Beginner Kayak? Hello everybody! I have been bank fishing on local farm ponds and lakes pretty much every time I’ve been fishing. Finally bought my first truck and decided it would be...

FS Digest

Hello everybody!

I have been bank fishing on local farm ponds and lakes pretty much every time I’ve been fishing. Finally bought my first truck and decided it would be much more plausible to haul around a kayak in the bed of it then before with my previous car.

Does anyone have a recommendation for sit on top fishing kayaks that are relatively budget friendly? Looking around $300-$600 if possible and really anything that isn’t inflatable. Willing to spend a bit more if it’s fully tricked out, but since this will be my first time fishing from a kayak I don’t want to go crazy. Thanks!

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by LandscapeMan7

FS Digest

I've been kayak fishing for over 30 years. From back in the day people looked at me strangely and I had to put all of my accessories on myself. I've had 4 kayaks in 30 years. My advice is that you are going to eventually want more. Cheap kayaks usually don't track well or can be sluggish in turns or even lack enough secondary stability to feel safe. Foot power is great but it is expensive. I'd check the used listings for something with a drive like a hobie etc. If you're determined to do new then think about a quality sit on top like a wilderness systems 12 ft. 120i I think. Plenty of used ones though for the same price with all the toys already added.

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by reptilefood

FS Digest

Thanks for the response! So you think I should steer clear from brands like lifetime then? I also assume that foot power is to help with not having to put your reel down to paddle. I noticed that almost all kayaks are also out of stock haha

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by LandscapeMan7

FS Digest

If you are just going to try it out but expect to not really get into it any low end kayak is good. But...if you love it you will want higher quality. Always check the secondary stability. Shorter kayaks are more maneuverable but don't track well. Longer is vice-versa. If you are going to go far then longer. Tight spots shorter. Less expensive kayaks generally have less storage and fishing options. If you can pick up a used one it may give you a lot more for the money.

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by reptilefood

FS Digest

I just got a pelican catch 100 and it’s great. The seat is nice because I have a bad back, and standing on it is absolutely great. Lots of storage. Only bad thing is tracking and paddling in the wind

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by King_Richard3

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

FS Digest wrote:

Hello everybody! br br I have been bank fishing o... (show quote)

I have the Bonafide SS127 a little more pricey then what you want but warranty is fantastic and the ability to stand makes the biggest difference. Old towns are good as well and closer to your price range.

Depending where you are fishing is pedal power a plus for fishing while moving. If not stay with the paddle kayaks, fish a spot and then move to another. You can still troll with a paddle power. Caught many a trout with that rod off to my side. Just got to have the paddle bungeed to the yak, drop it and reel him in.

JMWilson

I have a Wilderness System Ride 115 for sale. Never been in the water! Bought it but health issues prevent me from using. Retailed for $995, will let it go for $700, includes some extras. Where do you live? I live in Middle TN.

RANDALLIRELAND

My advice is to check and see if any local Kayak dealers are set up to let you try one out before you buy.
I own a Native Watercraft Titan 13.5 with propel drive. I really like it but it's so huge I have to haul it on a trailer. It's good for lakes that have a boat launch but doesn't do well in rivers or water that is less than 2 ft deep. Good luck.

SW460 Loc: 84 PA

I agree with Plumbob. I am a huge fan of the Bonified. I am 6'3" and about 200 lbs. I feel the kayak is solid even when I Stand up
Spend the most you can and get one you will use

koktuli

RANDALLIRELAND wrote:

My advice is to check and see if any local Kayak dealers are set up to let you try one out before you buy.
I own a Native Watercraft Titan 13.5 with propel drive. I really like it but it's so huge I have to haul it on a trailer. It's good for lakes that have a boat launch but doesn't do well in rivers or water that is less than 2 ft deep. Good luck.

Before I bought, I did as RANDALLIRELAND suggested and went to a dealer and tried a few out. I currently fish out of a 14' Pro-Angler (Hobie) Mirage/Peddle drive. I am 69 with replacement hips, pelvis, and 2 prosthetic shoulders. I fish tidal creeks and flats where I'm often dealing with strong currents. This rig is very stable. I made my own H-bar and fish more standing up than I do sitting. PS: I recently bought an Island Hopper salt water 46#thrust trolling motor that will slide in to the cavity where the mirage drive normally is and often carry both.This way if I need to take to the river for any distance to get somewhere it is very doable. Keep your eye peeled for used rigs. Sometimes a great deal comes up but you have to jump on it quick. Good Luck!

pskorinko

I have a mini x sit on top. It goes from lake to ocean for me. It fits corner to corner in my long box Ram.

Erik71 Loc: Orlando, FL

JUST BOUGHT THE WIFE A PERCEPTION 11'5" OUTLAW $800 = OR -
I bought a Bonifide SS107 10' 5" very very stable you can stand up in it $1299.00 High seat adjustable
fantastic Kayak They designed it just for fishing.

or you can get the Bonifide SS217 12' $1600.00 also very very stable High seat adjustable