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Fishing Kayak Recommendations?
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Jan 22, 2020 16:18:12   #
FS Digest
 
Hey everyone!

I recently found out that a fishing lake I have been watching for about a year and a half now (keeps getting delayed) is FINALLY going to open this summer. In preparation for that I would like to get a kayak so I am not confined to just bank fishing.

What is the general consensus on sit on vs sit in?

I'd like to stay at the 500-600 range. I dont plan on getting a trolling motor, but I would like to add a fish finder.

I was recently looking at cabelas online because I live right next to one and I have a couple of gift cards to use. I saw the Ascend FS-10 sit in Angler Kayak.

Any thoughts or recommendations? I dont really have the option to use or test different ones before buying so I need to make sure I get it right the first time.

I'm a bigger guy at 5'11" and 320lbs but working on getting that down before summer.

I appreciate all the help and the conversation! (Currently day dreaming about sitting in a kayak on a warm summer morning landing hogs on the whopper plopper LOL)

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by supersaiyan_gh0st

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Jan 22, 2020 16:18:20   #
FS Digest
 
Well you can add a fish finder to anything :) other than that, make sure you get one a bit over your weight. You have to take into account all the gear youll have aboard as well. I hear good things about bonafide kayaks for bigger lads. Not sure if it's within your budget though. I think you really open it up around the 1k mark.

Also, if you want to stand up and fish, then go sit on top. My personal preference is SOT all the way regardless. I have a tamarack angler and I haven't really given it much practice standing. (A little nervous to. Lol)

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by Ajax11245

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Jan 22, 2020 16:18:24   #
FS Digest
 
Wow those are pretty nice. I think my lady would kill me if I spent that much on a kayak though. LOL. I will keep those in mind in case she nudges. Thank you!

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by supersaiyan_gh0st

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Jan 22, 2020 16:18:31   #
FS Digest
 
I would avoid Bass Pro altogether. The Ascend is just not a good boat for paddling. It is heavy and does not track well. If you're installing a trolling motor, then I could see it being a great choice.

I prefer a sit on top personally. The Perception Pescador is a great boat for someone who is on a budget. It is practically the same boat as a Wilderness Tarpon.

Edit: Bass Pro bought Cabelas. With Ascend in my mind, I immediately typed Bass Pro.

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by EasyRider78

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Jan 22, 2020 16:18:35   #
FS Digest
 
Lol you're good I knew what you meant. I'm there all the time. I'll definitely check out your recommendation. Maybe I can use my gift cards towards the fish finder!

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by supersaiyan_gh0st

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Jan 22, 2020 16:19:03   #
FS Digest
 
You and I are pretty much the same size. I have an FS-12T from a few years ago. Here's my take:

- I've always got an inch or two of water in the back compartment coming up through the scuppers because of the weight. I can't reach the front, but I lash my cart up there after getting it in the water. All the models that are advertised as supporting more weight are a lot more expensive.

- They're heavier than you think, and not too easy to transport on and off the car and to the water.

- The paddling is slow going because of the draft and the shape of the boat. Don't expect to cover a lot of water. I can cover about 2 to 3 times what I can from my float tube.

- I imagine trying to climb in and out of a sit-in would be a real chore. With the sit-on-top you sit sideways over the edge and stand up to get out, or just sit down on the side to get in. Being a heavy guy like me, getting in and out of a sit-in in shallow water and mud may not be practical.

- I would always take too much gear and not use 98% of it. My advise is to decide what you're going to fish with, and only bring that. If it doesn't fit in a kids school lunch box, you don't need it.

- I used some gear track and accessories with my portable fish finder. Super easy. Just take it off and put it on as needed.

- Standing up is possible, but super difficult to do on the water for a fat guy. I've got a bum knee, which doesn't help.

- I used mine mostly for fetching ducks and decoys when hunting over shallow muddy ponds.

If I had it to do again, I would skip the kayak and get a used aluminum fishing boat and motor, which I ended up doing anyway. I like my float tube for small water, but much prefer the boat for anything other than duck hunting now.

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by utegrad

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Jan 22, 2020 16:19:18   #
FS Digest
 
I got my dad an Ascend 10T for fathers day last year, and I'm really not impressed with it. I agree with avoiding Ascend brand.

At that price range you'll have trouble finding something with enough capacity to support you. I'd suggest spending a little more and look at the Perception Outlaw 11.5 - MSRP $699, almost 12' long, lawn chair style seat, and can hold 425 lbs.

