I am looking to purchase a fishing kayak and still need some advice after doing a ton of research and finding out there are about a million options out there. I've never owned a kayak before and have only ever paddled around in one a handful of times and haven't fished from one so very new to this. I am not looking to break the bank on a brand new Hobie Pro Angler 14 but I also don't want to regret buying the first cheap kayak I find at Academy in a couple of years. Budget is pretty flexible if it means I'm going to get a better product that I will use and enjoy more. I am out at the lake where I would primarily use the kayak at least 12 times per year and have some spots locally where I will also use it.

A couple of points:

• I am 6' 4" and go about 300lbs. I've read that I should de-rate the listed capacity by about 30%-35% to get a stable boat that I can actually maneuver and move in. Does this sound about right? How much crap am I going to end up with that I need to add to my 300lbs when I figure the capacity I'm looking for?
• Primary use will be on a pretty large lake (~13k acres) to open up access to a ton of submerged timber, shoreline, docks, etc. Our lot is well back off of the main body in a no-wake area but I may eventually venture out beyond that area. I would like something that can comfortably handle some chop and gets through the water well. Secondary would be going out to Gibbons Creek and some pond fishing.
• Based on what I've seen I really like the idea of pedal power, what are the pro's and con's of this drive system? I'm not really needing to get into any shallow areas where the draft of the drive would be an issue.

Any recommendations or things to look out for or keep in mind would be appreciated. Also, any recs on a good place to go put my eyes on a good selection of yaks would be helpful. I live in BCS but am in Houston at least once a month and would be willing to make a trip to actually put my eyes on some options if there is a place with a good selection to compare.

Diablo looked like a good boat for a guy your size.
https://www.diablopaddlesports.com/boats--accessories.html#/
I saw them at the kayak shop in the Woodlands. Also Fishing tackle unlimited had a bunch of boats.

Could also go the inflatable route like an NRS

https://www.nrs.com/product/86251.01/star-pike-inflatable-fishing-kayake

Tackle Unlimited has a pretty big selection to look at so does Austin Canoe and Kayak, prepare yourself for sticker shock when you walk in there. They both typically have pretty knowledgeable sales people that can give you info on the equipment, at least way more so than Academy and Bass Pro.

I'm 180 pounds so I can't really speak to needing a bigger boat.

I bought a new bare bones 12 foot Perception Pescador eight years ago and then six years ago I bought a used Tarpon 120 (basically the same boat). In total I think I paid $900 for the two of them and I could not be happier with them. They are some of the best purchases I've ever made. I've taken them on multiple week long trips loaded with 150lbs of equipment, fished BTB breakers, surfed, gone through class 3 rapids, caught a lot of fish, duck hunted out of them, and generally just used the hell out of them. They get holes in the bottom after a while, but I just patch it up by welding a piece of plastic milk jug to the bottom.

I'd suggest that you make sure to get a quality paddle. The short aluminum ones suck. I've even had one snap on me before. Since you are 6'4 make sure to get a long paddle 230-250cm probably. I have had a few Carlisle Magic pluses they don't break the bank and being made of fiber glass they are a huge upgrade.

Check out texaskayakfisherman.com if you havent already

You can also buy a brand new jon boat, trailer, longtail mud motor, and trolling motor for about $2000. It will take you almost everywhere the kayak will and a lot faster. It's a different experience than a kayak for sure, but just keep that in mind when you are looking at $2000 -$3000 kayaks.

I love the pedal option for a fishing rig. You can go all day, go faster and farther. Plus, the ability to troll, or maneuver while casting and fighting is unparalleled.

I can second Diablo boats, awesome and VERY stable. They are designed for guys your size. But they are made for sallow, so you might not find it as comfortable as others.

I went with a Hobie Pro Angler, and it I the most stable boat I've ever paddled/peddled. It's overkill for your lake, but with your size the comfort might be absolutely worth it.

