Another yak thread...pick one out for me

How much are you trying to spend?

FS12T or Pescador 12 from Academy.

FS12T will allow you to stand and has more storage over the Pescador 12.

I think they come with a rod holder mounted up front, and 2 flush mounts by the seat. Just grab a paddle and fish without all of the extra shite your first time out. Get a feel for what you might want, need, etc.

The only other thing I would suggest for sure is an anchoring system. Cajun anchor on a rope, or stake out pole with anchor trolley.

If you want a cheap paddle, the ones from Academy will be fine. If you have $100 to spare, pick up a fiberglass Bending Branches paddle from Bass Pro.

Check out the seats. I would go about this differently now.

I agree... no accessories the first few trips. Mark locations you would think you want them. My yak cam with two rod holders and I find myself leaving them at home now. Much easier to just lay them down in the hak while staging. For storing or moving, they go in the PVC rod holders on my crate.

The only pre-voyage accessory I would recommend would be a 8' garden stake from Home Depot is $4. No trolley needed just tie to it.

I have a FS12T. I like it, but if I could go back I would probably prefer a used Cuda.

As far as accessories. Anchor trolley is a must have for me. Dont worry too much about the built in rod holders, just customize a milk crate with PVC segments. From there it's all about personal preference and how you like to fish. Join BCKFC and check out their forums, there's plenty of great info. I also learned a lot searching around though youtube.

Good luck!

I also have a FS12T that I like but it's really heavy. I may just be weak though.

You should be warned that odds are you'll exceed your budget. $549.99 plus tax, figure another $50 for a cheap paddle and you'll most likely be in the $700 range. Coming from a guy who had a similar thinking pattern when I bought my FS12T.

With that said if you can't find something used in your price range(maybe a Cuda 12, Slayer 12, Ultimate or maybe a Ride 115 or 135) then the FS12T may be the best bang for the buck budget kayak out there. Aside from its quality issues(scupper holes need silicone and the dry storage can sometimes be damp storage) I'd say it's performance is similar to the boats listed above and for most people would be perfectly suitable. Tracks decent, seat is comfortable, stable enough to stand, nice open layout with plenty of room for you to add your own needs. I loved mine and when I needed another yak I almost bought a second one.

Assuming you catch, what are your plans for fish/beer/ice? Hard or soft sided cooler? Stringer? Full tacklebox or a couple of Plano boxes (waterproof is a must on a yak)? Like was said before, go out minimalist, come back and accessorize. It don't take long before you see what you need.

What's the weight rating on the FS12? 350? a shite ton of gear can be brought along when you have the measurements of a leprechaun.

For real, buy some paracord and one of those green aluminum garden stakes from lowes for an anchor or a small mushroom anchor. (I carry both) buy a pool noodle and cut it up for floats for your anchor line or whatever you Need to float/mark.

Everything else has been mentioned I think.

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FWIW I'm pretty small (5'6 / 150 lbs) if that makes any difference on which size to get.

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Might want to look into getting a 10' Ascend. Honestly. Mine is every bit of 75lbs and I can lug it around by myself but I have a lot of size on you.


FS10.

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Only reason I upgrade was b/c of the high lo seat.

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FS10s have a really nice looking seat too.