I need help picking a Kayak

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

Not yet but early next year I'am picking up a Kayak. Well I need help with some information and any other Advice will be great. Ok this is what I plan on getting. Potomac Pathfinder 100 Kayak from Dicks also the Foam blockers to put it on my 2012 Nissan Altima, I already have a good pair of paddles life jacket. Oh I have to pick up a fly rod holder or leash which ever one works better? I'am not trying to spend alot nothing more than $400Bucks for the thing's I need.  Any1 know better kayak's? What essential's should I have with my? Pro's and con's on other kayak's in the $200-$300 dollar range. I know there's not many out there that cheap. 

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

If I were looking for an intro level kayak, I would get one that is specifically for fishing... what they today refer to as an angling kayak. There will be details engineered into such a boat that will help you.

More than anything, I suggest an SOT or 'sit on top' fishing kayak. The one you are looking at is a sit inside and for a couple of compelling reasons I would not recommend it. First off they are difficult to get back into if you get upset and capsize. The SOT is designed to be easier to remount. The sit in's are also relatively unstable, a big deal for a yakking newcomer. Most SOT's are very stable, at least more so than the sit in's.

Most big box outlet stores offer starter fishing kayaks in your price range. I've seen them for $300. You might find a good used one, too, if you hunt around. Try Craigslist, especially as people are selling water toys this time of year. Dont be afraid to place an ITEM WANTED ad, either - let people contact you.

Some things to look for in an angling kayak:

- SOT design

- Rod holders (leashes prevent your rod from going to the bottom should you drop it)

- Adequate foot room

- Comfortable seating

- Adequate stowage for tackle and sundry items, as well as food and drink.

One accessory which I find indispensable is a fishing vest. Mine has about a zillion pockets and I take all kinds of things in it. I also recommend a large hat, POLARIZED sunglasses and sturdy water shoes.

And once you are on the water, don't forget some toilet paper in a waterproof ziploc bag. When you need it, you don't want to be without it.

[Rex Robinson]

Angelo,  David is right on with the advice about a sit-on -top kayak.  I started fishing in a sit in style and quickly upgraded to a Ocean kayak Drifter SOT.  You find that with most sit in kayaks you are actually sitting BELOW the water line and with a SOT you'll be sitting several inches above which makes a big difference in fly casting.  Better storage options and much easier re-entry should you dump over is another plus.  Also if you decide on a SOT try to find one that has the foot pegs on a rail.  That is the only thing I don't like about my drifter, it has molded in foot rest and my legs have to rest on top of the ones that my feet are not in, which can be uncomfortable, after a few hours.  The most important updated to whatever you get will be an air cushion for your seat.  I spent $15 for a self-inflating cushion that hunters use.  Best money ever spent as I can fish comfortable all day compared to just a couple of hours without it.

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

Thanks for your advice guys, But refused in getting a angler version. I have been in a SOT and personally I don't feel secure so I do prefer a sit-in. I'am not getting my Kayak til early next year so I will do more research and see what I can afford. SOT are also more $$$$ what I have been looking at.

[Tim Cotton]

Consider a hybrid. A basic ultimate 12 can be had for under $700 new. Its a awesome boat.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

The Ultimate was the boat I was looking at before I got my Hobie Mirage. Sadly, the true fishing kayak market starts at your price range and goes up from there. Keep an eye out for something used.

The one thing I've noted with the sit in types is the lack of fishing dedicated features. There is a reason why the angling 'yaks have developed, after all. I can appreciate your budget and your devotion to the type you are after. At the same time, there is the adage that says 'use the right tool for the job'. I know lots of people do it, but I cannot escape the idea that a basic sit in is just a half-suitable compromise. I hope I'm wrong.

I have seen the sort you are considering in your price range. Even Wal Mart now has them. Im certain you will find something that suits you.

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

Tim $700 no way buddy. At that price I would just purchased a small Jon boat with a troller motor.

[Richie Brittingham]

Hello Angelo. I agree with David and Rex. I have a Pungo 120 sit in. But it is not the best fishing kayak. Harder to get into than a SOT. There are several SOTs on market. Wilderness systems has a couple nice models, but they are pricey. I would suggest Ebay or Craigslist. I have found that when flyfishing from my sit in kayak that the least amount of extras, such as clips, holders, etc the better. My fly line seems to get tangled in everything when stripping. My next kayak will be a sot designed for fishing. Fly fishing from kayak  is a lot of fun.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Now there is a truth that certainly applies to kayak fishing, i.e., "Less is More."

