Kayak help 2025

J.Bass reply :

Hello,

Thank you for taking time to read my post. I'm in line to buy a kayak for fishing. I live in Illinois and as winter is approaching this investment will be for next spring. I've been doing some research and looking at websites.

What I want: Sit-On-Top fishing Kayak 12 Feet. My money range is 0-$700. I'd like to be able to stand on it eventually when I get comfortable. In august visited Bass Pro and really Ascend Sit on top kayak 12 feet. Also looked ay Brooklyn and Sun Dolphin Kayaks online. I haven't seen any really eye popping deals.

Can you help: With information given I need a Kayak for under $700 preferably. Whats the "best" brand, whats a good brand too look at? Where are the deals at? I don't want to pay full price if I don't have to.

Trailer: I have a 2018 Honda CRV to lug it around but I feel it won't fit inside if its 12 feet. How do you transport your kayak? I've seen kayak trailers going for $1,000. That to me is way to pricey. If you could help with trailer as well that would be great.

Thank you for taking time to read and helping me.

Smalls reply :

Search your local used listings. That’s gonna be your best bet for >$700. It’s the perfect time of the year, too. A lot of people are selling to upgrade over the winter.

Malone, Yakima, etc. all make some great looking kayak trailers. But you’d never see me spending that kinda dough. A used jet ski or utility trailer is easily made into a kayak trailer with just a little bit of creativity and a few tools.

Run2jeepn reply :

Thats a ton of questions. Facebook Market place will be your best bet to find deals locally. I've seen a few nice Kayaks in the 12-13ft range in the $500-$700 Range.

I picked up a barley (looked brand new) used Ascend FS128T and a Sun Dolphin Journey with extra's. For $500

As for a Trailer. I haven't found a SeeDoo Trailer used by itself yet, but I have seen a few crap SeeDoo's with Trailers for $350 and up. I haven't been able to get anyone to split them up.

There are Utility Trailers on Amazon for $350 as well.

Harold Scoggins reply :

Wish I could provide some insight, but I have no knowledge about those kayaks. (Die hard Ocean Kayak user) However, I would like to encourage you to consider a good fitting PFD. Have fun in your new kayak next spring!

Hook2Jaw reply :

I would rat hole another 100 bucks and look into a Feelfree Moken 12.5 v2.

LadiMopar reply :

It's always good to educate yourself before buying a fishing kayak. I did my own homework for about a year before deciding what was best for me. So, seeing as you're not committed to a particular brand just yet, if you haven't taken advantage of dealer demo days (and dealers always have top quality used boats for sale) you might want to do that. Fit and feel are important out there.

Also, you may want to go to Kayak Angler magazine and read the reviews, see the specs etc. on different brands.

I don't usually recommend You Tube videos , but in this case Headwaters kayak has a great series on fishing kayaks under $1000, and one for yaks under $500.

Best of luck in your search, and don't forget to save a little extra cash for a good PFD. The most important "accessory" you'll hopefully never need.

J.Bass reply :

On 11/2/2019 at 2:32 PM, Smalls said:

Search your local used listings. That’s gonna be your best bet for >$700. It’s the perfect time of the year, too. A lot of people are selling to upgrade over the winter.

Malone, Yakima, etc. all make some great looking kayak trailers. But you’d never see me spending that kinda dough. A used jet ski or utility trailer is easily made into a kayak trailer with just a little bit of creativity and a few tools.

Smalls,

Will do that. I did think it was perfect time of year. Only deals I seen were on Dicks Sporting Goods. They weren't on 12 feet Kayaks. I won't spend 1,000 on a trailer. No way. I think thats outrageous. I'll be def looking for a jet ski trailer. Thank you for your input really opened my mind.

On 11/2/2019 at 3:52 PM, Run2jeepn said:

Thats a ton of questions. Facebook Market place will be your best bet to find deals locally. I've seen a few nice Kayaks in the 12-13ft range in the $500-$700 Range.

I picked up a barley (looked brand new) used Ascend FS128T and a Sun Dolphin Journey with extra's. For $500

As for a Trailer. I haven't found a SeeDoo Trailer used by itself yet, but I have seen a few crap SeeDoo's with Trailers for $350 and up. I haven't been able to get anyone to split them up.

