Getting my first Kayak

[tylerreid1234]

I haven't posted on here in awhile but still have been fishing like crazy, especially in our beautiful middle TN creeks. I've been contemplating getting a kayak for some time, especially after all of you kayak fisherman talk about how much fun they are. Just wanted to get some you guys opinions on a good kayak for under $500. It doesn't have to be specifically made for fishing but I want to easily be able to fish out of it. I am willing to get a used one also.

[Jmmiller33]

Subscribed to see what others say, I'm interested as well.
FWIW I'm gonna set my budget a little higher. I see a fishing kayak as more of a specialized piece of equipment. A watercraft purely for transportation not so much. Anyway, this oughta be good!

[tylerreid1234]

Originally Posted by Jmmiller33

Subscribed to see what others say, I'm interested as well.
FWIW I'm gonna set my budget a little higher. I see a fishing kayak as more of a specialized piece of equipment. A watercraft purely for transportation not so much. Anyway, this oughta be good!

Yep, I think we'll get some good feedback! I trust the opinions of the fisherman on this site more than anyone else!

[Rover1966]

Guys I went with the wilderness systems ride 115 from Hook1 in Hendersonville TN. I had a heritage 9.5 feather lite sit in and it handled great but I needed something more comfortable and durable. I recommend you find a shop where you can try a few yaks before you buy.

[Alphahawk]

Comfort...comfort.....comfort. If you don't like the seat you will most likely not do much fishing out of it. HOOK1 is a great place to purchase but also they can help you decide which kayak is for you. I have two...one for rivers....one for flat water. MidTNKayakAngler is one of the forums best at answering a lot of your specific questions.......and there are others on here as well who have a lot of time in a fishing kayak.



Regards

[txnative]

Taking a kayak out for a demo is step 1. Any if us kayak guys on here can wax eloquent on how great our boats are, but that is because they are OUR boats. You need to find what works for you. There are different designs in kayak hulls just as there are in fishing boats. Go to Hook1 in Hendersonville, and talk to the guys there. Explain yourself and your situation as specifically as you can so that they can help you choose your best options. They do free demo's, and I highly recommend doing so.


Chris

[Reel Tune]

Yes I highly recommend demoing. I've been demoing for 4/5 years now.

The two places that I know you can demo locally at are Hook1 (free) in Hendersonville, or Caney Fork Outdoors for ($50) a pop. Caney Fork Outdoors carries Jacksons, and Hook1 carries Wilderness Systems, Diablo, Mad River, Dagger, Feel Free, and they say they will SMASH anyones listed price. They also carry used/trade in kayaks and accept trade ins.

Hook 1 is the only specialty store I know of that will also rig your boat to your specifications for no additional charge which most of the time takes hours to do.

Different kayaks do different things well, there is no best kayak, only the best kayak for your situation.

Used kayaks are a great option also, and you can usually find them 30-50% off retail. Just check for cracks in the scuppers, fading, repairs, and warpage.

A good quality kayak should last someone easily 10 years of heavy use 2-3 days a week on average. So it's not a purchase that is short term, unless you're like me and just want to try everything out for a long period of time.

Jeremy

[Transplanted Sportsman]

what Jeremy and Chris said!!!, and BTW those guys at hook1 will work hard to get you a great deal and then some!!! no better folks around to deal with!!

[tylerreid1234]

Thanks for all the help guys! Im definitely gonna be heading down to HOOK1 this upcoming week!

[creeksmallie]

I acquired my fathers Tarpon 12 last weekend and fished in it Monday. It was awesome. I need a better seat.I floated with a nice breeze up stream about a mile and paddled back. TM's caught 70 plus fish. Alot of 6 to 7 inch smallies and 3 to 4 inch green sunfish. Next week will be beef up for the big smallie I saw!!!! I am saving for 2 rides now. Hook 1 is the place to go. Chad Hoover is the Bill Dance of Kayak fishing.
If you want to look at a Jackson go to Murfreesboro Outdoors.

Mike

[geckel]

I recommend getting a good seat with plenty of back support. I have two kayaks, one with a high end seat and one with a cheap gander mountain seat. Trust me when I say there is a big difference. Might hurt the budget though....my good seat was $200+. But when I go out I go all day long and being able to lean back makes the whole experience better.

[Reel Tune]

Originally Posted by geckel

I recommend getting a good seat with plenty of back support. I have two kayaks, one with a high end seat and one with a cheap gander mountain seat. Trust me when I say there is a big difference. Might hurt the budget though....my good seat was $200+. But when I go out I go all day long and being able to lean back makes the whole experience better.

Very true geckel and gret point to bring up. If your not comfortable you're not going to enjoy yourself. On a kayak you don't have a lot of real estate to move around. The good thing is most manufacturers have really been stepping up the comfort factor for the past 4-5 years.

Make sure you try them out with the PFD you will be wearing, and PFD manufacturers are offering a lot of great PFD that have high backs. A high back PFD is where the bottom is cut out of the back to allow the backrest to lay against the small of your back so you are not bound in an awkward position.

Jeremy

[Catchingtrout]

I went in to Hook1 this afternoon for the first time. Hands down the best retailer anywhere around. They are friendly, knowledgable and just good people. More businesses should be like they are.
They were very open to discussing products they don't sell and explain the Feature Advantages and Benefits of everything. They are happy to take you out on a demo so you can choose what is right for you. They aren't there just to sell you and get you out the door. My guess is that you won't leave unhappy.

They will even customize your rig.

I now see what all of the hype is about.

[Alphahawk]

Originally Posted by Catchingtrout

I went in to Hook1 this afternoon for the first time. Hands down the best retailer anywhere around. They are friendly, knowledgable and just good people. More businesses should be like they are.
They were very open to discussing products they don't sell and explain the Feature Advantages and Benefits of everything. They are happy to take you out on a demo so you can choose what is right for you. They aren't there just to sell you and get you out the door. My guess is that you won't leave unhappy.

They will even customize your rig.

I now see what all of the hype is about.

We are fortunate to have a shop like that in the Mid-TN area. I need to get back up there but it is a dangerous place for me....LOL.


Regard