First Fishing Kayak 2024
DenhamBruce reply :
Hey guys, looking into getting my first fishing kayak and would love some recommendations of what people are using and the difference between sit-in and sit-on. I'm not looking to spend $1000, just more so something that will give me the best bang for your buck and fill my fishing needs. I'll be fishing on small lakes primarily.
Thanks!
Subaqua Adinterim reply :
This will be moved to the bass boats section of the forum. Do a search there or look for recent posts which duplicate your question.
There are many tradeoffs: comfort, weight, transportability, etc.
After researching, hopefully you will find one that works for you. There is no perfect answer; you just need to find something that approaches perfect for your situation.
DenhamBruce reply :
Alright sorry about that. I couldn't find much forum posts by searching on google but after just searching the threads here there is quite a bit of info. There's a lot of info tho that I'm not too familiar with so I was hoping someone could help with the baseline information on what to look for when buying one.
MassYak85 reply :
I have never fished out of a sit-on-top but I do really like my sit in 10ft Ascend. I think it's nice I can store things in the cockpit and not worry about dropping them into the water if I need to move them around. I'm not sure where you're from but when I'm fishing in 30-40 degree temps I like to not have water splashing on me, which the sit-in helps with a little bit. But I'm not even sure if there is a sit-in made that you can comfortably stand from, which is where the fishing specific sit-on-tops shine. I definitely wouldn't go smaller than 10ft if I had to do it again, I'd probably opt for a 12ft one, but I'm not sure what your transport situation is. Yaks are nice because you can really modify them to suite your needs.
Lures'n'Liberty reply :
I have a cheapo Intex inflatable that I'd recommend to anyone under 6'0 unless you're an XXL + (although they do have a 2 man model) It's under $100 shipped with a paddle, and it's especially nice for smaller water that you have to walk to or putting in the trunk of the car. You get pretty much exactly what you expect for the price, you'll upgrade before too long, and you'll probably still use it once in a while after you do. Biggest tip, though, make sure you get a life jacket.
HeavyDluxe reply :
Best bang for your buck, IMO: The Perception Pescador either in 10ft or 12ft.
The Pescador is built on the same mold as older model Wilderness Systems Tarpon boats. The Tarpon is a GREAT all-around platform for fishing on flat water or even in current. It's fast, tracks well, and is plenty stable if you're a moderately-weighted and decently-balanced person.
The longer boat is faster and tracks even better. The 10 footer is a good, portable starter boat.
Plenty of people can stand in their Tarpons/Pescadors, though YMMV. But, for sheer value, it's the best deal out there IMHO. There are cheaper boats that will not have near the same speed/tracking, and more expensive boats that will not give you much more in terms of features for the increased price.
If you want a more stable, slower fishing platform, the standard Ride 115 from WS is still, I think, one of the best fishing kayaks out there. It's untippably stable even for rotund guys (ask me how I know) and super comfortable. The new seat is a vast improvement, though I wish you could still get them with the OLD seat and save on cost. Again, there are competitive boats to the Ride that are very similar, but I'd buy the Ride again and again.
Bottom line: These are solid bets if you're buy sight unseen. HOWEVER, the best thing you can do is find a deal and get into some of these boats to test them. You'll find things that feel very different about each of them and get to decide what YOU like.
AND WHATEVER YOU DO, don't skimp on your PFD.
DenhamBruce reply :
Thank you that's some good info. What are some of the best brands? Like the Shimano and Daiwa equivalents for kayaking. Perhaps that would help narrow down the brands I'm looking through.
Caliyak reply :
On 6/4/2017 at 12:49 PM, DenhamBruce said:Thank you that's some good info. What are some of the best brands? Like the Shimano and Daiwa equivalents for kayaking. Perhaps that would help narrow down the brands I'm looking through.
Welcome to the crazy world of kayak fishing. Just let the yak addiction and obsession take over, don't fight it.
I have agree with Heavy. Pescador or Tarpon. I have the 10 foot tarpon for small lakes. Easy to lift, light to carry, Storage is easy and adding accessories is easy because of the trax system. I highly recommend the tarpon.
But, go to Dicks, REI or your local kayak dealer and sit on them. If you can, demo them. Finding the most comfortable kayak is important.
Subaqua Adinterim reply :
Many good brands out there - Feel Free, Wilderness Systems, Native, NuCanoe and more. Even some store brands such as the Field and Stream (Shadow Caster) have good, stable, comfortable fishing kayaks.
You have received some good advice above: try them out if you can; and after you do get one, get a comfortable PFD that you will wear all the time on the water.
