Interested in getting a kayak

[AustinLA]

First off I'm new to the site but I already enjoy everything I've seen.

I'm looking to get a kayak due to one prolly being the most cost effective way for me to get on the water right now. I'm 6'3" and about 230 so I know I'll prolly need a bigger kayak. What would y'all recommend? I've looked at some pelican, heritage, perception, etc but really don't know where to start. I hope to keep it around 500 or less and would def want to buy used. Thanks in advance and any and all advice is appreciated.

[jchief]

Welcome aboard.

Many guy's here use yak's so I am sure someone will chime in soon

[Scofie95]

Pack and paddle has a demo day on saturday

[weedeater]

There's a heritage listed on here setup to fish, look in classified section

[AustinLA]

I can't make it to the demo day but that is good info to know. Also I saw the heritage and it looks good but I also found an OK trident 11 for the same price but no extras. Any input?

[weedeater]

I have a Jackson Cuda which is 14" and really enjoy it and the room that I have to place things, I am not a pro yaker by any standards nor do I have a lot of experience in any but from what I learned doing research is to buy longer if you can due to tracking and stability also Ship to Shore and West Marine does test runs on boats

[BassYakR]

14'' man bet thay thing is super light and sketchy :D

[AustinLA]

Cool. Thanks for the info. I'm just getting started so any and all input is appreciated.

[bmac]

Jump on that heritage redfish 14 in the for sale section. It's right at your budget and the extras are worth about $100 or so. The redfish is one of the most quiet kayaks out there and a 14 will be perfect for someone your size. Heritage is a good quality manufacturer also.
I would definitely go for that over a trident 11, especially if they are close in price. Tridents are very nice kayaks but at 230lbs id go for the reddish 14.

I've had about 7 yaks so far and am selling my boat to go back to yaks.

[LPfishnTIM]

i'm 6'3 265lds I got a 12ft Native redfish does well for me!

[RAGINJROB]

Demo before you buy anything. Make sure you figure in how much gear you will bring with you also.

[crazyfish]

Try them all if you are looking to fish not race look at the frontier nucanoe stable and comfrotable

[cajun bill]

Just saw a Freedom 12 on craigslist that really looks stable with the outriggers. Anyone have any experience with that brand?

[paublo25]

I would def recommend going to pack n paddle and demo a few kayaks first. You can go and set up a personal demo day on a saturday and they will bring you a few kayaks to try out at Lake Martin. I know it's a decent drive but the demo is free and there are plenty of people that work there with a lot of kayak experience. I know that some places charge for a demo so that is one reason why I say Pack n Paddle. There is a man that works there called Skip, if you do go check with him and tell him Paul Vondenstein sent you. I myself have had a Commander 120 and now own a Cuda 14, and I'll say that I loved both of those kayaks. I do love my cuda more based on tracking, speed and as weedeater said room for everything. But the best thing to do and what I preach to everyone that I take on kayak trips is to try out every kayak that is on your mind before buying.

[AustinLA]

Yea Im hoping to try out some soon. I would love to get a new kayak but I am def gonna have to go the used route right now. Any input on used kayaks is also appreciated. Ive found a heritage redfish, ok trident, ok drifter, and an ascend so far. I want to keep as cheap as possible but i dont want to sacrifice to much either. i dont mind paying for quality if its a good deal.

[weedeater]

TexasKayakFisherman.com, I bought my Cuda from a guy in Dallas for $500 less then a new one plus mine is rigged out...... they have a lot of used ones to pic from once you make a decision

[RAGINJROB]

Try calling P & P for their demo kayaks. This is about the time of year they start selling them.

Also have your cash ready.....when good deals come up on used kayaks they do not last long.

[Upmorthtex]

My 1st was a wilderness ride, prolly the most stable yak without outriggers you can get. Only hanged hobie last year and it's the best pure fishin rig I've seen. Really tho any thing that will keep your *** out of the water and get you on fish is great. Don't spend a lot on your first one as the more you see the mire you'll change your mind. Just get one and
Put it to work, your fishing will be in for a real change for the better

[LPfishnTIM]

hey comfort is something worth paying for! keep that in mind when your looking at different kayaks and look at details too. some kayaks that are bargain are not only uncomfortable but also are hard to fish out of for a long period of time and some don't accommodate enough storage or room for you to equip yourself right for a day on the water.

[swamp snorkler]

what do you guys think about this one?........
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/boa/3339914352.html

[bmac]

what do you guys think about this one?........
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/boa/3339914352.html

Native is an outstanding manufacturer, along the lines of Hobie, Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayak, etc.

The Ultimate line has one of the most comfortable seats out there. The boats were designed with fly fisherman in mind, especially with regards to standing.
The one thing about the Ultimate kayaks, which is not necessarily bad, is that they do not have scuppers. They are more like a canoe in that any water that comes over the side will not drain out. Now, that will not really matter if you stay in protected areas, like Choupique Bayou and such, but if you plan on taking out on the lake when it is rough, I would go with something that has scuppers.
My wife likes the Ultimates because you kind of sit in them instead of on top of them, so she has some added security.

All in all though, the Ultimates are great kayaks. They have this one for $675, brand new a 12 is $999, so I think that would be a good price as long as it is in good shape.

[swamp snorkler]

Native is an outstanding manufacturer, along the lines of Hobie, Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayak, etc.

The Ultimate line has one of the most comfortable seats out there. The boats were designed with fly fisherman in mind, especially with regards to standing.
The one thing about the Ultimate kayaks, which is not necessarily bad, is that they do not have scuppers. They are more like a canoe in that any water that comes over the side will not drain out. Now, that will not really matter if you stay in protected areas, like Choupique Bayou and such, but if you plan on taking out on the lake when it is rough, I would go with something that has scuppers.
My wife likes the Ultimates because you kind of sit in them instead of on top of them, so she has some added security.

All in all though, the Ultimates are great kayaks. They have this one for $675, brand new a 12 is $999, so I think that would be a good price as long as it is in good shape.


Thanks for the feed back.