There are Utility Trailers on Amazon for $350 as well.

Run2jeepn,

Ya I love Facebook Market place I've used it before. I know BassPro has a Kayak sale but its in March. Utility trailer for $350 isn't bad will have to take a look at that. I sat in the Ascend as BassPro and It was comfy but like I said I'm open to any yak. I want whats best for me. Thanks for your advice.

On 11/2/2019 at 5:56 PM, Harold Scoggins said:

Wish I could provide some insight, but I have no knowledge about those kayaks. (Die hard Ocean Kayak user) However, I would like to encourage you to consider a good fitting PFD. Have fun in your new kayak next spring!

Harold, It goes the same way for hunting, wear your orange. Yes totally agree safety first.

On 11/2/2019 at 9:12 PM, Hook2Jaw said:

I would rat hole another 100 bucks and look into a Feelfree Moken 12.5 v2.

Hook2Jaw,

Just watched a video on YouTube about the Moken. Said the 2020 Model was substantially upgraded. The guy says its one of the best under $1000. I liked the features on it. Ive seen them around $7-800 as you said. Def will keep them in mind. I did like how the boat was built. Thanks for your help.

MN Fisher reply :

On 11/2/2019 at 10:49 PM, J.Bass said:

I'll be def looking for a jet ski trailer.

That's what I did for my canoe - got a 10' PWC trailer from Northern Tool for $500, paid $60 for a length of 2x3 tube steel to lengthen the main run and make it a 15' trailer. $20 for the front roller and it was done - yes, I did the drilling and painting myself.

J.Bass reply :

On 11/2/2019 at 9:58 PM, LadiMopar said:

It's always good to educate yourself before buying a fishing kayak. I did my own homework for about a year before deciding what was best for me. So, seeing as you're not committed to a particular brand just yet, if you haven't taken advantage of dealer demo days (and dealers always have top quality used boats for sale) you might want to do that. Fit and feel are important out there.

Also, you may want to go to Kayak Angler magazine and read the reviews, see the specs etc. on different brands.

I don't usually recommend You Tube videos , but in this case Headwaters kayak has a great series on fishing kayaks under $1000, and one for yaks under $500.

Best of luck in your search, and don't forget to save a little extra cash for a good PFD. The most important "accessory" you'll hopefully never need.

LM

LadiMopar,

Watched the video and found it to be amazing. I found out about way more kayak companies than I knew and styles. This video has helped me a lot. The Big Fish I really liked the design. It looks well designed. Have to research more because he had two different models of Big Fish which one was $200 more than other.

On 11/2/2019 at 10:55 PM, MN Fisher said:

That's what I did for my canoe - got a 10' PWC trailer from Northern Tool for $500, paid $60 for a length of 2x3 tube steel to lengthen the main run and make it a 15' trailer. $20 for the front roller and it was done - yes, I did the drilling and painting myself.

MN Fisher,

Thats a great job done on that trailer. I like how you designed it. I agree spending $500 instead of $1000 is much cheaper. I will def custom make my trailer to fit my Yak. Thanks for showing me a picture and helping me out on the trailer.

LadiMopar reply :

On 11/2/2019 at 11:33 PM, J.Bass said:

LadiMopar,

Watched the video and found it to be amazing. I found out about way more kayak companies than I knew and styles. This video has helped me a lot. The Big Fish I really liked the design. It looks well designed. Have to research more because he had two different models of Big Fish which one was $200 more than other.

Glad you found this useful @J.Bass

3 Waters Big FIsh kayaks are a branch of Feelfree kayak, and it just happens to be the brand I decided on. My first was a FF Lure 10 (paddle only) and this year I did a major upgrade to the FF Dorado 125 with peddle and motor drive.

I've seen quite a few of the Big Fish yaks on my local waters and they are essentially FF Lure yaks with different hardware, seating options, and slightly different keels. A 12.5 Big Fish I saw up close this year had the same type of cathedral hull as my Dorado.

