting it. I was fortunate to pick it up at Academy for $320.

Here is a ride I saw on CL for $280
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/d/perception-triumph-135-foot/6664563729.html

This one has the more comfy seat and stable enough to stand.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/d/ascend-10t-kayak-brown-kayak/6659450918.html

Another stable yak
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/spo/d/kayak/6651588016.html

I just saw a pair of Pescador Pilots go for $745.00 each ! I missed out !

Yes sir

It seems like everytime I try to talk myself into buying a Pescador, I always end up coming back around to the current tarpon 12. That's kind of the way I'm leaning now. I have a store that charges $50 per boat to demo them, then when you buy a boat they apply the demo prices to the boat. Still saving a little more money right now for the kayak, once I get closer to having the money saved up in full I'll go demo some boats.

I know the Pescadors are supposed to be about as good as it gets for the price point, but I always talk myself into wanting something a little better equipped.

lol I have the same bad habit , keep waiting and pretty soon I'll be too old to kayak ! I really like the Jackson Coosa FD but the price , Wow ! This new crop of kayaks are impressive and they have some nice under $2000.00 pedal drives .

Get something to get you on the water. Equip it yourself later when you know exactly what you'd like to have and exactly where you want it.