Trying to get into the yak thing, and wondering who offers the best bang for your buck. Ive scouted academy, gander mountain, bass pro, just wanted to know based on yalls experience which kayaks you prefer. Ive got about a grand to spend, to deck one out. I know they can get pretty pricey and i was hoping not to spend it all on the yak. Im looking to do some saltwater as well as freshwater fishing....... any help..... im all ears. I fish the flats, surf, the lake here at work, im looking for a multi- tasker. Thanks for all input... TOOKEY

texaskayakfisherman.com

you can get some awsome deals on basicly new kayaks and they are all about the yak. Fishing Tackle Unlimited will be the yak store of choice, good luck

I don't see whereabouts you are, but I didn't have a dealer close with the one I wanted. I bought a LiquidLogic Manta Ray 12 from kayakfishingstuff.com. Ordered it on a Monday, had it on Friday (would have had it on Thursday, but the freight company they use only ships to my neck of the woods Tuesdays and Fridays). A grand should get you a very nice set-up anywhere. As Coastal KId suggested definitely check out TKF.

Ive stopped by fishing tackle unlimited, but the location near me doesnt carry anything, the guy reffered me to there website, but that was no help. texaskayakfisherman.com ill have to check it out. Any particular make, length, model?

FTU (the one on South 45) and Southwest Paddlesports (in the Woodlands) and Canoesport (Houston) would all be good place to check out.

I got my Ocean Kayak Scrambler on sale (100 bucks off) at Bass Pro. It was 500.00 which left me plenty of cash leftover to outfit it. Excellant rough water and surf yak. not so good over skinny bays with spooky fish. It is a wet ride for a big guy.

I am affiliated....but not on commission, just want to see you get in the right boat.

Austin Canoe and Kayak
www.AustinKayak.com

We will rig it up however you like and ship it to your door in about 5 days.

There are many factors to consider but you are looking for a 12-14' Sit on Top. There are many great boats that can handle the siuations you are talking about. Staying in your price range, take a look at the Tarpon 120 and 140, Ride 135, Prowler 13, and Prowler Big Game, and Search 13.
If you have any questions just PM me.

I just opened up a business in Temple/Belton selling Heritage Redfish and Manta Ray kayaks. I can also get the Native Watercraft kayaks. There are 14 foot Redfish anger kayaks that come with a deck mounted rod holder, two flush mounted rod holders, a paddle leash, and an anchor.

I'm in Houston every now and then (for instance...will be in town July 14th) and would be happy to work with you on delivery of the boat also. If I'm heading into Houston, the delivery is free.

Check out my website www.hotkayaks.net

I know my shops located out of the way from Houston, but thought I would throw out that option to you.

I have a Heritage Redfish angler 14' and it is a good yak, will float in real shallow water and is pretty darn stable. I will recommend it to anyone and for $1k, you could set it up with a rudder, and deck it out right. Not mine, one of your own. I'm keeping mine.

Yeah I personally own a 12 foot Heritage and have been very pleased with it. I can stand in it and look out across the bay or down the river. It's not as fast as the WS Tarpons, but I like being able to move around in my kayak without fear of being dumped out. And reelfisherman is right...it floats through some crazy shallow stuff. My boyfriend is usually walking behind me pulling his kayak while I float right on through (usually with the full cooler and all our food in my kayak also).

The 14 foot Heritage Redfish Angler with Rudder is $950 plus tax. The 14 foot Heritage Redfish Angler without Rudder is $775 (plus tax). The regular 14 foot Heritage Redfish is $700.

I also have Bending Branches Paddles to complete the outfit.

The WS tarpons that hard wired mentioned earlier are also good kayaks though. Just depends on what you're looking for. Good luck searching!

Check out other Kayak related forums such as texaskayakfisherman.com. You can find a great deal in used boats. I paddle an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Edition. It has been a great boat, but I think I will be upgrading to a Manta Ray 14.

Here is a pic of the Prowler along side a Manta 14.


This is the inside layout of my Prowler.


Here is what a good fishing trip in the yak looks like...

Thanks everybody for all the inforamation and the offers. ive been keeping my eyes peeled on texaskayakfisherman.com they seem to have really good deals on some slightly used yaks. I think im set on the tarpon 14 seems like the right choice for what i want to do.