Field and Stream Sit on Top at Dicks

Table of Contents

Field and Stream Sit on Top at Dicks - old_user - Apr-10-11 10:55 PM
- Pick one - fishing or kayaking - willi_h2o - Apr-10-11 11:46 PM
  - fishing - old_user - Apr-11-11 12:10 PM
  - An Epic 18 Makes A Lousy Fishing Boat - barracuda - Apr-11-11 3:27 PM
- Lack of info... - MintJulep - Apr-11-11 7:28 AM
  - thanks - old_user - Apr-11-11 12:11 PM
- Compare - vel - Apr-11-11 7:48 AM
  - Thanks - old_user - Apr-11-11 12:14 PM
- waste of a gift card - old_user - Apr-11-11 9:29 AM
  - thanks - old_user - Apr-11-11 12:15 PM
    - What comes first ? - willi_h2o - Apr-11-11 1:28 PM
- Return Policy - gibsonra - Apr-11-11 2:01 PM
- dicks has better boats for less on sale - FrankNC - Apr-12-11 6:53 AM
  - Buy a Dick's one - speed4theneed - Apr-12-11 9:53 AM
  - Maybe Not A Scrambler - barracuda - Apr-12-11 1:03 PM
- Go really cheap - willi_h2o - Apr-12-11 1:30 PM
  - Maybe - gnatcatcher - Apr-12-11 3:02 PM
    - .. - speed4theneed - Apr-12-11 3:53 PM
- Is this it? - old_user - Apr-12-11 4:43 PM
  - try it - TRAVISMA - Apr-12-11 9:31 PM
- Get what makes you happy. - vel - Apr-12-11 9:53 PM
- I am a fisherman who kayaks - Dr_Disco - Apr-12-11 10:19 PM
  - I went to Dicks - FrankNC - Apr-14-11 11:29 PM
    - oh Frank - old_user - Apr-15-11 4:00 PM
      - thanks - old_user - Apr-15-11 4:53 PM
        
        Field and Stream - old_user - Apr-15-11 8:48 PM
- Fishing Kayak - Vel - Apr-15-11 9:37 PM
  - Craigs list too - FrankNC - Apr-15-11 11:40 PM
    - Go cheap - you life is worth pennies - willi_h2o - Apr-16-11 1:36 PM
      - Ok Willi - FrankNC - Apr-16-11 4:43 PM
      - Nice post - speed4theneed - Apr-18-11 9:39 AM
    - ???? - vel - Apr-16-11 5:46 PM
- I found my first kayak - kayamedic - Apr-16-11 2:42 PM
  - huh - old_user - Apr-18-11 9:15 AM
    - floatation is in short supply - kayamedic - Apr-18-11 9:39 AM
      - nm - old_user - Apr-18-11 10:35 AM

Messages in this Topic

  Pick one - fishing or kayaking
  Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-10-11 11:46 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Apr-10-11 11:51 PM EST --

Most people I met fishing don't know how to kayak
- they just want to """float for fish"""

Most people that spend good money on a kayak
- actually want to kayak and take classes to learn

You'll have to make a decision what you want to do
--lots of things float, but that doesn't make them a good kayak.

Kayaking is a learned skill - it is not inherent in our dna
People take classes for golf, to drive a car, etc.
Take a kayak class and educate yourself on the topic.
That way you won't piss away your cash on a piece of floating plastic

  fishing
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:10 PM (EST)

I disagree with your post, I know there are a lot of expenxive, very nice kayaks out there made for fishing. I have kayaked in the past quite a bit, I used to partol the rivers as a game warden in kayaks and have been on a couple of trips through lower class rapids. I just enjoy fishing more than paddling, and don't see anything wrong with that

I am just looking for a good stable durable kayak for fishing. One that will take some scrapes and bumps here and there.

thanks for the reply though.

  An Epic 18 Makes A Lousy Fishing Boat
  Posted by: barracuda on Apr-11-11 3:27 PM (EST)

Sometimes the best boat for the job at hand is a plastic rec boat, or short fat SOT.

