FS Digest

I'm sick of my little sit in pelican and I want to get something nicer. Any suggestions? I'll be bass fishing lakes for the most part and I want to add a trolling motor and fish finder.

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by Brutal_Boost

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

BPS has their 13ft Ascend package deal with a Hook fish finder, Minn Kota trolling motor, and a battery for $1995.00.
If they have any in stock, it's a very good deal.

Speck Loc: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Look at Brooklyn Kayaks. They have some pretty good deals in your price range on peddle kayaks.

RuffplayOR57 Loc: Klamath Falls, OR

I just picked up a 12’ SeaStream 120 PD, so it has peddles to help with the fishing part, it comes with rails but you would still need to add what you want, fish finder,ect. It was $1500

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

You may find it difficult to purchase a really great fishing kayak with a trolling motor within your price range. I would think you would spend that amount of money strictly for the purchase of the kayak. Then on top of that you would need to invest in the trolling motor set up. You would no doubt be in The $2500-$3000 range. I have been very impressed with the Old Town sportsman 106 powered by Minnkota for $2500. I also am highly motivated by the NuCanoe Unlimited with a bow mounted Motor Guide trolling motor with “spot-lock.” Their set up is around $3000. Both of these kayaks would be out of your price range, but since I have been studying the subject in hopes to purchase a trolling motor powered kayak for myself, this is some of my findings. Good luck with your search! I’m sure that if you are patient, you will no doubt find what you’re looking for.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Here you go

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

I would say that this advert would be an excellent package deal. If that particular kyack meets a person's needs, then it certainly has the whole package at the right price. It is hard to beat Bass Pro Shops on being honest and ethical, so this may be a great deal for a lot of fishermen. I personally was looking at kyacks that were more elite and therefore in a higher price range because that what I was interested in. Kyack shopping can be exhausting, confusing and frustrating, so good luck to everyone out there.

RalphB3 Loc: Pennsylvania

I recommend the Sea Eagle without hesitation.

I own the inflatable 385 fta and love it. Super stable, plenty of space for gear. Inflate and go fishing in less than 10 minutes. And they're great folks to deal with.

https://www.seaeagle.com/FishingKayaks/385fta

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Along with the above Sea Eagle mentioned, I would check out the 285fpb. It's like a 9' zodiac-type boat, but reversed (with the "cones" at the front). Not a kayak, but just as maneuverable, super comfy with short pedestal swivel seat, and in addition to oars, comes with a transom to mount an electric or small gas motor.(had to customize the transom to accommodate my "Fishin' Buddy" finder). I have used both an ancient 12lb thrust Eska and the 34lb Watersnake that I bought in the pkg price of $999 (3yrs ago). Both move it , no prob.
I use an AGM Duracell 12v, 35 amp hr "scooter" battery in an Igloo "little playmate" cooler.
I own 2 of the 285's, along with an inflatable kayak (330), and a 14' Foldcat-4 person pontoon (14' no longer made, they still have the 12').... love my Sea Eagles, good products, good people and they own Panther Martin (lures) as well !......great company with great customer service.

BeaverTooth Loc: Branson, MO

Hey Fixor Fish! I just watched a YouTube video about a kid name Mitchell fishing out of the sea eagle that you recommended. It is simply quite amazing! I don’t believe it is the boat for me, but I do believe that it could be the boat for many people and it is certainly in the right price range compared to what we are paying today for various major name kayaks. It looks like a winner! Thanks for the recommendation!

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

You are quite welcome.
I bought my first one new, about 3 years ago and love it. Last August, a guy over on the coast in Brookings had one listed for $300 on Craigslist. After speaking to him on the phone, I figured that for that price, I would drive the 2 hours to check it out. I also expected it to have been in saltwater and he had purchased it in 2014, soooo... might be okay, might not be, gotta see. He had it inflated when I got there, and it was as clean as mine and he sheepishly told me that he had only used it 4 times in lakes up in Washington.....it was in "as new" condition.....SOLD ! Worth the trip to check it out and I have had 2 friends use it, and one now has his own. Really a comfy ride, & can stand and swing a fly or cast a Panther Martin, no prob.
I can assemble and inflate, load up gear and be on the water in practically the same minutes that my buddy with his 12' Hobie peddler can. (Note...he does have me beat loading up to go home, though, but just barely if I take it home to thoroughly dry it, rather than at water's edge.)