Know this: you should never even attempt to stand in a kayak if it is not wide or stable enough to support that. I had a Tarpon, and you will go in the water in the blink of an eye if you shift your weight quickly in less than calm waters. I saw someone last week almost tip a Jackson Big Rig that they were clumsily trying to get into at the launch.
Use common sense and be smart about it; no matter what you get, if you think that you are going to go out in 30 MPH winds and whitecaps and not be in trouble you will quickly learn a hard lesson. You do not want to learn the hard way; after all, this is supposed to be fun. Have fun researching your options and then have fun getting out on the water and fishing with your choice.
MassYak85 reply :
On 6/4/2017 at 7:43 PM, RichPenNY said:Use common sense and be smart about it; no matter what you get, if you think that you are going to go out in 30 MPH winds and whitecaps and not be in trouble you will quickly learn a hard lesson. You do not want to learn the hard way; after all, this is supposed to be fun. Have fun researching your options and then have fun getting out on the water and fishing with your choice.
I'll second this. You'll get a feel of what conditions you are comfortable in once you get the kayak, but make sure not to push the limits. I've been caught in 30MPH wind and whitecaps with and without outriggers, and let me tell you, without them I was seriously concerned enough to call it a day and carefully head for the ramp. Just know when it's time to call it a day. Same goes for inclement weather like thunder storms. On one occasion I had to ditch my kayak on the shore on the other side of the lake because of a thunderstorm. Make sure not to be in a situation that could turn south quick, like paddling to the middle of a big lake when you see a storm in the distance.
clayton86 reply :
On 6/4/2017 at 7:20 AM, HeavyDluxe said:Best bang for your buck, IMO: The Perception Pescador either in 10ft or 12ft.
The Pescador is built on the same mold as older model Wilderness Systems Tarpon boats. The Tarpon is a GREAT all-around platform for fishing on flat water or even in current. It's fast, tracks well, and is plenty stable if you're a moderately-weighted and decently-balanced person.
The longer boat is faster and tracks even better. The 10 footer is a good, portable starter boat.
Plenty of people can stand in their Tarpons/Pescadors, though YMMV. But, for sheer value, it's the best deal out there IMHO. There are cheaper boats that will not have near the same speed/tracking, and more expensive boats that will not give you much more in terms of features for the increased price.
If you want a more stable, slower fishing platform, the standard Ride 115 from WS is still, I think, one of the best fishing kayaks out there. It's untippably stable even for rotund guys (ask me how I know) and super comfortable. The new seat is a vast improvement, though I wish you could still get them with the OLD seat and save on cost. Again, there are competitive boats to the Ride that are very similar, but I'd buy the Ride again and again.
Bottom line: These are solid bets if you're buy sight unseen. HOWEVER, the best thing you can do is find a deal and get into some of these boats to test them. You'll find things that feel very different about each of them and get to decide what YOU like.
AND WHATEVER YOU DO, don't skimp on your PFD.
They have discontinued the ride X series some shops still have them but no new ones are being produced. So you can get them with the old seat and save money.
The peacador is a great budget boat like mentioned.
Hawkeye21 reply :
Another great kayak that's a great bang for your buck is the Pelican Catch 120. You can get the older model for as low as $600 and the new NXT model usually sells for $850 I believe. It's a price point that allows you to make some additions and still keep under $1000.
simplejoe reply :
I bought my kids the journey 10' sit on kayaks for when I take the canoe on the backwaters. Anyways, I took one of them out one day to see how it was with my big ass on it, wasn't to bad for a beginner. I should add, we use these on shallow creeks and the backwaters of a few lakes around me, these aren't used for main lakes or fast moving water. So I can't comment on how they are in those situations.
MysteryTackleBox reply :
Kayaks are ideal for fishing small lakes. With a sit-in kayak, the seat is situated down inside the kayak and your legs are enclosed. In a sit-on kayak, the seat is elevated above the surface of the kayak. Many sit-on kayaks are now being designed with the capability to stand and fish, giving the angler more versatility on the water.
A lot factors need to be considered when deciding what is the right fishing kayak for you, here we breakdown 7 Things To Know Before Buying A Fishing Kayak.
Happy kayak fishing!
Skew12 reply :
I've read some good things about the Vibe kayaks as well, in that price range. Haven't had a chance to demo one, since I haven't found a dealer close enough.
Choporoz reply :
I won't disagree with Wilderness and Pescador recommendations.
As to the question about the big two brands...IMO, no such thing.
