So, as some of you may have noticed. I posted in the catfish section about whether to get a Jon boat, or a kayak. I've decided that I want to get a kayak. I was looking at academy, and I've been looking online. The pescador perception 12' seems like a great buy for $500. I have been looking at Craigslist Lubbock, and there haven't been any kayaks I would want to fish out of posted in months.

Any other kayaks you would recommend for a beginner that is 6'1"-6'2" and ~230 pounds?

i recently bought the BPS Ascend FS12T and love it. $499.00

Great choice. Kayaks rule! I've heard good things about it.

Might check out the Eagle Talon at Dick's. I would have bought one myself, but the employees there were living up to their name so I went to Academy.
They are usually on sale for around $450

You might check your local Academy:

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...itage_An#UNREAD

Yeah, I noticed this post earlier. I don't think they usually have this model, but I'm gonna stop by and check

Also, what are some good brands of.paddles and PFD's?

I bought the Pescador 12 and love it.

Paddles: Bending Branches, Werner
PFD: MTI, Mustang. Really anything that's comfortable for you.

Look at the NRS Chinook for the pfd. It has a high back, and a crazy amount of pockets and loops to attach retractable lanyards. Love mine.

One thing to mention (if looking at Academy), they aren't always all on the "front-wall-display". They keep overstock on the gondola rack-tops (between the aisles), so walk around the first few aisles near the kayak section and look "up", (once you stop seeing them on top, that's usually where that section ends).
Also they sometimes have them "outside" (I don't know where that is, but we've gotten one already from "outside" when the floor model had a really bad drag mark on the keel (like 1/4" ground down the back, not just a scuff, someone picked up one end and dragged it across concrete).
Good luck!

My first boat was a Perception Sport Pescador 12' and I loved it. I got mine from Mountain Sports in Arlington for $499 back in February. Great guys there.

I had a Werner Skagit FM 240cm paddle and it was great. Get a longer paddle rather than a shorter one or you'll bang your knuckles on the yak all day. I got mine for about $130.

I have the NRS Chinook PFD and it is awesome. The high-backed PFDs will make your day on the water much more comfortable. That or an inflatable, but I like having the pockets on my Chinook. I got it on sale for $80.

You're a good size guy and you should be careful not to undersize your yak. When I got into yakking years ago I went with the Ocean Kayak Big Game. It's only 12 1/2 feet long but wide as a barge and carries a big payload. Works well off shore or on the lake or river. Still using that puppy today along with my wooden yaks.

Don't be afraid to get a used rig especially in the big brand names. Got a used OK BG with rudder control for my son-in-law 3 years ago for $600.00.

+1

I have an NRS Chinook as well and love it. One place to not skimp is your PFD. Buy the best you can afford and you wont regret it. I have mine on all day even in the 100+ degree temps and it is comfortable to wear, and all the pockets and lash tabs keep everything important at close reach.