First Kayak Recommendations?

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W.William
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2018/09/15 06:53:21 (permalink)

First Kayak Recommendations?

I am in the market for a kayak and wanted a few recommendations. I am looking for a kayak that is relatively small (9-10 feet), has a good amount of storage, ability to add rod holders and accessory mounts and is $600 or below.

It's here my interested: Vibe Kayak Skipjack 90
If you're a Vibe owner, would like to hear your experience with the durability and how they compare to other kayaks you've tried.
Did anyone use it yet? feedback?

Fishing Kayak
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21 Replies Related Threads

    solitario lupo
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/15 10:55:36 (permalink)
    The one your looking at doesn’t look bad. I have a feild and stream eagle talon and have no complaints about it. It’s going for 600 but I got it on sale for around 400.
    #2
    Ugly Stik
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/16 18:16:00 (permalink)
    A bit short in length. You would do better with a longer boat. Tracks much better.
    #3
    SteelCityAngler
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/17 08:38:13 (permalink)
    Yeah I would suggest jumping up to a 12'. A 10' boat is too small and doesn't track well. I just picked up an Ascend 12T this year and I am pretty happy with it. Used the 10% off + free shipping through Cabelas. I can load it on top of my suv with ease by myself. I can also stand and fish, which is nice, and my back appreciates that.
    #4
    Dan 81
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/17 10:55:32 (permalink)
    I have a buddy who purchased the Pelican Catch 100 this year and it's really nice for the money. I've seen it on sale as low as $550. Only advise to give is spend the money up front and get a nice one, even if it's over your budget a bit. I cheaped out on the first kayak I bought and I was ready to replace it by the end of my first year, I VERY quickly realized why the nicer ones cost a bit more. I'm a avid angler though, if you'll be using yours for recreation kayaking and other things you may have different considerations. Do your best to research what kayak will best fit your needs. Many kayaks come with rod holders that are completely useless (in my opinion), plan on buying and mounting your own, I use Scotty's, don't let holders and other small accessories weigh to much in you decision as they have a huge market of kayak add on's out there. For length I have a 10ft and have no issues, but as the post above mentions depending on your size and weight you may want to look at a 12ft ..Good Luck
     
    https://www.pelicansport.com/us_en/the-catch-100
    post edited by Dan 81 - 2018/09/17 11:00:05
    #5
    psu_fish
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/17 13:23:52 (permalink)
    My .02 cents is to find a dealer that allows you test out each kayak on the water
    #6
    Coljo
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/17 23:36:21 (permalink)
    psu_fish
    My .02 cents is to find a dealer that allows you test out each kayak on the water


    Sage advice!  I think Largo at Pymie rents kayaks to check out on the south end of the lake.  My wife has a sit-on Perception Pescador and I have a sit-in Perception Prodigy w/rod holders, anchor trolley, etc.... Has a hatch that with minor trimming that accepts a 5 gallon bucket.  Bought from Dunhams at about your price range.  Working with both, I would not buy a sit-on for a fishing kayak, although it is a personal preference.  Length @ 10' would be good for creeks, small waters, calm days on the other lakes.
    #7
    PaYakr
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/20 17:52:09 (permalink)
    Now is the time to buy with dealers having their end of season sales.  Wiegel on the Water in Venango County just posted they will be offering up to 40% off, with the ability to lay away kayaks until a week before xmas.  They are also offering demos.  Based on your wants, they will probably steer you towards a Pescador Pro or similar.  Do not get the Skipjack.  You will just kick yourself later and wish you went with something longer.  Rivers Edge in Leechburg just had their end of season sale but they would be worth contacting as they may have some left at great discounts.  They are also a Vibe dealer but I highly suggest you go no lower than the Vibe Yellowfin if you are set on that brand.
     
    #8
    fallschirmjaeger
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/21 08:23:56 (permalink)
    I'll throw my opinion in the ring...
     
    It really depends on what kind of fishing you'll be doing.  Since you are looking at a sit-on-top(SOT), I'm assuming you're only fishing flat water like lakes and ponds.  If there is a chance you'll be fishing creeks, where you may have to maneuver fast riffles, rapid sections and small waterfalls, in my opinion an SOT would probably not be the right choice.  My first fishing yak was a Future Beach 126.  It had 2 rod holders, a "dashboard" with strap on tacklebox, a pathetic seat, and one watertight compartment with a covered compartment behind the seat.  It was too tight for my long legs and our relationship ended after 2 years.  This year I purchased an Old Town Vapor Angler.  It's kind of like a hybrid between a SOT and a closed bow yak.  the cockpit opening is very long/large allowing ample movement and leg room.  However, it still offers the high sides and closed bow to enable me to navigate rougher waters when fishing faster creeks.  It also comes with rod holders and an anchor/anchor pulley system.  
     
