Kayak Advice Requested

[DMamba]

Good morning everyone. I have been tossing around the idea of buying a kayak to use for fishing. I live near the Nissequogue River and there is a nearby bay and perhaps even on real calm mornings going a bit into the Sound with the Kayak. I was lucky enough to get to try one out in Lake George a few weeks ago. I recognize the difference there, but still got a feel for it and what it would be like. It was enough that I think I want to invest in one and have done some research and as part of that research, I would like to see if anyone had any suggestions for me?

I am looking for a pedal kayak, a comfortable seat is a non negotiable for me, I don’t feel the need to be able to stand in it, and my current budget would support around $1,000 to $1,500. If the difference between that and spending a bit more is the difference between being unhappy with the kayak and being happy, I could be convinced to just wait until I can put some more money aside.

As someone who has only one time been out in a kayak for fishing purposes, any information at all would be super helpful. I’d be interested to hear it all.

Thanks!

 

[pequa1]

I have never used or wanted a pedal kayak but your budget will likely only get a used one. I started kayak fishing 21 years ago at the age of 54 and by ten years ago was hardly using my stinkboat at all, and eventually sold it 5 years ago. Except for livelining snappers, I eschew bait fishing and only have used Berkley Gulp ! or the occasional tin for casting in a blitz. I buy thermomolded Hurricane kayaks as they are lighter weight than the rotomolded ones you see at Dicks or West Marine. My 14' yak weighed 57 lbs and my present 12'8" weighs 48 lbs. Cost is about 20% more with a 20% reduction in weight. Weight makes a big difference to me given my age and size. I customized both my original Hurricane Phoenix 140 and my present Skimmer 128 by adding a Scotty, two in hull rodholders behind the seat, cats eye cleats, anchor trolley, and a safety flag holder in the stern. Everything available on Amazon and You Tube videos are excellent. Yes, you will be able to fish more easily with the pedal yaks but they add weight which was a no go for me as was a rudder arrangement. When I get a keeper I hook up a stringer to a cats eye which makes paddling harder but a nice problem to have. I don't use a kayak paddle bungie as I just lay the paddle across my lap while fishing.
Other things to consider. What type of vehicle will you be using? I started with a mommy van and a Harbor Freight tailgate extender. Since 2010 I have used pickups with a ladder rack. Easy to back down a boat ramp or use a kayak cart in a parking lot. There are a couple of guys here that use the pedal boats and they can steer you that way. Any specific questions, fire away.

 

[DMamba]

So, I guess I am looking at a pedal kayak because I am nervous to buy an only paddle kayak and wish I had the pedal one. I do want to easily be able to cover ground and I didn’t love having to basically hold the paddle while fishing. I put it under my legs in that one and didn’t like that much either.
Weight isnt much of an issue for me but still something to consider for sure. I do have a pickup truck to help with transport but haven’t gotten as far to figure out the best way to transport as of yet.
Used would be an option for me for sure. But would still need to know what to look for. I’m wondering if my desire of where to explore is too ambitious and would make it so there isn’t one particular type that would be best. For example, I do want to explore the Nissequogue river but I also want the option to get into the Sound. Maybe there is something that handles both well.
And I would welcome ideas for pricier kayaks because it would just give me something to work towards.
I feel like most kayaks I read reviews about have someone who didn’t like something about them. A lot of complaints about the Pelican Catch 110 HDii being super slow. Maybe because its 34” wide. What would be a better width to offer stability but not bog me down?
Also a lot of complaints I see about Brooklyn Kayak. It’s also tough sometimes to sift through who is just a super picky customer and what problems would I not be able to live with.