First Kayak Recommendations?

[flyrodman]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! Is there a Springfield area kayak dealer that will let me try out kayaks before I buy one?

[Stoneroller]

blemishes at ack are just that. superficial marks. and they don't charge for shipping, plus give you 20% off all the accessories you order with you yak, plus give you 15-20% every single purchase after your first one as your receipt will have a discount for your next order.

[Al Agnew]

Just ordered a SOT for Mary from Austin Kayak...seem to be good people. Forgot to order a paddle and called them the next day to see if I could add a paddle and seat back and still get the discount, and they were fine with it.

(The reason Mary wanted one is that out here in Montana, she wants to be able to float the Yellowstone by herself instead of depending upon me to row the big raft. She can't paddle a canoe anymore because of arthritis in her shoulder, but we rented an Ocean Kayaks Frenzy for her the other day and she loved it, and it didn't bother her shoulder to paddle it for four hours. So that's what we ordered for her. And while the Frenzy is not a fishing kayak--Mary didn't need one because she doesn't fish out of a boat anymore--it is just about perfect for easy floats on big, fast rivers like the Yellowstone.)

[flyrodman]

Ok, I found this on Austin Kayak http://m.austinkayak.com/phone/prodDetails.php?ID=7307 . It already has two rod holders and a rudder. The angler version is here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006K99YTI . These look sweet for their price, I don't know where I could try one out before I buy it.

Tight Lines!

~Luke

[Wayne SW/MO]

I would be cautious about what appears to be an off brand price oriented craft. The rudder is only good for flatwater travel for the most part and it isn't free.

You can get a Jackson Riviera for under $500 and set it up the way you want. They can't be too bad because most of the canoe liveries in the state rent them.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Luke something that hasn't been mentioned is design and construction. SOT's that are going to be used in the Ozarks need scuppers that exit in a protected area. If they aren't you risk cracking the hull if they catch on a rock. Our streams are also as rough on boats as any and if the material isn't up to a lot dragging, you won't be able to use it when you want to. A kayak that tracks well will have to give up some maneuverability and that can't be changed. Most boats suitable for streams here are a compromise.

If you intend to fish flat water only then your choices will be different.

[Terry T]

I'm window shopping too. I've looked at the Bass Pro Ascend ($600) and the Jackson Coosa ($900 at Outdoor's Inc). The Coosa seems WAY more versatile. I've thought about getting the Ascend and when the wife gets over "you just don't like paddling with me in the canoe", maybe she could take the Ascend and I could get a higher end kayak. I could always use the Ascend as a buddy kayak for someone else.

[Terrierman]

I bought a pescador from Academy for something like $500 and have been exceptionally happy with it. I've since learned that hull design was sold for years as Tarpon 12.

Ozark Mountain Traders are located on 65 just south of Ozark. They've got a really good selection of kayaks and canoes. This is a good time of the year to make a deal on one. I bought a Mad River canoe from them and they treated me very well.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Ozark Mountain Traders are located on 65 just south of Ozark.

You might want to give directions.

[Terrierman]

You might want to give directions

Highway 65 to EE. East outer road (aka Selmore road) back north about two miles.