New to kayaks help 2025

MDbassin reply :

I am going to get a kayak for bass and panfish I was looking at the lure 11.5 but I can't justify spending $1200 on something I'm not sure I'm going to like. So I was looking at the moken 12.5. But its still a little pricey.

Could you guys point me in a direction to look at and what to stay away from I'm looking at the $600 and less range. I don't care about speed, I am a heavier guy (230lb) so a higher weight capacity is great and stable if its not suitable for standing I guess I could always purchase or make some outriggers to stabilize it.

I was looking at the field and stream eagle talon and the emotion stealth 11 angler.

Don't care about a console to add electronics later I don't plan to add fish finder to the yak. Maybe after I decide I like kayak fishing I will upgrade to the lure 11.5. Any help would be appreciated

Mike2841 reply :

If you're trying to save money I would look around craigslist for a used kayak. Also imo the most important feature of a kayak by far is the seat.

Preytorien reply :

I went with a Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90. Has a 300lb capacity, but I think that's a conservative number since I frequently push the 275lb mark in mine and it's nowhere near the waterline. Built in rod holders. Storage hatches. Pretty good package for me since I was also very new to the kayak fishing scene. I love mine, its easy to transport on my compact SUV, lightweight if I need to carry it any distance, tracks well in the water, and it's pretty wide so it's good and stable. I wouldn't say I'm comfortable standing in it, and they don't advertise it being standable, but I've seen photos of guys doing it. Might give it a look. It's $499 + $79 S/H

Vibe Skipjack 90

J Francho reply :

Get some seat time to find out what you like BEFORE spending the cash.

buzzed bait reply :

i'd take J Francho's advice and spend some time to find out what you like first. $600 or $900 or $1200 are all big purchases to me, i'd by taking the time to research and buy it once... craigslist is a good place, but they seem to go quick so check there often.

BPS Ascend kayaks are in your range and are pretty solid kayaks for the money.

NinjaAbassin reply :

I did a lot of research for about a month and decided on the lure 13.5... For the price including shipping plus the width, the storage and seat I personally felt it was the best choice for me. It's been shipped and on the way, super excited.

I would personally save and don't just buy a kayak because you only have a certain amount. I would save the total amount of a kayak you truly want so you will have no regrets and actually enjoy every time you're out on the water! Good luck ?

Choporoz reply :

Believe there's a dealer in Salisbury. Give 'em a call and see if they have a demo day. There's a big demo day here in VA in June. IIRC, the same company also does a demo day in Annapolis.

bc1 reply :

Started out with Emotion Stealth 11 to get into kayak fishing two summers ago and would definitely recommend it as a starter kayak. Sold it in Jan and got a Lure 11.5 two weeks later. Have only been out once this year but definitely a step-up in comfort and deck space with the Lure.

Death metal Fishing reply :

Im looking for a kayak on the lower end of the price range $350 at most preferably something with rod holders and possibly a sit on

Preytorien reply :

On 3/31/2016 at 3:06 AM, Death metal Fishing said:

Im looking for a kayak on the lower end of the price range $350 at most preferably something with rod holders and possibly a sit on

You'll almost certainly have to go with a gently used kayak to hit that price point. If you could scrape a few more bucks together or make some extra cash, my above suggestion of the Vibe Skipjack 90 would come in at an attractive price, and their customer service is simply incredible. I've never seen a company stand behind their product like them.

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 3/31/2016 at 8:30 PM, Preytorien said:

You'll almost certainly have to go with a gently used kayak to hit that price point. If you could scrape a few more bucks together or make some extra cash, my above suggestion of the Vibe Skipjack 90 would come in at an attractive price, and their customer service is simply incredible. I've never seen a company stand behind their product like them.

It looks really nice thanks for the suggestion

Caliyak reply :

Wilderness system tarpon 100 is all you need. If still wanting cheaper, perception pescador or emotion kayaks. You are giving up standing but with the tarpon you get the slide trax to add the electronics. Light, easy to carry and transport.

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 4/1/2016 at 12:04 PM, Caliyak said:

Wilderness system tarpon 100 is all you need. If still wanting cheaper, perception pescador or emotion kayaks. You are giving up standing but with the tarpon you get the slide trax to add the electronics. Light, easy to carry and transport.

Thanks for the suggestions. Is the lifetime tamarak 100 any good?

Caliyak reply :

On 4/1/2016 at 11:55 PM, Death metal Fishing said:

Thanks for the suggestions. Is the lifetime tamarak 100 any good?

Its a good yak but no seat. The tarpon has a great seat. A seat is key if you are fishing for hours. To me, a seat is important than stability, dryness and standing.