You should also take a look at Native Watercraft. The Slayer Propel is a good boat and very stable. I don't think the propel drive is as efficient as the Hobie Mirage, but it's also cheaper. They also make a propel version of their Ultimate, which is a very versatile craft.

Knowing a budget would help with recommendations. I HIGHLY recomend finding a Kayak Demo Day near your and testing some boats before buying. You will figure out what works and what doesn't real quick.

I have an Ocean Kayak Trident. Love it. I mainly fish inshore saltwater.

But next year or so I'm gonna upgrade to a pedal. Because it really changes the experience in a good way.

Test all of the pedal kayaks, as they track very differently and that will be a huge factor.

When I upgrade I will be looking strongly at the Hobie Outback.

Don't forget to account for loading and unloading the boat.

We have five kayaks, all sit on tops, both Ocean Kayak and Wilderness Systems products. Never used any of the pedal style kayaks.

Some of ours have rudder systems, but have never used the rudders much at all. I am not quite as big as you but have the Ocean Kayak Drifter and it is very stable. Used it in both fresh water and salt water and have not turtled even once. The wider and thus more stable the kayak, the slower it will be. They are easy to paddle and I never have a sore back or arms like paddling a canoe or jon boat. The biggest adjustment for me is going from standing on the front of a bass boat to being at "water level" when in the kayak. But I love not having to deal with others at a boat ramp and being able to launch anywhere you can access the water.

Someone suggested checking texaskayakfishing.com and I agree. I would spend some time checking out that site and message board and ask questions and look at the classifieds. This being your first purchase, I would consider buying a used kayak.

Good luck to you!

I was in a similar boat (pun intended) last summer. I ended up getting a canoe because it was it cheap but if I was you, I would definitely get a pedal drive or similar to the boat below. Paddling against the wind makes it difficult to fish but if you don't mind that and are looking for a little exercise while fishing there are a lot of options. I would check out bonafide, feelfree, jackson and NRS inflatables if space is an issue.

I am about your same size (6'5" and 310 lbs). If I was getting a kayak for just lake use, I would get the NuCanoe Frontier 12 with pivot drive. It is super stable and can more than handle you and your gear. It's very easy to stand up in without any assistance. The pivot drive will allow you hands free operation of the boat. There are a ton of accessories you can get to modify it as well. I highly recommend at least testing it out before you buy anything.

ETA: if you go with a paddle, you will want at least a 260 length paddle. I mainly float creeks and rivers, and enjoy taking some trips where I don't fish. I have a Jackson Bite Angler, and love it. This boat doesn't come with the option of a peddle system, so I had to have a paddle. The 260 is the right length for me. Some boats will have you sitting up higher, so you may need an even longer paddle. Testing out a boat will help you out a lot with paddle selection as well.

Thanks for all of the replies. I'll definitely look into Tackle Unlimited and Austin Kayak, I didn't realize demo days were a thing but that sounds like an awesome idea, I'll have to see if they have any upcoming (hopefully this is a thing still after Cov2).
I tried looking into Diablo but their website doesn't have much and everywhere that lists them for sale shows out of stock... The Native Slayer Propel and NuCanoe Frontier 12 which were mentioned above were both on my list along with the Wilderness Systems Radar 135 and Vibe Shearwater (very similar looking pedal system to Hobie). I'm having trouble figuring out why very similar looking kayaks can be so different in price point, it looks like it just comes down to nicer seats, more accessory rails, rod storage, etc. Is there any real difference in the actual build quality or brands that I need to steer away from?

I have the Perception Pescador Pilot. It's a pedal drive and very stable. I can stand easily in it as well. Price is good, $1799 but can usually be found for $1,499 on sale at amazon

Build quality should be fine from all the brands you just listed

clobby: Thanks, that looks REALLY interesting, I am not interested in paddling and the motor option looks good. Checked their website and closest dealer is Houston, wish they had something close to go and see. This looks perfect of Lighthouse Lakes or parts of Brown and Root Flats.

