Hey guys I am about ready to get a kayak to fish galveston east bay and the bolivar surf.. I have located this kayak from academy and was wondering if anyone has anything to say about Pelican kayaks or just this one in particular

heres the link

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores...amp;N=670787849

Also I have found a pretty good sit in kayak but should I avoid it if most of my fishing is to be done in the surf or the bay

Thanks

Do not get a sit-inside (sink) if you plan on doing BTB (beyond the breakers).

How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

I would recommend at least a 12 ft kayak unless you have no way to transport or store a longer kayak.

I'm 17, 5 foot 7 and 165...

have you heard anything good or bad about pelican kayaks?
this one is pretty much the same just 12'

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_751758_-1?color=Sand&ICID=CRT:0142-02305-3120

I haven't heard much with this new Icon series other than it's supposed to be a major upgrade over the old Castaway line (which were quite possibly the worst kayaks ever).

I haven't paddled one yet and don't personally know anyone who has the new Icon. I would get the 12 ft version over the 10, it's a much more capable kayak.

Yea I heard that the icon series is made only for academy.. no one else sells it..

And just curious besides storage space why do most people prefer the longer kayaks.

Everyone says "they track better." Which, after using a few shorter yaks years ago I can agree. Once you've been fishing and spend more time keeping your yak from blowing away in the lake rather than fishing, you'll want a longer yak.

Having ridden in and seen Pelican boats. You couldn't give me one. Save your money, get something better.

Start here

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/5913465/1/How_to_Choose_the_BEST_Fishing

Lots of things to consider. A cheap kayak in the ocean is dangerous to say the least. Save your money and get something seaworthy. Listen to the guys here. We have all made mistakes and learned from them. No sense repeating the dangerous/stupid/money wasting stuff we didn't have anyone warning us about.

For that money you might be able to find something better (used) on CL.

Don't waste your money on Pelican, my first kayak was a Pelican and I would never buy another one. Really uncomfortable, tracking is BADDDD, and quality...well quality.... browse CL you might be surprised.

I'm not going to be as quick as y'all to to pass judgement on the new Icon series from Pelican. The Pelican Castaways were terrible, terrible kayaks. These new kayaks are a completely new design, and from what I can tell look to be a very solid entry level kayak.

I'll reserve my judgement until I have paddled one.

Something is to be said about a company that puts out a garbage product IMO.

I'm not saying the past products were not junk. My issue is everyone is writing off the Icon because of the Castaway's shortcomings. It's obvious from my trip to Academy and from looking at pics that the fit and finish on the Icon is far superior to the Castaways.

Does anyone have any actual first-hand, paddling experience with the Icon?

If you're going to Academy just get you a Pescador.

I am not experienced enough to know what a high end kayak feels like but my friend bought the icon 10 footer recently (he isnt experienced either) but he really likes it and its really stable and seems to be decently fast.. we were easily able to take it straight out into the surf and had alot of fun with it... I also like that it has 2 rod holders in the rear and a swiveling rod holder in between your legs

im gonna also say save up and get ya a lightly used ocean drifter, pescador from academy or and ascend fs12t from bass pro. also a lightly used scrambler xt would be a nice BTB yak for you. good luck and invest in a GOOD life jacket and make you a good paddle leash. don't go out when its choppy and come in immediately if you see or hear a storm coming.