I’m getting really sick of being stuck on the shore and very interested in a kayak. I’ve found an ocean kayak scrambler for $250. That’s pretty much my budget to start. It’s bare bones. Should I jump?
If you are looking at the $250 range you are going to be very limited when it comes to a fishing kayak. You shouldn’t expect to get a lot at that price. My suggestion would be get one, then see how you like it. You could always resell that and upgrade. That’s actually what I just did last fall. Upgraded kayak leaps and bounds above my starter kayak, but hey, ya gotta start somewhere.
2007 Pioneer 17’5 Baysport
2012 Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles”
i have a 9’6" sun dolphin ($315) that has 2 rod holders built in behind the seat and a rod holder in front and love it. the storage compartment behind the seat isnt the biggest but tackle trays slide beside the seat very easily, maximizing the use of available space. i also put a cleat and 2 eyebolts on each side so i can tie off to docks, strap a large catfish to the front, anchor, … to save space for anchoring i wrap up the 50 foot rope with gear ties ($6 at eddie bauer) and bungee cord the anchor across the front using 2 of the eyebolts. its a 10lb anchor which sure is overkill for a yak, but comes in handy when in heavier current. ive taken it to bushy park, breach inlet, the dam at tailrace, and up to 2ish foot waves paddling around lake moultrie and it holds up to my abuse just fine. along with that it only weighs 40lbs so i can toss it over 1 shoulder to carry it no problem. hope that helped.
I had an OK Scrambler for a little while when I first started kayaking. I upgraded shortly after only because of a great deal I couldn’t pass on. Do you get a paddle or PFD, if so $250 is a great deal. Just make sure it floats!
I caught my first “kayak red” out of a $179 Future Beach. It is a sit inside which really isn’t conducive to comfortable fishing. I ultimately bought anothet for my son and got myself a Ride 135 and love it. Start with what you can afford and if you really like yak fishing, go from there. Have fun!
If it gets you on the water, go for it!
Thanks for the pointers, as always guys. Think I’m going to go for it and jerry rig the hell out of it. And then of course I’ll need to come to a meetup so ya’ll can watch me capsize it! :0 Appreciate the info.
Ive got a spare S.O.T. you can borrow if you’re just looking to test one out and get the feel for fishing out of a kayak.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.
much appreciated JP! I’ll be PM’ing you. Once again, the folks on this forum come through…
I have a couple boats in inventory. If our schedules work out I would be happy to let you try one of mine. I have a SOT and a hybrid so you can see the difference. Careful though…its kind of addicting.
Well I pulled the trigger on the Ocean Kayak Scrambler. Thanks ya’ll for your help. I think it’s going to be a really good starting angling setup. So now I’m in the market for:
a paddle
a seat
anchor
rod holder
medium pfd
cargo port
what am I missing?
Too bad you need a (M) PFD, I have a (L) PFD I would sell ya. Also, are you heading to the river with us on Sunday? We changed it from Saturday.
2007 Pioneer 17’5 Baysport
2012 Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles”
quote:
Originally posted by ironskilletWell I pulled the trigger on the Ocean Kayak Scrambler. Thanks ya’ll for your help. I think it’s going to be a really good starting angling setup. So now I’m in the market for:
a paddle
a seat
anchor
rod holder
medium pfd
cargo portwhat am I missing?
How about a milk crate with a couple upright rod holders? That’s always a good accessory…
Make sure you get a whistle and a knife to keep in your PFD.
Anchor trolleys are easy to make, with a piece of rope, a nylon or stainless-steel ring, and a couple of carabiners. You can fashion a homemade anchor pin from PVC or even a broomstick…
Then go fishing!
Oh I’m definitely planning on the milk crate. Maybe a forward rod holder isn’t necessary.
Glad I’ll get to come out on Sunday.
dumb question…what places sell milk crates? tried ace hardware figuring theyd have one but they didnt and when i used to work at a grocery store at home we didnt give/sell em out.
I walked into a local Piggly Wiggly and asked if there was any way I could have a milk crate. They actually asked me how many I wanted. Can’t hurt to ask
2007 Pioneer 17’5 Baysport
2012 Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles”
Office supply stores sell crates, but they are poor quality. There are websites that sell actual milk industry-quality crates - but sometimes they want a bulk order…Austin Kayak sells them individually.
Go to Target, buy an Itso Crate. They are $8.00 and make the best crate. There are holes already predrilled for your PVC rod holders.
Chris
Wilderness Systems Ride 135 “Sauer Trout”
Hobie Adventure Island “Rogue Wave”</font id=“size1”>
Here’s mine.
Chris
Wilderness Systems Ride 135 “Sauer Trout”
Hobie Adventure Island “Rogue Wave”</font id=“size1”>