This sounds like one of those times.

No opinion on the boat because no info. One thing to look for in a fishing boat is a flat hull for shallow water. Not the most efficient shape for paddling, but much more maneuverable

  Lack of info...
  Posted by: MintJulep on Apr-11-11 7:28 AM (EST)

A lack of information is information.

You can find anything online about it.

Even the retailer's own web site has no information about it.

That tells you something right there doesn't it?

  thanks
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:11 PM (EST)

That is what I thought.

Thanks for the reply

  Compare
  Posted by: vel on Apr-11-11 7:48 AM (EST)

Take the info from that specific kayak at the store and compare it to other angler ones that are online. Just because there's no info about it online doesn't mean anything imo. If you were looking solely for reviews just do a little research on sizes, etc... and compare because reviews don't mean anything, especially on their website.

I just purchased a new kayak through them and they order their boats through a number of vendors. Mainly Confluence(Which manufactures a number of name brand kayaks), from what I could tell and they can order just about anything. So if you do find one that you like better, see if they can order it so your gift cards don't go to waste

  Thanks
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:14 PM (EST)

I have contacted Dick's customer service to get some information and they are supose to be contacting the supplier and sending me information on the kayak. I will have to wait and see.

Thanks for the reply.

  waste of a gift card
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 9:29 AM (EST)

I think the F&S would be a waste of good money. Save up and get something much better with a long reputation, in other words, don't buy any of the garbage from Dicks and find a real paddle shop. Also, avoid the camo patterns. I've been kayak fishing over 10 years and fish don't care what color the kayak is. Camo only makes you a speedbump to power boaters.

  thanks
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:15 PM (EST)

I don't really care about the color, just looking for a good fishing kayak.

Thanks

  What comes first ?
  Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-11-11 1:28 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Apr-11-11 1:31 PM EST --

If you want a kayak - go to a kayak store

If you want a fishing rod - go to a fishing store

They don't mix well , a lot like oil and water .
With a lot of shaking they can emulsify for a short time
but eventually they'll separate out into 2 different components.

You will be forced to compromise, and decide priorities
Each item that floats has pro's and con's.
No one boat can suit all activities equally well

  Return Policy
  Posted by: gibsonra on Apr-11-11 2:01 PM (EST)

If they have a return policy buy it. Take it to the lake and paddle it a little. Keep it out of the mud and don't scrape it. If it doesn't feel good take it back. They should have no problem with that. If you have access to a swimming pool you could try it there to keep it cleaner.

Is it a great boat? Likely not. But for the price and if you are OK in it, it may be worth it. For fishing around shorelines it doesn't take much. Just make sure it is comfortable and it meets your needs.

Many people on this board like to steer you towards the high end stuff. I do too and my fishing boat is the Native Watercraft Ultimate. But if you are on a budget, get what you can afford and as you learn more you can get exactly what you need. It is better to get on the water than to hold out for a high end boat that never happens.

  dicks has better boats for less on sale
  Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-12-11 6:53 AM (EST)

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4018035&cp=2367438.2367826.2672651.2674153

they also sell the Ocean Kayak Scrambler which is an excellent 11 foot boat. If you want something really short for tiny creeks they sell the Ocean kayak Big Yak.

All of these are less than $500

hope this helps

  Buy a Dick's one
  Posted by: speed4theneed on Apr-12-11 9:53 AM (EST)

I agree with the guy in a previous post...posting for a cheap boat on here will be met with a lot of criticism. They are partially correct--you WILL probably want a more expensive boat IF you keep at it.

But when the choice is between a cheap kayak or nothing at all, go with a cheap kayak. They will absolutely do the job, just with more work. Plus you are only out a few hundred bucks and so it's hard to not get back what you paid for it in fun. I look at it as a good dinner with my girl is going to cost me upwards of $100, and it lasts only an hour or so. A few hundred bucks for a kayak and even if you use it only a handful of times you still got your money's worth and potentially much, much more. Buy a cheap one, see if you enjoy it and if it works for you. It WILL suit your needs for what you are describing. If you find out you want more later on..splurge later on.

