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I fish the flats pretty regularly but have to wait on my buddies schedule to free up so we can take his boat. I am interested in kayak fishing. It seems like it would be easier to take out than a 22 foot Sea Pro.... Actually I have almost talked myself into buying a used Cobra Fish-n-Dive for $580. Sounds a bit high but then again, I wouldn't know. I think they go for $800 or $900 new. Few questions:

1. Is that a decent price for being in decent shape? It has two access panels but doesn't come with anything else.

2. Folks that own the Fish-n-Dive, do you like it? Does it have any negative qualities?

3. Is there a better kayak to purchase? I am looking for a one seater with good stability and maneuverability...

4. Dose anyone know of yak for sale? If so please let me know.

5. I wonder about getting to certain fishing wholes, should one not take a yak out too far? into the flays say...

Thanks in advance for your assistance, hopefully in the near future you will hear my yak fishing adventures!

Here are some quick answers, as time is short. The fish n dive is a great yak, super stable, lot's of room, VERY SLOW. This kayak will not set any records. 580.00 is not a bad price, depending on the condition. Here is a small list of kayaks that I would recommend on looking into for kayak fishing. Pungo 120, Tarpon 120, Oceak Kayak Prowler 13. There are others, but these I have paddled before. I highly recommend you paddle a kayak before buying. I also own a Tarpon 120, and a fish n dive, you are more than welcomed to come with me, and paddle one for yourself. Will post more later, back to work.
Billy

What he said. I fish in the kayak fishing tournaments. I'm no pro, and consider myself a novice, and I paddle a Tarpon 120. Many have said they like the Tarpon 160i or Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 because they can quickly get to locations, but they always seem to be fishing in the same place as me and none of us ever seem to be in a big hurry to get anywhere except back to the ramp so we can turn our photo and release in on time. If you can go to some demo days at a kayak dealership in your area. You can also go to Jacksonville and the club memebers tehre may help you out. http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com You can compare specs at http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com

Thanks fellas! Checked out the Prowler 13 and the Tarpon 120, I like them both. I am guessing the width determines the speed, less drag. They are not as wide as the Fish N Dive (36 inches). Do you find that the Tarpon and the Prowler are stable enough when wiggling around on them?

Again, if anyone knows of a used kayak for sale let me know. I'd be interested in anything.

March 5th, the Wilderness Way is having a demo day at Lake Hall, I highly recommend attending, you can paddle them for free. Call them, 877-7200, ask them to bring the Tarpon120, and the Prowler 13 for you to try, they will. How much are you looking to spend for a kayak?
Billy

Stability is really not an issue with the kayaks you're looking at. You are right to wonder about it but you'll find they are very very stable.

I think I'd rather have a kayak with less drag, don't want to get wore out and not be able to fish!

I may be able to attend the March 5th demo. I will give them a call for the particulars.

Billy, I may take you up on your offer some time..... looks like this weekend gonna be too windy.

Depending on the shape the kayak is in, I'd be willing to spend no more that $600. I can buy one brand new for that I think.... ???

Hey what is yalls take on paddles? Is it crucial to have one that is really light weight?

Again, thanks to all for the help. Hope I can return the favor one day....

WHat the others have said is right on target. Stability isn't near as big an issue as most people make it out to be when buying their first kayak. You're better off to buy something faster and easier to paddle. Speed of a hull is based on width, length, and hull design. All 3 factors are equally important when determining the speed of a hull. I personally prefer a longer kayak. I paddle a Perception Bimini 15.0 mostly. With sit-on-top kayaks your two most important accessories are a good seat and a good paddle. Surf to Summit and Seairsports both make some good seats. Seairsports seats are priced a little better though. For paddles you should be able to find a decent fiberglass one for around $100. Eventually you will probably want to move up from there, but figure out which blade type you prefer before spending a ment.

Nathan

Koenig wrote:I may be able to attend the March 5th demo. I will give them a call for the particulars. Depending on the shape the kayak is in, I'd be willing to spend no more that $600. I can buy one brand new for that I think.... ???

Do The Demo!!!
600$ could do it but you'll have to look.
Paddles? Pony up the first time because it will quickly be the first thing you upgrade to. I've heard that over & over. You might as well save the money and get the paddle you need the first time.

Lit, that's the same thing I was thinking. I found a light weight two-piece paddle here in tally, it was on clearance from $150 down to $70. They only had two of them left! Too bad I don't even have a yak yet.

Nathan, I found new Perception Bimini 15 on-line for $579 plus $100 for shipping. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/produc ... id=L2~2247

Pretty good price?

Don't know about the $ on Perception but the only other requirements I'd see are a good PFD & an anchor.

you can also check out the Heritage red fish, or marquesa 14' sit-on-top at TnT hide-a-way. demo them any day of the week. 925-6412
don't forget TnT will host the kayak fishing meeting march 2 at 7:00 pm
on the Wakulla river and hwy 98 come on down

Looks like a pretty good deal to me. The $829.99 they have shown is the MSRP on it, which is what you would pay from a typical dealer. Only problem I see is it is only available in Turquoise. Definitely not my personal preference when it comes to colors, but it could be worse. Make sure you take weight into consideration when looking at kayaks. The Bimini isn't the lightest boat available for sure. You can probably expect it to be over 80# once you get it outfitted for fishing.

Nathan

hahaha I didn't even notice the color! Never mind, not my choice of color either. I did notice the weight and it did seem rather heavy. Do you find the weight makes a difference in the handling or the performance? slow?

I'd say weight is fine in the water (within reason & assuming the kayak is designed well). The larger difficulty is in getting it there.