Kayak Fishing

BamaLonghorn · 08-17-2009, 10:24 PM

Hey guys I am looking at buying a kayak to use for fishing. What do yall reccomend? I do want to add on a GPS or fish finder.

Chester405 · 08-17-2009, 10:42 PM

i would recommend getting a sit on top kayak. the one my dad has actually has fishing rod holders built in. it is called the necky dolphin.

sealion2288 · 08-18-2009, 08:44 AM

Sit on top for sure. 14' is a good all round length, 16' for more open crossings. I use a 16' Tarpon 160 for fishing the sounds around NC. 14' would be easier to transport and manuever is tight places, but the extra length is nice for long and windy crossings in current. A little more stable, too. I'm 6'3", 240 and stay dry and cannot roll it.

**JeepDVL45** · 08-18-2009, 08:52 AM

Are you gonna be fishing ponds, lakes, rivers, or the ocean? Lots of boats traffic? How big are you? Whay type of fishing?
I did the same thing a while back.....you can go two differnet routes, get a cheapo kayak from ****'s Sporting Goods, and then pick up all the bells and whistles that you want (my suggestion), or you can get something crazy (if you have the $$$) like a hobie, and use that. I found that there is a lot more to getting a fishing kayak then I initially thought.

BamaLonghorn · 08-18-2009, 10:41 AM

I am 6`0 190. I will be fishing lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Lots of boats will be around mostly large cargo ships maybe a few fishing boats every now and then. I will do all kinds of fishing so I want an all around fast and sturdy boat. I really dont want to hit over $600. I have no problem going to Scotty for all the rod holders etc..... but it would be nice to see what there is out there that already has some bells and whistles. I have done alot of looking and I am having a hard time making up my mind which is why I want all of your opinions.

**JeepDVL45** · 08-18-2009, 11:05 AM

I agree with the other posters here then, if you're going to do bigger water/rougher water, I would definately go with a sit on top that is self bailing (most are).
I was looking at a native watercraft Ultimate 14.5 Tandem....unfortunately $1500 was a bit out of my budget (and I'd rather put that kind of money into a re-gear)...and its more of a hybrid...and I'm on large ponds and smaller lakes.
I would probably go with a 14 footer too...if you're going to be on the ocean A LOT then I would go with the 16 instead....it'll give you a lot more room and a lot more storage, and if you wind up in the water, it'll be a little easier to get back on. For $600, I would probably go used....while you can get some descent kayaks for under $600 especuially now that you're hitting the end of the season, you can probably find a steal on craigslist. I would probably look for an Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler, or something like that....

good luck

A tarpton , like sealion2288's is a great choice too....

Robs01XJ · 08-20-2009, 01:29 PM

I have both a Sit in and a sit on top kayak. The sit on top is much easier to outfit for fishing and makes life easy if you want to step out and carry the kayak over a fallen log or something. I'm real happy with my Tarpon 120 (12'). I would skip the angler package and save money to rig the kayak the way you want.

**cubsin2079** · 09-05-2009, 02:08 AM

Check out REDIRECT texas kayak fisherman.comLots of people from the Houston area. Its a great site with lots of knowledgeable people. Im a member there. I fish mostly lakes with a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 (12ft). What you need depends on your size and intended use. They also have a classified section. You might be able to find what you want already rigged up.