Looking for the best place to buy a kayak I I plan on fishing in it and possibly hunting in it. I’m 6”4 and almost 200 hundred pounds not obese just big due due to working out lol . Let me know of a good beginner kayak and the best place to get one. Will be fishing lakes and inlets maybe rivers as well
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by Due-Entrepreneur-2522
My preference is to work with a small local "mom and pop" styled business whenever possible...even if it means a bit of a drive. Make an adventure out of it by having a bite to eat at a cool spot, browsing a sporting goods store along the way (fish/hunt/camp), and then finally visiting the store of your goal to check out kayaks.
Treat the purchase seriously enough to do some research and get it right the "first time" without making an impulsive decision. A low price does not necessarily mean a great value for you. If you plan to spend a lot of time in this kayak, make very sure that you will like it for a long time.
Give plenty of thought to the paddle as well. We tend to spend a lot of "shekels and shillings" on tackle, guns, gear, etc. and sometimes it is easy to just say..."give me your cheapest $20 dollar paddle". You get what you pay for, and I'm not suggesting that you have to pay a fortune for a paddle...but put a high end paddle in your hands and imagine that you will be using it all day on the water. Spend what you can afford, and be pleased with both the kayak and paddle. You will not regret it!
If all else fails, then a local big box store is second best. Mail order can work, but there are certain potential risks involved...especially with getting a kayak delivered.
At this point in history, there are a TON of vendors out there building kayaks. Just because a boat comes out of the mold, that does not insure that it came from a quality design. If you are not in a hurry, try to pick up a magazine from a local bookstore that may have showcased and reviewed several models and then provided a report. That would be a great start. many magazines do this on an annual basis and you could probably get a few back issues. I think that Canoe and Kayak magazine is an example.
Then you can key in on just a few choices. Think about all the places and ways you will use and transport it, and make sure that it has enough basic features to suit those needs. Also think of any accessories or customizations you might perform.
So...how's that for a little homework!? Best regards!
It’s all about the seat for me. I need to be comfortable. Here are a couple of pics of one I saw with a very nice looking seat. Some retailers have a demo day when you can try out different models.
If you are within driving distance of a major metropolitan area, watch craig's list. i have picked up several models for a fraction of new price and that allowed me to try different models. I settled on a Hobie Pro Angler 14 and a Old Town Auto pilot 136. Both super stable for a fishing or hunting platform for an old guy like me.
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