Thread: Looking for Nice Kayak

I am searching for a nice fishing kayak that both fits my wallet and my preference. I prefer the kayaks...
1. that have an open top.
2. Has bungees on front and back
3. Has place to put a fish finder
4. Option to put seat above water to keep my butt from getting wet
5. Overall lightweight (under 50 pounds)
6. Under 500$
7. No more than 12 feet
8. Rod Holders

Adding pictures would be extremely helpful in helping me. Thanks for helping me out with this guy's. I know I'm kinda being really specific but if I'm going to be dropping some Benjamins, I want to make sure I like what I'm getting. Thanks again.

Hey, I just bought my first kayak, an OK Trident 13, so hopefully what I've learned in my search will help a little....
1. This is called a SOT, or sit on top kayak
2. Most fishing kayaks have this, or it can be added easily
3. Are you looking to mount the finder itself, or be able to run the transducer through the hull?
4. I'm not sure you're going to avoid this regardless of seat type....all kayaks are a wet ride to an extent
5. What is your height & weight? Most stable kayaks that will hold a full grown man + gear + fish are going to weigh more than this.
6. This is going to cause some issues...
7. Refer back to #5
8. Refer back to #6

Most of the things you are wanting can be had, just not for your price range. You're going to have to make some sacrifices in one area or another. As always, looking at used models can get you more for less, but you're gonna have to shop it hard. My first thought goes to this (see link). It has most of your wants, and from what I've read, pretty decent reviews.

Field & Stream Eagle Talon Kayak | Field & Stream

What would you recommend for #3. I think the best way to go is to buy a used kayak. They are probably 40% cheaper and you can bargain the price down. I've been looking at Craigslist and have been getting a feel for the different types types. Thanks for your help

I've been looking at the sundolphin journey 10. Has anybody heard of this type of yak

Through the hull is preferable, because the only other way is with a boom that goes over the side of the boat. There are plenty of groups on FB and other fishing and kayak specific forums to find used models, so look around. Also, use Search Tempest to look through craigslist. As far as the Journey 10, I would say its probably too small for you. It only holds 250lbs max. My wife is 5' and 110lbs and paddles a 12' kayak, and is considering a 13-14' boat next time. They track better and have more weight capacity.

Can you modify the kayak so that the transducer run through the hull by drilling through the hull? Also, would you use a drill to mount the fish finder on top? Thanks

Could you?? There are plenty of things that you CAN do. Many would not be recommended. This is one of them. For one, you will instantly void any and all warranty that you may have. Two, making a hole in the hull is a quick way to develop a leak. Most kayaks that are "through hull compatible" will have one of the scupper holes that is designed to mount a transducer.

I have a field and stream eagle talon, same as the link provided by rabidawise, got it on sale at dicks for $350, and it has been great, very stable, alot of options you can do with it, its around 75lbs so not light, but very durable, havent had it in rough water yet so cant give a review there, but for the price its a good buy when compared to some of the higher end yaks along the same lines, only complaint is the original seat sucks, ive ordered a new one to replace it

I really like that eagle talon kayak. It's a shame that kayaks are so akward to carry by yourself. It doesn't help that this one is 68 pounds

Kayak wheels are a lifesaver, just saying. Especially if you have all your gear on your kayak.

Also makes a big difference where you will be fishing. Are you wanting something for lakes, inshore, or offshore. You can get away with a $500 yak in protected waters but the bigger the water the better the yak you'll need for safety. Most newer model yaks are going to a lawn chair type seat as a minimum and getting away from the dreaded wet butt ride which is miserable. That weight will be hard to stay under on a decent yak. If by open top you mean sit in kayak, in general those aren't real practical here. Probably 90%+ of yaks here are sit on.

If you are on a budget your best bet will be to have cash on hand, wait till winter time, and keep an eye on craigslist. Yaks go cheap during hunting season and Ive bought all my yaks that way.