New or used, that is the question?

Diamonds in the Rough

Why a used kayak? Sure the color may be a little faded and the hull might be a bit scuffed up from being dragged over rocks and across beaches. It will not be the latest model with all the bells and whistles and you'll probably have to get creative with rigging it up for fishing. But one thing it has going for it over a new kayak is that it's cheap! And when you're starting out, cheap is good. You may even find one that someone else has already rigged up, some complete with fish finders.

A quick Craigslist search turned up this OK Drifter that is rigged up and ready to go.

You may recall from the first article that I said, "use what you have available to you and/or that you can get into with minimal cost." I believe that getting on the water and fishing is more important than finding the "perfect", pre-rigged fishing kayak, at least in the beginning. I think you are better off learning how to paddle efficiently and how to fish from a kayak first. Then upgrade your equipment as needed. This may not apply to people with previous kayak experience but if you are new to kayaking, buying your first kayak is usually based more on other peoples recommendations than your own experience. Even if you are able to hit some dealers near you and demo different styles and brands (which I highly recommend you do) you are still looking at a limited amount of time getting to know that particular kayak. But, maybe you have a friend, a family member, or a neighbor that has a kayak they aren't using, that you can borrow (please ask first). Look for local deals, there are some great deals to be had on Craigslist and other similar sites. Where I live, there are many kayak rental companies that sell off their inventory every few years, at huge discounts. Check with dealers and tour companies in your area. A solid, used kayak on the cheap is hard to beat for the beginning yak angler.

Another local Craigslist search turned up this OK Scupper Pro. An older model but in nice shape and with some rigging would make a nice first kayak.

A used kayak saves you money and gets you where you need to be, on the water fishing. You need to experience what its like to cast from a kayak, fight a fish from a kayak, and grab gear in front and behind you. Try standing up, sitting side saddle, twisting, turning, and leaning out, and paddle, paddle, paddle. As you learn to paddle more efficiently and fine tune your kayak fishing style, a clearer picture of your perfect kayak will emerge. You will figure out whether you need a wide, stable platform for standing and sighting fish or a sleeker, faster model for covering distances. Finally, a used kayak lets you experiment with rigging options more freely. With a new kayak, that you just dropped your paycheck on, you may be reluctant to start drilling holes in it to mount that new camera pole you just picked up. Then, only to find out that you mounted it in a spot that hits your elbow on every paddle stroke (ask me how I know this, arrrghh!). But with a used kayak, one that you snagged for a few hundred dollars, go for it. Get creative and find out what works for you and what doesn't. Can't find or can't afford what you're looking for? No problem, become an inventor and tap into your creative side. One of the best things about this sport is the DIY aspect of rigging your yak.

Cream of the Crop

I can hear you now. You're saying, if a used kayak is so great why buy a new one, right? Well, like with any product, new kayaks offer new innovations and new features. While it's true that a used kayak will save you money, let you experiment with different setups, and will let you figure out what features will enhance your fishing. The kayak designers take all of the feedback from customers and pro staff team members into consideration and create new models based on that information. The early "fishing" kayaks were really just standard, recreational models, maybe with some flush mount rod holders installed. The new crop of fishing kayaks are designed "for" fishing, not as an after thought. Often these kayaks are also designed with a certain style of fishing and water type in mind.

The Thresher by Wilderness Systems Kayaks is designed as a "big water" offshore kayak.

The kayaks being manufactured today have refined hulls built with the fisherman's needs in mind. Stability and tracking with some models offering good speed as well, all in one package. These new kayaks are also feature packed. Better storage options, larger deck platforms for standing, built-in track systems, removable electronics pods, advancements in seating choices, and a multitude of mounting points offer today's yak anglers many extremely useful and versatile models and brands to choose from.

The AP Max seat from Wilderness Systems Kayaks is an example of the improvements made in kayak seats. Other kayak brands also offer their own versions of this new style of seat.

Reading between the lines

In the end I'll say this...Buy new if you are an experienced paddler and have spent a good amount of time in and on kayaks and know what you want. Either you are coming from a used kayak that you have outgrown or that you have determined does not fit your fishing needs and you are looking to upgrade. Or, you have the money to spend and just want to go new from the beginning, certainly nothing wrong with that. Just be sure that you do some research and demo some kayaks before plopping down a couple grand on someone elses recommendations. 

Otherwise, start out with a proven and trusted used kayak. Learn how to paddle, learn how to fish from this platform, learn how to be smooth on the water, and refine your own personal kayak fishing "system". Here is my list of top beginner kayak models. These brands and models are stable, solid, and time tested.

Wilderness Systems - Tarpon

Ocean Kayak - Scrambler

Ocean Kayak - Scupper Pro

Malibu - Stealth

Cobra - Fish and Dive

There are many other brands and models that will also work. These are just some of the more stable and common, used models, at least in my neck of the woods. In other parts of the country this list may include other brands that have regional popularity.

Whether you decide to buy yourself a diamond in the rough or the newest cream of the crop make sure you have the proper safety gear and know how to get back on your kayak should you end up in the water. Practice self rescue techniques in calm water and always wear a PFD.

Until next time, get out there and fish!

Cheers, Tebbs!