Cheap Kayak Pros & Cons

[C_M]

I am interested in getting into kayak fishing. What is your opinion on a cheap kayak like this one for $199 from Dicks Sporting.

I would plan to attach a rod holder.

Thanks for any advice.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=31230566

[phoenixkeith]

Its a step above a pool toy ! It may be ok on a small pond but I would never go on big water and definitely not the bay . You should look at a sit on top if You want to kayak fish . Dicks has the field and stream talon which will get You started with a good boat that is safe for all water types .

[EMSer]

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for...

[acwatkins]

My current kayak is a 10' sit in but is an angler model. It's great for lakes, reservoirs, and is bearable on the big rivers. If you are just starting out I'd say go for it, but expect to want to upgrade once you get more experience. I've been using mine for about 5 years and each year I get closer and closer to buying a 12' SOT with pedal drives.


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[J.A. Veil]

Take a look at this earlier post http://www.snaggedline.com/showthrea...hlight=Sam%27s.

You can fish out of almost anything that floats, but your ability to travel distances to find fish, to fish in different levels of wind and waves, and to sit comfortably will be determined by the type of kayak you use. Those of us who are avid practitioners of the sport look for more seaworthy and comfortable kayaks that offer storage and stability. The starter kayak you listed may be acceptable for "messing around" but is probably not the best choice for a starter fishing kayak.

[Donsail68]

I am interested in getting into kayak fishing. What is your opinion on a cheap kayak like this one for $199 from Dicks Sporting.

I would plan to attach a rod holder.

Thanks for any advice.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=31230566

You better off buying a used fishing kayak. You get more bang for the bucks. I much rather spend $200 on an old beat up fishing kayak than a brand new kayak that will not meet your needs.

Donnie

[yakscientist]

Don't let everyone try to tell you that a sit-in kayak won't work, they'll work just fine. It's really more important that you get comfortable with the limited space and mobility you'll experience while inside a kayak. I've only been doing it a year with my kayak, and it's a little pricier than the one that you posted, but it certainly has been fine all over the bay(s) and I would be comfortable in anything up to about 2 foot waves in it. It's a 12.5' perception sound. But yes, I do second everyone saying that it's best to look at craigslist or ebay or better yet, a local store for used boats. You could probably get a nice used wilderness systems, ocean kayak, etc for only a 100 or 200 more than that one, and it'll probably be bigger and more stable, and might even have some accessories already installed. Check the for sale section of this site too...there was a nice one for sale for 250.....

[rwh]

I have that kayak that I use on a small lake that I live on and it's good for that. Before I got a 2nd kayak for my wife, when she would go with me saltwater fishing and used my kayak, I used that one but only on the grass flats where I could put in and fish and never be in more than 3 or 4 ft of water. I paddled that thing miles around the flats and it was fun hooking into 30" reds and getting pulled all over, yes, I caught fish and it was fun, but after more than a couple hours, I always get a severe case of monkey butt in it. The seat is horrible, and I think adding a pad or other seat would make it more unstable. The inside is always wet and that's the only place to really store anything. It tracks horribly and isn't very stable. The most important factor to think about is that kayak has no type of bulkhead in it other than a little styrofoam under the seat, but it's not water tight. If you flip it in water over your head, you aren't getting back in it.
I would follow the other's advice about looking for a used one before using that one out in open deep water.

[eyedaddy]

There are some things that you might want to consider first. Where you will be using it mostly, flat ponds, rivers and the Bay, paddle or peddle propulsion. Your general condition and weight, they all have a weight capacity. Some kayaks are much heavier than others and as we get older the weight factor is something to consider as far as loading and unloading it. Are you transporting it on a trailer or car topping it. The best advice I can give you, and I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, would be to try several types out before you buy. The folks on here know of several places that rent kayaks and dealers that have some you can try.
Good luck in your search and welcome to Kayaking!

eyedaddy

[lovett88]

I use to own a kayak like that. It was ok for quick trips to the lake, I called it my grab and go kayak. I would take a rod a plano box, and it would get me out on the lake for the afternoon. It was fun while I had it but always left me wishing I had more "kayak". There are way better deals out there. If you can hold off and keep your eyes peeled in the 500-700 dollar range you can find really good deals on more "do it all kayaks" these will range from 12-13ft. But at the end of the day it has to work for what you want it to do.

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[manlystanley]

You better off buying a used fishing kayak. You get more bang for the bucks. I much rather spend $200 on an old beat up fishing kayak than a brand new kayak that will not meet your needs.

Donnie

+1

My biggest fear of cheep kayaks: is sea worthiness (e.g. flipping). Secondly, is punching a hole in thin plastic. There are lots of good deals in the off-season, why not shore fish for a while, till you find a good deal??? Like the old saying goes: Good things come to him who waits....