I would love love love to have a kayak, but I don't know if I want to shell out the money for one. I keep scouting around on Craigslist looking for a cheaper one. I have a reservoir 5 minutes away from my house that you're not allowed to bank fish at or fish with a gas boat. It's the perfect place for kayaking, and I would love to get into it. 

 

I live 5 minutes away from a similar lake here in Indy where there is no bank fishing allowed.

My lake has a public park on the large creek that feeds the lake and there are free little boat ramps there for Kayaker's to use.

I bought a used Wilderness Systems sit inside style and fished 3 times and love it.

Keep searching for a used Yak and watch for garage sales.  I only paid $225 for mine, then I spent another $50 on a paddle and cheap life vest.

If there's a place on your lake you can put it for cheap or free, go for it!

Why would you even put a yak on a lake that allows gas engines on 4th of July weekend? That's clearly your fault. It's the busiest holiday of the year.

Why would you even put a yak on a lake that allows gas engines on 4th of July weekend? That's clearly your fault. It's the busiest holiday of the year.

 

you'll find me fishing in the dark when it's this hot anyways.... not many pleasure boaters out after dark...

you can get started with a basic yak, basic paddle and decent life vest for under 300$ if you pay attention to some sales at places like Dicks and Sports Authority.    you dont need big unless you are up in the 275 lb range or bigger.  My first yak was from Sports Authority. $209 with email coupon they sent me. (also ask about faded ones that have been outside or scratched ones--- ask for a discount)  I MYSELF PREFER a single wood paddle over a yak double sided paddle $18-$25.   A decent life vest if you catch the sales (right now at Bass Pro) $19.95.  not the cheap orange uncomfortable one, a decent vest version.  some rope, 25 feet is usually enough for bass fishing, an old barbell or weight for an anchor.    if you dont have one phone a friend.  10 lber is enough.

 

I also prefer sit on top over sit in

 

There ya go ,  get started on the cheap. Well under $300 bucks.

The best time i have had on the water was in my own yak with my dad on a river in CT.  I feel that a canoe or yak is at its best on a small to medium river.

Canoes and kayaks are also great for non- gas or restricted horsepower lakes.

Canoes and kayaks are also great for non- gas or restricted horsepower lakes.

 

there's quite a few of those around here in middle GA, mostly what i like to fish from the yak because you have no encounters with crazy party boaters.  However, they do get quite a bit of fishing pressure.

I just went through the list of restricted horsepower and non-combustion engines and see that there 12 lakes not 5 like I originally thought within an hours drive. Now I really know I went the right route with the canoe.

...........

Used my kayak once this year paddling with the wife.

I didn't buy a new bass boat to sit on my aching butt and paddle around the lake.

About the only 2 reasons I can think of is , inability to launch a boat.

Or just plain don't own a boat.

Otherwise it's just exercise.

Used my kayak once this year paddling with the wife.

I didn't buy a new bass boat to sit on my aching butt and paddle around the lake.

About the only 2 reasons I can think of is , inability to launch a boat.

Or just plain don't own a boat.

Otherwise it's just exercise.

It hurts my lower back worse to stand all day. But I do understand if you own a Triton, you don't leave it at home in lieu of an exercise machine.

It hurts my lower back worse to stand all day. But I do understand if you own a Triton, you don't leave it at home in lieu of an exercise machine.

Actually I am just the opposite. Hurts my lower back and butt to sit. I usually end up standing in my kayak.

Really considering buying a paddle board to replace my yak.

Pretty sure I could fish from the paddle board comfortably.

Good luck landing and releasing a fish on a paddleboard.

Good luck landing and releasing a fish on a paddleboard.

Not sure why it would be difficult at all.

Maybe I am missing something.

They do it all the time in Florida.

They have coolers strapped down in the back.

If things got gnarly, just sit down on the cooler.

Good luck landing and releasing a fish on a paddleboard.

pretty common.  I know a guy who fishes rivers with his with no issues. 

Actually I am just the opposite. Hurts my lower back and butt to sit. I usually end up standing in my kayak.

Really considering buying a paddle board to replace my yak.

Pretty sure I could fish from the paddle board comfortably.

I have considered that too. I'm just wondering how to hold a rod, cast and paddle. I've thought about how you have to put the paddle down to cast. Seems like a lot of bending, putting down and picking up stuff.

most people who fish from a paddle board have a paddle holder so you don't have to bend over all the time.

i almost got myslef a paddle board,  stuck with just the 2 canoes.   i see a few guys using paddleboards around here and they seem to do it ok.

 

all have their reasons or advantages and drawbacks.

 

i use use my canoes more than the 14 footer flat decked with 25 hp motor only because i like fishing small carry in water,