Opinion on Kayak?

[publican57]

The first question to ask yourself is whether you want a sit in or sit on Kayak. I would recommend a sit on top kayak for fishing.

Another question would be what you are hauling it with; I went with a small kayak (Malibu Mini 9'3"; 38 lbs). I needed the short kayak because I wanted something that I could put in the bed of my truck. If you don't mind fooling with roof racks longer and bigger one will be okay. The problem with a short kayak is they are slower. I don't have any trouble with tracking; but if you think you will do a lot of paddling you should opt for a longer kayak. If you are going to want to fish standing up in one; you need to narror your choices further.

I would recommend you consider going to Canoe Kentucky or somewhere else that you may be able to test a kayak before buying it.

Personally; I think the kayaks at Bass Pro are not as good as what they sell at starts with D rhymes with rick. Quest outdoors has nicer kayaks than both Bass Pro and D's; but also more expensive.

I am glad I got a more expensive kayak; they do retain their value and if you plan to use it a lot, you want something you find fun and convenient to fish out of. We have a $400 canoe we rarely use because it is so heavy. I do think with kayaks and canoes, you will get what you pay for. Generally lighter weight sturdy are going to be more expensive than cheaper, heavier, less sturdy kayaks.

[coombro]

No doubt consideration is to be given to your primary purpose. Fishing, crusing etc. Seen many people buy a kayak and not get what they wanted. So I bought 5 different models. I prefer the cockpit type with skirt. The skirt keeps the cold water out and your legs from getting burnt. lts also must if you need to roll. I do have one of the longer kayaks with dry storage that I can store enough gear in for overnite trips. Tracking and ease of paddling are a plus with this particular model. Longer means takes more room to turn around and trickier to handle around hazards. This boat won't turn on a dime. The weather should also be a factor as a sit on would get chili faster in cooler weather. Your welcome to come down and try some 7 different models if you'd like. I have 5 my neighbor has 2 and one of them is a sit on top.

[Diesel]

I really appreciate everyone's input. A couple of my buddies got me hooked on kayak fishing and they keep telling me how cool the community is, and you guys have really supported that. Just wanted to give an update as to my final decision (not to close out the dialog... by all means keep it up). My first time out on a kayak was on a buddies Ocean Prowler Big Game and after talking to him for advise, he agreed to sell me that yak for a great price so he could get a smaller one for his wife. We'll be hittin Elkhorn Creek on Friday for my first run as an official kayak owner

[walkeraviator]

Congrats on the Yak man... I am still waiting to have teh money to just go do the deed (been waiting for 2 years). Hopefully all of this overtime will make it work for me.

[DJD]

I really appreciate everyone's input. A couple of my buddies got me hooked on kayak fishing and they keep telling me how cool the community is, and you guys have really supported that. Just wanted to give an update as to my final decision (not to close out the dialog... by all means keep it up). My first time out on a kayak was on a buddies Ocean Prowler Big Game and after talking to him for advise, he agreed to sell me that yak for a great price so he could get a smaller one for his wife. We'll be hittin Elkhorn Creek on Friday for my first run as an official kayak owner

Congrats man! I have done a float with my yak on there as well and it was great. I really like it when it's flowing good.