My problem is I'm a gadgeteer; I like to make a lot of my own gear and I want to have everything I own with me.

A kayak, however, is like the Space Shuttle - there is only so much room. Most angling-specific kayaks offer features like molded in trays, tackle keepers and so on that help you organize your gear. These are just the sort of handy, engineered-in features I've referred to already.

Regardless, you really have to work to pare down the stuff you DO take out on the water. I'm always culling and re-organizing the things I have with me. Much of what I bring is learned from experience. This is very specific to your locale and "style" of fishing and there aren't many hard and fast rules.

So, whatever type of kayak you use, keep an eye on the essentials. Expect, too, that it will be cramped. Some boats offer an open layout that alleviates some of this - Steve Crowders 'NuCanoe' comes to mind (out of your price range, sorry to say). But most of them never seem to have enough space.

Next comes the main challenge: keeping the RIGHT things both within reach and properly stowed. Nothing is worse than bringing a needed item, only to have it "migrate" out of reach because you didn't have it stowed well. For a sit in type boat, I definitely recommend a fishing vest, some inside monkey hammocks port and starboard and a small, behind the seat kit bag.

My vest has a Leatherman multi-use fishing tool, a pair of line nippers, hook hone, whistle, signal mirror, various lures, a camera-phone and a few small odds and ends.

Because I have a SOT boat, I can use a voluminous kit bag. Mine is a heavy canvas satchel found in a thrift store. The bag contains 2 medium sized Plano-style tackle boxes, two knives (a solid hunters drop point and a filet knife), a trowel for digging on-shore toilets, toilet paper, match safe, stringer, bio-degradeable soap, folded alminum foil, super glue, extra bungees and Velcro straps, sunscreen, granola bars and water.

SOT kayaks have another feature the sit in's don't - a hollow, watertight hull. This means they can offer interior stowage. For example, my center deck well is where I stow my anchor. When I'm on the water, though, the anchor comes out and my small cooler bag goes in. The forward storage well has some extra tie off line and secures my rod holders.

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

Thanks David, you are starting to open up my eyes now on a Kayak. I do see some major disadvantages in a sit-in mostly on the fly casting for me owning a 7'6'' fly rod I can see smacking the water behind me. With the room it won't be an issue, I have all my gear I need I keep in a little tackle bag that is only 11in by 6in also have some water bottles. I cannot find a nice decent SOT Kayak in my range they are pricey in the high 400s which some don't include sits. I did see a nice SOT which priced at $500 and it was a Hobie Malibu Mini-X Kayak. But that is just out of my range by alot. David I have checked on craigslist and other sites but they all almost staying in the same price range as new.  

[Richie Brittingham]

Angelo, David is correct. He makes a lot of good points. Another definite feature of a sot is that you can easily turn in the seat and get to storage behind the seat. Very hard to do in a sit in. Trust me. I have to keep everything up front. Don't get me wrong, plenty of room, but still not the best situation for fishing. As far as price, i got my kayak about 6 years ago from a dealer that also rents. At the end of the rental season they sell off some of the rental models at a discounted price. My model sold for about $850 new and i got it for $500. There may be a few nicks and scratches, but these are typically good crafts and should suit your purpose just fine. Of course you would need to wait until after the rental season. Just a thought. I would hold out for a true sot designed for fishing. it would be well worth the wait.

[Angelo C Mastrando Jr.]

I probaly just got to get the Kayak that I was looking at. The BPS Ascend A-10 for $300, or maybe the future beach trophy 126 Kayak which is a angler kayak which only includes a dry storage area and 2 rod holders priced at $370 but have heard that it don't track straight 

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Do what you must, Angelo. The 126 doesn't look too bad. Certainly it is a place to start. The kayak is a tool, one used to get you where you want to be.

As you intend to fly fish, most any kayak will present you with the same problem, anyway: Casting is always going to be difficult.

You may wish to consider spin/bait fishing as your main technique, setting fur and feather whipping as secondary.