Kayak recomendations

Hey all you yakers!

Looking to get my first kayak for short trips to small local ponds that I can't trailer a boat to.
What's the differences of sit-in and sit-on (advantages and/or disadvantages)?

Size and manufacturer?

Looking on C's list for used one or new for under $500.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

For fishing you want a sit on top. The sit in’s are too restrictive and have less storage. I’ve fished in both and I’d never own a sit in for fishing. I’m personally a fan of the Feel Free fishing yaks. Hobie will mostly be out of your proce range. Jackson has a few that start under 1k so used for 500 seems reasonable.

For fishing you want a sit on top. The sit in’s are too restrictive and have less storage. I’ve fished in both and I’d never own a sit in for fishing. I’m personally a fan of the Feel Free fishing yaks. Hobie will mostly be out of your proce range. Jackson has a few that start under 1k so used for 500 seems reasonable.

Ok, how about size? 10' or 12' ?

I've got a Heritage Featherlite sit-in that I bought before I got back into fishing, when my main criteria were low price and low weight.

It's served me well as a fishing kayak - they go for $599 new so used should be well under $500.

The cockpit is pretty open and I have no problem storing two rods, tackle box, and other assorted loose items like a scale, water bottle, etc.

http://www.heritagekayaks.com/hken/featherlite9-5.html

I've got a Heritage Featherlite sit-in that I bought before I got back into fishing, when my main criteria were low price and low weight.

It's served me well as a fishing kayak - they go for $599 new so used should be well under $500.

The cockpit is pretty open and I have no problem storing two rods, tackle box, and other assorted loose items like a scale, water bottle, etc.

http://www.heritagekayaks.com/hken/featherlite9-5.html

Thanks Brett,
Right now what looks good for my needs is a perception Hook Angler 105 Kayak from dick's. I like the storage space behind the seat and comes with a lot of features.

Anyone have one?

With a $500 budget go new for $550 at BassPro 10'

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Angler-Kayak-Camo/product/14072306364312/

Light weight where you can pick it up with one hand and carry it, rod holders, plenty of storage, dry storage ... excellent seat which is one of the most important parts IMO. Only bad thing I can say is the hull isn't the thickest, don't drag it on the ground.

http://www.mafishfinder.com/view_photo_details.php?id=46729&pid=47

good luck

With a $500 budget go new for $550 at BassPro 10'

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Angler-Kayak-Camo/product/14072306364312/

Light weight where you can pick it up with one hand and carry it, rod holders, plenty of storage, dry storage ... excellent seat which is one of the most important parts IMO. Only bad thing I can say is the hull isn't the thickest, don't drag it on the ground.

http://www.mafishfinder.com/view_photo_details.php?id=46729&pid=47

good luck

I'll check it out, seat looks real comfy.

I own the http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-FS10-SitIn-Angler-Kayak-Camo/product/14072306364312/ and it is the newest version which is not as good as the old one. have had it for about two years. Not the best kayak for fishing . And my fs10 has bad tracking system and will always drift to the left very annoying when trying to paddle in a straight line. The seat is very comfortable and if it gets wet it drys very fast.A decent kayak for a beginner paddler but if your planning to go long distances do not buy the fs10. Over all if your looking for fishing kayak get a sit-on-top.Perception sells some nice kayaks.

I have a Feelfree Lure 11.5 sit-on-top. I highly recommend the FeelFree line of kayaks. They are well built, have a wheel in the keel to make it easier to transport, and being able to raise your seat up to 1 foot off the deck is great, but I prefer to stand and fish myself. Tons of storage, not incredibly heavy, and they are reasonably priced. I've always believed in you get what you pay for, so I recommend springing for a decent kayak if you plan on doing a lot of fishing.

The length of your yak depends a lot on where you want to fish. 10 foot is a bit short for the ocean unless you stay in harbors or bays with minimal chop, so longer kayaks are better for launching in the surf. I went with a 11.5 because it can handle both fairly well. I've never taken it to the ocean, but she sure it would do just fine. I stick to ponds and lakes in the South Shore area and my kayak is perfect for it.


If you have any more questions, send me a PM. I'd be happy to answer them. Check out Billington Sea Kayak in Plymouth if you live around there. They let you try out all their kayaks on the Billington Sea before you decide to purchase one

I own an '13 Ascend 128T and a '14 Lure 11.5, pictured in my avatar. The Ascend is great if you have a pickup to transport and are on a budget. It stores a ton, has an elevated swivel seat, and accepts a transom mount trolling motor straight away.

My Lure's fit & finish is better, is roughly 20 pounds lighter than the Ascend, which helps out when I have to lift it onto my truck's ladder racks after a full day of fishing.

The Lure's seat is as comfortable as the Ascend. I bought it fro Doug Gray @ Billington Sea Kayak. He's a great guy and lets you test paddle what he carries.

Both are stand up and fish stable, with the Lure just a tad more stable.

I know the '17 128T is supposed to be greatly improved over previous models and the new Lures have an electronics pod that my '14 doesn't.

Best of luck picking your kayak.

Just picked up an old town predator mx love it and very stable easily stand and fish from it with a wide open deck. If buddy wasn't buying my wilderness systems tarpon 120 I would offer it up. If I stuck to my budget would have gotten the ascend fs12t sit on top or the 10 foot model as well heard great things about the stability on both of those models definitely research before buying bought the tarpon when I started looking because of the great deal I got it for but just wasn't stable enough for me. Another year or two depending how much I use it I'm planning on getting a hobie with mirage drive

Just got back from basspro the ascend fs10t is on sale for 399.99 great stable little kayak would be a good choice

i got rid of my topper 10 foot and i bought an ascend fs12 last year. i like it alot, very comfortable.

Still have the urban camo for sale just picked up a green camo pdl spent three hours on it today peddling and not an ounce of soreness anywhere
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Damn, I'm jealous! That looks like a sweet ride.

I need a pedal yak.