Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Apennock on April 22, 2017, 10:29:08 AM
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I'm looking for an inflatable kayak to do some exploring and fish from this summer. My priorities (in this order are ) $200 or under, ~20 lbs and practical fishing accessories like cargo netting or spots for mounting rod holders. Does anyone have any recommendations?
I've been leaning toward this model: https://www.amazon.ca/Intex-Challenger-1-Person-Inflatable-Aluminum/dp/B00177J4JS/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00177J4JS&pd_rd_r=PJQXTNHJCJAVX0AWEVE0&pd_rd_w=uzPde&pd_rd_wg=yq6o1&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=8XYEN3VF3W2A0TK2N5BY&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=b06971ce-9992-44c1-9ee0-eb9792e71b5e&pf_rd_i=desktop
but I'm a little hesitant. I'm both attracted to and leery of the price. Has anyone used one of these?
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Looks like a kid's boat that may last a weekend :)
I know this is a lot more expensive, but if you plan on fishing for the next 10 years it could be considered a bargain ...
https://www.amazon.ca/ADVANCED-ELEMENTS-AE1006-ANG-Advanced-Straitedge/dp/B0047U2NPO/ref=pd_sbs_468_24?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YCDGDBH24EHCJV4F08DH
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https://www.amazon.com/Intex-Explorer-2-Person-Inflatable-Aluminum/dp/B00A7EXF4C
I got one of these a couple years ago at Walmart for about $100 on sale. It exceeded my expectations for sure.
Not the fastest or best tracking kayak for sure but for the price no complaints.
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How does one launch one of those without getting wet? I couldnt imagine having body weight inside and doing the "scoooch" along the ground until it floats. Would probably puncture it pretty quickly. I guess if you have access to a dock or something, that would help. Get a pelican fishing kayak from costco, this one is on for $350 in store right now;
https://www.costco.ca/Pelican%E2%84%A2-Odyssey-100X-Kayak-.product.100333947.html
Comes with a paddle, car roof carrier kit, two flush mount rod holders etc. I know guys in condos that have them, one guy hangs it from J hooks on the wall, another leaves it on his deck. Its only 10 feet long and 50lbs, easy to manage.
You can use it for a year or two and still sell if for $300 if you want to upgrade or downgrade. The PVC one will be effectively worthless on the resale market used.
Those cheaper PVC Yaks have a finite life span. You'll wind up spending $100-$200 and quickly become frustrated with it's durability, tracking, overall functionality and always being 'on guard' while fishing to avoid rocks, barnacles, tree branches etc. With a hard one, you can crash into everything and not worry, focusing on fun and fishing.
I'm sure the pricier inflatables track better and will be more durable, but I would be leary of the low end ones.
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Agree with Damien, I got 2 of the 12ft models from Costco 2 years ago and love them. Have added mods including, rod holders, depth/fish finder and transducer, paddle clip, and cleats for anchor tie downs. Can't beat these for the price and wont pop a hole and leave you stranded on other side of lake