This is around my budget if I save for a while. What do you guys think about it?
http://www.rei.com/product/788110
Thanks
A spot for the cooler and a cup holder for the beer. What more do you need?
I don’t know what kind of water you’re in, your size, or the type of fishing you want to do. But…
It’s very very short and is best used by small people in safe water. It would be fun to play with in light surf, near shore in a bay or lake. It won’t track over distance regardless of what the website says. You’ll need to be correcting your paddle direction every stroke or every other stroke. Any rod you have will be longer than the kayak so you’d probably need to put in a rod holder that holds it up and back. The weight limit on the website is misleading. Anyone over about 175 pounds shouldn’t expect to be safely atop that kayak in big water. The website says it excels in fun and games and that’s exactly what it seems like to me. I’ve had so many kinds of boats: speedboat, fishing boat, sailboat, folding kayak, sit on top kayak, regular kayak, solo canoe, a few regular canoes. My experience has led me to be very realistic now when I choose a boat or give advice. That boat won’t be a great one for fishing. If that was my budget I’d buy a good used kayak more suitable for fishing. Used kayaks are in the classified section of paddling.net and you can get great advice there, too.
I hope this helps. Paddle on!
Diane is very correct 8’ for 224 to 240 pounds is a fun boat, but not designed for anything serious. In calm water with a small person (say 160 or less) you should have a good day out - just make sure you get back to shore before the wind comes up.
I have fished lakes where the wind comes up and in a few seconds your in 4 - 5 foot wind waves. You want something a bit more serious in those conditions, remember in the outdoors conditions can change extremely quick. That’s how people get hurt out there.
Diane gave you excellent advice. That kayak will require good, strong paddling skills to make it stay on a straight line, so going any distance with it will be very tiring. It was likely intended for a child or small adult to play in waves or just float on an easy river. Also, you wouldn’t have a place to securely hold the entire length of your fly rod if you want to set it down flat to protect it from tree branches.
As Diane mentioned, a larger, used boat would be a better option. Check the info about choosing a fishing kayak in the forum on this website:
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/community/
Here is a place to find a used boat near you, but note that most people will wait until spring to post their ads:
One more thing - kayaks are like fly rods - just as different fly rods appeal to different people, different kayaks work better for different body structures (height, weight, etc.), paddling styles, and types of water.
My paddle cost more than that kayak.
Remember: You get what you pay for. I would save a little more and get a good fishing kayak.
I disagree completely!
Do whatever you need to do to get out there
I totally disagree. A bad kayak will make fishing an unpleasant experience. That’s a bad kayak.
Darn it…thanks everybody I appreciate your opinion and honesty.
This is what really got my goat
Discouraging someone because they’re not able to afford what you have
Incredibly bad form
Martin, I think you’ll be able to find something used for that money, I really do. I think the only boat I’ve ever bought brand new was a solo canoe and it was blemished. Look at some reviews of various craft and you’ll get a feel for the type of qualities you want and/or need in your kayak. Feel free to ask any and all questions you’ve got.
I’m trying to help him. You’re trying to get him to buy a crap kayak so that he has a bad time.
Yes, That’s exactly it Steve, I’m trying to trick him into buying crap so that he has a bad time.
As I remember I paid $150 for my (used) kayak 11 years ago …
Does that make my boat crap too ?
And all this time I thought I was having fun
While I agree with Diane about buying a used boat instead, I see people out fishing in those smaller 'yaks all the time.
They look like they’re having fun to me
Maybe they’re just putting on a brave face so that they don’t look like ‘morons’
From the company website
The ?Spitfire? is the ultimate beach toy and day tripping boat for everyone from beginners to experts and kids to grandparents. It tracks well enough to not boss around the paddler with veering or waffling ? but it is maneuverable enough to hold it?s own in ocean surf. It?s fast enough to excite, but it?s super stable and calm and provides a comfortable ride for anybody. The tank well in the back will keep extra cargo high and dry and bungees will keep things put if strong winds kick up. The paddle keeper ledges are very handy for photographers and fishermen and the folding seat back and stackability of the boat make storage easy. It?s an international playboat ? and it makes no apologies! Crafted with pride in the USA.
Thanks Dudley, you’ve always helped me with your valuable opinion. I thank everybody for theirs too but I don’t wan to see you guys fighting over this. Things will get better for me one day and maybe I’ll be able to afford something better.
Peace on earth please!!
Martin seems to have received all the information he wanted. Thanks folks for your help!