Newbie Question - Take 2

All,

I thought I posted this today .. but I guess I didn't my bad ..

I am looking to but a kayak. After hours of research and looking at forums I have narrowed it down to 30 lol .  would like the top 5 in your humble opinion. New or used. Yes I will try before buying... here are my requirements

1) I don't mind slight modifications but would like one that is built for fishing

2) I am undertall (about 240) and would like a kayak to float above water level

3) It can't be pink

4) I will be mostly fishing bays and inland waters.

5) I am on a budget (kid in college) budget = 600 - 800

OBTW - A few weeks back at Alameda rockwall I met a friendly guy named Frank (Norcal Board Member) as he was launching his kayak. Nice guy ! 

The best advice I can give is to paddle, padlle, and then paddle. Start with the major manufacturers like Ocean kayak, Wilderness systems, Malibu, Cobra, etc. Find a boat or two in each that might serve your needs, then find out where you can test paddle one. Big events are nice for this, especially if there are multiple retailers there showing off their stuff.
For your budget I would recommend a used boat since you might find one wiht a lot of the gear (paddle PFD, etc) along with it.
Good hunting!

Why not show up at Mendo, during the CSBA tournament and try some of the yaks out, and meet some of the people. You guys don't mind, do you? There will be a few to try and look at. I will be the first to say that after I get done fishing, you can try my X-Factor. My son has an extra one that you can try out (If he dosen't mind. Wish I was his age again  ) Hope to see you there.

My top 5 would be:

Prowler 15 or 13
Tarpon 16 or 14
Cobra Marauder XF

Check out the REI garage sales and demo sales from kayak shops.

Scott

Go buy a Costco special.  That's how I started, and I think there's alot to gain from learning to deal with all the details of the trip first, then get more into the details of the boat.

Whatever you do, get on the water soon - there's no point to delaying the fulfillment of your madness.

 

WTTM!  checkout the local kayak shops for their used rental fleet. I got mine for 650.oo prowler13 from OutbackAdventures in SanRafael. 
like AK says,"no point in delaying"    it's spring! and it's the best time to FISH!

Hey all

Thanks for the replies .. I am torn between wanting to get on the water even if it means blowing up an air mattress and floating out there ... and picking one that will suit my needs without regreting my decision.
Been looking at rental places and I have an experienced Kayaker willing to give me lessons. I am really taking all the advice seriously and I want to say thanks. OBTW I am making plans to attend the tourney in Mendocino sounds like fun.

                                                                                           Les

GOOD DEAL!  if you can't find one by then....a rental or even a borrowed one would GET YOU on the WATER....and at least you'll be up there checking and looking at the other options......you'll see the most popular and effective yaks in one spot there.
We have 3 sites together along the waters edge..lots more TENT space.
They only allow 2 vehicles per site.....but 6 tents per site.
if you don't want to get your own site and don't mind parking in the overflow lot(close by i think) you can SQUAT in on our 3 sites(tent only) if you want.
Chime in if you want to in the CSBA tourney post.
It IS always fun in the sun....and lots of FOOD too!

Fishunter

Thanks for the hospitality ... I will take you up on your offer and join the crowd ... I really appreciate it.

 Hi leshigashi

     I did the first ELK trip and the walk down to the shore
 kicked my ASS! I ended up with a pinched nerve in my Hand helping others haul their Yaks up the Trail approx.
    Sean saved the day by letting me use his Home Brew Cart.  I'm not sure if he's making any more but, I would makes sure to have a Cart with the flotation Tires. The Washouts are a real bummer on the way down to the Shore.
                                                         Sea-Ya
                                                         Ernie
 

 




 

I went to Outback Adventures just to look at what they had ( I went to the place at Jack London Sq and Western Marine) I went there to look at a used Tarpon 120 Angler. It was in my price range. Upstairs there was a brand new one for 100 dollars more. So I bought it ... Yeah I know I should have tested it ... but sometimes I am just impulsive. Thanks for the advice guys .. I really appreciate it ..

Welcome to your new hobby.

You didn't get the pink one did you? 

NICE investment!   now you'll be puttin in sooner than you expected!
You don't need all the fancy stuff that you see to catch fish! 
keep it basic...after your PFD and other SAFETY ITEMS and SKILLZ are ON-BOARD of coarse!
WELCOME to the REAL MADNESS!     
&don'tFORGETaCAMERA!