Fishing or Regular Kayak

I used to sell kayaks. Fishing will cost you more but they come with more features and often have far superior stability depending on how much you weigh. It really depends on if you are just planning on staying in the pond or venturing out. Pedal drive/Pro drive are also a huge advantage if you are planning on casting frequently or covering a lot of ground. Native and Hobee are both great brands, the native ultimate tandem is also a great duck hunting kayak.

Native, Hobie, perception, old town. These would be my goto brands, really depends on your price point.

I recommend a fishing specific yak. The sheer fact that you have intent to fish tells me that you will greatly benefit from small amenities (rod holders, dry storage). You don't have to break the bank to find a fishing yak that will be adequate. Check Walmart for the one that has the removable raised chair (can't remember exact model). I bought one early summer for under $400 and the raised removable seat is a game changer for comfort. Plus if you want to sell the yak in a couple years, you will get more hits for being a fishing unit. Just my 2 cents. GL.

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don't want to spend over $600 if possible.

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Buy used on FB Marketplace.

I’ve got three kayaks:
10’ Ascend sit in
12’ Native Ultimate
12” Hobie Compass

For small lakes I really like my Ascend- especially the cup holder/tray

Only time I use my Hobie is saltwater fishing, and I haven’t been in a year (kinda debating whether to sell it)

Add my vote for the fishing kayak. I have a diablo paddlesport that a full grown man can stand up on, son has an 10’ Ascend ….. and we have a couple of Academy low end “sorta fishing” kayaks.

Fishing is night and day between the true fishing setups and low end from Academy. Stability isn’t even close.

But the other (maybe more important) difference is that the true fishing kayaks have elevated seats. I don’t care how hot it gets while you’re fishing, setting your arse in water gets old real quick.

You can get a high end used kayak cheap nowadays.

I’d rather fish from a kayak than a boat any day.

They still make the Native Ultimate FX 12 I believe which is pretty similar, however brand he'd have to extend his budget a bit. I agree on this recommendation though, keep an eye out for a used Ultimate, really cool & lightweight boat. Would be perfect for tossing in the neighborhood pond and doing some paddling or fishing.

Thanks for all of the feedback. The lake is 20 Acres and I'm not sure how often I will be doing this. So going small for now. Picking up the Lifetime Tioga Angler tomorrow from Tractor Supply with a Veteran's Day Discount.