Just getting started

[Jbrothers]

Im from middle tennessee and i had been in a canoe a few times and liked it. With that being said i hopped in a Kayak for the first time Sunday for some fishing....long story short...I got the Kayak fever baby!!! Most relaxing thing i have ever done. Few questions: Looking into my own Kayak now...wanting to spend around $400 bucks for one Kayak (gotta buy the wife one too ) So trying to stay under $1000. Looking hard at the Ascend D10 for the both of us..Just seeing if you guys might have any better suggestions..I like to Fish out of it also just relax sometimes ...Wife more relaxing...but she will fish sometimes...Thanks in advance #kayakfever

[DT]

Since you posted this in River Fishing I'm assuming that you will be fishing moving water...rivers, streams, creeks. I've never paddled the Ascend, but I know it is a SINK (sit in kayak). From my own experiences I can tell you that a Sit on Top will be much more enjoyable and easier to fish out of. As always, paddle as many boats as you can before making a purchase. What suits my needs might not be inline with anothers needs or wants.

Before you make a purchase you may want to check out the Perception Pescador 10.0. The also have a 12' boat, but I'm suggesting the 10' er since you have identified the Ascend 10' yak as your starting grounds. The pescador can be found at many retailers, typically around 400-500 depending on sales. Here is a link:
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11669718&mr:trackingCode=16EDE1C7-E488-E011-9A77-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA

[oubassman]

I'll second the SOT, even if you spend as much time in still water as moving water. The ease in & out is so much better than in a SINK.

DT recommended a good budget friendly model that would work with your budget. And don't overlook a used model, that's how I got my used Tarpon 120 for $400

[elkriverangler]

X2 on the recommendation to look at the Pescador 10.

I have one as well as a Tarpon 100 and the Pescador is a very good Kayak especially for the price.

They are Stable. Paddle pretty well and easy to rig for Fishing.

Eli

[vakayakangler]

Welcome to the kbf family, we'll look forward to seeing posts from you and your wife! When you get a chance, go to the user control panel and update the blank "location" block on that panel and when folks read your posts and look to the left under your avatar, they will have some idea where you are.

You'll be surprised how often it happens...

You post up a giant bass you catch.
They look to the left to see if the fish are biting in THEIR area.

You ask a question about what rig to use fishing for NEMO.
They look to the left to see if you are in their area to see how to start their reply:
Fishing here in New England we do this, but down in so and so where you live it will probably work too....

You ask how boat A and boat B compare,
they look left and wow, you are in their neighborhood, they send a pm:
Dude, you are twenty miles away... what say we get together and you can try both boats, and make up your own opinion...

This happens more than you would guess, because most of us who would do such a thing, ask that it not be posted on the site. We do it because kbf is a family and it's what you do.

Did I remember to say, Welcome to the family...

[BamaFan]

I was at Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday and the have a new SOT kayak called an Eagle Talon on sale for $449. I think it was 12' and strongly resembled the WS Tarpon 120 and Pescador. It was available in Camo and a couple of other colors. They might be worth checking out. You can almost always find some discount coupons for Dick's Sporting Goods online.

[beard]

I have a Pescador 12 and love it. I can fish rivers, creeks, ponds, and local lakes with no problems. The boat is easy to mod to your liking and it you take on some water it just drains out of the scuppers! I think I picked mine up for around $450 brand new. Another option for a sit in would be a future beach trophy 126. I got one a few months ago as a back up yak for anyone who wants to join me. And the best part... I got it brand spankin new for $250 (it was a good sale)

Test paddle as many kayaks as you can. While I can tell you I love my boat, you may find something that you like better.

[HookUp]

Nothing beats paddling a yak to see if it's you. Try to find a demo day at a local kayak shop and try one.

Or if Craig lists has a killah deal, get it and if you don't like it, sell it for something that works.

[archeryrob]

That F&S Eagle Talon looks nice. Here is a review on another board. It should track fairly well with that keel.
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/showthread.php?t=80502&page=2

I have the buttons like that on the side of the rear tankwell on my prowler and added two bungee loops on each side of the crate and snap in down in 2 seconds flat.

[CrX970]

I have a Pescador 12 and love it. I can fish rivers, creeks, ponds, and local lakes with no problems. The boat is easy to mod to your liking and it you take on some water it just drains out of the scuppers! I think I picked mine up for around $450 brand new. Another option for a sit in would be a future beach trophy 126. I got one a few months ago as a back up yak for anyone who wants to join me. And the best part... I got it brand spankin new for $250 (it was a good sale)

Test paddle as many kayaks as you can. While I can tell you I love my boat, you may find something that you like better.

I love my Pescador. I couldn't sing its praises enough. Not to mention its modeled after a 2008 (I think) Tarpon. Even when I look to buy a Coosa in a few months I'll still keep my Pescador. You really can't beat it for the price point. I've hit some stuff pretty hard with it lately too (bridge pilings and boulders in rapids sideways) and its no worse for wear. I was even able to rig an exterior and removable transducer without any trouble.

The only qualm I have is that the seat doesn't drain very well.

But sit on Craigslist. I got mine there on the cheap, barely used. Like everyone else is saying though, if you can, test a few out. I wasn't able to test my first kayak out and it sucked. So, do yourself a favor and paddle a few out.

Also, don't underestimate your paddle. I used a cheap aluminium paddle then upgraded to a Werner Tybee with a carbon shaft and carbon nylon blades and the difference is like going from riding a bicycle to driving a $100,000 Mercedes. No joke.