    Me personally, I'd rather 'wet wade' (i.e. nylon pants and old boots) because I love the ability to make my presentation to a target area in the creek from any angle I think would offer me the most advantage.  However, I do yak fish from time to time and what I stated above has been my experience.  All fishing yaks are just hunks of plastic with rod holders that float.  But if you're going to spend 8+ hours in a little plastic coffin, my personal recommendation is to pick one that is comfortable for you and your style of fishing.  Your mileage may vary...see you on the water.
    post edited by fallschirmjaeger - 2018/09/22 05:11:30
    #9
    dpms
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/21 12:26:07 (permalink)
    I know its more than you want to spend but this kayak is still for sale if you feel like splurging. 
    https://forums.fishusa.co...tier-12-fishing-kayak/

    My rifle is a black rifle
    #10
    Ugly Stik
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/21 16:54:16 (permalink)
    Talk to Ryan Wiegel at Wiegel on the water in Franklin. Ryan has a bunch of boats in stock and won't steer you wrong.
    814-346-1463
    #11
    psu_fish
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/24 22:34:01 (permalink)
    Ugly Stik
    Talk to Ryan Wiegel at Wiegel on the water in Franklin. Ryan has a bunch of boats in stock and won't steer you wrong.
    814-346-1463


    Yup, he is the best kayak dealer in Western PA
    #12
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/24 22:41:04 (permalink)
    Wouldn't buy a canoe paddle there.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #13
    psu_fish
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/24 23:05:38 (permalink)
    Based on how many yaks and canoes he sells, you are the least of his worries
    #14
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/24 23:12:55 (permalink)
    Still be one paddle that will never be sold.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #15
    psu_fish
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/25 06:58:48 (permalink)
    BeenThereDoneThat.
    Still be one paddle that will never be sold.



    Who’s sulking now?!
    #16
    BeenThereDoneThat.
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/09/25 09:19:19 (permalink)
    Look into a mirror to see your answer.

    Hope you enjoy the Allegheny as much as I do. Tight lines.

    Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a life time. ~Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie (1837–1919)~
     
     
     
      Old fisherman never die; we just smell that way. 
     
    #17
    YakFishin
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/10/07 15:34:12 (permalink)
    Got my son a Vibe Sea Ghost 110. Great yak for the money, comes with paddle and rudder. Got a great deal a Rivers Edge in Leechburg last fall. They may have some end of summer markdowns...
    #18
    Dirty McCurdy
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/10/10 09:36:31 (permalink)
    Go with a SOT, Sit-in kayaks suck for all day fishing.  As long as you are looking at class 2 or less, a SOT will do you just fine.  
    #19
    randy123ja
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/11/02 02:04:47 (permalink)
    It really depends on what kind of fishing you'll be doing.  Since you are looking at a sit-on-top(SOT), I'm assuming you're only fishing flat water like lakes and ponds.  If there is a chance you'll be fishing creeks, where you may have to maneuver fast riffles, rapid sections and small waterfalls, in my opinion an SOT would probably not be the right choice. So, If you want to read some advanced fishing guides then also check out . 
    post edited by randy123ja - 2018/11/02 08:40:52
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    randy123ja
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/11/02 08:42:20 (permalink)
    I have a buddy who purchased the Pelican Catch 100 this year and it's really nice for the money. I've seen it on sale as low as $550. Check out more about fishing rods here on this site. 
    Only advise to give is spend the money up front and get a nice one, even if it's over your budget a bit. I cheaped out on the first kayak I bought and I was ready to replace it by the end of my first year, I VERY quickly realized why the nicer ones cost a bit more.
    #21
    randy123ja
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    Re: First Kayak Recommendations? 2018/11/02 08:43:42 (permalink)
    I have a buddy who purchased the Pelican Catch 100 this year and it's really nice for the money. I've seen it on sale as low as $550. Only advise to give is spend the money up front and get a nice one, even if it's over your budget  a bit. I cheaped out on the first kayak I bought and I was ready to replace it by the end of my first year, I VERY quickly realized why the nicer ones cost a bit more
    #22
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