Kayak recommendation

[deptrai]

Originally Posted by Cbs49er

So I had a pelican catch 100 I just sold and I really want a pedal drive for trout trolling and something I can take offshore. I really want to get into ocean fishing but somewhat on budget. I was looking at the old town salty 120 or do you guys recommend going the used route? Would really prefer to stay around 1500.

If you want a pedal drive for around $1,500, I think used is your only option.

[FullFlavorPike]

Do you mean "offshore" in the real sense of "heading way offshore to look for some of those tuna I hear so much about" or do you mean just fishing in the ocean out to like 150' of water (which is more appropriately within the realm of "inshore" fishing)?

[Cbs49er]

Originally Posted by FullFlavorPike

Do you mean "offshore" in the real sense of "heading way offshore to look for some of those tuna I hear so much about" or do you mean just fishing in the ocean out to like 150' of water (which is more appropriately within the realm of "inshore" fishing)?

Both, would love to do offshore for tuna when aI get more experience. I just don't want to keep on upgrading.

Originally Posted by Salty

If you want a pedal drive and you're willing to step up the budget a little bit, you can get a new Hobie Passport 12 for around $1,600. That's what I have because my budget was about the same. OEX helped nudge me that way because I was initially looking at a used Malibu (without pedals). Told them I was planning on doing lots of fishing and I'm 100% glad they recommended the Passport! An Outback or Compass was out of the budget, but this Passport has been getting me in the water pretty comfortably almost every week since I've had it.

I've been seriously looking at that or for 200 more the old town salty 120.

[StrikerMC]

Hey, there's a ton of nice new pedal drive kayaks out on the market between 1300-1800 bucks. Take a look at lightning kayaks, vibe shearwater with pedal drive, pelican catch hd2, etc. Go to a kayak store with those in stock and take a look!

By the way- If you stretch your budget to around 1900-2000 your options open up a lot. Hobie is just one of the many pedal drive brands on the market that are all great. No need to buy something 5 years old when you can get something new (with a warranty too)

[Cbs49er]

Originally Posted by StrikerMC

Hey, there's a ton of nice new pedal drive kayaks out on the market between 1300-1800 bucks. Take a look at lightning kayaks, vibe shearwater with pedal drive, pelican catch hd2, etc. Go to a kayak store with those in stock and take a look!

By the way- If you stretch your budget to around 1900-2000 your options open up a lot. Hobie is just one of the many pedal drive brands on the market that are all great. No need to buy something 5 years old when you can get something new (with a warranty too)

Thx, I think I've seen every kayak video on YouTube. Theres just so many out there now and it just has me wondering which pedal drives will last a long time and how customer service is from these newer companies. Definitely will look for a kayak shop since I don't know of any in the LA area.

[SoCalEDC]

Originally Posted by Cbs49er

Thx, I think I've seen every kayak video on YouTube. Theres just so many out there now and it just has me wondering which pedal drives will last a long time and how customer service is from these newer companies. Definitely will look for a kayak shop since I don't know of any in the LA area.

I'm with Mike, above. If you can get something new with a warranty you won't be sorry, even if it cost a few bucks more. Try a few of the different drive types, and if you are looking primarily to troll, don't rule out long narrow paddle kayaks like the 15 foot versions of the kraken, trident, etc., although those are probably not well suited for smaller bodies of water.

[FullFlavorPike]

Your cheapest bet for an offshore capable kayak is an older OK Prowler 15 with a good seat and a nice paddle. If you are on a hardcore budget, that's a hell of a fishing vessel for the money.

[Saba Slayer]

Support this site and call Andy at OEX in Sunset Beach...
He is a Hobie dealer and the OEX store also represents a few other kayak manufacturers...he’s on the water on PCH if you want to try a kayak and he’s a great fisherman too...!
(562) 592-0800

[Salty]

Originally Posted by deptrai

If you want a pedal drive for around $1,500, I think used is your only option.

If you want a pedal drive and you're willing to step up the budget a little bit, you can get a new Hobie Passport 12 for around $1,600. That's what I have because my budget was about the same. OEX helped nudge me that way because I was initially looking at a used Malibu (without pedals). Told them I was planning on doing lots of fishing and I'm 100% glad they recommended the Passport! An Outback or Compass was out of the budget, but this Passport has been getting me in the water pretty comfortably almost every week since I've had it.