[JBassAssassin]

So I'm looking to get into kayak bass fishing. Was looking for some suggestions on kayaks and necessities needed to start out. Trying to stay maybe under the $700 range (I know that's not much) for the kayak and major stuff. I'll be mostly fishing lakes, big ponds, and if I get some more info then local rivers (Charlotte area) and saltwater channels at the beach. Will mainly be used for bass but definitely will occasionally target some other species. Was maybe looking at a kayak like this? Any help is appreciated... Thanks

 

[Tackleboxhero]

So I'm looking to get into kayak bass fishing. Was looking for some suggestions on kayaks and necessities needed to start out. Trying to stay maybe under the $700 range (I know that's not much) for the kayak and major stuff. I'll be mostly fishing lakes, big ponds, and if I get some more info then local rivers (Charlotte area) and saltwater channels at the beach. Will mainly be used for bass but definitely will occasionally target some other species. Was maybe looking at a kayak like this? Any help is appreciated... Thanks

I'll begin this by saying you can go fish in a Walmart sit inside 250 dollar kayak And catch fish.That being said I've been seeing a lot complaints about Ascend kayak quality of late. I'd suggest staying away from the cheap, big box brands. You may even want to consider looking at a used kayak. I'll let the rest of the forum pipe up on their favorite models and all. However with your budgeting there are 2 immediate expenses you need to also account for. First is a paddle. Remember your paddle is your engine and you'll probably be swinging it more than your bass rod. Some guys get along just fine with el cheapo paddles, but most will usually suggest paddles in the $100+ range. Second will be your pfd. Don't buy something crappy you aren't going to wear because it's not comfortable. A pfd in the truck or tank well is useless. Again you are looking at dropping another 100 give or take. Everything else isn't immediately necessary and you can spread those damages out over time. If you are finding your budget limiting your choices, it never hurts to wait a month or two beef up the budget and/or find a real good deal.

 

[JBassAssassin]

Thanks for the info... I definitely have considered a used one and would love some more recommendations on brands and products. And yeah definitely two main priorities are a paddle and life jacket and then maybe fish finder... Also that's interesting to hear about the Ascend brand so definitely would like some more input on different models and brands.

 

[crappie89]

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/boa/4850763482.html

 

[agger]

Craigslist if your best friend i found a much better brand within my price range there, then buying from the box.

 

[JBassAssassin]

Alright cool definitely will check more on Craigslist and that seems like a pretty good deal. Any particular models or brands in mind anybody? Top ones for a good price?

 

[Tackleboxhero]

Alright cool definitely will check more on Craigslist and that seems like a pretty good deal. Any particular models or brands in mind anybody? Top ones for a good price?

Two good brands that may be in your price range used, that you will probably hear about, are Jackson and Native. I'm personally biased towards Ocean Kayak Trident since I have one. The trident series is in big box, but the quality has remained ok. I have one I bought from bass pro about 5 years ago and outside of the gaskets coming unglued on the hatches, it has served me well.

Generally speaking shopping for a used kayak is easy. It either floats or it doesn't. You can clearly see any major damages. You could also check to see if any of your local dealers have "blem and demo" sales. Blems are a steal as they are typically new and whatever the blemish is, is typically unnoticable. I had a Redfish 10 before that I got for a steal, brand new, and could never figure out what the "blem" was.

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

There are a number of good brands and reading back thru old threads here will ID many favorites. Perhaps more important than brand is determining how long do you think you need...longer will generally be a little faster, track better and have more stowage;
how big do you need based on your size and weight....plus the weight of gear you want to carry; how much should your kayak weigh...can you pick it up? and get it in and out of...or on and off of your vehicle or trailer. Quite a few guys get a boat too small the first time....or get one that is really too heavy for them to handle and load and unload.

 

[JBassAssassin]

Alright thanks for the opinions and info guys... Will definitely do some more research and check on some used deals.

 

[RouseD]

Should be some ncangler members in your area who would be willing to let you try out their yaks. That would give you a good idea of what would fit your needs best.

 

[crappie89]

I have a 12 foot native ultimate and love it. It is light enough and maneuverable enough to put through a pop up window in the back of my car. It is not self bailing, but I rarely ever venture out into big water with it either. That native manta ray listed above weighs 67 pounds I believe. Like others have said, just consider how you will be transporting it etc etc. A lot of variables go into buying one.

 

[agger]

the feel free molken is a great yak if you can find it in your price range key word is if

 

[JBassAssassin]

Thanks again for all the help guys, will definitely keep my eye out for some of these brands, and weigh all the variables before buying something. Any specifics on paddles? Anybody else have any other thoughts or reviews on Ascend kayaks?

 

[lewisfishing]

Don't overlook Ascend, either. My wife and I have one each and we love them. they retail about $500 for an FS10 and they are very stable. Just throwing another coal in the fire...hahaha!

 

[crappie89]

I have a carbon fiber paddle. While it was expensive, the weight you save with it is worth it. Especially if you are ever paddling against the current in a tidal area. That is another thing you will need to check out before you guy is paddle length. There is nothing more frustrating than having your paddle banging into the side of your kayak. If you're ever up near Raleigh give me a shout and you can cruise around in my kayak and see how you like it.

 

[JBassAssassin]

Lol (coal in the fire) thanks for the info... If I can't find a good deal on any of the recommended brands I might have to buy a new Ascend and hope I like it. And yeah a friend of mind just got a carbon fiber paddle and it is very light, really helps. And don't know if I'll be over that way anytime soon but thank you very much for the offer.

 

[Hondo39]

One of the best things you can do is find out when a local shop in your area is doing a demo day. They will let you try out different kayaks and explain some of the finer points. If you have never kayaked before that is a good way to test and see what fits you. Just be warned.....it is an addictive way to fish just my 2cw

 

[JBassAssassin]

Lol yeah I've been out a few times and it is definitely fun, but alright I'll check into it thanks.

 

[Bipolarbearfishing]

Perception kayaks are a great place to start, money wise pretty on par for what you're looking for and quality kayaks.

 

[dbeam]

I have a Slayer, a Nucanoe, and an OK drifter if you want to come this way or meet me somewhere I can bring any two and we can fish awhile then switch boats. Demos are good but fishing out of one is even better.

Darrell