Howdy yall,
I am really looking into purchasing a fishing kayak. Its about time to step up the intensity. I figured I would ask yall first about what are some good options. Ive looked in the Cabelas catalog and their kayaks seemed a little on the pricey side...anyone recommend a model? Do I have to register the kayak with TPWD? I'm looking for one that I can take up a creek as well as into a cove. Leave any tips or advice yall can offer!
Thanks,
Jordan

A "Jack of all trades" kayak is only an advertising gimmick. Decide what exactly you want to do. I've owned sit on tops, white water kayaks, rec. kayaks and touring kayaks. I could fish out of any one but the ones for fishing are the best suited for fishing, etc. Try it before you buy it! Dwain down in san marcos has a warehouse full of all kinds and has always been most helpful. Cabel's winter kayak sale is hard to beat for prices. An old town penobscot canoe at half price(it had a scratch) and an old town touring kayak half priced( a scratch also). I do not work for Cabela"s but their second hand cave can be a real money saver. Many kayak rentals sell their rented kayaks at the end of the season for half. In the winter many giving up the sport sells at attractive prices. But again, know what you want and do not settle for "close enough"..... or not, just an opinion.

Yea ideally I would use it for bass, cats, crappie, and mostly any freshwater fish. Do you think a sit-on-top would be more practical?

Lots of advice, reviews, and used kayaks for sale at:
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/

sit on is the way to go IMO
registration question - no you dont register a yak until you put any kind of motor on it.
check craigs list yet?
do you have a budget?
how will you b carring it to the water? trailer, car, truck etc
let us know what good deals you find. im sure we can offer you some better advice then.
paddle them before you buy em!
think someone still might have an ASCEND FS12T for sale right?


HERE ARE A FEW recent THREADS THAT MIGHT HELP OU IN YOUR DECIsION:

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt..._a_#Post2241671

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...t_k#Post5209840

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/5160647/Kayak_Stability#Post5160647

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...vie#Post4938297

Awesome! well I have been reading a LOT about it and I made the decision to get a SOT. It will be more convenient, and easier in my opinion. I do have a F-150...so depending on the length, I will probably have to build a rack for either the top, or convert a small utility trailer. I was looking around Cabelas and Academy. There is one at Academy that's called the Pelican Castaway 130...Its 13', 67 lbs, and holds 350 lbs. Its only $400. I will continue to browse around for nicer used models. I Want something that I can feel comfortable on and catch fish. If you have any models that you recommend that don't exceed $500 give me a hollar. Im not going to spend $1000+ on a first yak.
The whole reason for getting one is to explore a new way of fishing that poses a challenge. I can see myself getting into it and never leaving.

Ascend Fs12T or maybe something ocean-kayak flavored?

With a F-150 you could drop the tailgate and slide it in the back.I haul my 116 that way in a ranger.I think there's alot less bounce for my yak than in our small trailer.That thing is really bouncy and I don't like having to reglue my transducer..I haven't tried the castaway 130,but mines a 116,,we have a pair of them.You can try one of these if you want,and i can give you the low down on some of the issuses these yaks have.But,whichever you decide to get,good luck,and stay safe.

If you have a 6 foot bed you don't need an extension for any kayak under 13 feet.
SOT is the choice of most fisherman.
The Pelicans have been reviewed on both TFF and TKF and while a few people like it most do not. Personally I wouldn't own anything Pelican makes.
There are 2 models that people seem to like that will fall under the $500 limit if you watch for sales. Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT and the Ascend. Although the OK Scrambler XT is currently listed at $529.99, at Bass Pro it is often on sale for well under $500. I know several people who own the OK and are happy with it. Be sure to get the high back seat.
There are better kayaks though if you are willing to save a little more money. My favorite SOT was the Cobra Navigator XT. Cobras are the only kayak that have a scupper that you can put an aerator motor down and get a self prime. That makes a "clean" bait tank install. They also have excellent locations for flush rod holders.
Currently I am pedaling and paddling a kayak of my own design with a Hobie Mirage drive. The Mirage drive is an idea you may want to consider when your budget gets extended.

And one thing you apparently haven't thought about is the paddle.
Cheapie paddles will cost 30 bucks and weigh 40 ounces or more . You might have problems with ferrule joints, blade stiffness and certainly durability.
Some people are happy with paddles under $100 bucks and in the 35 oz range. I wouldn't recommend anything of lesser quality.
A decent paddle will be closer to 30 ounces and can had for under $200 bucks. These paddles will have better blade designs and are lot easier to paddle with.
A really good paddle will be under 25 ounces, and will be closer to the $400 range. Pick one of these up and you just know that it is different. Incredibly strong and stiff, but you won't be pushing off rocks with this paddle.

Like the posts above mentioned lots of good package deals including seat, paddle, kayak and more for your price range or a little more on tkf. Tarpons, ocean kayaks and more stay away from the pelicans. I have a hobie and love the pedal drive hands free fishing. Good luck

Not just any sit on top will due as I've owned several. Hobie makes a extra fine kayak totally suited for fishing complete with leg steering. I do not work for hobie and I use weber or robert august surf boards but their sail boats and kayaks are fine. Pricy but if you can't over spend on your hobby then what good is money. Yes, many others will due but ...... No, I do not have a hobie because I do not like to kayak fish I'd rather wade but every time I do take one of my unsuited kayaks out I tell myself that I'm going to get one or stop kayak fishing all together. P.S. If you do get a hobie fishing kayak and want to loan it to a friend, consider me your best friend!

Jdek,

check this out. they'd probably would let it go for 4 bills. http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/1909808722.html

I just tried to buy it but phone# is bad and no reply to my e-mail!

Normal everyday price for an O.K. Scrambler XT at Academy is $479. Doesn't include a paddle.