Getting a Fishing Kayak
Hey guys,
I'm new to kayak fishing, but the prospect of being able to get into a fishing spot on kayak that would otherwise be impossible landbased is just so inviting for me. I haven't got a big budget and can't afford something such as a hobie, but i've come across a cheap fishing kayak that has alot of features, it's an unrecognised brand and i assume it was mass produced in China, and is a mould that has been used over many different brands. Nonetheless, it has 4 flush mount rod holders and an adjustable one too, it has a backrest seat, and a paddle that comes with it, plus free delivery to Perth. Here are it's features:
- Made of UV-resistant linear polyethylene for strength & durability
- Stackable
- Extremely well-balanced kayak
- Includes four (4) flush-mount rod holders installed
- Paddle straps to hold paddle length-wise on both side handles
- High-tech hull design for great tracking!
- A lightweight craft at only 22kg!
- HUGE rear storage well (with secure bungee straps)
- Two storage hatches, one accessible when seated
- Carry straps on both sides makes it easy to manouvre
- Toggle carry straps at front and rear
- Superb stability: 2.83 m long, 0.82 Wide, 0.35m high
- Built-in Bottle Holder
- Six scupper holes with drain plugs
- Roto-moulded for even thickness and strength
- Load capacity: 130kg. This kayak can support big paddlers
It cost $390, apparently it would usually be $1200, including all the added extras.
Any thoughts on it would appreciated, i personally think it's great because it's cheap and i'm only a beginner, with no yakking experience at all. Also, what are the essentials i need to start the hobby, and what are some good places to start and some good fishing spots that would hook me into the sport of kayak fishing.
Thanks in advance for the answers, advice and info.
Luc 
I go fishing not to find myself but to lose myself.
JamesB
Posts: 49
Date Joined: 12/11/12
too good to be true
$390 down from $1200, looks too good to be true
I have found through experience that a rudder (not listed in the features?) is not essential, but makes life easier especially in a following sea.
new age
Posts: 330
Date Joined: 15/03/13
plastic vs glass
this gear is not worth $1200- more like the price you seem set to pay for it. 1200 should be getting u a glass one. Plastic yaks are usually cheap like this. Glass is heavier but way stronger. Just dont reef, drop, or get ploughed by big waves and you should be ok
Sammy the Salmon
Posts: 229
Date Joined: 24/12/11
As stated above a rudder is
As stated above a rudder is super handy.
I have a Hobie, and the rudder is controlled by hand which makes everything super easy!
What type of fishing are you planning on doing? Open ocean? River around structure? In yacht clubs etc?
Put it this way, I forgot my pedals for my hobie one day, so had to paddle instead..... Never again!
Around pylons/trees/overhanging branches and structure etc the pedals make everything a trillion times easier as you can still manouver whilst fighting a fish with the rod in both hands.
Open ocean I can't see it being too much of a drama however without pedals, but you wouldnt catch me bream fishing in structure, or in a yacht club/boat harbour without them ever again, would rather fish from shore....
tigerfish
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 20/08/10
I've owned a couple of
I've owned a couple of fishing kayaks - a hobie outback (since sold) and a perception swing (normal paddle type ) which I still have and occasionally use. You cannot beat the handsfree propulsion of the hobie mirage drive for fishing but obviously it comes at a price.
My main concern with the kayak you are looking at is the short length. My perception swing is 4m long and the length really helps when you are pushing through a bit of chop, and also helps a lot with keeping the kayak straight (tracking) while you are paddling. Shorter kayaks will tend to swing from side to side with each stroke of the paddle which reduces your efficiency. Not so much of a problem if you just want something for a squid right off the beach at Woodies or a short bream session on the Moore river but if you plan on doing any sort of distance or open ocean stuff I would say that the kayak you are looking at is not suitable.
I would recommend keeping an eye out for a recognised brand used model on gumtree or quokka rather. The malibu ones sold by BCF are decent and they had them all 50% off a few weeks back.
Also, there is a local kayak fishing forum (yakfishwest.com) where you could probably pick up a lot more info a suitable models and possibly pick up a used one. Best idea really is to try before you buy - maybe see if you can get a paddle in a few different types, sizes etc to get a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
crezz
Posts: 695
Date Joined: 12/03/12
I have a viking pro fish 45
I have a viking pro fish 45 and I would have to say that the 3 best features it has is a back rest seat, bait bord and the storage area behind my seat. also it has a dry ride meaning your not sitting in water the whole time your out there. trust me, you need a dry ride! one of my mates got a cheepish yak ($990) and he sits in about an inch of water the whole time. flush mount rod holders are ok but its better if you put a piece of pvc in them to keep your reel out of the water. just cut a slit down the pvc and jam it in the rod holder. also you need a bit of length or else your limited to the distances you can travel. but a short Cheepie is ok for paddling around yacht clubs for bream.
luc
Posts: 24
Date Joined: 07/07/13
yeh thanks guys
Although the cheapy is new, what about getting a second hand kayak, like a malibu mini x which i'vecome across second hand? Worth i? Better than the cheapy?
Thanks guys
I go fishing not to find myself but to lose myself.
luc
Posts: 24
Date Joined: 07/07/13
and yes
i will be doing fishing near pylons and such inside the marinas
I go fishing not to find myself but to lose myself.
Zorba
Posts: 35
Date Joined: 24/09/08
Malibu's are good, I have had
Malibu's are good, I have had 2 and still have one,good tough yaks.