I can easily think of at least a dozen brand names that I'd be willing to recommend....Jackson, Hobie, Malibu, Vibe, Wildy, Perception, Ocean, Old Town, Feel Free, Eddy, Native, Pelican...I'm sure there's a couple big names I haven't come up with yet. Some of these brands have models that are remarkably similar...as if they share molds...anyway, my point was that you can't easily narrow it by brand. I'm the opposite of @MassYak85; I wouldn't consider a sit-in. Not denigrating his choice at all...just telling you that you probably should sit in some different options before making a decision.
On 6/6/2017 at 12:44 AM, Skew12 said:I've read some good things about the Vibe kayaks as well, in that price range. Haven't had a chance to demo one, since I haven't found a dealer close enough.
I haven't sat in one, but I know two Ghost owners who love them.
Darren. reply :
I'd agree that Pelican yaks are definitely in the best bang for
budget category. That new Pescador and Pilot (pedal drive)
series looks really nice, and affordable.
I use a Native Ultimate, a kayak/canoe hybrid. Wilderness
Systems makes the Commander. Both excellent yaks and
two of the top 10 brands. Ocean Kayak, Feel Free, Jackson,
NuCanoe, and others all make solid offerings.
Best advice: get seat time in a store, and better yet, try out
demo programs if there are some near you.
When I ended up with my Ultimate, I spent sit-in time at the
local Appomattox River Company in the Commander, and a
few other models. I ended up preferring the Ultimate over the
Commander primarily because I liked the convex pontoons
(going in to the water) over Commanders concave pontoons
(coming up to my feet). That was just me. I could have gone
either way. Point being, sitting time gave me a sense of what
I liked more.
For $1000 you can find some nice closeout models, or even
lightly used demo models.
MassYak85 reply :
On 6/6/2017 at 12:49 AM, Choporoz said:I'm the opposite of @MassYak85; I wouldn't consider a sit-in. Not denigrating his choice at all...just telling you that you probably should sit in some different options before making a decision.
Yea definitely sit in them. If I had to do it all over I'd probably go the 12ft SOT route. It would suite the majority of my fishing better. I had my kayak before I got seriously into bass fishing so I've made it work, and it works well enough I can't justify a new one anytime soon. The only thing I think I'd truly miss is the little extra protection from the elements the sit-in gives me.
PECo reply :
Regarding the choice between SINKs and SOTs, either would work. SINKs tend to be lighter and you definitely sit lower in the water. When the wind is blowing, that's both a good and a bad thing. You get blown around much less, but you can also take waves over the bow and even the coaming around the cockpit. SOTs are heavier, but they're more robust. Unlike SINKs, they shed water without bailing. However, you sit higher on the water and are more susceptible to getting blown around by the wind. They also tend to have more features, but also be more expensive.
ANY boat that can get you out onto the water is a good boat. The biggest problem with inexpensive kayaks is the seat. They're typically very uncomfortable for long periods of sitting. They're especially unkind to your back.
Nicer, generally more expensive kayaks have raised seats that are much, much, MUCH more comfortable than most molded-in seats. I'd look for the kayak with the most supportive seat that you can afford. After seat comfort, the next most important criteria is weight. A lighter kayak is easier to store, load, transport and paddle. Easy gets used; hard does not.
A kayak that I'm considering as my next fishing kayak is the Pelican Catch 120 NXT. It offers a fantastic combination of features, comfort, weight and price. I'm not looking to replace my current kayak, but I've worn through and repaired the hull once, already, so it's definitely wearing out.
DenhamBruce reply :
Thank you for all the help everyone! I think I've made my choice and I'll be going with the Vibe Sea Ghost 110. It seems like the overall best bang for your buck with what I could find and I'm excited for it!
Choporoz reply :
I don't think anybody in there right mind would suggest that isn't a great choice.
bholtzinger14 reply :
I have the 130. It has done everything I hoped it would do.
If you are on Facebook search for Kevin dismuke's kayak motor mounts if you ever want to put a trolling motor on it. He has the nicest and easiest setup around.
DogBone_384 reply :
I started my plastic navy with an Ascend 128T. When I bought it it was $699. It's a BIG kayak, has an ALL DAY comfortable seat, is stable enough to fish STANDING, has plenty of storage space, and accepts a transom mount trolling motor. I bought a FeelFree Lure 11.5 a couple years later. It's lighter, has an ALL DAY comfortable seat, and is more stable than my Ascend. It was almost twice the 128T's price, but its fit and finish is worth the extra money.
You need to ask yourself some questions:
- What's my budget?
- How am I going to transport it?
- Do I want a SIT ON TOP or SIT IN?
