First Yak

[MidCityGumbo]

I've been wavering back and forth about buying a fishing kayak for awhile now, but the sweet Spring air combined with my mortgage (and therefore inability to buy a flats boat) made up my mind.

Price is definitely a factor, but I want to make sure I get something comfortable & manageable. Living in New Orleans it seems like Massey's is the closest retailer with lots of options, but anything new & equipped looks to run $1000+. I was hoping in the $500-$600 range, and am definitely willing to consider something used. Craigslist and Ebay are letting me down, and I'm tired of waiting.

I've shopped around online, but not demo'd anything. I did find the Ascend FS12T from Bass Pro Shops; under $500 looks great to me, but I'm wondering if there's something I'm overlooking?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10213830_325014001_325000000_325014000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

Thanks for any advice or feedback ya'll can offer, and I hope to see you on the water soon.

[Glwlsu]

Check GetOutdoors website. They sell used and demo Kayaks. Also talk to Blake (at Massey's He is redhead on this Forum) and see what he thinks. Would think Demos will be sold by masseys afer their "two months of demo" days. Lastly I have an extra kayak (a pelican now and soon to be a ride 135) that if you want to try it out let me know. There are a lot of other guys on here that also have extra kayak and would be willing to meet up for a paddle. Best advice is find what you want and spend the money. You will be happier in the long run. Austin Kayak has a lot of "package" deals boat, paddle and lifevest for less than $1000 also.

[theoldcaster]

You are welcome to try boat my yaks! WS Commander 12 and a Native Magic 12

[Branch_Office]

Just curious since Bass Pro has a lake, are they willing to do a demo on the yak? Might ask and see what they say. It looks like they are either private labeling this yak or making it in house from what I read online. Everyone says seems to be a pretty good yak for the money. I would still check a few demo days to try out some and watch this site as well as others for maybe a good deal for something as well. Good luck...

[yak-aholic]

I don't know about Bass Pro, but I know I asked Cabela's and they wouldn't demo their kayaks. I think it would be beneficial to both of them to have a "fleet" of demo yaks.

[papawd]

they do not sell enough Yaks to bother with demo's but they do buy in bulk and some of there yaks are seconds and also no tellin how long they have been sitting in the weather especially the sun....check pack n paddle in Laffy,, backpacker in Baton rouge and masseys in New orleans ,,Pack n Paddle will demo a yak if You are interested the lake is less than 5 minutes away

[Paul Barnard]

I've been wavering back and forth about buying a fishing kayak for awhile now, but the sweet Spring air combined with my mortgage (and therefore inability to buy a flats boat) made up my mind.

Price is definitely a factor, but I want to make sure I get something comfortable & manageable. Living in New Orleans it seems like Massey's is the closest retailer with lots of options, but anything new & equipped looks to run $1000+. I was hoping in the $500-$600 range, and am definitely willing to consider something used. Craigslist and Ebay are letting me down, and I'm tired of waiting.

I've shopped around online, but not demo'd anything. I did find the Ascend FS12T from Bass Pro Shops; under $500 looks great to me, but I'm wondering if there's something I'm overlooking?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10213830_325014001_325000000_325014000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

Thanks for any advice or feedback ya'll can offer, and I hope to see you on the water soon.

I think that is a darned good deal. I'd get the non angler model and rig it the way I wanted. Here are a few links to surf through. Get one lets go fishing!

http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21561

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/showthread.php?p=858179

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[MidCityGumbo]

Ok I'm planning to head to Bass Pro Shops this Saturday and buy my first kayak! The deciding factor was an 'ok' from the wife!
BPS won't let me demo it, but said that if I don't like it I can return it within 90 days so long as it's not damaged.

Anyone in New Orleans or nearby want to go out with me on Sunday for a first trip? I've only fished once from a kayak so some patience with a newbie would really be needed. :)

[Speckled_Tiger]

you may want to verify what they consider "damaged". Scratches WILL happen so you want to make sure that is covered under the return policy. Also BEFORE you leave the store check the key points that may be defective: scuppers, drain plugs, and any spot that has screws preinstalled. You just want to make sure there are no hairline cracks that could turn into something worse. good luck and get it slimed ASAP!

[Choupique]

The boat looks like a good value for the size and layout of it. Never know till you try it.

[Branch_Office]

Since the yak is fairly new on the market, there is a lot of discussion and concerns on how it may perform. I agree with choupique on his comment as well. Most everyone has a "first" yak and it sounds like this would make you a good one at a good price. I think BPS will stand behind your purchase so go for it and be sure and post your pros and cons on the yak.

You will kinda be the field tester for a lot of people not just on this site from what I have read. Go get that kayak and get some slime on it and post some pics. If you need any help at all do not hesitate to post up and we will all be more than glad to help or give you advice. Good luck!

[Mojo]

Hey man, I'm new to this forum and kayak fishing. I bought a Pelican 116 at Academy for $400 ($440 total with car carrier package). Though, like I said, I am new to this sport/hobbie, I haven't tried any other kayaks, but I am very happy. I've taken on Lake Pontchatrain in some medium chop and to milder waters in Hopedale and other than winding up with wet ass, have a great time. I'm sure there are better kayaks, but for a beginner and for the money, it's not a bad idea.

[Branch_Office]

Mojo, there are a lot of members here as well as other sites that started with a Pelican. Hard to beat for the money. Even when you decide to change to something different (and you will) a lot of people hold on to their first yak for a friend spare. Welcome to the site!

[GreenWave]

That looks like a plenty versatile and fishable enough yak to get you started and hooked on the sport. It comes pretty well tricked out with two flush mounts, a scotty(ish) rod holder, paddle keepers and a cup holder. Add a crate and an anchor trolley and you're in business. I'm not a huge fan of those corrugated foot rests. At the very least, sit in the yak and make sure there's one that's a comfortable length for you, since there's no adjusting anything. At 12' long with a 31" beam, I'd expect it to be relatively stable, but definitely not the fastest boat out there. You may find that to be an issue later on when you start to get adventurous and make longer paddles to your fishing spots. The good news is that yaks hold their value pretty well, so if you decide to upgrade, you should be able to fetch a decent resale price.

So where's the maiden voyage?