Looking for fishing kayak recommendations

[Charles]

Hi, I’m looking to purchase a kayak for fishing. All my research has come up with kayaks that are out of stock or way out of my price range. I know basically nothing about kayaks myself.

I want to fish lakes for bass primarily. Potentially some slow moving river fishing.I was thinking pedal drive since I’ll need my hands to fish, but my budget is <$2000.

Is pedal drive worth it at this budget? Anyone have recommendations for me? Thanks!

EDIT: I have a paddle kayak currently. It’s not a “fishing” kayak specifically but I enjoy what little fishing I’ve done in it so now I’m looking for an actual fishing kayak.

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[Chasman1965]

I’d buy a used paddle kayak, and try it out for a while. You may not like kayak fishing. If you do like it, get a pedal kayak in the future and sell the one you bought or keep it as backup.

[BeaversBunghole]

You can fish w/o a pedal drive.

There are so many factors to consider when buying. A few for me were hull weight (for transport), ability to stand and fish, comfort, tracking, stability, etc….

[northernabguy]

Find your local kayak fishing group (start with FB, usually lots of posts about meetups, tourneys etc this time of year). Someone will likely have an extra kayak you can try, or be connected to a shop that has demos.

[firstcoastyakker]

I started with paddle kayaks and loved using them but always fought the paddle and properly positioning the kayak. My lovely wife gave me two pedal kayaks for a birthday present about7 years ago and I love them. I got Hobie Pro-anglers, which are decidedly more that $2K, even used. The big downside is their weight. Each is over 100lbs without anything in them, so they are not as mobile as others. I got a high trailer to put them on and with my truck and I can get to some good places, but they are a handful to load and unload.

If you’re just beginning, get something used/inexpensive to see if you like. Kayak fishing is not for everyone since it is a lot more work than shore or boat fishing in some ways.

[Alternative-Yard]

i like my hobie passport

[TheFunkster]

I recently got a Vibe Shearwater, and I can’t imagine going back. Clocks in right around your price range with the Pedal drive as well.

[flyguy_mi]

Peddle drive is great, when you are on a lake, or a deeper river, but shallow water, your skeg will hit the bottom. So, it depends where you fish, and the cost of a peddle drive vs a regular kayak. Make sure you get one with a Stadium type seat, those cheapo seats make my back ack after 30 minutes. I bought a Lifetime Tamarack Pro, with a nice seat.

[morrissjeffa81]

Plus one for the Vibe Kayaks. Excellent rigs that will easily accommodate everything you’re looking for plus some!