Looking for a sit-on-top fishing kayak that's solid quality. My plan is to fly-fish the Llano, Colorado and other Texas rivers. Maybe a marsh flat or two when back home.

What should I look for when buying?
Where should I look to buy?

Any recommendations or general heads-up would be appreciated. TIA

What jayelbee said. I had been looking and had picked out two brands I preferred based on price/extras, when I went to the Demo day I bought a different brand I wasn't considering.

Getting in and paddling, you'll find the right kayak for you.

fightingfarmer09 said:

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Don't underestimate how expensive rigging a kayak can be.

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you can spend 3x-5x the price of the damn yak if you get fancy with the electronics. but, cheaper and easier maintenance than owning a motorized option

Perception Striker, bought mine at Dicks (before the attack on the 2nd Amendment)

jayelbee said:

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What's your timeline?

If you can wait about 6 months, wait until ACK or FTU do a local demo days in the fall and test out everything you think you might be interested in. Then watch texaskayakfisherman.com classifieds for a good deal on your top 2-3 boats and dive in. You'll get a nice used boat for 60-70% of new with it partially rigged up and a few gimmes thrown in also, like paddle, pfd, drybags, and other thinga like that.

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Follow this advice.

And a used Wilderness Ride 135 would fit what your described uses pretty well.

I concur with the prior advice - demo day to see what fits you best and look for someone wanting to offload.

I have a 2017 Jackson Big Tuna that I'm looking to part with. I bought it new last May and have only used it a few times. It's a great kayak. I was hoping to float the rivers as well for fishing but never got around it and my wife doesn't really like it either. This kayak is big but could be used as a tandem or single. If single, you could pack quite a bit and use it for river camping (my original goal).

I have two sets of paddles, and c-tug, bed extension to transport kayak, and the two original seats. I also have a PFD. If you are interested I'd be willing to sell it. I'm located in round rock.

My brother and I do fish together a lot, but that seems like a lot to bite off for my first kayak. Do you have any pictures you could message me?

Thanks for the heads up. What type of rigging are you referring to? Chairs, pole holders, etc.?

I will certainly check this out. Thank you

I'll try to get some pics soon

Watchful Ag said:

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Thanks for the heads up. What type of rigging are you referring to? Chairs, pole holders, etc.?

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Everything. PFD suitable for paddling, a good paddle, cooler for fishing, drybox and even floats for rods.

Hell a stakeout pole to use for an anchor can either be a cheap project that you can put together or $50-70.

I don't know anything about them but my son and i took one out yesterday until we couldn't see the building my parents place is in at destin.

Long ass way out there.

MexAg05 said:

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I have a 2017 Jackson Big Tuna that I'm looking to part with. I bought it new last May and have only used it a few times. It's a great kayak. I was hoping to float the rivers as well for fishing but never got around it and my wife doesn't really like it either. This kayak is big but could be used as a tandem or single. If single, you could pack quite a bit and use it for river camping (my original goal).

I have two sets of paddles, and c-tug, bed extension to transport kayak, and the two original seats. I also have a PFD. If you are interested I'd be willing to sell it. I'm located in round rock.

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How much for the kayak?

Tarpons are narrower than OK Tridents and will end up tracking better even without perfect posture.

You'll also probably be able to get a little more speed out of the tarpon.

jayelbee bout a 15' tarpon and I bought a 15' OK Trident about 6 years ago I guess. Both are good for bays and wide rivers. I've taken mine beyond the breakers (1-2 miles off the beach) a few times and never had much of a problem.

A Big Tuna is a BIG kayak...

What is your size and weight? Do you want the ability to stand and cast comfortably? Jackson mayfly might be a place to start your search.

6'3" 200lbs.

Would definitely prefer to stand and throw in certain situations

Check out Diablo kayaks, Texas company, stable, comfortable, and can stand to fish from (I'm 6'4").

MexAg05, could you message me pics as well? I'm in the Austin area and my wife and I are looking for tandem kayak to take our kids our on.

Thanks!

bmfvet said:

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Check out Diablo kayaks, Texas company, stable, comfortable, and can stand to fish from (I'm 6'4").

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Second Diablo's boats. I have the Adios and I was able to stand with no problem the first time I tried it at a Austin Kayak demo day.

I chose it not only because it was really stable but because it had a really clean deck with little for stripped fly line to get hung up on.

I got a Vibe Sea Ghost 130 back in December. I couldn't find a used one anywhere but the design is great and it is very stable. I was fishing around Austin with a guy who didn't have a kayak and he rode on the back of it to get where we wanted to go. A single person kayak supporting 2 people and all of the rigging. It was around $900 for the kayak, seat, and paddle.

I think for the price and getting a nice seat to go with it, you can't beat it for under $1000.

@Watchful Ag
If you could provide me an email, I'd be happy to email the pics to you. I can't seem to do a PM since I don't have a paying subscription. Carlos1583 at gmail.com

squirrelhunter said:

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MexAg05, could you message me pics as well? I'm in the Austin area and my wife and I are looking for tandem kayak to take our kids our on.

Thanks!

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Go ahead and send me an email as well please. carlos1583 at gmail.com

FayetteAg82 said:

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MexAg05 said:

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I have a 2017 Jackson Big Tuna that I'm looking to part with. I bought it new last May and have only used it a few times. It's a great kayak. I was hoping to float the rivers as well for fishing but never got around it and my wife doesn't really like it either. This kayak is big but could be used as a tandem or single. If single, you could pack quite a bit and use it for river camping (my original goal).

I have two sets of paddles, and c-tug, bed extension to transport kayak, and the two original seats. I also have a PFD. If you are interested I'd be willing to sell it. I'm located in round rock.

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How much for the kayak?

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Shoot me an email. carlos1583 at gmail.com

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Anyone still interested? I'd be happy to talk prices. Email is carlos1583 at gmail

P.S. please excuse the mess...it's a work in progress

I bought a Jackson Cuda used off CL and got a pretty good deal on it since it was fairly rigged out.. have gotten into kayak fishing on rivers up here in PA.

For the experienced kayak anglers - what rivers (and what stretches) do you hit up in Texas? I am getting ready to move back home soon and would like to keep up the hobby.

I'd recommend diablo as well. Great fly fishing and duck hunting rig

Email sent.

Sent email

As others have said, go to a demo and figure out if you want pedal drive or oar (or motor). Pedal drive is awesome but can double the cost of the kayak. I think the seat is the second most important part of the kayak. After those two, I can't really tell much of a difference between different brands of kayaks.