FATYAKKER

This was mentioned above but its good advice I suggest if your interested in seeing what its like with a higher end kayak stability and features wise go to a local kayak shop and see if they rent them out for the day or weekend. I know we have one here that does that and it doesn't cost a whole lot. 35$ a day I think and they apply that fee towards a purchase if you end up buying one.

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I used to have one of these and by you posting a picture of it raised my blood pressure at the thought of it. I hated it and spent a lot of time and money repairing it. I had the mount that holds it on the transom break, I had the throttle handle break off yes the whole thing, and I had the prop deteriorate completely down to a nub when it hit some sand. The metal is cheap cast and wont withstand normal wear and tear. I could go on for days about how I hate this motor but I think I have made my point.

Nice looking boat if you don't mind me asking what did you give for it?

I've seen the last few threads you have posted and even commented on one of them. I would suggest you get with the closest kayak dealer in your area. Not a big box store but a place that has demo days or that will allow you to rent one or two and try them out. Here in Oklahoma where I am from there is a place that offers both of those options. You can rent them and whatever it cost to rent they will put towards your purchase if you buy one from them. Some places even have used boats and offer layaway options. Not sure where your from but I would try and locate one of those type of places because only you are going to be able to decide if you can fish and be comfortable in certain kayaks. If you get the wrong one that's not easy to fish out of then its going to be a waste of money anyway. If there isn't one of those places you need to find out what the return policy is if you purchase a big box store kayak and hate it. Just my opinion

For the 400$ price point you would have to find a good used kayak. Your first one doesn't have to be the most expensive but you want to get one that you will be comfortable fishing out of or you will not be a kayak fisher for very long. I started with a ascend fs12t from bass pro and it has been an ok kayak for the 550$. You have to remember your going to need the paddle and I highly suggest a PFD and factor that into your budget. Good luck

lol smh

I have worked in Prisons for going on seven years. If you have some questions send me a pm and I will be happy to fill you in on the good and bad and the ugly.

I would have to say the bending branches angler paddle I have is my favorite addition to my kayak. I didn't know a thing about kayaking when I first started so I bought a aluminum brick for a paddle and it was miserable.

Nice Congrats Sir.

I will attach this link http://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-354U-TRA1. It will take you to the ram mount website. They make a ball that will slide into the track and from there you can add this rod holder http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-117U. Ram makes all kind of accessories that slide into that track to hold a cell phone, fish finder, tranducer arm, etc. For the most part Ram is the best around right now. They are pricey but make a nice product.

Good advice here. Most importantly welcome to kayaking and I hope you have a lot of fun. Now for the serious. Mine would be don't get over confident and try to go out on a large pieces of water. You don't want to get run over by a boat and when the wind starts blowing on big water it can turn very dangerous very quickly in small boats. I've personally never flipped mine but my significant other has and jumping in 40 degree water to help her was not the least bit of fun. Like has been said always wear your life jacket an take a reasonable amount of gear.

If you search the forums you can find people who have done just that. I was interested in doing that awhile back and found plenty of information on here. Also there is another website tinboats.net I believe that has a lot of information also. Good Luck and post pictures of before and after.

Its up to you man. You can never have enough kayaks. We have 5 kayaks and canoe now. If you just want something to get you started and see if you enjoy being on a kayak it might be ok and then you can upgrade. I still think you wont enjoy fishing out of a kayak like that because you will be so focused on maintain your balance. It may also depend on your size. I'm a bigger guy hint my display name. For me to fish comfortably I want a kayak 33"-38" wide. That's where I have found I'm comfortab

what are you wanting to do with the kayak? I will assume since we are on bass resource you want to fish out of it. IMO I wouldn't recommend buying that kayak for fishing. You will end up hating it and could be dangerous. That looks more like a recreational kayak and not really made for fishing.

Congrats on the new Yak. I have the Ascend 12T. Accessories can be expensive but Austinkayak.com gives you a one time 15% off coupon if you sign up for their emails and if you spend enough they offer free shipping. Have fun and get out on the water and you can see how you want to customize the boat to your needs. The biggest thing is to not over think it and it doesn't have to have 1000$ in accessories to function. Believe me its easy to get caught up in that game.

What he said ^.

I know that Buster Boats were made here in Oklahoma and are no longer in business. As for what they are made of someone on here will know because I certainly don't. They are no longer made but as far as it comes to quality in a plastic boat you wont find much better. Many people still own them and swear by them. What wiring issues are you having?

I bought the FS12T a couple months back. I have had it out a couple times and mine has no leaks. It tracks pretty well but not as good as some because of how wide it is. You can stand in it with practice I'm 5'10 215 lbs. I wouldn't stand if the wind is blowing very hard though. The seat is comfortable and seems to be fine mechanically. Overall I'm happy with the purchase and the price I paid.

RW, Thanks for posting this. It was extremely helpful for someone just getting back into fishing after an eight year absence. I was overwhelmed shopping online and in the stores and didnt no where to start. Thanks again

^^Nice

The mods got pulled over by lake patrol.... the lake patrol was lucky to leave with a warning. The mods went on vacation to the virgin islands... now its just called the islands.

Since this is my first year back in the fishing game after an eight year absence, one of my goals is to be a sponge and soak up as much information as I can from these forums. I hope to be able to go fishing as much as possible but with our first child on the way Im sure my hands will be full most of the time. I would say my number one goal would be to learn how to locate fish on large bodies of water, so when my son gets old enough to tag along I can make memories of good fishing trips like those of my childhood.

I have the Orra S30 with a 7'0 All Star Medium Fast Rod. I've learned there will always be something bigger and better. The Orra series is middle of the road on both function and price.Im loving it right now I will let you know if it lets me down later on in the season.

I think this is a video posted on this site showing the fishfinder your talking about?? Posted a link. It looks like a good unit for the money. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/elite-series-fish-finders.html