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Beginner Kayak

Posted on 4/9/20 at 4:33 am
Posted by CajunLife
Southern Georgia
Member since Apr 2017
507 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 4:33 am
The wife and I have never done this and are looking for a good kayak that is stable on the water. I'm currently looking at the Lifetime 10' Teton Angler from Dicks due to the good stability reviews. I would also do some fishing on it. Any recommendations on a good kayak for beginners?
Posted by Nado Jenkins83
Land of the Free
Member since Nov 2012
59603 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 4:52 am to
If you never been in one you need to go to a demo day. Everything kayak in gulfport has a pool to try out boats in. Where would you and your wife take them?
Posted by CajunLife
Southern Georgia
Member since Apr 2017
507 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 5:50 am to
Not sure yet, but we live around Tallahassee and there are several spots, lakes and rivers that we can go to.
Posted by Barneyrb
NELA
Member since May 2016
5091 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 5:52 am to
quote:

from Dicks


That's a hard nope from me
Posted by Nado Jenkins83
Land of the Free
Member since Nov 2012
59603 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 6:07 am to
Just a warning. I spent years in a cheapo from academy. Couldnt even stand to pee. Killed my back too
Posted by specchaser
lafayette
Member since Feb 2008
2586 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 6:30 am to
definitely do the demo if you're looking for anything you will be fishing out of.
you can spend 300-3000$ on a kayak, depending on need and comfort. if you're going to be fishing especially in some bigger bodies of water, something w/ the foot pedals makes a big difference.
Posted by Drunken Crawfish
Member since Apr 2017
3822 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 7:11 am to
Biggest thing is to make sure it has at least a half-decent seat. Your back will thank you.
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26446 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 7:43 am to
Buy an older Outback. The market is flooded with them.
Posted by Joe Banks
Waponi Woo
Member since May 2008
604 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 8:13 am to
I would get a 12’ instead of a 10’’. It will track much better. I own 2 Pelicans. I’ve got an Angler and A Catch. The Angler has been handed down to my 11 year old son because it doesn’t have a raised seat but I wore it out for about 4 years. I like The Catch better because of the raised seat and I can stand up in it.
Posted by 850tiger
Member since Feb 2020
37 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 8:34 am to
quote:

live around Tallahassee


So many great springs in the panhandle. I'd give fishing the ocklocknee a try too. The current is fairly slow and I ran some trot lines there several years back and caught some big catfish. There were so many snags tho that a kayak would be perfect.

Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24960 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 8:35 am to
On the recommendation of the board I bought my son a Jackson Bite.

It has a really good seat and he can easily stand up in it.
Posted by TygerTyger
Houston
Member since Oct 2010
9184 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 10:52 am to
Last May I picked up an Emotion Stealth Angler Pro from Costco for $550.

Emotion is a branch of Lifetime that makes higher end yaks. They rotomold and use better plastic.

I've been very happy with it. I can stand in it easily, the seat is comfortable, it has all the fishing gadgets you could ask for, and the design is well thought out.

My advice, keep an eye on Costco for another sale.
Posted by CajunLife
Southern Georgia
Member since Apr 2017
507 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 11:58 am to
First off, a big thank you to all of you for your advice as it's very much appreciated. I think I'm gonna look at the stealth angler..seems to be pretty stable and would be great for fishing. I also will have to check out the Ochlocknee.
Posted by TimeOutdoors
AK
Member since Sep 2014
12120 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 12:17 pm to
Chipola River/Creek? between Tallahassee and Panama City - I used to kayak and snorkel in it alot. Used to find alot of fossils and arrowheads in it. Very little agriculture runoff so it was a great place to go. It did run through a state park so just make sure you aren't doing in there, everywhere else it is legal. Most of what I found was in super shallow areas so you were litteraly just sticking your head in the water with a mask and didn't even need a snorkel. Some of the deeper pockets I used fins and occasionally even took my scuba gear.

This was in the early 2000's so just verify the rules have not changed. At that time, any artifacts exposed by wind or water were fair game. You could not dig/dredge for artifacts.
Posted by tigers84
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Member since Jun 2008
2730 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 12:31 pm to
Have enjoyed my Ascend FS12T. Got the wife a 10T and it’s not near as stable unless they have fixed that issue in newer models.
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
81608 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 12:32 pm to
quote:

Last May I picked up an Emotion Stealth Angler Pro from Costco for $550.

Emotion is a branch of Lifetime that makes higher end yaks. They rotomold and use better plastic.
My first yak was an Emotion. If it had a better seat(like the one you posted) I am guessing I would still have it. I loved paddling that boat-it just killed my butt-bone area.
Posted by 4Ghost
Member since Sep 2016
8518 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 1:21 pm to
The Reservation used to be an awesome place for canoes and kayaks.
Posted by TygerTyger
Houston
Member since Oct 2010
9184 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 5:16 pm to
Yep, I’ve spent 8 hours in it with no problems.

And because it’s designed so you can stand up in it you can stretch your legs and take some time off your butt.

Posted by CajunLife
Southern Georgia
Member since Apr 2017
507 posts
Posted on 4/9/20 at 7:06 pm to
quote:

Chipola River/Creek? between Tallahassee and Panama City - I used to kayak and snorkel in it alot. Used to find alot of fossils and arrowheads in it. Very little agriculture runoff so it was a great place to go. It did run through a state park so just make sure you aren't doing in there, everywhere else it is legal. Most of what I found was in super shallow areas so you were litteraly just sticking your head in the water with a mask and didn't even need a snorkel. Some of the deeper pockets I used fins and occasionally even took my scuba gear.


Now that sounds like fun! Thanks for the advice.
Posted by nahtanojc
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
980 posts
Posted on 4/10/20 at 12:02 am to
You never mentioned a budget, but until you know exactly what you want, going the used route is usually a good idea.

Like others have stated, a comfortable seat can make or break a kayak. Longer kayaks will track better and be easier to paddle; 12ft would be the minimum I would go for an adult, although there are a few 10ft kayaks that work well even for adults. Native Slayer Propel 10 comes to mind.

Speaking of native... look to see if any Native Ultimates are for sale in your area. Fantastic kayaks that can usually be found at good prices. They also make a tandem that you and your wife could paddle around in and then when you want to fish, it can be set up solo
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