The FF line is incredibly well built, well designed, and super stable (I'm a disabled kayak angler with serious balance issues and I stand in mine if the wind isn't bad) and easy to set up with their track system and from what I see of the Big Fish line it would be just as user friendly.

as far as your "kayak education" goes you might want to check out Chad Hoover. He has great content on his YT channel and is dedicated to educating the kayak angler from newbie to tournament "pros". He covers everything from buying your first yak, to safety, and a million other "how to" questions, like how to paddle a fishing yak, loading and unloading, boat positioning, accessories, the list is endless...and highly useful...not just selling product X like so many others out there.

Shoot me a PM if you have specific questions about the Feelfree or 3 Waters yaks. Always happy to help.

J.Bass reply :

Hello all,

After reviewing and researching I like 3 Waters Kayak a lot. I found Brooklyn Kayak Company and right now have a super sweet deal going on. BKC RA220 11.6" is On sale from $1,497.00 to $787.00. Plus it has for 8 days 25% off with Code BKC which would bring price to $590.20. Thats a steal for a fishing Kayak. The colors and design is pretty well made as well.

Just wanted your opinion on Brooklyn Kayaks Especially the 11.6". Is this a good kayak? It has excellent reviews.

MN Fisher reply :

On 11/2/2019 at 11:33 PM, J.Bass said:

MN Fisher,

Thats a great job done on that trailer. I like how you designed it. I agree spending $500 instead of $1000 is much cheaper. I will def custom make my trailer to fit my Yak. Thanks for showing me a picture and helping me out on the trailer.

That price was for new - you might be able to find a PWC trailer used for less. Just takes a few tools for drilling the new main-run - a transfer punch to mark the holes ($10 at Harbor Frieght), a 3/32 pilot drill-bit, a step-drill-bit and of course an electric drill (I used my Ryobi 18v cordless).

Here's a pic of the original 5' main-piece and the drilled 10'.

Clean the new steel well - I used 'The Works' followed by rubbing alcohol. Then a self-priming paint that was rated for metal.

Run2jeepn reply :

I found many Jet Ski Trailers and Jet Ski with Trailers for under $300 today. I was searching for SeaDoo Trailers and not getting much. As soon as I searched Jet Ski..they all popped up.

J.Bass reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 1:16 AM, MN Fisher said:

That price was for new - you might be able to find a PWC trailer used for less. Just takes a few tools for drilling the new main-run - a transfer punch to mark the holes ($10 at Harbor Frieght), a 3/32 pilot drill-bit, a step-drill-bit and of course an electric drill (I used my Ryobi 18v cordless).

Here's a pic of the original 5' main-piece and the drilled 10'.

Clean the new steel well - I used 'The Works' followed by rubbing alcohol. Then a self-priming paint that was rated for metal.

MN Fisher,

I looked at Northern tool and seen the PWC trailer. They have one for multi use can store two kayaks. for $549. Would be perfect. Still going to look around for cheaper but so far the cheapest I seen.

On 11/3/2019 at 1:39 AM, Run2jeepn said:

I found many Jet Ski Trailers and Jet Ski with Trailers for under $300 today. I was searching for SeaDoo Trailers and not getting much. As soon as I searched Jet Ski..they all popped up.

Run2Jeepn,

I havent seen any Jet Ski Trailers under $300. Can you tell me where you went? I'm seeing them over $1,000.

MN Fisher reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 1:57 AM, J.Bass said:

MN Fisher,

I looked at Northern tool and seen the PWC trailer. They have one for multi use can store two kayaks. for $549. Would be perfect. Still going to look around for cheaper but so far the cheapest I seen.

The one I got was this one..

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612542_200612542

$529 new.

Run2jeepn reply :

Here are a bunch

Run2jeepn reply :

Couple more. Came across a ton. If you willing to drive a couple of hours. To me it's worth it. I've got to get a hitch first...lol, I'd bet if your willing to wait for that good deal. You could find one for $100.

There is also these. This one I'd Aluminum but they come in Steal aswell for about $50-75 cheaper. They are a kit.

