First Kayak

[David0409]

Hey guys/gals,
I was thinking about buying two Acend 12T kayaks for my 13 year old daughter and me. Going to haul it with our first truck rack as well, the Yakima Overhaul HD. It's our first kayak/truck rack purchase so any suggestions or recommendations would be welcomed. Thanks in advance.

[David0409]

Already scratched the Ascend. Looking at a Big Fish now.

[Sandman7925]

For what that Yakima cost you could just buy a utility trailer.


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[David0409]

I know, but, I'll be towing my travel trailer most of the time so I need a rack to get it above my truck.

[David0409]

Scratching the Yakima for the Thule TracRac TracONE Universal Truck Rack- 

$329 vs $1000!!

[kdubracing]

Already scratched the Ascend. Looking at a Big Fish now.

Out of curiosity, why not the Ascend?

[David0409]

Out of curiosity, why not the Ascend?

Seems to be far better construction (skin not as thin), better layout, more stable, pre plumbed for rudder, better chair, better hull etc


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[David0409]

Out of curiosity, why not the Ascend?

Let me know your opinion on the kayak. I really have no idea as I don't have any experience. In addition, I'm wanting to buy a new baitcaster to learn. What would you suggest as a nice starter reel?


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[kdubracing]

Let me know your opinion on the kayak. I really have no idea as I don't have any experience. In addition, I'm wanting to buy a new baitcaster to learn. What would you suggest as a nice starter reel?


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Your reasons are definitely valid. I haven't really looked at a Big Fish so I know nothing about them. I was just curious what the differences were.

As far as a reel, I have a couple of Abu Garcia Pro Max I found on Amazon for like $65 last year. They are great low budget feels for me. I also have an Abu Garcia Silver Max that you can get for around $45-50 or so. It's a pretty solid lower end reel too. I do like my Pro Max better though. I'm sure some other guys have some good experience with a solid starter bait caster too. There seem to be several solid ones for just about any budget. How much are you looking to spend?

[David0409]

$65 would be my max until I figure it out. I need to update my rod too. I should have bought myself a Dobyn when I bought my daughters.

The only thing I don't like about the Big Fish is the weight. It's 100lbs.



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[apiazza]

The days of light kayaks have come and gone. If you opt to go sit inside you can save a lot of weight.

So here's something to consider... this big open platform yaks can be a real pain to paddle. With the width, your daughter might struggle. You may want to consider something more apt to youth frame (unless she is particularly tall and strong). One consideration is rigging the big boat for you to be the gear hauler and then buy her a cheaper simpler boat for now and then upgrade in a couple years when it wont be such a strain for her to paddle. The other option is to look peddle drive yaks.

Depending on if you plan to stand and fish can make a big difference in what you look to buy.

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[David0409]

Yeah I am concerned about that. Goin to my kayak dealer today to see what they recommend. Worse case I'll just put a trolling motor on it for her. Thanks.


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[apiazza]

Also the best bang for your buck is usually around $100 for a baitcaster. Usually better brake system, bearings and typically a metal frame to avoid flex.

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[David0409]

I have an old Abu Garcia that I'll post later today. Not sure if it worth using or not.

[David0409]

I have a Abu Garcia 5601AB Ambassadeur 5.3 1 reel

[apiazza]

I have a Abu Garcia 5601AB Ambassadeur 5.3 1 reel

Probably not the easiest to learn on, but many swear by them.

See the PM I set you.

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