  Maybe Not A Scrambler
  Posted by: barracuda on Apr-12-11 1:03 PM (EST)

I still have a Scrambler and love it for messing around at the beach, but the trouble with a Scrambler is the rounded keel does odd things when its ground out.

The one in the link you posted has a nice flat bottom.

My favorite boat in my entire fleet is an Ocean Kayak Mars. Its got a flat bottom like that

  Go really cheap
  Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-12-11 1:30 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Apr-12-11 1:40 PM EST --

Why get a kayak then ? - just get something that floats

http://www.fishusa.com/Classic-Accessories-Gunnison-Float-Tube_p.html

Do you want to "float" or "paddle a barge" because at that
level of price it's pretty much damn equal in physical effort

Or is just the coolness factor of saying you have a kayak ?

Putting a kid in a car doesn't make him a driver
any more than putting a kid a kayak makes that kid a kayaker

Ask "what is a kayaker" ??
Is it sitting on log with a stick ?
Is it sitting on a hollowed out log with a stick ?
A hollowed out log with a covering for splashes. ?

When I think kayaking - I'm thinking covering distance - transportation - not floatin'

It's lot like getting a department store bicycle
or buying a real bike from a real bike shop.

  Maybe
  Posted by: gnatcatcher on Apr-12-11 3:02 PM (EST)

not everyone thinks like you, willi. Just sayin'

  ..
  Posted by: speed4theneed on Apr-12-11 3:53 PM (EST)

I guess willi's first bike was a top of the line bike from a 'real' bike store. That's what I got out of that post.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't think the decision of doing an activity automatically requires you to go 'all in.'

  Is this it?
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-12-11 4:43 PM (EST)

I think the full name of it is the "Field and Stream Eagle Run 12" and it was/is item #3986135 at Dick's although you are very right in that it doesn't show up on their website anymore. If you google around for the exact name you'll find some other threads out there with people asking for basically the same advice as you. Seems like a good deal to me if you're just looking to stay on calm inland water to do a little fishing.

(It never ceases to amaze me as to the number of people who think the only way to find joy is to spend as much money as possible on something and proceed to ridicule those who don't follow that course of action).

  try it
  Posted by: TRAVISMA on Apr-12-11 9:31 PM (EST)

Two Christmas's ago my son bought me a "crappy" Swifty 9.5 sit in kayak from Dicks. It's short, wide and not real fast, but guess what, it was mine and I loved it! It was inexpensive, if you watch you can get one for less than $300. You can rig it for fishing, and it's wide and stable. Since then I've gotten two more kayaks, and each of them has their own place. I still use the Swifty when I'm tight for time and I'm just going for a quick paddle. Just throw it in the truck bed and 1 bungee holds it securely. It's great for small tight waterways. If you don't have a lot of money get something you can afford and just go out and have fun! Not everyone can afford or want a $1500 + kayak. If you spend a few hundred and use it 10 times you've gotten your $$ worth. If you spend $1500 and use it the same amount you're out a lot of $$ per use. ps, decide if you want ease of getting in and out like a sit on, or staying a little drier like a sit in.

  Get what makes you happy.
  Posted by: vel on Apr-12-11 9:53 PM (EST)

I kind of look at it like a car. If you can buy a Ferrari and flog the crap out of it on a race track more power to you. But that guy that's on the same track as you in the little four cylinder econobox has just as big of smile on his face. It's not about the equipment, it's about enjoying the same pastime..... And if the person in the Ferrari really is that much of a snob to look at it from a cost point of view then you have to ask why you're out there in the first place. To show off that you spent all this money or that you enjoy what you're doing because you're doing it....

