Looking to get started into Kayak fishing... a little help please

[cjj505]

Hello Everyone,
I am looking into kayak fishing and I was curious if some knowledgeable people could give me some advice on what sort of kayak I should look for as my first one, especially because I am on the bigger side and have never kayaked before, but I do plan to take a Kayaking class when I get a chance. But, I am 6'4'' 230lbs and I would probably do most of my fishing (about 90%) in the Raritan Bay area, (mainly Sewaren, Perth Amboy, Morgan, and Keyport probably).  Fishing the Raritan Bay pretty much my whole life I know the water and current can be very strong and boat traffic (especially during the Summer on the weekends) can be horrendous.  I am also curious how one copes with these situations; I would be grateful for and help or suggestions from anyone, Thanks.... forgot to add this the first time, I am also not looking to break the bank and I have been looking at one kayak in particular the Jackson Kayak Big Rig

[fluke - u]

 ..I am sure by the end of today some of our Yacker's will answer all of your questions, as for me, I will keep my boat.......

[kayak1]

Welcome cjj505....

The kayak your looking at the Jackson Big Rig is the new style kayaks where you sit almost in a chair......The kayak is 37 inches wide and has more of a boat shape then a true kayak.....Looks to be a good safe yak.....looks like the starting price is around $1,500.00.

Most reviews I see are in lakes and ponds where water is calm....I would think about going to Paddel sport 2014 run by the jersey Paddler in Brick New Jersey log on to www.jerseypaddler.com for more information.......This way you can really see everything in one area before you buy anything.

The fishing part is easy.....lets get you in a safe kayak first.

Kayak-1

[cjj505]

Thanks for the info Kayak-1, its appreciated.  Sadly I will miss Paddle Sports 2014 because I am currently abroad.  When I do return though I will definitely go to Jersey Paddler to look around at potential kayaks.
I assume they hold Paddle Sports every year?
Thanks Again.

[kayak1]

That they do.....But the reason I said that is looking on line for a kayak is all good until your sitting in the kayak in water....Then everything changes.

The other big thing is we are both big in size.....So our center of gravity is not like a guy that is 5.5 175 pounds.....

I like a safe kayak.....One that is difficult to roll or tip easy.....I have a tug boat of kayaks, wide,heavy,slow....But very stable and safe in all conditions.....Ocean Big Game Kayak.

[Dalejam]

Hello CJJ505,
 I was in the same situation you are in last year. I too have spent alot of time researching Kayaks, number one thing is Safety, stability is the next thing to look at, I too have a tug for a Kayak wilderness ride 115, slow but very steady, i am not the tallest person either 220 pounds 5' 10. i have been in rough seas and calm bays. feel very safe.
I went to paddle sport last year and met a person from this group of people and he told me the most important thing is to SIT IN IT. After spending 5 hours there i was leaving and i sat in that kayak and it was it.
so ask all the questions you can here, but most of all sit in them do not buy it because of price on the internet. ped579 is also another great person who can fill in some spots for you. i fish the raritan area too. 

Oh one more thing when you purchase a kayak. KIS
The stuff you put on should be Keep It Simple.
Dale

[Surf Bird]

Another feature to consider before buying a kayak is how are you are going to transport it. (Car,SUV or PickUP). You have to be able to lift it by yourself. I would 
like to get the NATIVE PROPEL SLAYER . It is very expensive, heavy and 13ft. It is comfortable ,stable , you can stand in it. I would need a pickup or trailer for it. To get it up on top of a car or SUV would be tuff. I'll stick with my Native Manta Ray 12.

[cjj505]

Thanks everyone this is all very helpful and Dalejam I definitely plan to keep my future kayak as simple as possible 

[Dalejam]

I am sure you have seen in the Kayak area there is a class this weekend at the Jersey Paddler Feb 23rd 1:00pm.

Kayak1 gives a great outlook on kayak fishing and the things he has found out over the years what to do and not to do.
 Dave and Paul are the two people who have told me to keep it simple silly. they are so correct. one lesson to learn not the hard way is leash everything that you want to keep....

If you have any more questions or are looking for some insight ask it here.....

[ped579]

Welcome Aboard,

Sorry for coming to the party late but my life has been a tad crazy lately.  With that said what Dave and Dale have posted are great guidelines to follow. 

Just to give you an idea I have 2 artificial hips that give me less motion than I had while I had my God given ones.  I went to Paddle Sport because I knew that they were going to have a ton of boats there that I can try with reps to talk to and well the prices could not be beat as well.

With spending all day trying different models of just about every boat on the market I settled for the Hobie Quest.  It was a bit heavier than I wanted but that's okay I only go kayaking when I am with someone for obvious reasons. 

I had the boat outfitted with some extras that they call their fishing package.  I am glad I did because the price was right after figuring out all the extras plus the boat I saved tons.  The only thing I added after was a set of pontoons as I love photography but was afraid to take my good stuff out.  Not any more.  That boat is extremely stable, but yes heavy, did I mention that?

Take your time and get the right boat for you other wise you "WON'T USE IT".

One other thing that was mentioned was think about how you are going to get the boat to the water.  Good question.  Because my boat is quite heavy I had to think how I was going to lift that sucker onto the roof of my Expedition.  Well the solution was right there at the show as well.  I bought a contraption called the Hulavator by Thule.  Is it expensive? Yes, but it gets the job done.

There are other devices similar but the name Thule rings true throughout the industry as being the best. And, once again being I bought it at the show I again saved quite a bit of money.

As for the KISS statement.  It is true...you can try to cheat faith but sooner or later you will go over and so will your gear.  When I go out fishing I figure out what fish I will be targeting and only bring what I need for that species.  Remember to tether everything you think is valuable if not YOU WILL LOOSE IT!!!

I think that this post has gone on long enough but there are a number of us out here that are pretty passionate about the sport, some more that others  as you will find out.

Good luck in your search and above all ask questions and HAVE FUN...

Happy Catching

Paul

[cjj505]

Thanks everyone for the great information and advice, I will definitely use it when I am able to get around to getting myself in a kayak.