now I want a kayak

[OnlySwimbaits]

I want a kayak. For those who have one or know about them whats the one to get? The peddle models seem cool because you can hold your position in a current or troll along, but what do i know? I cant afford a bass boat but I dont mind taking my time to trick out a kayak! 

what kayaks should i look at?

thanks all

[Bass_blaster]

4 minutes ago, OnlySwimbaits said:

I want a kayak. For those who have one or know about them whats the one to get? The peddle models seem cool because you can hold your position in a current or troll along, but what do i know? I cant afford a bass boat but I dont mind taking my time to trick out a kayak! 

what kayaks should i look at?

thanks all

What sort of budget you working with?
 

I’m a huge fan of my Hobie Pro Angler 14 with the 180 drive. If I get a new one I’d get the new version with the 360 drive. If you buy brand new then all in costs for a 14 with a good amount of accessories you can quickly get past $5k. 
 

My favorite parts of my PA-14 are:

- it’s very wide and stable. I stand while fishing a good amount of the time. 
- plenty of storage for big baits and other things

-180 drive is sweet, i use it all the time. 
- while Hobie prices are nuts for accessories, they do have some cool stuff. 
- I fish saltwater on occasion and it’s very capable in rough water.

[Bakerlounge]

best advice for a first time buyer is to find a local shop (Kayak City in Sac, Lodi Paddlesports or Headwaters (Redding) and demo a few different models and decide what you like. 

[danthefisherman]

If you just want to “dip your toes” in and get off the bank, the Lifetime Tamarack is a good value (<$300). I have one and love it for the money. I typically fish smaller waters though and pack light.

Larger pedal drive kayaks would be a lot more ideal for fishing lakes and such where you need to cover a lot of water.

 

[OnlySwimbaits]

Im wanting something I can upgrade, electronics, trolling motor, that stuff. Maybe some tournaments down the road. So a higher end one… 

[brootalititties]

If you’re planning on running a trolling motor then the pedal drive is a bit redundant, but personally I wish I woulda just sprung for the pedal drive cause holding your position in the yak is &quot;not allowed&quot; lame and the main thing that keeps me from fishing out of it more often. Trolling motor requires me to register it as a boat so I’ve avoided it for now.

[SwingAway]

Three years in and couldn't be happier with my old town 120 pdl. Very upgradeable, but pretty much all you need stock. Lifetime hull warranty and 5 year pedaldrive warranty. Very stable, functional, and comfortable. No regrets and I'd highly recommend.

[Fishingposer]

I got one for sale! If you’re interested. Located in nor cal. 
 

pa14 360 rigged out 

[jakevlastnik]

i know its on the upper end of the spectrum but ive had a old town autopilot 136 for a few years now.

same width as a hobie pa 14, extremely stable and easy to fish out of.

comes factory with a minn kota 45 thrust trolling motor with spotlock.

ive built mine out for tournament fishing with a pair of hds9 and active target and its a killer rig 

registration is 27 dollars a year so youll survive

 

but if youre going the pedal route im a big fan of the pdl 106 and 120 from old town!

[OnlySwimbaits]

Good stuff, thanks all !

[monkeyonthemoon]

I only fish out of a paddle kayak. I love my yak but a pedal or trolling motor would be a major improvement. If you ever fish current or the salt paddling is definitely a chore. If you like fishing for species where trolling would be a factor then get a hobie. My buddy got a hobie and he can go way farther more easily than I can in my paddle yak, hold in current, sprint faster, and stand up which is honestly a game changer. The only advantage to a paddle kayak is that they are typically lighter which means if you need to get over some rip rap or something sketchy to launch, you can do it without help.  

[OnlySwimbaits]

I just watched Mike Ike’s kayak video, I need to work some overtime!!!

[BrierBob]

This thing is pretty rad

[OnlySwimbaits]

Bob you made me laugh out loud!

[imightbefishing]

I fish out of a Nucanoe Frontier 12, its one of the widest and most stable kayaks on the market!  I stand and fish in it and have never had any stability issues.  I also added the Motor Guide Xi3 remote control trolling motor.  They have both a spot lock version and a non spot lock version of the trolling motor.  Lots of available accessories for it to make it all your own.  Lots cheaper than a Hobie/old town and quite capable in my opinion!