Smalls reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 12:53 AM, J.Bass said:

Hello all,

After reviewing and researching I like 3 Waters Kayak a lot. I found Brooklyn Kayak Company and right now have a super sweet deal going on. BKC RA220 11.6" is On sale from $1,497.00 to $787.00. Plus it has for 8 days 25% off with Code BKC which would bring price to $590.20. Thats a steal for a fishing Kayak. The colors and design is pretty well made as well.

Just wanted your opinion on Brooklyn Kayaks Especially the 11.6". Is this a good kayak? It has excellent reviews.

From what I’ve heard, BKC is basically just cheap Chinese junk with no warranty or customer service. So if it breaks, you’re SOL.

I fish out of a BF 105. I can probably answer any questions about it.

It’s a tank. It’s heavy, and without the (extra $200) rudder it’s almost impossible to paddle. But I could probably do backflips on it, and I don’t think I could flip it if I wanted.

I think they go 25% off at Austin Kayak around either Christmas or New year. You can also finance through AKC’s site if that helps.

J.Bass reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 6:28 AM, Smalls said:

From what I’ve heard, BKC is basically just cheap Chinese junk with no warranty or customer service. So if it breaks, you’re SOL.

I fish out of a BF 105. I can probably answer any questions about it.

It’s a tank. It’s heavy, and without the (extra $200) rudder it’s almost impossible to paddle. But I could probably do backflips on it, and I don’t think I could flip it if I wanted.

I think they go 25% off at Austin Kayak around either Christmas or New year. You can also finance through AKC’s site if that helps.

I got the BKC. It was too hard to pass up for $590 with everything included. If it lasts me 5 years, its money well spent. Its got good reviews.

Smalls reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 6:51 AM, J.Bass said:

I got the BKC. It was too hard to pass up for $590 with everything included. If it lasts me 5 years, its money well spent. Its got good reviews.

Looks like a pretty feature packed kayak for the money. Use some of the money you saved on it and upgrade to a nicer paddle, for sure, though.

J.Bass reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 7:57 AM, Smalls said:

Looks like a pretty feature packed kayak for the money. Use some of the money you saved on it and upgrade to a nicer paddle, for sure, though.

Smalls,

Definitely will do that. Yeah for the price was great had stuff the other ones had. What paddle you like?

Smalls reply :

On 11/3/2019 at 9:39 AM, J.Bass said:

Smalls,

Definitely will do that. Yeah for the price was great had stuff the other ones had. What paddle you like?

I’ve been eyeing some of the carbon fiber paddles from Werner. Not cheap, but they can be a pound lighter. Makes a huge difference

HookInMouth reply :

As far as the $700 kayak range, you're going to be limited. If that's a hard number I would check out the new Perception Outlaw 11.5. It's not out yet (I think it's supposed to hit the market in the next month or two) but it looks promising for a budget fishing kayak. Just shy of 12ft. Perception is a quality brand.

Perception Outlaw 11.5

dickenscpa reply :

Back in September Hook1 was getting rid of 2019s to make room for 2020s and they are right on Old Hickory Lake. They let me try out everything but their wives and I settled on a Feelfree Lure and 25% off, plus 15% off all accessories.

To be honest I've went back 5-6 times as I've settled on accessories I want after kayaking for a bit and was there just this past Friday 11/1 and I bought the kayak 9/4 and they're still giving me 15% off all my accessories. To be fair I'm impulsive and compulsive and spend a lot though and 15% turns into a big deal to me. However, the manager (Matt) is SUPER friendly and helpful so they got my business anyway even if they cut the 15% off.

As far as a trailer, ya gotta be saavy. Harbor Freight had their 1720# $449 trailer on sale for $349 and their 1195# $349 trailer for $249. They're both never on sale at the same time and their 20% off coupon is not good for the trailer and other stuff, but negotiate and wheel and deal. I wheeled and dealed and came out of there with the 1720# trailer for $107 plus tax. Bought 3 sets of J Hooks at Academy $49 apiece and $46 worth of superstrut stuff at Home Depot and have a trailer to carry mine and my wife and two kids (4 total) pretty cheap. I also added bearing buddys from Amazon ($28) and I'm set.

I have a truck for when it's just me but a trailer is so much easier and lower to the ground I use it 99% of the time unless I put the kayak in the truck and go to the office and want to fish on the way home. Don't really care to pull a trailer in rush hour morning and evening but in the bed of the truck is easy peasy.

