Buying a Kayak

Can anyone give me any information on Ascend FS128T Sit-On-Top Angler Kayak? I'm looking into trying out kayak fishing this summer, and this seems to be the best bang for the buck. Any other suggestions or advice before purchasing a yak?

You can often get more bang for your buck if you buy a used kayak. Check out Craigslist and also, bckfc.org

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but the best advice for buying a kayak is to demo, demo, demo.......

I know that's not an option when buying from one of the big-box stores, but there is nothing worse than buying without first trying only to find out the 'yak doesn't work well for you.

I also agree that you can often get a higher-end, gently used kayak by searching the classifieds like here on Louisiana Sportsman.

Once you try 'yak fishing you're highly likely to get hooked so you are better off getting whet you want than having to look for an upgrade shortly after.

Another option is to rent a kayak from a local dealer so you can actually try out fishing and not just a short paddle. I know Massey's rents kayaks.

Good luck.

That Kayak looks great, but heavy...and unstable. My friend has one and I stood in a calm lake and was VERY DIFFICULT.Just depends what you looking for.

thanks for the info, im going to keep doing my research and start trying out a few.

I own two Wilderness Ride yaks, a 115 and a 135...both are stable for my 6'1' 310lb body to stand in...

And like another said, once you start catching fish out of one.. you will be hooked LOL

I would like to share my experience with you.

I was a newbie (and still a newbie:-)), with no experience fishing off of a kayak. I just bought a cheap fishing kayak blindly to get my feet wet.

After using the cheap kayak for a while, I knew exactly what I wanted when kayak fishing in southeast Louisiana. Based on my real needs, I did extensive research and upgraded to a KC12. I like my KC so much that I want to use it every day. The best part is that my wife also likes it.

My point is, being a newbie, one may not know what's needed and it is difficult to make the right decision the first time. Buying a cheap (used) one before upgrading could be good.

Good luck.

Like Chris said.....demo.demo....demo....rent. There were a bunch of boats I thought I liked, then I demo'd them. Some I though I didn't like and ended up liking. Massey's, The Backpacker, and Pack and Paddle all do demo days. Just sign your name on the waiver and you can paddle anything. They even help you put the boat in the water and take it out. Massey's has some great prices on rental boats too. For the price of a round of golf, they will strap a boat to your roof, and you can go fishing. I highly recommend taking a boat fishing and see if you like it. I have 2 yaks and a Chapman pirogue. One yak is a sit on top wilderness Tarpon and the other is a 15 ft touring yak. I love to fish. I love to paddle and explore with my yaks. I can't stand fishing out of them. I rather fish in a boat. Before you drop a ton of cash, make sure it's something you like.

I have fished out of Jackson, perception sport, pelican, and been in just about everyone on there. The KC is the kayak that fits all my needs. I can transport it,hold 2 people, allows me to paddle or trolling motor. I can place 2 45lb batteries in front and go all dam and cover some serious ground if I want. I paddled across the Pensacola Bay, and have done it all. The owners of the company are also local. Diablo is very stable, but same price as KC and holds 100lbs less, and no trolling motor attachment. If you sit in the LOW position in the kc you can paddle pretty quick.

If you strapped for cash, perception sport at academy is pretty good, but NO COMPARISON to KC.

Demo demo demo. Sounds like a broken record. Buddy just got a Jackson big rig. Sweet kayak. I have a Cuda '12. Take your time and research!