Thread: Walmart kayaks?

I think I already know the answer, but are those Sun Dolphin kayaks any good? Particularly the fishing models.....

They'll get you out there. I would NOT fish off the beach with them. That was my first kayak I used before I upgraded and I'll tell ya, I definitely put groceries in it haha. I fished the lagoon mostly . I was just happy to be on the water , but they are incredibly unstable if you turn any way , or try to go in any thing other than the lagoon. They're definitely a wet ride , and get blown around easily . I was happy with mine until I found out and did more research on kayaks. I went with an Ocean Kayak, but now for the price , I'd get me an Ascend 12 ft from Bass Pro. Not a bad ride for the money .

I have the Bali 10' (orange) that I use as a guest/back up to my hobie. Added two flush mount rod holders behind the seat. For a beginner kayak it is pretty good. I have taken it into the gulf many times and never really had any issues just had to pick my days wisely. For the lagoon, bay, or rivers it is a great choice. This model has some drainage holes under the seat but I used little rubber plugs to keep the water out. Overall a decent yak for the price but I would save up some more and get the ascend which I have heard great some reviews about.

I would practice tipping whatever kayak you get to learn where the tipping point is and how to self recover.

Thanks stephen!

Thanks for the info perdio.

I don't know how it is up in your area, but craigslist has tons of kayaks around here. Use seachtempest.com to do an area search of craigslist. I usually seem nice kayaks for around the same price as the Sundolphin yaks cost new.

Here, I did the work for you: kayak on SearchTempest

There's a Pelican rigged for fishing just down the road from you for $275.

Thanks backwoods!

Craigslist is good for yaks, this time of the year your can find great deals. I wouldn't go with a Walmart yak unless it was my only option and I wouldn't take it on open water. I started with an ascend, best yak in that range, but I only kept in a few months. If you're not sure if you will stick with it the ascend is good to figure that out. If you've been our and know you want to invest in yak fishing, you can get a great uses boat for $1000. For me, it's the only way I fish now.

Save up and get a hobie You'll never look back after you've fished one