New to the Site and Sport - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Orca Winfrey · 01-02-2017, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoxFeesh

Hello, and a happy new year to all! I'm new to the site, and I recently decided to give kayaks a go. I'm as wide as I am tall (big guy), so I'm interested in any thoughts on which direction to take (brand, models, etc.). Lakes and saltwater usage would be the plan.

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but didn't see anything via a few searches. If any threads come to mind, feel free to shoot them my way. If not, looking forward to any other responses here.

Thanks folks!!

It naturally depends on your budget. Definitely a sit on top and at least 13ft long. Some brands are Hobie, Ocean Kayak, and Malibu.

For used yaks, Craig's is a good source, but you have to keep scouring for a long time till you find that one gold nugget. The for-sale section in this site is a great source for fishing-ready yaks at great deals and everyone seems on the up and up.

A pedal yak like a Hobie costs more but is fast and can cover lots of water. Also, you can fish, text, and eat lunch while moving. They also have a huge advantage against the wind. I have a paddle yak and a friend and I got caught in 20mph headwinds. He had to tow me back in with his Hobie Revolution because I was losing ground between every paddle stroke.

Lastly, don't cheap out and get a "starter" yak just to see if you like yak fishing. You will. It's is highly addictive and the most fun you will ever have. Welcome aboard.

HoxFeesh · 01-02-2017, 06:13 PM

Hey fellas, huge thanks for all of the input. I'm leaning pedal drive, but will heed advice and hold off till I have a chance to sit in a few.

DPevin · 01-03-2017, 08:54 AM

New babies decimated my budget when I got into kayak fishing. Great time to develop a habit right? That being said, I settled for a cheap kayak that would, "get the job done."

It works...but left wanting sooooo much.

My advice would be, that if you have the budget, drop the money. You get what you paid for. I personally don't mind paddling vs peddling, but their are definitely limitations and times where I would like to have a peddle yak.

Also, whatever you get, try and get something with a higher max weight capacity. I just got a bait tank for mine and the extra 40lbs or so makes a huge difference on my cheap yak haha.

01-02-2017, 06:13 PM	#2
HoxFeesh Junior Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 3	Hey fellas, huge thanks for all of the input. I'm leaning pedal drive, but will heed advice and hold off till I have a chance to sit in a few.

01-03-2017, 08:54 AM	#3
DPevin Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Dana Point Posts: 96	New babies decimated my budget when I got into kayak fishing. Great time to develop a habit right? That being said, I settled for a cheap kayak that would, "get the job done." It works...but left wanting sooooo much. My advice would be, that if you have the budget, drop the money. You get what you paid for. I personally don't mind paddling vs peddling, but their are definitely limitations and times where I would like to have a peddle yak. Also, whatever you get, try and get something with a higher max weight capacity. I just got a bait tank for mine and the extra 40lbs or so makes a huge difference on my cheap yak haha.