  I am a fisherman who kayaks
  Posted by: Dr_Disco on Apr-12-11 10:19 PM (EST)

And I have to say that sit-in kayaks are not a good way to go. You have lots of options. One of them is a float tube. They work really well on lakes and they are not expensive. If you want to combine lakes and slow rivers for fishing, then a pontoon boat is the way to go. If you want to fish in the ocean or the great lakes, then a fishing specific kayak is required and it will cost you a lot more than the boat you are looking at. People do fish from recreational, sit-in, kayaks. But the alternatives are much better from the fishing perspective.

  I went to Dicks
  Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-14-11 11:29 PM (EST)

They have Kayaks for $199. That is less than they charge for some of there baseball bats! They are short fat poorly designed boats that will last far longer than most of their owners will want to keep them.

But they will at least be able to get on the water and meet other paddlers who can then send them to Druminator's excellent shop where they can get better gear.

I think Dick's is helping paddling shops by making more paddlers.

  oh Frank
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-15-11 4:00 PM (EST)

You know I can't stand a Dick's Sporting Goods!

  thanks
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-15-11 4:53 PM (EST)

thanks for all the replies, I never received the information from Dicks that I was promised. I did find out that Joy Sports Co. makes them who also makes feel free kayaks, I could not get a response from anyone at that company either to tell me if they are made out of the same materials and standards as the feel free ones. I found someone on craigslist that had this kayak for sale and sent him an email about it. He said the kayak was very cheap made, said it leaks and the footpegs broke immediatly.

I think I am going to wait.

Thanks

  Field and Stream
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-15-11 8:48 PM (EST)

I bought my son the sit in F&S Eagle Run 12. I couldn't find any info on it either, but he loved the camo color and it was rigged for fishing! It's very heavy, but that's good in some respects. He's still working on catching fish, and he's happy about having his first boat. Good luck in your search, you will know when it's the one! :)

  Fishing Kayak
  Posted by: Vel on Apr-15-11 9:37 PM (EST)

Look into the Perception ones too. They seem to be well built and in your price range.

  Craigs list too
  Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-15-11 11:40 PM (EST)

It doesn't matter where you get your first boat, just get it before summer. When the water is warm enough for swimming, you'll want to be paddling. Life is short.

  Go cheap - you life is worth pennies
  Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-16-11 1:36 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Apr-16-11 1:39 PM EST --

Buy anything that floats....regardless the cost.

Skip kayak/canoe lessons -- go cheap

No PFD vest - you want to go cheap, remember

Go play in current in with no knowledge as a novice

Play in waves and wind on anything that floats

Water Temps - who cares - My cheap t-shirt is okay

Yeah..right - Mother nature EATS cheap people and BURPS loudly - yum, yum

  Ok Willi
  Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-16-11 4:43 PM (EST)

YOU can't go cheap so don't go out at all until you are fully geared up and certified. Entry price starts at about five grand.

This is why SUP may over kayaking in popularity. they keep it simple and fun with minimal gear for entry.

  Nice post
  Posted by: speed4theneed on Apr-18-11 9:39 AM (EST)

This was very educational. Now I see that by one making a simple statement, another can take it to the entire extreme. I didn't know that by saying someone didn't want to spend more than $400 on a cheapie kayak that no money would be left over for a $50 PFD. Now I am aware. I also wasn't aware that Mother Nature would capsize a craft based on price. In my previous ignorance, I had paddled a cheap kayak and cheap canoe for years without incident (albeit with much more effort).

Now I know that beginner kayaks--which I thought were built extremely wide for the sole purpose of being more stable at the cost of speed--are actually much less stable due to Mother Nature not liking cheap products.

See the problem of taking a statement and totally blowing it out of proportion? Funny thing is--it works both ways.

  ????
  Posted by: vel on Apr-16-11 5:46 PM (EST)

The guy's talking about fishing.....on calm rivers. Not bagging sharks through 30ft. waves in the middle of a snow storm....get real. Sorry people don't want to spend the money for something obviously overkill for what THEY'RE trying to achieve...not what everyone else thinks they should be doing.

