Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Kayaks?

I don't know anything about Kayaks. I canoed the Elk River 2-3 times. Can anyone recommend a brand/model for simple paddling a calm lake,and doing some fishing? Would like to keep it around 4-500 if it's possible.

No idea of cost but Hobie Cat is a big name with Kayaks. I saw pictures today of one that was turned into a fishing machine if that interests you.

Edit...Looked them up. Just a little out of your price range....like a couple K out of range.

You won't find a Hobie anywhere near that price or a Vibe. They are the Lexus of kayaks. You can get a good Perception brand from Academy
in your price range.

For that price, I would keep an eye open for a good used one. Determine if you want sit in or sit on top. A few popular brands - Vibe, Wilderness systems, perception,Jackson, Native, Feelfree.

DoA has a Pelican "The Catch 120" (12 foot sit on) and loves it. But, you won't find one of them new in your price range.

There are lots of videos on YouTube by people talking about what they like and dislike about different models if that might help you narrow down brands and models you might like. Then you may get lucky and find a used one in good condition.

If there is anywhere near you that offers rentals, you might consider going to rent some different ones and test drive them to see what you like and don't like as well.

Perception outrage are awsome lookin units...i been considering some kinda big pedal drive or a small micro/poling skiff. Im not owning big boats anymore...academy has decent selections. Old town,native,perception,wilderness systems,crescent,nucanoe,3 waters,pelican...they all offer something close to what your looking for...im a kayak and micro skiff nerd....an ive never owned one....i just want one really bad.

Mine is a sit on top. They are easy to roll, even the big Hobies,so Hell no to my legs being inside anything. The more stable they are the heavier they are. Do not even consider anything under a 12' one for a grown man. one more thing is watch the load limit. You want one with a load limit of at least 400 lbs. Lower load limit sits lower in the water too. Mines a Native Slayer Propel 13" I bought it off Facebook market place one year old. Don't think you can get anything you can fish out of all day both comfortable and safe for less than a grand.

It's not $400-$500 but the nucanoe frontier 12 is awesome for what you described. They are wide and super stable. You would have to try hard to flip it. It also had a weight capacity of 650lbs. Has a square transom for a trolling motor or small outboard. I just got one last month and have regularly fished Smith lake with me, my wife, my dog, 5 poles, tackle box, anchor, and small cooler all in the nucanoe. It's tight but not too cramped. I can even stand and cast with all that. The trolling motor on the back really helps if you are going to be going out a little further too. If I had known my wife was gonna love fishing as much as she does i would stick with a small boat and outboard for 2 people fishing, but if you are solo fishing and just occasionally bringing a second person, the nucanoe is great. But I guess that's all a moot point since it's double your budget. I would look for a used 3 rivers big fish 120 or a used crescent lite tackle. Both are $850ish new. The crescent is super nice and I almost bought one but I wanted the ability to carry a second person.

I've been kayaking in the backwaters and on the Tenn river for about thirty years. Wife and I use Old Town river kayaks. They are narrow enough to get along well and wide enough to be stable. Narrow and long = speed, less maneuverability and instability. Wide and short = slow, stable and maneuverable. Welcome to try mine out. I'm always looking for an excuse to get out again.

Perch, is that your yak?

Thanks for the info / offers. I don't mind going the used route, but need to do a little research on sit-in / top.

Yes Ernie.

Neat. What is the hula hoop for?

Thats a floating net dik hed !

Luv ya, bud. Ahead of schedule, but have
a good Memorial Day, Monday.

I’ve looked at em a million times.
I think the little bit nicer mesh seat that’s raised up a bit would be a must for me. I think it would add a great deal to your comfort.

Same to you brother. Stay safe

Academy has their 12’ model on sale for $499. Saw them yesterday and they look good. Haven’t used one, but you probably won’t beat one for that price at 12’.

It doesn't matter how cheap they are. If it doesn't have a stadium type seat you won't be happy with it or comfortable.

These are supposed to be pretty good. Several members have owned them. On sale now for $799


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