- What accessories will I add to it
- Fish finder
- Anchor trolley
- extra rod holders
- wheel cart
Like other members already said, TRY TO TEST PADDLE, or at least sit in it at the store if you can. At the very least, look at what models interest you in person and take note of their weight, where carry handles are, and how far the seat lifts you off the kayak.
DON'T skimp on a paddle or PFD.
Best of luck.
HeavyDluxe reply :
One last thing to add here: Set your budget and timeline, and then buy the 'best' boat you can afford.
If you're budget is $200, get a Walmart kayak... The SunDolphins (or whatever they are) aren't that stable and they track - that is, go straight when you paddle them - like crap. But, if that's all you can scrape together, it's going to be a better boat for you than no boat will ever be.
But, if you can afford to spend $600, get the better boat. Don't skimp. Trust me that you'll regret it. At the end of last year, I bought a 'cheapie' kayak for the kids to paddle. I wish I'd saved the money and saved a little more into this spring and upgraded to something like the Pescador. While the cheap boat is fine/functional, there's enough annoyances with it that I'm regretting the purchase a bit and don't have the financial wherewithal to just buy something else.
If you can wait and save, all the better.
In the end, you can make just about anything work... I bought a Ride 115 for myself as our second kayak. The first was a SINK we picked up from LL Bean. Last summer on a fishing day with the kids, I put my oldest and youngest together on the Ride and I went back in the SINK. I grumbled thinking "It'll suck fishing out of the SINK, but we do things for the kids". And, while I prefer my Ride, I actually had a good day and was able to figure out ways to be effective and efficient in the SINK. I was also a lot faster moving spots and was able to cover more water more efficiently.
So, get the best boat you can afford. IF you'll be happiest with ANYTHING, do that. But be prepared for compromises.
RPreeb reply :
On 6/7/2017 at 5:23 AM, bholtzinger14 said:I have the 130. It has done everything I hoped it would do.
If you are on Facebook search for Kevin dismuke's kayak motor mounts if you ever want to put a trolling motor on it. He has the nicest and easiest setup around.
I like the look of this boat, especially the seat, but I'm not sure how I'd be able to get one. There's no dealer closer than a day's drive away, and the Vibe website lists all of the kayaks I looked at as "out of stock". If they require going through a dealer, then I'm out of luck - it's not worth 2 days driving to me when I have other options locally.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 6/6/2017 at 8:56 PM, PECo said:I'd look for the kayak with the most supportive seat that you can afford. After seat comfort, the next most important criteria is weight. A lighter kayak is easier to store, load, transport and paddle. Easy gets used; hard does not.
A kayak that I'm considering as my next fishing kayak is the Pelican Catch 120 NXT. It offers a fantastic combination of features, comfort, weight and price. I'm not looking to replace my current kayak, but I've worn through and repaired the hull once, already, so it's definitely wearing out.
I will be using a Kayak for the first time next month when I go on vacation. Based on how I like the experience I might purchase one for weekend use.
"Easy gets used, hard does not" is what will be on my mind as I pick out a Kayak. I will be transporting it alone on top of my car with one of those foam block kits. So while I would love a pedal drive Hobie or a Field and Stream Shadow Caster I am realistically looking for something that weighs 40lbs.
I have my eye on the Pelican Tracker Angler 10 It is a sit inside with very little bells and whistles but at 38lbs it will be easy as hell to get on top of my car and in and out of the water.
Lures'n'Liberty reply :
On 6/14/2017 at 10:46 PM, Finesse Wayfarer said:
"Easy gets used, hard does not" is what will be on my mind as I pick out a Kayak. I will be transporting it alone on top of my car
I have a cheapo inflatable Intex Challenger K1, as mentioned earlier. While I would not take it too close to any brush, I will note that it is extremely easy to transport without the aid of a roof rack. My Kayak bag, complete with paddle, air pump, and PFD weighs about 10 lbs and it's easy to carry to a lot of places where most 'yaks will be a pain. While one piece rods can be a challenge, it's easy to pack this 'yak on my motorcycle, no roof rack necessary. It was also only $70, shipped. When I eventually upgrade to a fiberglass kayak, I am sure the challenger will still get some use. As far as tips on the inglatable go, I built a crate with PVC rod holders similar to the ones all over YouTube and glued foam pipe insulation around the bottom of it to prevent abrasion and I lash it down with paracord before inflating it so it's nice and tight. The crate also features rod leashed made from old phone cords and there's a big old speaker magnet glued to the side that always keeps my pliers (also on a phone cord) handy.
PECo reply :
Today, a buddy and I hauled our kayaks just over a mile up a trail to Breakneck Pond in Connecticut's Bigelow Hollow State Park. His yak weighs more than twice as much as mine, so I had a much easier hike:
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