Newbie wants to get into the Fishing_Kayak world

Hi all,

I live in Sausalito and finally have some money on the side that I could invest in a good Fishing Kayak. I am a pasionate Bass Angler but would love to take advantage of the fact that the BAy is directly in front of my place (5min walk).

I read up a bit on the different options, but would love to get more feedback on what people think about the different options.

Cheers,

Seb.

Welcome to the madness Seb    if you tell us your budget for the kayak, then we can make some suggestions but the best way to know what you like is to demo different kayak models then decide for yourself.

Welcome to the madness! Paddle or pedal?

Welcome to the community, Seb.  What is your size?  That factors in to what boats you may like.

Like Sonny said - try lots of different models to find what works for you.

Good luck - have fun! 

Do you want a kayak you can stand up in for sight fishing bass or are you planning on taking it in the bay's and ocean?

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome.

Here are some thoughts on what I think is helpful to make a recommendation:

I am for 95% a bank angler. Only every now and then I am lucky to be able to rent a boat or get invited to one. The area that I live in (Sausalito, Marin County, CA) does not allow any kind of boats on its lakes, which is a bummer!
I do live in Sausalito, which is a little town right at the Bay of San Francisco and I have a nice little beach 5mins away from my apartment.

So I  am looking into a  kayak that I could use to mainly go out in the Bay and ocationally use it to go onto lakes like Berryessa or Clear lake. I would need to get the right gear to transport the Yak on my car (Honda Civic) first though.

Since I have a very limited amount of experience/ knowledge about such kayaks I would love to ask the community on advice and guidelines on how best to approach this. It would be also great to get an understanding on what kind of investment I am looking at here.

So in order to better scope my preferences here is a list:

* I am 6'4'' (200 pounds) and I would like to comfortably sit in the kayak and stand up to fish while as well.
* Would be nice if I could bring my gf with me every now and then (we have a Sevylor Colorado HF Angler Inflatable Kayak, that is nice to take with us in the car but it is neither comfortable to go for longer outings nor very adequate to fish or go onto the Bay with it).
* I would like to have some sort of foot-paddle system (the 'mirage system' looks interesting, not sure about the pros and cons though)
* I would like to have some storage for up to 5 rods and a couple of boxes
* Adding the ability for a sail is a plus

* I would like to install a fish finder

My car does not have a hanger or anything, so I would need that as well. (Honda Civic). Also I do not have a garage where I could put the kayak, there is a place nearby (on the way to the beach I was talking about) that rents Kayak space for 60 USD/month. What kind of other options do I have to secure it safely in the spot in front of my garage (from weather and robbery?

And last but not least. What kind of budget do I need to set aside for this?

My high level planning was:

* Kayak (can be used or a demo version): 2500USD
* Fish finder: 500USD
* Equipment (rod holder, etc.): 500 USD

I have been test driving the Hobie PA12 and the Mirage Oasis (tandem). THe PA12 was perfectly capable of getting my gf with me as well. THe Oasis was great for two, but did not seem to be a good 'just me on my own fishing platform'.

So, I am playing with the idea of getting something like in the range of a PA14 that is a great stable platform for open water but can also bring my gf along if she feels in the mood. SInce there is only a Hobie dealer here in Sausalito that I am aware of, I am not really familiar with other pedal (foot) driven options from other companies that compare to a PA12/14 or a Hobie Outback.


Looking forward to your thoughts and recommendations!

Best,

-Seb.

This seems like deja vu all over again.

This seems like deja vu all over again.

And how did you solve yours?

Hobie Adventure Island (used, late model) is what I'd suggest.

Hobie Adventure Island (used, late model) is what I'd suggest.

but isn't that more of a pure sailing yak? I am not sure how I would use it on a lake to bass fish ... 

Hobie Adventure Island (used, late model) is what I'd suggest.

but isn't that more of a pure sailing yak? I am not sure how I would use it on a lake to bass fish ... 

Beauty of the AI is you can fish it in any configuration, as a kayak, kayak w/ one outrigger or two, or full set up. I usually fish it fully set up and rigged. Able to fish and stay out longer than if i were fishing a regular kayak. Rough current and winds no problem. Able to stand up fish and move around if I want. Then I can't always sail back to my launch.

Hobie Adventure Island (used, late model) is what I'd suggest.

but isn't that more of a pure sailing yak? I am not sure how I would use it on a lake to bass fish ... 

Beauty of the AI is you can fish it in any configuration, as a kayak, kayak w/ one outrigger or two, or full set up. I usually fish it fully set up and rigged. Able to fish and stay out longer than if i were fishing a regular kayak. Rough current and winds no problem. Able to stand up fish and move around if I want. Then I can't always sail back to my launch.

That sounds really good for Ocean use. How does it behave on a lake, when I would like to purely fish for Bass? Would I be able to use it with the side arms? How stable is it without those?

Also it seems that the AI is a bit over my budget with all the items I would need to add (fishfinder, etc. )

The AI fishes just as well on a lake. Fishing with one outrigger provides enough stability to stand up if you like. It will also get you to the fishing spots faster than an Outback or PA.  All those kayaks will do what you ask. Some will just do certain things better. 

It sounds like the Outback might be a good starting point for you. Great for bass fishing and for the ocean. PA is awesome as well, but it's HEAVY.

There are also a bunch of other kayaks offering pedals this year. Native has offered the Slayer Propel for a while now.  There's also the Santa Cruz Kayaks' Raptor G2 with drive cartridge. Very stable and a fisherman's delight.   Old Town is offering some exciting models too, but you'll have to wait for full production release.

It's a good time to be a kayak fisherman.  But, just know, this first kayak that you buy.... it won't be your last. 

But, just know, this first kayak that you buy.... it won't be your last.

Very true. And the good ones hold their value reasonably well, provided you take care of them, so changing to a different make/model doesn't have to be a huge expense. Of course, some people just collect as many kayaks as possible.

Welcome,
The PA 12 and 14 are big and heavy so transporting them is going to be an issue. Getting them to and from the water is also a lot more work.
They are very stable in the ocean except for when a swell picks you up when landing can get exciting. I have a PA12 and think I should of gone with an Outback for the ease of transportation. My wife has a Revo 11 and loves it you can pick it up with one hand but you cant stand up in it.