I am looking for a new kayak. I would like if it was shorter than 14 feet. Do any of you have any suggestions for a reasonably priced (under 500) kayak? If so please let me know.
“Some people say money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy a diesel truck and I have never seen a sad person roll coal” -unknown
Academy Sports sells a perception that is 12.5’ that is around $500. If I am not mistaken, it is made from the old Wilderness Systems Tarpon mold. We have the Caster model and I must say for the money is a pretty good fishing platform and paddles well.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
500 for a new fishing kayak makes me think, “if you pay for quality it only hurts the first time.” Consider going used on CL for a 10-14 ft at that price…
eg. go to searchtempest.com and look w/in 250 mi of your location for a 12 or 14 ft tarpon
Before getting a hobie, I used a simple ocean kayak rigged with a few rod holders. It was a sight fishing machine! Definitley a good option if you are looking to stay under 500.
Connor Malark
Wilderness Systems Ride is probably the most popular fishing kayak in the Charleston area, new would run 800-900 though for the 12.5.
+1 on the craigslist buy. I got a slightly used tarpon 140 fully rigged for 500
i have a preception tribe 11.5 with carbon fiber paddles. looming for 450 for both its obo as always.
color is lime green.
i have a 10 foot sun dolphin sit in that i got for about $320. not anything to stand up in, but ive taken it inshore, up the tailrace for shad, ponds/lake moultrie, paddling out shark baits from the beach, and even dropping a downrigger and trolling through pogy pods just off the beach. all i added was a few eye bolts, cleats, and an anchor pulley (plenty of redneck engineering for various applications) and it works great! the standard sized plastic tackle trays fit easily between the seat and hull and along with 3 rod holders it has a storage compartment in the back too.
A perception pescador runs $500 on the 10 footer and $600 on the 12 BRAND NEW!
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