Ok I've read the topic on how to choose a kayak. I've gone and browsed them over at the local stores. Unfortunately living in west texas there is not a lot of opportunity to demo them. I want to know your opinion (or recommendation) on a good affordable fishing kayak. Probly not going to take this one to the coast and wont be fishing any rivers with it. Ive kayaked before in the flats, but wouldn't consider myself very experienced. I'd like to spend more time fishing and less time righting the yak. Any suggestions?

I have a wilderness systems ride 135 and I love it. First time I ever demo and been in a kayak was at the forum GTG this spring. I feel I don't have to fight it at all. Just an option. But you really need to try and demo so you can see which one fits you best on the water.

Thanks, I'm going to try to find a place that rents them around here, and try some out.

When you have the money in your pocket and your ready to buy I suggest you drive to Dallas. There are a couple shops here that will be happy to take you out and let you demo a kayak for free. Or you can rent one and go fishing with them for a day.
I have a Ride135, and a Ride 115. For my size 6-2" @ 230lbs, and for the style of fishing I do they both were excellent choice.

If you come to DFW I'd be glad to take you out and put you in mine. Plus you can call Mariner Sails in Irving. They are the best kayak outfitter in all of Texas in my opinion. They will have all types you can demo and have all the toys to outfit it. Absolutely a top notch company.

Most of my searching is turning up places in DFW. Thanks for the tips. I'm heading down to Austin this weekend, and will most likely check out a couple shops down there while I'm in the area. Can't wait to get off the bank!

The Perception Sport Pescador 12 at Academy is a great starter for about $500. The saying goes "friends don't let friends buy pelicans" because they tend to come apart at the seams and sink, but if you just need something to get off the bank, they are a pretty cheap option. If you have around a grand to spend, your choices are endless and you need to spend some time in friends yaks/rentals. Good luck with the hunt and welcome to the addiction.

-Poo

PM sent

If you are going to be in Austin go by Austin Canoe and Kayak, as those guys will treat you right!
http://www.austinkayak.com/?gclid=CJG-25_yuLcCFfHm7Aodm30ASw

yes, your budget is a big deal here.

Even though you are beginner, it doesnt take long to get the hang of it and you will want to upgrade if you settle for a lower cost yak.

With that said, I believe the Pescador at Academy is a good option at a low cost. I know some guys that have been kayaking for a good while and still like that boat.

I paddle Jacksons because of the seating options. I do alot of bass fishing and I really appreciate the high seat, and option to drop it to the low position when needed.

Joho is right that budget matters. It's also true that you can definitely find "mid-range" yaks that work for fishing without breaking the budget. I have demo'ed lots of higher end yaks, and they are nice. However, there are definitely mid-range cost points that can work.

At the same time, my first true fishing yak was a BPS Ascend FS12T, and I still use it as my main yak and get good use out of it. It was a lower-cost yak, but it gets the job done. I've made a few modifications, but I largely fish with it the way it was built. I've been using that yak for about two years, and I haven't found a reason to change that can justify the cost. I previously up north fished out of "non-angler" yaks, and they got the job done too.

If I were buying today on similar budget, I'd look at the BPS FS128T. It looks like it has a lot of the higher-end features at a more modest price. I also like the trend toward raised seats, as I think they're just more comfortable. I'd also look at the used market.

On the other hand, if you want to spend more (there is definitely a quality advantage in the higher-end yaks), you definitely can find some great ones. In the designer yak arena, I really liked the Hobie Pro Angler, but the price is hard to me to justify. At a slightly more modest price, I liked the Jackson boats I've demo'ed, and I've never had a friend who owned one not like it.

As others have said, demo, demo, demo... However, I'd also suggest that you can find mid-range priced yaks that will get you out on the water in relative comfort and effectiveness, if that's your budget. I wouldn't buy a Wal-Mart yak, but the mid-range ones provide a tenable middle ground.

I really appreciate all the info people have shared on here. I didn't expect this much response. Had a couple keep send me PM's and offer to let me demo/test they're yaks. I've found a cheap academy yak, they may suit my needs but have also found some higher end yaks that I may set a little more $$ aside for. Again, thanks for all the help. I'm really glad I didn't impulse buy one now! Good group of people on here!