This website has a list of all the fishing kayaks on the market right now - might be helpful.

https://yaklogic.com/kayak-buying-guide/

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by ChurlishSheila

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Jan 22, 2020 16:19:28   #
FS Digest
 
I use an inflatable kayak, it's super stable, light, nearly impossible to flip over, and I can easily pack it anywhere. I also have a portable fish finder from Garmin.

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by kennynitsch

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Jan 22, 2020 16:24:30   #
Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama
 
Bonafide Kayaks SS 127, MSRP ($):
1,599.00

The SS127 is a "sit/stand" fishing kayak from Bonafide that promises to offer "Ultimate Fishability" which is basically marketing speak for "stable fishing kayak." Thankfully, it is not just marketing speak as the SS127 also delivers on this promise with plenty of angling specific features that will appeal to fishing enthusiasts.


http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-kayak-review/2250-bonafide-kayaks-ss-127

.

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Jan 22, 2020 19:29:09   #
plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland
 
Hey s s , the rule of thumb I was told when purchasing my yak last year. Sit in, wet butt. Sit on, dry Butt. Best advice especially here in the colder months. As far as the cost of that yak, you get what you pay for and how often do you plan on using it. Warranty was a big concern for me.

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Jan 23, 2020 12:23:04   #
HawkOBX Loc: eastern Pennsylvania
 
I have the Ascend 12T( sit on top) and like it. The positives are it is comfortable and stable . It is not the fastest boat on the water but I am fishing and not racing with it. Has plenty of space to hold gear and add/ons like rod holders and fish finders etc. The biggest negative is it is heavy at 77lbs so transported it on a car top would be difficult for one person to manage. I transport mine in the back of my pickup with no problem and it is fairly easy to load and unload. I have been on the water with it for up to 6 hours with
very little discomfort. I have a 10 foot Old Town sit in that I can tolerate for 3 to 4 hours max before I have stop fishing. The 12T has a 350 lb weight capacity. I fish out of both kayaks approx. 45- 50 days a year. PS, Also not a big fan of Bass Pro/Cabelas but was the best deal I could find in the $600 dollar range for a decent sit on top.

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Jan 23, 2020 17:27:12   #
Outsidetom Loc: Fenton Mo
 
I have both my sot is the one I fish from it very user friendly it's a 12 ft field n stream #about 60 lbs.I #200lbs so I don't know about 300 check the manufacturer # I use a Garmin striker 4 on it and the transducer is mounted on the floor in the bottom so you can run through the brush with no worries about it,just don't turn over.. The kayak is stable,I set a lot of times with my feet over the side ..but it's not stand up friendly..I mostly use my set inside for just paddling around .it's fun but not a real good set up for fishing..I bought my sit from Dicks they should be on clearance

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Jan 23, 2020 20:42:20   #
Kayacht
 
At 320 you need a Hobie PA 14 or and older Hobie outback, 2005 to 2010 would work fine.
The PA14 is rated 600 pounds, I’m 325 and fish my PA14 everywhere, lake, river and ocean. Totally stable, the other kayaks will not maintain the stability of the Hobie at 320 plus gear. I tried my son’s bona fide 117 and it was completely unstable at my weight, I also tried a big Jackson kayak, still unstable. The Hobie is solid and stable all the time. Don’t get fooled on the stability. It is critical for big guys!!

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Jan 23, 2020 23:31:28   #
tomnchrist
 
FS Digest wrote:
I got my dad an Ascend 10T for fathers day last year, and I'm really not impressed with it. I agree with avoiding Ascend brand.

At that price range you'll have trouble finding something with enough capacity to support you. I'd suggest spending a little more and look at the Perception Outlaw 11.5 - MSRP $699, almost 12' long, lawn chair style seat, and can hold 425 lbs.

This website has a list of all the fishing kayaks on the market right now - might be helpful.

https://yaklogic.com/kayak-buying-guide/

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by ChurlishSheila
I got my dad an Ascend 10T for fathers day last ye... (show quote)


Thanks, FS, Saved this site for future use!

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Jan 24, 2020 02:23:40   #
ka8uet
 
tomnchrist wrote:
Thanks, FS, Saved this site for future use!


If money is an issue, and when is it not? Then trying the used Market might be a good thing. Maybe Craigslist or eBay or maybe check out Amazon sometimes they have good prices also Facebook Marketplace is now bigger than Amazon and often also has used equipment and good prices. Good luck

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