  I found my first kayak
  Posted by: kayamedic on Apr-16-11 2:42 PM (EST)

sure in a few days this link will be out of date

http://for-sale.yakaz.com/aquaterra-keowee

Keowee. I had enough money for a decent PFD and paddle. I stuffed styrofoam in for floatation.

I paddled that thing for two years..fourteen miles three times a week.

And had enough left to start saving for a drysuit.

What gets me is that these old boats seem to hold their value well. Mine was $300 new.

Mine did hog but you're not supposed to leave it on the rack full of water....

  huh
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-18-11 9:15 AM (EST)

You stuffed styrofoam in for flotation? Was it leaking?

  floatation is in short supply
  Posted by: kayamedic on Apr-18-11 9:39 AM (EST)

in entry level rec boats.

Its far easier to empty a boat that has something in it that floats and displaces water. And has floatation in both ends.

Rec boats that needle (usually stern up) are very difficult to do a boat over boat with.

This was way before SOT mind you. I still very seldom see SOT kayaks up here. The water is currently hard and frozen over.

  nm
  Posted by: old_user on Apr-18-11 10:35 AM (EST)

Ok, I get it now... Thanks!

	Pick one - fishing or kayaking Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-10-11 11:46 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Apr-10-11 11:51 PM EST -- Most people I met fishing don't know how to kayak - they just want to """float for fish""" Most people that spend good money on a kayak - actually want to kayak and take classes to learn You'll have to make a decision what you want to do --lots of things float, but that doesn't make them a good kayak. Kayaking is a learned skill - it is not inherent in our dna People take classes for golf, to drive a car, etc. Take a kayak class and educate yourself on the topic. That way you won't piss away your cash on a piece of floating plastic

	fishing Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:10 PM (EST)
	I disagree with your post, I know there are a lot of expenxive, very nice kayaks out there made for fishing. I have kayaked in the past quite a bit, I used to partol the rivers as a game warden in kayaks and have been on a couple of trips through lower class rapids. I just enjoy fishing more than paddling, and don't see anything wrong with that I am just looking for a good stable durable kayak for fishing. One that will take some scrapes and bumps here and there. thanks for the reply though.

	An Epic 18 Makes A Lousy Fishing Boat Posted by: barracuda on Apr-11-11 3:27 PM (EST)
	Sometimes the best boat for the job at hand is a plastic rec boat, or short fat SOT. This sounds like one of those times. No opinion on the boat because no info. One thing to look for in a fishing boat is a flat hull for shallow water. Not the most efficient shape for paddling, but much more maneuverable

	Lack of info... Posted by: MintJulep on Apr-11-11 7:28 AM (EST)
	A lack of information is information. You can find anything online about it. Even the retailer's own web site has no information about it. That tells you something right there doesn't it?

	thanks Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:11 PM (EST)
	That is what I thought. Thanks for the reply

	Compare Posted by: vel on Apr-11-11 7:48 AM (EST)
	Take the info from that specific kayak at the store and compare it to other angler ones that are online. Just because there's no info about it online doesn't mean anything imo. If you were looking solely for reviews just do a little research on sizes, etc... and compare because reviews don't mean anything, especially on their website. I just purchased a new kayak through them and they order their boats through a number of vendors. Mainly Confluence(Which manufactures a number of name brand kayaks), from what I could tell and they can order just about anything. So if you do find one that you like better, see if they can order it so your gift cards don't go to waste

	Thanks Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:14 PM (EST)
	I have contacted Dick's customer service to get some information and they are supose to be contacting the supplier and sending me information on the kayak. I will have to wait and see. Thanks for the reply.

	waste of a gift card Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 9:29 AM (EST)
	I think the F&S would be a waste of good money. Save up and get something much better with a long reputation, in other words, don't buy any of the garbage from Dicks and find a real paddle shop. Also, avoid the camo patterns. I've been kayak fishing over 10 years and fish don't care what color the kayak is. Camo only makes you a speedbump to power boaters.

