First kayak suggestion

[twdecock]

Just looking for suggestions on a first kayak. I'm leaning toward the heritage 12' they sell at Academy. I'm open to reviews on that one as well as the pelicans or any around the $350-450 range. I've been wading west bay since I moved to Houston 3 yrs ago and I want to expand my fishing holes so a kayak seemed like a good start. I purchased the Hook-N-Line wade, shore, & kayak fishing map in hopes to find some good launch points. I'm also wondering if it is realistic to kayak chocolate bay and the area launching from San Luis Pass area or is there other launch points that may work better. This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to kayak across the ICW? Again new to kayaking and don't know much about it. If anyone could help answer some of these questions It'd be much appreciated.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Just looking for suggestions on a first kayak. I'm leaning toward the heritage 12' they sell at Academy. I'm open to reviews on that one as well as the pelicans or any around the $350-450 range.

If you aren't familiar with texaskayakfisherman.com, you might look through the 'for sale' section. From time to time, I have seen some good deals come through there on used boats. There are also reviews of the Pelican and Heritage. I've paddled both, I think the Heritage is the better boat but I haven't been in it enough to give it a proper review.

[QUOTE=twdecock;180683]I purchased the Hook-N-Line wade, shore, & kayak fishing map in hopes to find some good launch points.

so wondering if it is realistic to kayak chocolate bay and the area launching from San Luis Pass area or is there other launch points that may work better. This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to kayak across the ICW? Again new to kayaking and don't know much about it. If anyone could help answer some of these questions It'd be much appreciated.

[Jhua]

Do not get a pelican. They're fine for recreational purposes but lack when fishing. X2 on TKF. I bought my Tarpon 160i's from TKF for a great deal. They have put me on some great fish. Get a good PFD too and always wear it while on the water.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Let me try that again.....

Just looking for suggestions on a first kayak. I'm leaning toward the heritage 12' they sell at Academy. I'm open to reviews on that one as well as the pelicans or any around the $350-450 range.

If you aren't familiar with texaskayakfisherman.com, you might look through the 'for sale' section. From time to time, I have seen some good deals come through there on used boats. There are also reviews of the Pelican and Heritage. I've paddled both, I think the Heritage is the better boat but I haven't been in it enough to give it a proper review. Save enough to buy a good PFD and safety gear (running light, whistle, etc.)

I purchased the Hook-N-Line wade, shore, & kayak fishing map in hopes to find some good launch points.

That's a very good resource. Ray Crawford's book is very good too. The older posts on TKF have a good deal of information in them about launch spots, fishing spots, etc. The last couple of years it has evolved more to kayak gear and fishing chatter. Still a good resource but FWE is much better.

so wondering if it is realistic to kayak chocolate bay and the area launching from San Luis Pass area or is there other launch points that may work better.

You can kayak Chocolate Bayou from Lute's (where they sell bionic shrimp). You can fish the end of Chocolate Bayou and the northern part of the bay from the boat ramp at the 2004 bridge. If you want to fish the bay proper, get your paddle ready - it's a long haul. I wouldn't think of doing it from SLP unless the wind is blowing 30 from the S and you have a sail.

This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to kayak across the ICW?

Quickly.....seriously.

Make sure you are clear of any oncoming boats. Wait until you have a very clear shot with 2x the room you need to spare. Cross perpendicularly to the channel. Give the tow boats and barges the respect they deserve. They put out a big bow wave and the water level will raise in front of them and lower behind them. It creates some exciting turbulence and you could easily turtle. The safest thing to do in the ICW or otherwise is keep yourself well away from boat traffic.

Again new to kayaking and don't know much about it. If anyone could help answer some of these questions It'd be much appreciated.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. There are quite a few kayak guys on FWE. I get out as much as life allows and have probably made most of the mistakes you are about to. I enjoy it quite a bit.

[Texfish]

Really good advice above, I would not buy the Pelican if you can wait keep an eye on classified section of TKF and some good deals pop up for the same amount you would spend for the Pelican.

Good luck in your search.

[Big Game 57]

First Yak 2012

Texfish is right. Spend your money on a quality used yak that will last you for years. TKF and Craig List can find you a Nice used yak. Please do not yak by yourself, fish with a yak buddy. The bay can change on a instant. Wear a PFD my friend.

[Curmudgeon]

Yep. Search TKF for yaks. Good deals abound and most are for fishing. A 300-400 yak is one that you'll want to replace almost immediately.
For Launching into Chocolate, If you don't go up to Lute's, the 2004 ramp is fine. Even if you could make it from SLP to Chocolate, you'd be too tired to fish and way to tired to paddle back.
Jhua is absolutely right about the need for a good PFD. Wear one.
Feel free to ask FWE members for help. That's how most of us learned too. And once you get your's, ask one of us to take you out for a shake-down trip. I bet you'll be surprised at the response.

[Milkjug]

....is there not an "FWE" towing service for those in "Yaks"?

Sign me up!

Ya'll already hit on most of the stuff. You can get a good 12' yak in that price range that will serve you fine for a long time. My buddy has the heritage from Academy and it is a fine yak. Also look for Ocean Kayak specks/scramblers, and the Mainstream kingfish. All are good all-round 12' yaks for great prices.

I would lean more towards a good paddle and seat, I got my first high-end paddle this year and I can't believe I waited that long!

[Rollo]

!last summer was windy,Bought a pelican and couldnt keep it going straight in cross winds major regret number 1 , no rudder.Tried a friends boat a higher end Hobie w/ the pedal drive WOW! But it is not super shallow till you remouve the drive and paddle old school its pricey but just as with most things you get what you pay for!

[Curmudgeon]

Sign me up!
I would lean more towards a good paddle and seat, I got my first high-end paddle this year and I can't believe I waited that long!

Me too!
What kind of seat & paddle did you get? I've got to get a better seat, and I keep looking at the paddles wishing..

[Curmudgeon]

Here's a sweet starter@

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=174822

[TTU Wader]

If you want to really expand your fishing areas get a long kayak (14-16'), or a hobie. You will be able cover more water and go longer distances.

[Texfish]

X2 on the paddle just think of as your engine. I have a carbon fiber paddle and it makes your day so much more enjoyable. I let a buddy try the paddle out once for a few hundred yards he said he could not believe the difference. I used his which about wore me out. The next day he went and bought a carbon fiber paddle.

There are good deals on used kayaks all the time just have to wait for the right deal to come up.

Some of the kayaks with higher freeboard and with a milk crate have a tendency to wind cock or crab out on the open bay this is where a kayak with a rudder will paddle a lot straighter and it also helps with drifting.

[Longhornbubba]

Tarpon 140 really stable and tracks great.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

twdecock - here is a good deal on TOS. Well regarded 12' boat with a good paddle and rack for $550. Saw this today and thought you might be interested.

Tarpon 120 with paddle