Low-end kayaks

[Yakn Salt]

There are a few "low end" boats that I think are pretty darn good. Those are primarily those that are older versions of great kayaks. The most obvious examples being the boats that are basically Tarpons in every regard but the seat (Pompano 120, Pescador, etc...). I think those boats are good enough to support an exploratory year of kayak fishing without being detrimental to the experience.
I have seen lots of guys have good experiences with the Eagle Talon too ...good in that it was fishable enough that they wanted to upgrade and stay with the sport.
A poor entry level kayak can kill someone's interest in kayak angling for sure.

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Glad you mentioned the Pompano and Pesecador as being pretty darn good. They are manufactured by Precision (Sport) and are the original Tarpon 120 molds. I am very happy with my Pompano 120 ($600) as I start the second year. I fish along side much more expensive boats of my friends, (often outfishing them), and can hold my own with any of them in regard to speed, comfort, electronics and basic performance. It is clearly not the boat of the of the higher end yaks but it does provide a very viable alternative to the fisherman who does not have the means or want spend thousands on a yak. I agree with the new buyers needing to be aware of what they are buying. Kayaking has exploded in recent years and there are many boats on the market that probably should not be. However, if you know what you are buying you do not need to spend thousands on a fishing kayak that provides a very successful and rewarding kayak fishing experience. I am very happy with my Pompano for the money. Nothing detrimental about it!

[Dimo]

Low-end kayaks

Low end definitely can ruin an interest.

The core of kayak fishing is 1) planning a trip, 2) equipping 3) getting to and back from your spot 4) scoping out fish (and catching). All (what I call the core) can be done in either. Does spending 10x to get an Outback-like experience get you 10x more enjoyment? I think so, but did spending only a couple hundred at first ruin it? No. In fact I got more hooked without he guilt of potentially having made another rash, impulsive purchase.

A caution on DEMO DAYS, rarely does one day cover the range of activities and locations that you might want to get outfitted for.


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[sparky1423]

Many folks who are new to the sport of kayak fishing seek out the cheapest kayak available. To a large extent, you get what you pay for. I was in Sam's Club this morning and saw a display of two Lifetime brand kayaks. The 8'5" Hydros model sells for $179, and the 6' Youth Wave model sells for $89. Both models include a paddle. However, these do not offer the comfort, weight capacity, durability, and seaworthiness that other kayak models provide.

I do not endorse buying this type of kayak for serious fishing use or to use in rough water. Low price is attractive, but make sure you know what you are getting.

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John, I actually got a chance to see these in action. Took my family on a vacation in Arkansas last year to mine for diamonds at a state park. We stayed in a run down cabin on a creek for the week. They had a canoe and three of those tiny kayaks, we all rented fishing rods for $1 each. My wife and kids took out the kayaks and I took the canoe. They all caught fish, it was a blast. Granted they are slow, don't track well....but perfect for what they were intended for.

[sega]

I'd use those all day to run shark baits! I actually might grab one of those lol. I've been looking for a beater kayak that I can run baits out with, and not have to worry about busting up expensive rigging, when I inevitably crash it on the way in like I have a habit of doing.


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