Please help looking at buying either f&s eagle talon or perception sport pescador 12. Never owned a kayak have owned 17ft canoe 5 years use almost every weekend mostly solo. I mainly fish live bait in local lakes throw for bass spring and early summer.Btw im 6'6 about 225...any help is greatly appreciated

I purchased my first kayak just a few weeks ago. I got the Pescador 12 and I love it. It is a blast to fish out of, it is stable, fast enough for me and tracks great. Now with all that said, I have nothing to compare it to. I had never paddled a kayak and did not have a place to demo them. Looks like you are in Ft Worth. I would recommend doing some demos. By the way, I am just north of 225 pounds and the Pescador hadles the weight just fine. Hope that helps.

can you hold out until after September 28th? We have a big get together that day and you'll be able to see almost every kayak out there in one place at one time. Demo demo demo.

X2. And what a way to cement the addiction.

X3

What they are suggesting is the opportunity to "try before you buy" which you will see stated millions of times throughout posts in this section. When it comes to fishing kayaks what works great for one person may not work at all for another. There are so many variables to consider and you can take a shot in the dark and buy one without trying it but generally you'll wind up (like most of us have) with something you don't like, have to resell, and then buy something else. At this get together there will be dealers with all types of new kayaks to demo and there will be individuals with their yaks that you can try (which can and probably will include the two you mentioned).
This is also a great opportunity to bond with those of like interest and generate some new fishing buddies.
There will be food and other activities as well which will be fun for the whole family.
AND (taking a breath) it all helps to benefit Heroes on the Water!!! We would love to have you join us.

September 28th Meadowmere Park on Lake Grapevine

I agree with all who point you in the direction of a demo. I didn't and wish I had. I'm just impatient.

My first Yak was the KC 12. I bought the boat to fish the marshes and the lakes here in Houston. Only thing I didn't like about it was that while it was VERY stable, it wasnt easy to paddle. I am 5'10" 175 so not a very big guy but I workout regulary and keep in shape. But using the KC 12 to train my "Yakkin" muscles (yes they exist) was a challenge. I also wanted something faster with storage in the hull, had an anchor trolley, and other accessories that the KC didnt have. But I am not knocking the KC. They make an EXCELLENT boat and I really liked the product. It was just not for me.

I traded my KC for a Ocean Kayak Trident 15. And I love it too. The OK is much faster, but not as stable, and now I am looking into getting into a Hobie Mirage Drive because i want to go longer distances.

The short of it is, get the feel of that yak and get one that matches you. Are you a "do it yourself'er", or do you want features to come with the yak rather than add them on yourself?

Layout, ease of entry, re-entry, transporting the yak, even seat height,...all things to consider. The kayak should be an extension of you and operating it and maneuvering in it should be intuitive, not forced.....I know I know zen-like huh?

Good luck, and as everyone will tell you, welcome to the addiction!

All good advice above I just traded my kayak because I did not test paddle enough kayaks. I was lucky and made a great trade but it was frustrating to buy a new kayak and not enjoy it.

we have 2 mini x, a native ultimate and a tarpon 120. the mini x is perfect for the small waters we fish and a great place to start.

we have 2 mini x, a native ultimate and a tarpon 120. the mini x is perfect for the small waters we fish and a great place to start.

Save your $ and start looking at big boy yaks instead of the talon or pescador
For more Comfort, better performance and safety

At 6'6" you'll need to make sure cockpit is long enough for your legs.

Sorry took so long work disrupting my fishing life. Thanks for all the advice i agree with test drives and big boy kayaks 100%. Im goin out on a limb with me being impatient and only wanting a kayak for 7 years ending up with a canoe for 5 Years which i love. Talked to Matco tool dealer at the shop today he is getting me the pescador 12 from mountain sports tommorw morning and putting on my tool account. Hopefully it will work well until i can actually save some $ to buy a Jackson or Hobie etc. Will be putting in at benbrook most likely fri sat and sunday longhorn park to test out itll be me in yellow/red pescador 12 again thanks for input

If it doesn't work out give me a shout!

Perception Sport Pescador 12.0 Angler Kayak
Comes with rod holders & anchor!

4@499

The pescador is a very nice yak.
You should be pleased.
When it's time to step up, flip it or keep it as a buddy yak.
I think they are the best bang for the buck out there and far superior to the other choice you listed, but that's JMHO.

I think you did good.