There are a ton of options to choose from. As perch mentioned, a sit on top will likely be your better choice just in case you tip it over. One option to look for would be rod holders if you are serious about fishing. Makes life much easier until you skirt close by some low limbs along a river bank.. hahaha. I've had my wilderness systems and Jackson in everything from small creeks to a mile off the beach in the gulf. All but one of mine were used. If you are patient, you can find some good deals on good boats.
Just a couple of more comments - the higher the seat the higher the risk of flipping. Its that whole center of gravity thing. The lower you sit the more stable the boat. If you have a high seat then I'd recommend a wider kayak. The wider the kayak the slower it is. You lean one way, the kayak goes the other. The narrower the kayak - the quicker it will roll. As far as the sit on top vs the enclosed - for fishing and lots of movement and gear they work best because of accessibility. All mine are enclosed because I don't like getting wet and 90% of my playing around is in the winter and the boat provides protection from the wind and rain plus I can stuff everything the the front and back and keep it protected and it doesn't get hung up on limbs and things. I've added a front and rear rack to mine for hunting. And when you roll it - you will - and most likely when getting in and out - you'll get out of it. Not like you are wearing a seat belt or are strapped in . in the winter I always have a dry bag with a change of clothes.
BowtechDan these Kayaks are really good and stable. They’re heavier than a lot of other kayaks but for the type paddling you mentioned these do well. Mine is an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13. I’ve been happy with it too. Both are out of your price range new but used possibly can fall in there.
I bought a perception sound 10.5, mainly for getting in places to deer hunt, but have fished out of it too. Seat is comfortable, paddles well and is in your budget.
Don’t have much experience fishing out of one. I have a sit inside old town and it’s tough to fish out of. If I was buying one for fishing I would go sit on top. Always like the looks of the perceptions. Nucanoe I have looked at look like a creek fishing machine. I would take some of the members up on their offer and see what you like then look on FB marketplace. Not sure of your age either but when I flip mine it can be a little hairy getting out of plus it fills with water you then have to get out.
Don’t have much experience fishing out of one. I have a sit inside old town and it’s tough to fish out of. If I was buying one for fishing I would go sit on top. Always like the looks of the perceptions. Nucanoe I have looked at look like a creek fishing machine. I would take some of the members up on their offer and see what you like then look on FB marketplace. Not sure of your age either but when I flip mine it can be a little hairy getting out of plus it fills with water you then have to get out.
If you get one attempt to get one where the seat is slightly higher. Not sitting on that hard plastic. Your butt will thank you for it. I know you have a greater chance of flipping it but most of the ones that have a lifted seat are wider. They’re much more comfortable to me.
Look at feel free yaks. The lure is what I see most of but I have the moken 10. I will be upgrading to a 12.5 version 2 but the 10 footer is still pretty dang comfortable. I am 6'1" and 265 for reference. Check out the yakshak in Pelham for new and Facebook marketplace for used.
Here is a video DoA shot showing and talking about his kayak and some of the modifications he made to it. As I mentioned before, his is a sit ON not a sit IN and his seat is removable which is convenient as he can use it as a seat out of the kayak as well.
When he sets the camera down you will need to turn up your volume until he picks the camera back up.
If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.---Winnie the Pooh
Appreciate the inputs. Saw a YT video on the Old Town 120 and it seems good and similar to the Ascend at BP. I can look on FB Marketplace and get a used one.
Appreciate the inputs. Saw a YT video on the Old Town 120 and it seems good and similar to the Ascend at BP. I can look on FB Marketplace and get a used one.
So what is the advantage of a kayak for fishing over a flat bottom aluminum? I have made many trips down our creeks in a flat bottom with a comfortable seat and have never flipped one.
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
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.
BowtechDan these Kayaks are really good and stable. They’re heavier than a lot of other kayaks but for the type paddling you mentioned these do well. Mine is an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13. I’ve been happy with it too. Both are out of your price range new but used possibly can fall in there.
I bought a Vanhunk Black Bass in Mobile for $750 OTD. It's a rebranded Vibe Sea Ghost 13'. Raised seating, rudder, etc. Side pockets hold small tackle trays. Center compartment lid has fish ruled molded in. Front compartment has drain plugs and can hold ice for drinks or fish.
So what is the advantage of a kayak for fishing over a flat bottom aluminum? I have made many trips down our creeks in a flat bottom with a comfortable seat and have never flipped one.
The seat is more comfortable and a yak is much more maneuverable and faster than paddling a job boat.
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." -G. K. Chesterton
So what is the advantage of a kayak for fishing over a flat bottom aluminum? I have made many trips down our creeks in a flat bottom with a comfortable seat and have never flipped one.
Kayaks are narrower and can get into places you would have difficulty going in a flat bottom boat. Thay are also much faster (unless of course you have a motor) than a flat bottom aluminum. They are also lighter and much easier transported. A kayak can go all day in 6" of water. Can also slide it over logs and stuff in a creek. No question about a flat bottom boat being more stable and comfortable though. Sort of like comparing a motorcycle to a pick up truck. I've rolled mine several times and and except for the one instance I was sliding over a beaver dam it was when I was getting in or out.