MDbassin reply :

I looked at the ascend yaks and I'm thinking about the FS12T it looks good and stable enough to stand on. But I still keep running across the feel free yaks and the Hobie's and I think dang if only I could afford one. Saw a video of the Hobie mirage pro angler and the dude walked from the back to the seat and pretty much stood on the side for a second and still didn't even look like it was gonna tip

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 4/2/2016 at 4:18 AM, Caliyak said:

Its a good yak but no seat. The tarpon has a great seat. A seat is key if you are fishing for hours. To me, a seat is important than stability, dryness and standing.

Yea the tarpon looks really nice just a little pricey but probably worth the price

Allen Der reply :

At 230lbs, the tarpon 100 is going to be a bad choice for you. even the tarpon 120 I wouldnt recommend for you. check out the perception striker 11.5 or look for a used wilderness systems ride 115.

GLK reply :

Been out a few times in the new Striker 11.5 and is very stable. Did't try to stand yet,thought I would wait till the water warms up a little for that.

MDbassin reply :

On 4/2/2016 at 10:56 AM, Allen Der said:

At 230lbs, the tarpon 100 is going to be a bad choice for you. even the tarpon 120 I wouldnt recommend for you. check out the perception striker 11.5 or look for a used wilderness systems ride 115.

I wasn't looking at the tarpon the other guy @Death metal Fishing was I don't know how much he weighs.... He kind of took over my post instead of starting his own *wink,wink*

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 12:12 AM, MDbassin said:

I wasn't looking at the tarpon the other guy @Death metal Fishing was I don't know how much he weighs.... He kind of took over my post instead of starting his own *wink,wink*

Lol ok

moguy1973 reply :

A friend of mine has a Lure 11.5 and he loves it other than it doesn't have much storage space inside. Allows him to stand without issue, although the added width makes it slow to paddle through lakes or long slow river pools. Has a great seat too.

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 1:47 AM, moguy1973 said:

A friend of mine has a Lure 11.5 and he loves it other than it doesn't have much storage space inside. Allows him to stand without issue, although the added width makes it slow to paddle through lakes or long slow river pools. Has a great seat too.

Thanks for the suggest but its way out of my price range

NinjaAbassin reply :

Have you thought about a pelican strike 120x? Don't know your price range but that might be good for you... Maybe let us know a price range and others can help a bit more

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 11:30 AM, NinjaAbassin said:

Have you thought about a pelican strike 120x? Don't know your price range but that might be good for you... Maybe let us know a price range and others can help a bit more

Oh ok my mistake i thought i said it when i first joined this topic. Its under $350 but ill go up to $400

NinjaAbassin reply :

I was actually talking to the OP. Who are you?

Death metal Fishing reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 10:49 PM, NinjaAbassin said:

I was actually talking to the OP. Who are you?

OP?

Choporoz reply :

Original Poster....as opposed to TJ (thread jacker)

MDbassin reply :

On 4/5/2016 at 11:30 AM, NinjaAbassin said:

Have you thought about a pelican strike 120x? Don't know your price range but that might be good for you... Maybe let us know a price range and others can help a bit more

$600 or less 600 being absolute max.... Also to add the storage I'm the back needs to be able to accomadate a milk crate. I have looked at a few "budget" yaks and people have said they either couldn't fit a milk crate in the back or had to modify the crate.

NinjaAbassin reply :

My first kayak had a milk crate it was a tamarack 120 but got way to small for me I'm 6'2" 195lbs... I think the pelican strike is good choice if you want brand new or CL for used. This picture was the tamarack 120

DogBone_384 reply :

I bought my Lure 11.5 in 2014 and was, like you are now, concerned about dropping $1,000+ on a fishing kayak. My first kayak was the Ascend 128T, which I bought more on price than anything else.

The Lure has a great seat, is ALL DAY comfortable, and is steady as a rock. I stand pretty much all the time when out with it, without a hitch. The integrated wheel helps transport it short distances quite well, with the exception of dirt/gravel ramps. It's light enough that I can still lift it onto my ladder racks at the end of a full day fishing, where my 128T is more difficult. Storage space in the Lure is at a premium, but I try to pack light.

I used a scupper mount for my Lowrance's transducer, though I believe the '16 Lure has a pod for it now. You state that you're not planning on adding any electronics. I didn't when I bought the Ascend, but that changed the more I fished with it. If you're budget allows, get a kayak with a pod/transducer mount. Electronics are getting so cheap, you'll be glad you did.

Of my two kayaks, I like the Lure more than my 128T, and the fit/finish is reflected in the price differences. I'm happy I spent the extra money on the Lure. If possible, paddle the models you're interested in before you buy.

If your budget is locked in at $600, you might look at last year's FS12T at Bass Pro. Their '16 looks great, but the reviews touched on stability. Bass Pro's return policy is pretty liberal, which helps.

Also remember that you'll need a paddle and life jacket, at the very least.

Best of luck with your decision.

wpwarhawk reply :

Here are a couple that I didn't see mentioned. Both have a lawn chair type seat, very important for me.

Perception Pescador 120 ... $829

Pelican Catch 120 ... $749

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