Kayak Recommendations

[Lard Almighty]

I'm looking into buying a fishing kayak. I'm pretty certain I want a 12' sit-on-top version; I need the extra stability as a 270 lb fattie. Anybody have any recommendations for a brand/model? I will also need to buy a car-top rack for it. Any suggestions for accessories, besides paddle, life jacket, and (maybe) fish finder? I plan to be doing mostly river and small lake fishing. I have a $1,500 budget to work with (for everything). I'd appreciate any advice, since I have never even sat in a kayak before.

[PeteyHD]

Hobie! I have a Revolution 13 but you might want to check out the outback since it’s more stable and you won’t be cutting through any ocean surf or chop. The new pro angler is very sweet looking but I wouldn’t want to try to put that on a roof solo. If you have a truck or trailer that’s a freshwater beast!

As far as accessories all you need is a roof rack. I never bought any of the kayak specific rack accessories, just put the kayak upside down and use a few ratchet straps. I use a lowrance fishfinder/gps and it’s great.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out.

[fishingmortgageman]

I would look for a used wilderness radar 135 or ride 135. I am also on the large side and sold my Hobie and found much better stability in the wilderness. Jackson just came out with the bite, which is a no frills fishing kayak. I would definitely check craigs list and look used.

[NJSquatch]

Definitely go used and water test them. You will get some of the accessories with the sale. A bunch of fishing kayaks up on CL.

If you insist on new some of the retailers have demos you can check out. Ramsey outdoor in ledgewood is an example.

The biggest thing as a fellow big guy for me is seat comfort. Not much fun having a case of dead ass and being numb in the back side and legs. Had a sit in that my legs would go numb after an hour.

I bought a 10’ Vibe yellowfin sot off CL last year ($500) and love it. Can sit on that thing all day. Bought it as a no thrills throw and go option for when I don’t want to deal with the boat.

[PeteyHD]

Yea I think Ramsey outdoor has kayaks on Haledon Resevoir in the summer time. I know they do rentals but I’m sure you can test ride a specific model if you need to.

[XXlyakattacker]

I have an ocean kayak Prowler big game 2 I'll sell you for a good price. 12 ft & holds 600 lbs. Same one I use and I weigh 350. Has lots of track gear, super nova led lights, rudder, USB ports , ect, message mr on face book @ John Vojt or Instagram @ jv_kayak_fishing_nj

[Hookmanski]

I have a lifetime tamarack 10' (aka the walmart special). I believe they make a 12' verison too. for the price, it simply cant be beat. On it's maiden voyage i took it out on round valley on a whitecap day. Super windy, decent sized waves. I got wet but didnt lose any gear and felt stable the whole time. Got the Kayak as a gift from my lady, but she only paid $235 for it. Your budget is a lot bigger though, so there might be something else for you, but with one of these there is a ton of room in the budget for accessories. My 2 cents!

Whatever you get, enjoy it! This was my first year as a kayak angler and it really opened up a lot of water to me.

[dfish28]

I’ve had the Cobra fish-n-dive for almost a decade, no rudder or shite, put in a ff/gps... can kneel or stand up and pee... that is all...

[phil]

with a budget of 1500 you can definitely get a decently new hobie outback. troll craigslist, letgo and all the facebook pages. you don't need a "rack", all you need are crossbars. throw it on the crossbars upside down and strap it down. IMO it would be foolish for you to buy something new, spend 1500 and still have to paddle.

[briansnat]

I would definitely go used because you will likely find a fully outfitted (depth finder, rod holders, anchor, etc) out kayak for less than you would pay for a new one.

Some good ones that should come in under $1,000 are:

Perception Pescador Pro
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13
Riot Escape 12
Emotion Grand Slam Angler
Vibe Sea Ghost Angler 130

Definitely go longer than shorter, no less than 11 feet. It will be faster. if you shop around for used you could also probably bag a fully outfitted Hobie Mirage drive, Old Town Predator or Jackson Kilroy for about $1,500.

[Blackfishhead]

As others have said and I recommend it also go used for now . I have a older Ocean Drifter that came with everything except the fish finder for $500 and $189 I added a ff/gps combo to it.I’m going on my fourth season with it this year and it was the best thing I did. The only downfall is the seat/backrest it has the old style. The new style is like an adjustable lawn chair and are much more comfortable and you don’t get deadass. I just don’t have the $ to upgrade yak yet as the Tracker needs some upgrades.But I did look into the new VIBES that are out there.They are reasonably priced and you can stand in them.
Whatever you decide try it out for and hour or so so you can make sure you feel comfortable in the seat.
Good Luck and I can’t wait for the videos.

[waynemaxwell]

If you buy a decent used boat and you find out that it isn't for you. You might have "rented" a boat for $100 once you sell it.

If you got a good deal at the end of the season, you might break even if you sell it at the start.

If you buy a cheap, big box store, piece of junk. You lose more than that immediately. Getting a good quality boat will also let you enjoy your paddling time better. Unless you are going into environments that self rescue is a requirement. Don't immediately discount sit in kayaks. Many of these can be had for reasonable. Just saw a WS Pungo 140 in decent condition go for $400.