Hello,
I am looking for a new hobby and want to get into fishing. I have thought about buying a boat (used) but after some thought I have decided that I could get into a kayak for 1/4 of the cost of a fishing boat. My only concern is right now is my lack of experience with kayak fishing (none), and where to start fishing from. I have read through the thread about buying a kayak and read a lot on here from other kayak fishers. I currently live in the Dallas area and would like some info on this choice from others on here. Thank you in advance.

I would look into either borrowing a yak or renting one before buying. Take the yak for a stroll and take minimal but required gear. You'll also have to decide whether you want a sit in type (canoe style) or sit on top type (self bailing) kayak. SOT's (sit on top) are far more popular for fishing. If you decide on buying a kayak, I would plan carefully on rigging it out before drilling holes in it. Lots of decisions but hopefully you'll find the right yak for you and get you started into this wonderful sport. It's addicting and far more cheaper than owning a powerboat. Lots of good info from experienced folks on this forum and you may also want to check out TKF.

Make a visit to the Mariner Sails showroom and talk to the guys. They have a great deal of kayak fishing experience, several of the most popular brands and will take meet you at White Rock Lake with multiple kayaks to paddle. Talk to Aris and he will fix you up.

Good luck, Phill Pittman

I second the advise to visit Mariner Sales. Mike and Aris are the men when it comes to product knowledge of kayaks. The have a showroom full of kayaks and will get you in the right one for you.

As Carver said they have a Thursday night paddle at White Rock lake where they bring a boat trailer full of kayaks for people to try.
If you get a chance to try before you buy you will be much happier you did.
http://www.mariner-sails.com/

I'm always lookin to fish with new people pm an see bout makin a fishin trip

I had a bass boat before I got my kayak. I sold it when my son was born and wasn't fishing at all for two years. About the time I was about to crawl out of my skin I purchased the one I own now.

Is it worth it...yes, yes and yes. It will get you out on the water at a fraction of the cost and there will not be any additional expense as soon as you get all of your gear. No more expenses for gas, oil, repairs, and insurance is a major plus. Also, I've caught some really nice bass out of my yak and have learned to slow down and fish an area to its fullest.

I would highly recommend what the guys above me are saying about demo a couple of kayaks before you purchase one. They will all have a different feel.

I would go on a kayak fishing guide trip. You kinda kill two birds with one stone. I would recommend Shane. Yaknyota on the forum here.

+1 for YaknYota. Plan on buying a kayak after you go with him though, because you'll have a great time!

If they haven't sold you already... YES! It is worth! Just go paddle a kayak and you be hooked.. Enough said

WOW, never expected so many would lend advice. Thank you. I may go to Mariner tomorrow afternoon. SwampHunter, thank you.

I agree with everything here. One other thing to consider if you plan on fishing when the water and weather is cold, some Yaks will keep you drier than others.
I sold my boat and will never go back, I can go almost anywhere I went in the Bass Boat and a lot of places I couldn't go, just takes a little more planning.

Plus, right now with some lakes low, you can still go! I always enjoy my outings, fish, or no fish.

+2 I'd never fished from a kayak until I had Shane take me and my son out on a guided trip. I was bit hard and bought a gently used kayak shortly thereafter. I pretty much exclusively kayak fish now-a-days, and I have yakked multiple rivers, lakes and off the coast. Once you yak, you never go back.

I have a hobie adventure and yes there worth it. I have caught tons of fish (some over 30lbs) out of it and only had it since june and still love it every min. Theres tons of mods you can do to it that makes it fun when your not fishing. Plus when you dont catch much you still have fun just yaking around.