I'm in the market for a new kayak. I was checking out the12'  field and stream eagle  run but I checked it out today and im "so so" on it. im looking to spend around $500.. I love pitching and flipping docks from my john boat.. I like standing while doing this. Any ideas? also I will be adding a trolling motor and a depth finder..

 

thanks Grizzn

In that price range and wanting to stand you are going to have to look used as you still have to get a pfd and a paddle. I would keep an eye out for a wilderness systems commander, native ultimate or an ok big game (I think that's the model) as they are all able to be stood up in.

I already have a paddle and a pfd.. imlooking at the wilderness system tarpon 120. but I think I can get a good kayak in that price range even if I have to go a little closer to $1000

If you bump to a grand you have a plethora of options. The tarpon is a great boat but I haven't seen anyone who was able to stand and fish out of one. I have a commander for flat water and that thing is a stable as a dock and if you sit in the captains perch you have a great raised seating position. They also would probably be one of the easier boats to rig a trolling motor too.

The slide read also makes setting up rod holders, anchor trolleys and depth finders pretty easy.

Agree with flyfisher, up your price and the field is wide open. The Tarpon is not a stand-and-fish yak. Unless you put stabilizers on it. Even then, the cockpit is not the most conducive to foot placement.

 

I'd definitely check your local craigslist or such to see if there are any Native Ultimates, WS Commanders in the classifieds. As well, the WS Ride and new Native Slayer are stand-and-fish yaks as are the Jackson Coosa, Cuda. But unless you find a great used deal, those will all be at least $800 give or take, used.

I have a coosa and it works for standing but if I was flipping docks and that was my preferred method I would go hybrid of some sort. Having your feet below the waterline when standing makes a world of difference

A bit above your price but nucanoe frontier is amazingly stable and has a transome for TM. Looks like nucanoe is also fabbing up a mount for a foot controlled TM. Around 1200 new for 12 foot boat.

Like said above save your money a bit longer and get a stable boat that allows you to do what you want. Otherwise it will be a dust collector that you hate.

I have a coosa and it works for standing but if I was flipping docks and that was my preferred method I would go hybrid of some sort. Having your feet below the waterline when standing makes a world of difference

 

Then it has to be an Ultimate or Commander. I've only read reviews (a lot) of the Coosa and it sure seems a well thought out yak. Actually, from what I'm reading of reviews of the Slayer, it's an SoT Ultimate. Standing is lower to the water line, if I read correctly.

 

Either way, there's a number of choices you have Griz, if you're willing to spend a few extra bucks.

Yeah Im deff going.to wait alittle longer until I find the right one. Moneys not really an issue but I will be putting stabilizers on it.. so guess I can get a little less stable boat with some good storage...

I can get a Trident 13 for 900 if I can remember the price right this is used.

I can get a Trident 13 for 900 if I can remember the price right this is used.

 

Here's a review of the Trident 13: http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-kayak-review/106-ocean-kayak-prowler-trident-13

 

And here: https://www.google.com/search?q=reviews+trident+13&oq=reviews+trident+13&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.3736j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

You probably already did the search, ignore the links if so.

 

Get's good marks, but interesting take on bass vs. surf. I'm sure it could work for you, but the price you quote is close to full retail.

 

I'd encourage you to demo any kayaks you're interested in -- if you have a kayak retailer anywhere near. You may hate the 13 and love brand X. I love my Native Ultimate, but others don't. So my word is not what you should take. Get a kayak that is suited for YOU, that YOU like, that suits YOUR style of fishing.

 

I settled on the Ultimate after a year with a so-so yak I picked up at a big box store. It got me on the water, I customized it, added DIY stabilizers, etc. What it taught me over the year I had it, is what I *really* wanted in a kayak.

 

So from there I narrowed down to the Native Ultimate and the Wilderness Systems Commander. I sat in both, but preferred the Native -- and bought it.  Both are great boats that you can find in the $800-1000 used range. But again, they might not be what YOU need.  Just stuff to think about before you drop your hard earned $$$.

I would also say avoid the stabilizers and look for a boat that is stable enough already. You mentioned a trolling motor so paddling speed isn't super high on the list of priorities.

Stabilizers work great but to me it is one more thing to rig up and take down and get in the way.

There are plenty of super stable boats available without needing the extra stuff.

Oh and I was out in my coosa today fly fishing a smaller flow and stood up a good bit of the time

Here's an example of a great stand-and-fish yak - used:

 

http://www.paddleva.com/new/APP02026-Wilderness-Systems-Ride-135-with-Low-Freedom-Outfitting-2013-USED-DEMO

Yeah I'm deff not going to go into the thousands I've been reading on the eagle talon I can get it for 550 at dicks.. I think that will be a good entry level kayak.. I'll see how it does with me standing in it.. with price range I can up grade the seat and upgrade from there... I'm pretty much getting this to learn few lakes I haven't been able to get on with a boat.. Im going tomorrow. To check it out I'll let you guys know. And thanks for the advice..