newbz

[maccel62]

Hey guys,

So I've really been thinking about buying a kayak. Fell on hard times last year and had to sell the bayboat, so, here I am. I've always been interested in fishing out of a yak (esp when cruising down hwy.1 and seeing tons of people slipping their kayaks in the skinny water) I could use some serious help with choosing the right kayak. I don't even know where to start! Id appreciate any advice at all. Thanks! Kenny

[ijuswannafish]

The Backpacker would be a great place to start since you are in Baton Rouge. Talk to Tyler and he can help you. They have a demo coming up in Youngsville, at the Sugar Mill Pond, on June 18th. Our officers are trying to get them back for our Family Day this year. They will have a wide selection of kayaks for you to demo. Demo every one you can because you never know what you will like. They will also set up a personal demo on LSU lakes, for a small fee, if you can not make it to any demo day.

Here is the link to the Backpacker's website: http://www.backpackerbr.com/index.PHP

[Nobody]

Ok first of all you have come to the right place.

Second where do you live?

We have several sponsors in the area who not only sell kayaks, but also let you demo the yaks first.

In the New Orleans area, find Blake at Massey's.
In Lafayette try Pack n' Paddle.
I'm Baton Rouge try Backpacker.
I know there are several others as well as multiple locations for the one's I mentioned. You can click on the Sponsors link to find more info.

Welcome to the addiction!

[maccel62]

Thanks fish&Joe . I live in BR. I'm looking to get on the water asap. I can't be picky at this point. I'm hoping to find a deal on a used boat. I can't justify spending $600plus on a yak just yet. I plan on spending a week at my uncles camp in Grand Isle from the 17th on. I may just rent, but renting for a week would be like buying 1/2 of a kayak. I've just noticed that a lot of yall on the site talk about making the right choice and how bad you can regret not picking the right boat. I don't think it could be that bad huh?

[ijuswannafish]

There are many factors in choosing the right yak. If you make a list of where you plan to use it and what you plan to use it for it will help in making the right choice. One example of a bad choice would be to buy a 12 foot kayak and want to fish the gulf. While it can be done, a longer boat is recommended. Also if you will stay in the marsh then a 12 foot boat is the right choice. Also you height and weight play a big part in what options you have. Research is a must before purchasing a yak. The best research is demoing as many as possible. Once you have narrowed it down find a way to spend several hours fishing from the ones you have picked by renting, or borrowing, from someone. It is hard to make a decision based on a 15 minute paddle in calm conditions. Good luck on finding something and sometimes anything is better than nothing if it gets you on the water.

Here is a great deal on a used yak. http://www.bckfc.org/showthread.php?4835-2007-Wilderness-Systems-Ride-135-w-rudder-for-sale&p=59332&highlight=#post59332

It already has fishing mojo too.

[MDR]

Ditto the above. And don't forget to search our thread for many, many posts regarding yak selection.

[maccel62]

I fish marshes 90% of the time. I'm 6'1" 215lbs.

I was just looking at the yak in your link. Thats a fine rig. I want to keep my eyes open for a little while but I'm dieing to get out on the water.

[papawd]

DEMO,DEMO as many as possible...I have 2 different models Ya likely could demo just give me a shout.I am about 12 miles past the I-10 Mississippi bridge...