FS Digest

Aussie fisherman here.

Looking on advice for purchasing a kayak for fishing. All prices are in AUD. AUD -> USD = $0.68 -> $1

I'm currently tossing up between getting something entry level around the $400-500 mark or going in a bit harder and getting something closer to the $2k mark like the FeelFree Lure 11.5 which retails for about $1800.

Totally happy to spend up to $2k. But am looking for cheaper options to keep things in the home happy.

My theory with the lower price point is that it's a quick fix. In that it'll keep my partner happy (haven't spent $2k on myself) and that if I really like fishing from a kayak I can always sell it, recoup some of the money spent (cheap rental) and get something better (comfier, more features like a stand pad, pedals etc.)

I do know that a lot of responses are going to tell me to get what I can afford, but there are kayaks out there that are clearly more bang for buck and if I don't have to spend $2k I would go for that cheaper option.

I should mention at this point that I have a new born and would like to eventually take her fishing with me in the kayak, but as it is a few of years down the track it's a minor consideration.

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by Adzhe

FS Digest

I bought a Tamarack Angler for $220 usd from walmart with the same thought. I went cheap to make sure I would enjoy kayak fishing. I love it and use it every chance I get. This spring I plan to upgrade to something a little nicer.

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by 1daypast

FS Digest

I also have a tamarack, it’s perfectly sufficient for occasionally kayak fishing and having a great time. Tamarack + a nice paddle is a great starter.

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by SpiritDCRed

FS Digest

Great minds think alike but fools seldom differ ;)

I feel like I'm coming around to just going all in.

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by Adzhe

FS Digest

I really recommend the Vibe kayaks for people getting into the sport, you cant beat their price tag for a mid range boat and they come with pretty much every option you can want while you get adjusted to fishing from a kayak. Comfy seat, stability, good weight allowance, rudder, it's a great package for the price! Take a look at the seaghost 130.

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by Krrast

FS Digest

Vibe has an international market?!
I'm so proud of my state. They are a really good product at that sweet spot mid range.

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by tempusers

FS Digest

I was looking at the Vibe Yellowfin, but can't seem to find any sellers in Australia.

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by Adzhe

FS Digest

I bought my first kayak used and got a good deal. I ended up spending more money on everything else that goes with it. I really enjoyed fishing in it and just traveling to new spots. So, later on I felt comfortable spending some bucks on a paddle board.Knowing it would get used frequently and I would get my money’s worth out of it.

Also, plan to sell the canoe since the family not into it. Oh well, I’m going to sell it and use the money to get a used sit on top kayak instead of a sit inside kayak which I already have. Anyway, what I suggest is you buy something cheap then when you have a better idea of what you want or need then drop some bucks knowing it’s not money wasted. Good luck

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by Serio27

FS Digest

Crescent lite tackle

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by OfMichaelAndMen

FS Digest

Agreed. Not sure what it'd take to get one over to your side of the globe, but maybe there are already some.

I love my LT, and my wife's Ultra Lite (UL) is also amazing. I have so many good things to say, instead I'll share some videos first, someone made a playlist of some of the LT videos on YT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4uv4Eap_1w&list=PLxmUpuaTrJXIB7tYT1qrt6DFoDf_fXSte

Right now they are also giving away Bending Branches Whisper paddles ($65), that's what I use (I bought mine months ago before the yak), great budget paddle to get going for sure. Work on good paddling technique whether it's learning from videos or taking classes, absolutely worth it and makes a big difference. So does a lighter paddle...combining both is very much worth it.

Also get a good PFD if you don't already have one.

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by kursah

FS Digest

I looked at a cheapie pedal kayak last weekend (I fly fish). Then on Tuesday my Gumtree alert popped up an immaculate 12 year old Noble Revolution 13 for a good price.

Can't stand to cast, but it's in the garage and first shake down planned for the weekend.

If you do your research there are good 2nd hand deals out there.

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by deadly_wobbygong

FS Digest

Hobie Revolution

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by deadly_wobbygong

FS Digest

The Lure 11.5 is a solid yak for the money. If you can find em, i'd look into Nucanoe. They make some of the most versatile and customizable kayaks on the market. You can pay about 900 USD for the flint up to 1600 for the Frontier.

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by iTzGiggity

FS Digest

I went through the same thought process you did when I decided to get a kayak. If you have the money to get a better kayak I would go for it. I would also suggest that you get something with a pedal drive. If the oars/paddle are in your hand your not fishing. I think about it the opposite way you are. If you like kayak fishing you wont have to upgrade which in the end will save you money. If it turns out that you don't like kayak fishing then it will be easier to sell and probably retain more of its value. I ended up with a hobie compass and while the price was hard to swallow I have never regretted it and enjoy fishing from it every time I go.

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by Brandt_cant_watch

FS Digest

Thanks. There's always different angles to look at. I like your point about the value side of things.

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by Adzhe