	thanks Posted by: old_user on Apr-11-11 12:15 PM (EST)
	I don't really care about the color, just looking for a good fishing kayak. Thanks

	What comes first ? Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-11-11 1:28 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Apr-11-11 1:31 PM EST -- If you want a kayak - go to a kayak store If you want a fishing rod - go to a fishing store They don't mix well , a lot like oil and water . With a lot of shaking they can emulsify for a short time but eventually they'll separate out into 2 different components. You will be forced to compromise, and decide priorities Each item that floats has pro's and con's. No one boat can suit all activities equally well

	Return Policy Posted by: gibsonra on Apr-11-11 2:01 PM (EST)
	If they have a return policy buy it. Take it to the lake and paddle it a little. Keep it out of the mud and don't scrape it. If it doesn't feel good take it back. They should have no problem with that. If you have access to a swimming pool you could try it there to keep it cleaner. Is it a great boat? Likely not. But for the price and if you are OK in it, it may be worth it. For fishing around shorelines it doesn't take much. Just make sure it is comfortable and it meets your needs. Many people on this board like to steer you towards the high end stuff. I do too and my fishing boat is the Native Watercraft Ultimate. But if you are on a budget, get what you can afford and as you learn more you can get exactly what you need. It is better to get on the water than to hold out for a high end boat that never happens.

	dicks has better boats for less on sale Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-12-11 6:53 AM (EST)
	http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4018035&cp=2367438.2367826.2672651.2674153 they also sell the Ocean Kayak Scrambler which is an excellent 11 foot boat. If you want something really short for tiny creeks they sell the Ocean kayak Big Yak. All of these are less than $500 hope this helps

	Buy a Dick's one Posted by: speed4theneed on Apr-12-11 9:53 AM (EST)
	I agree with the guy in a previous post...posting for a cheap boat on here will be met with a lot of criticism. They are partially correct--you WILL probably want a more expensive boat IF you keep at it. But when the choice is between a cheap kayak or nothing at all, go with a cheap kayak. They will absolutely do the job, just with more work. Plus you are only out a few hundred bucks and so it's hard to not get back what you paid for it in fun. I look at it as a good dinner with my girl is going to cost me upwards of $100, and it lasts only an hour or so. A few hundred bucks for a kayak and even if you use it only a handful of times you still got your money's worth and potentially much, much more. Buy a cheap one, see if you enjoy it and if it works for you. It WILL suit your needs for what you are describing. If you find out you want more later on..splurge later on.

	Maybe Not A Scrambler Posted by: barracuda on Apr-12-11 1:03 PM (EST)
	I still have a Scrambler and love it for messing around at the beach, but the trouble with a Scrambler is the rounded keel does odd things when its ground out. The one in the link you posted has a nice flat bottom. My favorite boat in my entire fleet is an Ocean Kayak Mars. Its got a flat bottom like that

	Go really cheap Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-12-11 1:30 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Apr-12-11 1:40 PM EST -- Why get a kayak then ? - just get something that floats http://www.fishusa.com/Classic-Accessories-Gunnison-Float-Tube_p.html Do you want to "float" or "paddle a barge" because at that level of price it's pretty much damn equal in physical effort Or is just the coolness factor of saying you have a kayak ? Putting a kid in a car doesn't make him a driver any more than putting a kid a kayak makes that kid a kayaker Ask "what is a kayaker" ?? Is it sitting on log with a stick ? Is it sitting on a hollowed out log with a stick ? A hollowed out log with a covering for splashes. ? When I think kayaking - I'm thinking covering distance - transportation - not floatin' It's lot like getting a department store bicycle or buying a real bike from a real bike shop.

	Maybe Posted by: gnatcatcher on Apr-12-11 3:02 PM (EST)
	not everyone thinks like you, willi. Just sayin'

	.. Posted by: speed4theneed on Apr-12-11 3:53 PM (EST)
	I guess willi's first bike was a top of the line bike from a 'real' bike store. That's what I got out of that post. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think the decision of doing an activity automatically requires you to go 'all in.'