Found a great deal on a NuCanoe Pursuit on FB, picking up on Wednesday. I've already ordered a Bending Branches Pro Angler Paddle and looking into what else I will need to outfit it. What do I need to know about fish finders?

Bonafide

Unless you are fishing deeper water they are marginal in terms of improving your experience.

I fish shallower inshore areas 3-4' deep that they are not helpful, but in open bays or lakes they would be helpful.

I also typically have phone signal and can use my phone to mark GPS points.

Hummingbird and some of the entry ones are in the $100-200 range.

In my opinion, the only downside to a pedal option is the price. I made the mistake of not spending the extra money on a pedal kayak and have always regretted it. That being said, I have a like new feel free lure for sale if you're interested. It's a very stable kayak, I'm about 6'4" and 240 and I have no problem standing and fishing from it. It's not a peddle, of course, but if you're looking to save some money and still have a great kayak let me know.

SquirrellyDan said:

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In my opinion, the only downside to a pedal option is the price. I made the mistake of not spending the extra money on a pedal kayak and have always regretted it. That being said, I have a like new feel free lure for sale if you're interested. It's a very stable kayak, I'm about 6'4" and 240 and I have no problem standing and fishing from it. It's not a peddle, of course, but if you're looking to save some money and still have a great kayak let me know.

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I am currently in analysis paralysis looking for a kayak. The lure is on my short list. Which version/size is it?

CBB_Ag said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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In my opinion, the only downside to a pedal option is the price. I made the mistake of not spending the extra money on a pedal kayak and have always regretted it. That being said, I have a like new feel free lure for sale if you're interested. It's a very stable kayak, I'm about 6'4" and 240 and I have no problem standing and fishing from it. It's not a peddle, of course, but if you're looking to save some money and still have a great kayak let me know.

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I am currently in analysis paralysis looking for a kayak. The lure is on my short list. Which version/size is it?

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It's the feel free lure 12. 2017 model. Desert camo color. Like this https://www.austinkayak.com/Feelfree-Lure-115-v2-Kayak/ACK28709P.html

It has a "wheel in the keel" which makes it really easy to drag around for short distances. Honestly it's a great kayak which can easily be made better by adding a rudder, which the company makes to fit. I just don't use as much as I used to and it takes up a bunch of space in my garage.

Get a good Kayaking life jacket.

SquirrellyDan, what do you want for the Lure? Where are you at? I am in the Woodlands/Conroe area.

I have a Diablo Amigo. I weigh a little more than 200 but carry 6 rods, trolling motor and battery, tackle boxes, depth finder, cooler, etc.
I saw a picture of 3 men in an Amigo. I fish lakes and large tanks. You might consider one.

How about a used Hobie Pro Angler 14? I have been thinking about selling mine. I've put everything on it accessory wise and have a trailer for it.

Let me know or anyone else that's interested can reach out.

Thanks,

I have a Jackson Big Rig. I put a trolling motor on for larger bodies of water. Very stable and standing is easy. My next yak will be a big rig with the pdl drive.

My husband has an Old Town Predator and I have a Perception Pescador(?). Both with pedal drives. The Old Town has a much superior pedal drive and ruddering system. It would be fine for a big man. It is very heavy, especially rigged out. Be sure and get the transport wheels that can be attached so you can roll it from your vehicle/trailer to the water.

We have two different rigs to transport them. One is a Thule frame that sets on bed of truck where they ride overhead. The other is a T-bar system that slips into hitch receiver so they ride in truck bed.

Have used the Thule rack extensively for long distance trips (on a Jeep Scrambler and a GMC Sierra truck). Only used the T-bar on short trips so far.

Austin Canoe and Kayak are great people. Recommend them highly. And their demo days are great! Went to the one outside Conroe several years ago, and afterWards bought the kayaks we have. And we continue to add little things to them - gonna do lighting next!

CBB_Ag said:

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SquirrellyDan, what do you want for the Lure? Where are you at? I am in the Woodlands/Conroe area.

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I'd take 700 for it. I'm in new braunfels but travel to the Houston area often.