I live in Lebanon, TN and have pulled that trailer to Reelfoot Lake with all 4 kayaks which is about 170 miles one way at interstate speeds and to Chattanooga which is about 140 miles one way and no problems. First trip I was nervous about the hubs and checked them EVERY stop but no problems and they're fine.

I've never pulled my bass boat over 15 miles one way and that was back in 2008 and all the rest have been 8.1 miles to the local launch. Don't trust it.

If you get a HF trailer - trust me - don't pull it without redoing the grease in the hubs. Mine came with some blue bearing grease but I had no idea of the quality. I've heard some come with a light coating of something similar to olive oil. I removed the inner and outer bearings of both hubs and cleaned with carb cleaner and repacked by hand the old fashioned way and then installed bearing buddys with Lucas grease. My kayak is only 92# dry and the wife and kids 42# apiece. I will never need to back mine into water but I have peace of mind.

If I bought any trailer new or used I would redo the hubs. People just don't maintain them like they should.

Defiant Clone reply :

I am in the same boat as you and started looking for one about a month ago, so its great to see some good advice and recommendations here.

I have a ford escape (Company Car) and I have looked into methods for putting in on top of the car instead of on a trailer (i can't add a hitch to my car) if you are strapped for cash. They have kayak specific roof racks for under $50 that look to be removable.

I even read of some people making their own roof racks with rope and pool noodle cut in half then strapping the kayak to the front and rear on top of the noodles (not saying I would do this but multiple people stated they did it)

Nickyee55 reply :

I got my wilderness systems ride 135 for $450 and it’s a stable platform, good enough that I can throw 8” Hudds from it with an 8’ rod. Just keep a look out for kayaks in the area. I saw a bunch of good ones off Facebook market place actually. But I live in San Diego so water sports are really popular in my area. Good luck!

Harold Scoggins reply :

On 11/15/2019 at 12:17 PM, Nickyee55 said:

I got my wilderness systems ride 135 for $450

That's a good Yak, great score.

Nickyee55 reply :

On 11/15/2019 at 5:36 PM, Harold Scoggins said:

That's a good Yak, great score.

Yeah it was awesome, I love my yak. And it’s going to be a huge help this spring during the spawn.

GTN reply :

I lucked into a pair of barely used Jackson Liska's with paddles life jackets and fish finder for $1500 for the wife an I. I had no knowledge of kayaks before this. I need to stand when fishing and the Liska wasn’t quite stable enough for me. So I started looking for something better. Found a used Jackson Big Rig for $1000 and best better the seller wanted my Liska for $700. So I lost nothing and for $300 more I got a Big Rig.

So do your research and try different rigs out to get the one you really like the first time. There are lots of FB groups for fishing kayaks and I find them very willing to help.

Now trailers

Used jet ski is the cheapest and to me easiest to work with. I got a midsize 65” across one $500. It needed nothing but because I needed to carry two kayaks I just bought a set of bunk brackets $50 and made carpeted bunks for $20.

Bass Ninja reply :

I have had an Ascend FS12T for two years now, and its not bad. Its not the greatest, but it gets the job done. Like others have mentioned, I watched Facebook Marketplace for 3 months before I found this one used for $400. Its a little heavy to transport, but I still strap it to the top of my 2002 VW Jetta with the foam blocks and quick cam straps from Dicks Sportings Goods. I've always just done the two straps across the middle, with no bow or stern line, and I can go 80 on the highway without it moving around. Takes me under a minute to unload it when I get to the water. Now that I've modified it for a stern mounted trolling motor with foot peg steering, plus the rest of my gear, I can pull up to the ramp, unload, and be motoring away in under 7 minutes. All that to say, if you don't mind car topping it, and you're trying to save money, I would pass on the trailer. Also, the Ascend is ok, but its heavy in the water so its a little harder to paddle and it doesn't track that well. As soon as I can find several hundred bucks that my wife won't miss, I plan on upgrading. ????

Tizi reply :

I purchased my Jackson Cruise 10 Angler from a local dealer for 30% off. Prior year model, brand new $699.

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