My first Kayak opinions on some choices

I got a 1000 budget so I found a West Marine Pompano 120 in Sausalito for 600. I could buy a nice vest and paddle at that price range. A local shop has a demo Ocean Trident for 850. but at that price it leaves me with little to buy vest and paddle. Would the West Marine be a good first buy?Just thinking if it would be I could get a nice vest and paddle .

IMHO, spend the money on a quality, comfortable vest and marine radio. You'll keep these longer than your first kayak.

Deals on kayaks w/ paddles will come if you're patient... especially now that summer is over. Don't just purchase a kayak based on the pricepoint. Demo some models so you know which you like. Then keep an eye out for those.  If you purchase just because it fit your budget, you may find that the kayak doesn't fit your needs or isn't to your liking after you take it on the water. Then you'll be looking for another kayak anyway. There's a reason popular brands are popular and guys with experience fish certain brands.

Good luck!  That's why they call it Madness!

^^^
These guys said it all.

Thanks for the replies. I have found it difficult to find dealers up here in the north bay with boats to take out. One in Greenbrae doesn't have any fishing Kayaks I would be interested in,Petaluma has all over 1000 bucks,San Rafael doesn't sell fishing kayaks.I may have to travel for some dealers on water

I would look in Craigslist or keep an eye on our classifieds section. I picked up a Trident 13 with fish finder, paddle, and other goodies for $600 here from a super cool member.

I will look for events to attend. The guys in Petaluma were super nice and helpful.And maybe I will be able to do some business with them they said they could arrange to have someone bring a couple of boats to the river to try out. I am trying to set a date for that .

I got a 1000 budget so I found a West Marine Pompano 120 in Sausalito for 600. I could buy a nice vest and paddle at that price range. A local shop has a demo Ocean Trident for 850. but at that price it leaves me with little to buy vest and paddle. Would the West Marine be a good first buy?Just thinking if it would be I could get a nice vest and paddle .

I have the pompano 120. it's ok for a Sunday stroll on the lake with the family but I would not recommend getting one for ocean fishing. I bought at west marine for $400 hence was the time I created this screen name. best thing to do is be patience and get one that will suit you the first time otherwise you be like me buying 2-3 yaks before you find one you like. i spent over $1700 total before I settle with the OK T13 which is another $800. the only upside is that I can take the whole family on the lake for recreational kayaking.

I got a 1000 budget so I found a West Marine Pompano 120 in Sausalito for 600. I could buy a nice vest and paddle at that price range. A local shop has a demo Ocean Trident for 850. but at that price it leaves me with little to buy vest and paddle. Would the West Marine be a good first buy?Just thinking if it would be I could get a nice vest and paddle .

I have the pompano 120. it's ok for a Sunday stroll on the lake with the family but I would not recommend getting one for ocean fishing. I bought at west marine for $400 hence was the time I created this screen name. best thing to do is be patience and get one that will suit you the first time otherwise you be like me buying 2-3 yaks before you find one you like. i spent over $1700 total before I settle with the OK T13 which is another $800. the only upside is that I can take the whole family on the lake for recreational kayaking.

i yhought the papano 120 was a copy of the tarpon 120 ?  i take that boat all over the ocean. love it

I will look for events to attend. The guys in Petaluma were super nice and helpful.And maybe I will be able to do some business with them they said they could arrange to have someone bring a couple of boats to the river to try out. I am trying to set a date for that .

Look forward to being there. Bringing a kayak trailer with the prize boat as well as some demos. Is there anything specific people would like to try? We will have the Eddyline C135 for sure. Anything else? Can't wait!

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=67248.45

The tourney at Clear Lake next week will have demos. Post up, maybe he can bring a model you're interested in.

I am in the studio the next  FOUR Sundays before Our show Nov. 20th. Just got home from todays session and saw this does paddleboy have a shop somewhere here in the bay? Could I see or try some boats somehow ? I am really thinking hard about the Pompano 120 right now. I don't see my self going outside the gate.I will be doing lakes , rivers Bay and some slews.You guys are great getting back to me on the forum. Same as the gun and bass player forums.

The pompano is great! It's also sold under the Perception brand as the pescador. You can usually get it at sports authority under $500 and it comes with an anchor and Scotty rid holder. You will get a wet but though. Sign up for sports authority's league program. They send out 20 percent off coupons all the time that you can use.

Dan (paddleboy) owns Headwaters kayak shop in Lodi. Always worth a check out!

The pompano is great! It's also sold under the Perception brand as the pescador. You can usually get it at sports authority under $500 and it comes with an anchor and Scotty rid holder. You will get a wet but though. Sign up for sports authority's league program. They send out 20 percent off coupons all the time that you can use.

I have the perception pescador 120 as well. Identical to the pompano from w.m. and the 2008 and before tarpons.  Im glad that i got it, since a 12ft boat minimum is recomended for ocean fishing. This is my 3rd year kayaking fishing, and my first year in the ocean. I couldn't be any happier with thia boat.  Although i am planning to upgrade, i dont feel that i need to. It does the job for me in the ocean. Space, storage, comfort, and most importantly speed. I keep up with higher end boats no problem.

I got it from sports authority, but i dont think they carry it anymore.  I think it was like 699 with a whole bunch of extras. Paddle, anchor, car mount kit, tod holders, etc.  But ive seen west marine have older models or end of season closeouts for a discount.

They still have it. Last week it was $498

You will out grown the West Marine boat in no time. Get the Trident and find a way to make your budget bigger.