Thinking about buying

[Ranger79]

I was wondering if you guys could help me out. I am looking into buying a Kayak for fishing and not too sure about whats out there. If the masters of the site can point me in the right direction it would be great. Just a side note. I have my first child on the way and dont have the money to dump like i would have so the less the better.
Thanks
Brad

[Luna Sea 5]

Ped will help you out on this one.

[ped579]

Hi Brad,

I bought a kayak this year and although I have not had the opportunity to use it a lot my advise to you would be to take your time in looking.  There are a number of places around that have a try and buy which I recommend very highly.

Barrell a member of this site has a shop in S. Jersey, Jersey Paddler as well is a good choice as both have the try out policy.  Jersey Paddler is in Brick on Rt 70.  That is where I bought mine, BTW.

If you are seriously looking I would wait till the end of the summer and the deals might be better than right now.  I bought mine at the Paddle Sport Show up north during the late winter early Fall that Jersey Paddler puts on every year.  Some great deals on boats and other stuff that goes along with it.

I am sure Kayak1 will chime in as he is a long time user of kayaks and a wealth of knowledge.

Happy Catching

Paul

[rugman]

I would like to buy one ! put I would hate to dump all my gear over in the water

[ped579]

That's no problem, just stow what you have in one of the water tight compartments.  You have to realize that you can not take all your possessions along.  I take what I think I will be using and limit it to maybe 6 lures in a plastic snap container and stow it in the side pockets located in the gunwales of my boat.  A bottle of water, knife, 1 at most 2 rods that are secured by a lanyard to the boat and if I am going to be out for any length of time a light snack like a power bar or 2 or something similar.

Remember this is not a big boat so you have to think small and secure.  You will flip so keeping it simple is the key here.

Happy Catching

Paul

[SeaFlea]

Paul is spot on, on a number of issues:
1) "if you love it, leash it".
2) a kayak is small, do not try to take all your gear, the small softsided lunch bags will hold a ton of lures and are easily secured to  the boat.

Try as many models as you can. Not all kayaks are created equal; your weight & height may have a lot of bearing on your choice. Trying different boats will help you find "the right one".

nothing wrong with buying used either! southjersy.craigslist is a good place to look.
And don't rule out Bel Haven Canoe & Kayak (http://www.belhavenpaddlesports.com/). Bel Haven Lake is right behind their shop & they don't charge for a test paddle. Some shops do...
KFS (http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com) has a very knowledgeable staff and carry new & used.

finally, there are no dumb questions - only the ones not asked!  ask away!!!

[kayak1]

WOW..... thats alot of good info....Paul and Charlie bring up some great points.... Dont just jump into any kayak you see...

Take your time look around and take one for a test drive....see how you feel in the yak before you buy......

Please ask any questions you may have..... everyone on this the page can give you great info on kayaking.....

Enjoy