Pelican Kayak

[GreatCatch]

Im looking at getting my first kayak, I dont want to spend too much money because im in college right now. What is yall opinion on the pelican castaway 11.5'? I really dont want to spend too much money, but i dont want a complete piece of junk either. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated... Thanks

[Speckled_Tiger]

I think you need to be a little more specific with your budget for us to give good advice. You can definitely catch fish out of the pelican no doubt. But you will earn your catch. It has very little glide and lacks good tracking. With that said if that's all you can afford, get one and get it slimed! If can afford more, it would be money well spent. If you do get a pelican, upgrade the paddle immediately. The Carlisle day tripper is a great entry level paddle thats easy on the wallet ($25 at academy I think).

[marshdaddy]

If your heart is set on a Pelican, buy a used one. That way, when you are ready to upgrade, you won't have much invested. For the price of a new Pelican, you can find a much better used boat.

[elementfiftyfour]

Check out the Futurebeach yaks too. They are pretty inexpensive, about the same price as the Castaway, but they look like you get much more for your money. West Marine sells them.

If you have the cash in hand though I bet you can find a great deal on craigslist or through the forum.

[yak-aholic]

I have been fishing out of the same boat for about 2 years. It will catch fish, but there are many other boats out there that will do it better. I don't know where you're located, but the Academy on Siegen Lane doesn't even have Pelicans on the rack any more. They're carrying the Pescadore now and I believe it is a much better starter boat for not much more money. Give it a look. Also, there's Bass Pro Shops, they have the Ascend line of boats that seem to be a better starter boat as well. You just missed a good demo day at Baton Rouge Beach today with Backpacker, but there will be more to come. Hit a demo day and paddle a few around to see which you like.

[swampmonkey]

I got a pelican 130 for $400 at academy I fished two ternys placed In one and did ok in the other my only complaint is IT SUCKS IF THE WIND IS BLOWING it's like paddling a coke can in the wind other then that it's a great yak lol
If your budget is low get used or go with the 130 it's normally not on the floor at academy just ask to see the yaks in the back.

[GreatCatch]

Id like to keep the price under $400... Swamp Monkey, Would you recommend the 13 foot instead of the 11.5? I was thinking the smaller one would be easier to haul around

[swampmonkey]

http://184.72.239.143/mu/633d8fb3-9ea0-e42e.jpg 130 definitely,the rod holders on the other ones are useless

[Sandman]

I started out with a Pelican Castaway 100. It was what I could afford at the time and worked well. If you decide on the Pelican, get it and save for something you will want more long-term.

[jonalford]

I am gonna drop the price on mine to $225
would make a great starter kayak I fished out of my first one for a year and a half before I upgraded
then I bought this one to use as a back to bring friends with me
got the original paddle which would be my first upgrade
do not have the original rod holder( a Scotty one cost about $15) but have the triple rod holder

[revredfish]

buy what you can afford - love the boat you are in! The ascend (bass pro) looks better for around the same price but check with guys in the club that have one. I think it and the Pelican have the same issues. Keep your head in the boat and expect to get damp when you fish. Make sure you check the for sale list on the forum before you pay full price. JonAlford has one for much less. Buy it and use the 175 you save to add some gear. My first yak was a kingfish and I loved it.