FS Digest

Saw I can get the BKC RA220 for $590 with a coupon and that seems better than any I've seen at that price point and weight capacity and features from what I've seen. I've seen people say they're Chinese but is that a big deal for a first kayak? Any negatives I'm missing on that one? Looking for something with a good chair, decent features and under $700 preferably.

In DFW if that helps

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by ThePirateTennisBeast

FS Digest

If you have a Gander near you, go check them out. All the ones in Michigan have store-wide 40-50% off. In terms of a brand, I've never heard of these guys. For that reason I would stay away.

Don't be afraid to look local on Craigslist or FB Marketplace. You can score some really solid deals there as well.

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by D_VoN

FS Digest

No gander near me here in DFW :/

Any brand recommendations for used?

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by ThePirateTennisBeast

FS Digest

Depends on what types of waters you plan on fishing. Did a quick Google search. Link below seems like a solid deal but I'd see if you can get down to $800 or under.. Great for rivers and inland lakes.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2520295208030776/

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by D_VoN

FS Digest

Look at the Crescent Ultra Lite Tackle in that price range. Amazing little kayak and a lotta fun to paddle. Depending on your size and stability, it is standable too. Fast, manueverable, open clean platform to fish from, American made & designed, and sourced parts. Simple but effective design, great seat, great stability, kind of like a go cart for the water and is just an overall excellent 10ft kayak. Great tracking with its central large keel hull design. It is designed to be a good paddling kayak first and foremost to everything else. So depending on what you're after that may or may not work.

https://www.crescentkayaks.com/product/ultralite-fishing-kayak/

That BKC RA220 doesn't look too shabby though, and for a first kayak it might be fine. Good that it has a rudder system if it has any tracking issues and also makes keeping your kayak pointed in the right place as you drift easier, and helps fight windcocking too. The Crescent doesn't have one, but that hasn't been an issue. I haven't known anyone that's used any of these, so there's the question of how it paddles, durability, value, etc. For the price it seems to offer a lot though, and being Chinese or not is really up to you. Its not all garbage, but YMMV.

Does your budget also include the paddle and PFD? If it does, you'll want to spend closer to $500 so you can make sure to get a decent paddle and PFD. My broken record suggestion is to go with no less than a Bending Branches Whisper, and go as good as you can afford. It makes a difference, along with taking classes or researching how to paddle correctly using your upper body more than just your arms, good technique makes a huge difference overall regardless of the kayak you choose.

As many recommend you should try to demo first where you can, that's harder to do and for my area white water kayaks are more "in" than fishing kayaks so I had to buy on faith of others reviews. In my case going Crescent worked very very well for me, hell better than very well, it has my family addicted to the sport more than any other kayak we've tried, its that good in our opinion. :)

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by kursah

FS Digest

Budget does include paddle but not pfd

Thanksfor all the info on this! It's really helpful!

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by ThePirateTennisBeast

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

What ever you purchase look at the warranty. I bought a Bonafide for not only quality but great warranty as well. Rule of thumb you get what you pay for. Buying used is a choice but an unknown pin hole from dragging it can be costly.

plumbob

digger in Oregon

I bought thebkc kayak last summer, so far I love it. I'm 5/4 and 150lbs and very comfortable, the rudder really is a plus. The hatches are great, but come with a removable bag type thing. That was the first to go. I lined the bottom with a foam yoga mat and now can take everything I need for a day on the water. Company says you can stand but haven't tried yet. Has a molded in part of the hull to fit a transducer, haven't found out which brand will fit yet. Paddles really nice and handles the waves but Without an anchor it's hard to fish and paddle at the same time. Would definitely recommend the BBC ra220 and with a few mods it's great. Only negative is that it took almost 6 weeks for it to get here.
Digger