Fishing Kayak

[timmbur22]

Yes, you do get what you pay for. You are probably looking for a "Recreational Kayak" .......not a whitewater or touring or other type. These have a wider, flatter bottom and are a good choice for fishing as well. Next you must choose whether you want a traditional kayak with a "cockpit" and sides.......or a sit-on top. I have the traditional type, but sit-on tops are becoming very popular and are "self-bailing". (water runs right on out).

Some good brands you might want to check out are Wilderness Systems, Jackson, Perception and Old Town.....just to name a few of my favorites that might be within your budget.

Here's a site that might also assist you: http://www.kayakreview.org/

[SLP]

I have the Wilderness Systems Ride 115X Advance Angler and have been very happy with it. It is safe reliable and the "Advance Angler" model comes pre-rigged with some fishing gear.

I bought mine from LL Bean (can't beat their service) and while usually it is more than $1000 I had gotten an e-mail they are running a sale right now so when I read your post I went and checked the price and they currently have it on sale for 20% off which brings it just under $1000. You really can't beat that price for the quality and features.

I don't know how long it will be on sale but they do run sales periodically if you wanted to wait closer to Christmas, but not always with that large a discount.They do have other brands and models that are less expensive as well if that one is still more than you wanted to spend.

Here is a link to the one I reverenced above. Good Luck, I'm sure your son will love whichever you end up deciding to get him. That is an awesome gift!

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/81895...Value_0=Desert Camo&productId=1373313

[Drew1233]

I have the sitin model. I think its a future beach trophy 126 and I bought it myself a few years back. Personally I wish I would have bought a sit on top but I love mine still. Also you have to look at where he's going to be using it. A pond, creeks, lakes, etc. and just a personal opinion, the way I use mine (being a 16 year old kid) I'm a little rough on it. I take mine thought the creeks like Floyd's fork all the time and it's getting a little torn up on the bottom, which will happen to any kayak. That's why I would buy maby a $300-$600 kayak so when/if it does get torn up it's not as big of a deal. My buddy just bought a field and stream from cabelas and he loves it. His is a field and stream eagle run. Just make sure to look around and understand what fits him best.

[stoner]

If you want well under $1000 check out the basspro ascend. Decent reviews, but I can't say I've used one. I figured for the money it was a good route to go if I ever get around to it.

[robertdilbert]

best bang for buck is the perception pescador 12, it is an old wilderness systems tarpon 120. I would also look at the WS tarpon, the WS ride if he wants to stand.

[apb]

I have used an ocean kayak caper model for years. Sit on top. They have both angler and regular models. If you can use basic tools, opt for the regular model and do your own mods (rod holders, depth finder, etc.). Have tried a wilderness systems kayak and those seem real good too. You might look around for places that rent kayaks. Let your son try a few different ones and figure out what feels better to him. Everyone is a little different in what they like in a kayak. Also, many places that sell kayaks will sell them after labor day, so you could pick up a used one for somewhat less than a new one.

[KyLakeLunker]

Where are you located? With the new models coming out, you may look at picking a lightly used one and get more bank for you buck. Once you get the yak, don't forget paddles, vest, etc.

[schymad]

I'm in Richmond, KY. Not sure of any places that sell used kayaks, but that would be ideal I think. Know of any places?

[jcb]

I'm in Richmond, KY. Not sure of any places that sell used kayaks, but that would be ideal I think. Know of any places?

Canoe KY in Frankfort sells them. I think they also have their new ones discounted at this time as well.

[inrll]

Schymad, as you can see there is a different answer for each person. Nobody will be able to tell you which one is "best" for your son. I would definitely take the advice above and go to Canoe KY in Frankfort and try a few out. They are right on the water and you will be able to quickly feel the differences in these kayaks vs. just looking at them and speculating. Believe me there are BIG differences, even in very similar kayaks.

There is a lot to keep in mind when you are trying them out too. How big is your son? Will he be fishing creeks, ponds, lakes, rivers, large reservoirs? Does he want to stand while fishing? (fishing kayaks have come a long way and standing is fairly easy in many of them) Does he mind sitting in a puddle of water (cheaper) or would he prefer a "lawn chair" style seat (more expensive) that is becoming more popular these days? Just try them all, even if its a high end kayak, and if Canoe KY doesn't have a used one Craigslist might.

Just don't make the same mistake MANY first time kayak buyers (myself included) did and buy a kayak based solely on price then regret it and end up buying a kayak that truly suits you a few months later.

[KyLakeLunker]

I'm in Richmond, KY. Not sure of any places that sell used kayaks, but that would be ideal I think. Know of any places?

Quest outdoors carries some good brands. If you're looking for a place that has a lot to offer, check out Hook 1 around Nashville. Ton of yaks and probably can call down there and ask about used ones. I don't believe they carry Jackson which is what I'm looking for. How will it be transported?

[inrll]

Here is a great article on first time kayak buying. http://www.yakangler.com/blogs/on-th...e-kayak-buyers