What kind of Kayak to buy?

[hard ripples]

I am looking to buy a kayak. I want something to use in the bay and maybe do a few river floats. I will be maily fishing from this and want some storage and a stable boat. What are my options. I want to be under $500. I have a bad lower back at a young age of 34 and want something comfortable. Thanks

i am currently looking at a wilderness System Tarpoon 100 model. What length is the best??

[FishingRod]

I've never paddled a Tarpon 100 but use to own a Tarpon 120 and thought it was a good all around yak for river floats and the bay. You probably could find a used Tarpon 120 for around $500. You may want to stop by Annapolis Canoe and Kayak

Sea Kayak, Canoe Sales and Rentals, Annapolis Canoe and Kayak (http://www.annapoliscanoeandkayak.com/)

and pay the $10 to demo their yaks. Try the Tarpon 100 and the Tarpon 120 and see if you notice a difference between yaks.

[Capt.Nick]

The 100 would be fine for river floats.Shorter yaks can turn on a dime when negotiating rocks,logs etc.My son uses a 10 ftr. on Lake Lanier Ga.where there are ramps close to the fishing grounds and it works fine for him while live lining for Stripers, Spotted bass etc.for longer distance travels on tidal rivers a 12ftr. would be better,going in the Bay long distance(several miles each way 3-5 or more) a 14-16 would cross waves better and run faster.I use a 12 ftr. for rivers.I'd say go for a SOT,especially if you're new at the game ad plan on going out in the bay,regardless of what size you get.A 10ftr. will work in the bay,it will just be slower and limit your range.You'll also need a tall back seat for better back support.

[ictalurus]

I would opt for the Tarpon 120 because the 100 wouldn't be much fun in the Bay. Lots of guys use 120s for river floats (including my father and I), and you can probably find one on craigslist in your price range. Also, keep an eye out for Eastern Mountain Sports coupons. They've been sending me lots of 20% off coupons, some of which even apply to kayaks (I called and checked). That puts a new Tarpon 120 at around $625. Not $500 I know, but a brand new boat for that price is pretty good. Also, the new seats on the Tarpons are unbelievably comfortable--you can adjust the height of the back, the angle of the back, and the angle of the portion beneath your thighs. I wish my truck's seat was that adjustable.

[hard ripples]

Thanks guys for all the help. I called my buddy that does work for Appomattox River Co. and they sold me a feel free Moken 13 new for $550. Seems like a good deal. I'm stoked and ready to hit some floats and some bay fishing since I live in Annapolis.:clap:

gotta trip set for Aug 8-9 in the upper James with some old buddies.

[Friday]

Hard ripples,
Do the water test before you buy Moken 13. I have very limited experience on a Moken (probably 13 footer) about 3 minutes. The first impression was that the model was not that stable comparing with other small kayaks (12’-13’). And it was pretty heavy. I did not like it at all.

I suggest you that take time and do some water tests on few more models that can be suggested by fellow kayakers. That way you can compare the models and you may re-define your kayak-needs.

Sincerely
Joe

[hard ripples]

Ok thanks. I will do that. They said they would hold it, they better since I paid for it.

[jazzconcert]

BJ's Wholesale has a Pelican SOT 13' for about 450 including paddles and lifejacket. Not the best make but a damn good deal.

[surfnsam]

i have a heritage red fish 10 qnd a new tarpon 120, the red fish is a better quality kayak and more stable. the seat on the tarpon is the best thing on it.i do like the hatch in the middle to keep stuff handy. might cut one in the red fish. at austin canoe and kayak.com $450+59 shipping to your door.

[mphillip]

I just picked up a Tarpon 120 Angler at Eastern Mountain Sport over in DE for $800 listed for $1000. If they would of had the standard Tarpon in any color but red I would have definately got it and rigged it my self cheaper. Dicks Sorting Goods has a Perception Caster angler on sale this week for $499.00 It is definately worth the look. measure 12' I actually considered this one for my first SOT as I have been fishing out of a Pungo 120 for two years now. SOT is definately the way to go. as is the 12' length


Mark

[Friday]

JWS,

I have a Prowler 15 and a Perception Caster 12.5. The capacities of both are rated 400 lb or more. I would not buy anything rated under 400 lb even though I weigh only 145 lb. Though there are some kayaks (that are rated at 350lb) are OK to me.

I am giving my Prowler 15 to my niece’s family because the kayak has been in her house (Long Island) and being used by her guests and kids. The reason I kept the shorter kayak (Perception Caster 12.5) was that I had serious storage problem. I have been using Perception Caster 12.5 for over 90 trips.

Perception Caster 12.5 is a good kayak for the money (Was $599 befor, $499 now at Dicks – comes with a Scotty Rod holder on the center console, anchor, two recessed rod holder behind seat and seat). It is a very stable kayak. And layout is very good for a fisherman (raised center console). I used in 3’+ wave in the bay. Only one thing I don’t like the kayak is that it is missing scupper hole on the seat area. So I am sitting on a puddle of water when the wave is over 1.5’. If this model comes with a scupper hole, I will recommend this model without hesitation. But missing scupper hole does not really bother me because I am always wet regardless the size of the kayak (any kayaks I used). Perception designers might have not thought that someone actually use this model in the rough water than lake. This thing performs like Prowler 13 (Rated at 350 lb) but more stable. Prowler 15 is faster than this but I felt this one is more stable than Prowler 15.

Joe