	Is this it? Posted by: old_user on Apr-12-11 4:43 PM (EST)
	I think the full name of it is the "Field and Stream Eagle Run 12" and it was/is item #3986135 at Dick's although you are very right in that it doesn't show up on their website anymore. If you google around for the exact name you'll find some other threads out there with people asking for basically the same advice as you. Seems like a good deal to me if you're just looking to stay on calm inland water to do a little fishing. (It never ceases to amaze me as to the number of people who think the only way to find joy is to spend as much money as possible on something and proceed to ridicule those who don't follow that course of action).

	try it Posted by: TRAVISMA on Apr-12-11 9:31 PM (EST)
	Two Christmas's ago my son bought me a "crappy" Swifty 9.5 sit in kayak from Dicks. It's short, wide and not real fast, but guess what, it was mine and I loved it! It was inexpensive, if you watch you can get one for less than $300. You can rig it for fishing, and it's wide and stable. Since then I've gotten two more kayaks, and each of them has their own place. I still use the Swifty when I'm tight for time and I'm just going for a quick paddle. Just throw it in the truck bed and 1 bungee holds it securely. It's great for small tight waterways. If you don't have a lot of money get something you can afford and just go out and have fun! Not everyone can afford or want a $1500 + kayak. If you spend a few hundred and use it 10 times you've gotten your $$ worth. If you spend $1500 and use it the same amount you're out a lot of $$ per use. ps, decide if you want ease of getting in and out like a sit on, or staying a little drier like a sit in.

	Get what makes you happy. Posted by: vel on Apr-12-11 9:53 PM (EST)
	I kind of look at it like a car. If you can buy a Ferrari and flog the crap out of it on a race track more power to you. But that guy that's on the same track as you in the little four cylinder econobox has just as big of smile on his face. It's not about the equipment, it's about enjoying the same pastime..... And if the person in the Ferrari really is that much of a snob to look at it from a cost point of view then you have to ask why you're out there in the first place. To show off that you spent all this money or that you enjoy what you're doing because you're doing it....

	I am a fisherman who kayaks Posted by: Dr_Disco on Apr-12-11 10:19 PM (EST)
	And I have to say that sit-in kayaks are not a good way to go. You have lots of options. One of them is a float tube. They work really well on lakes and they are not expensive. If you want to combine lakes and slow rivers for fishing, then a pontoon boat is the way to go. If you want to fish in the ocean or the great lakes, then a fishing specific kayak is required and it will cost you a lot more than the boat you are looking at. People do fish from recreational, sit-in, kayaks. But the alternatives are much better from the fishing perspective.

	I went to Dicks Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-14-11 11:29 PM (EST)
	They have Kayaks for $199. That is less than they charge for some of there baseball bats! They are short fat poorly designed boats that will last far longer than most of their owners will want to keep them. But they will at least be able to get on the water and meet other paddlers who can then send them to Druminator's excellent shop where they can get better gear. I think Dick's is helping paddling shops by making more paddlers.

	oh Frank Posted by: old_user on Apr-15-11 4:00 PM (EST)
	You know I can't stand a Dick's Sporting Goods!

	thanks Posted by: old_user on Apr-15-11 4:53 PM (EST)
	thanks for all the replies, I never received the information from Dicks that I was promised. I did find out that Joy Sports Co. makes them who also makes feel free kayaks, I could not get a response from anyone at that company either to tell me if they are made out of the same materials and standards as the feel free ones. I found someone on craigslist that had this kayak for sale and sent him an email about it. He said the kayak was very cheap made, said it leaks and the footpegs broke immediatly. I think I am going to wait. Thanks

	Field and Stream Posted by: old_user on Apr-15-11 8:48 PM (EST)
	I bought my son the sit in F&S Eagle Run 12. I couldn't find any info on it either, but he loved the camo color and it was rigged for fishing! It's very heavy, but that's good in some respects. He's still working on catching fish, and he's happy about having his first boat. Good luck in your search, you will know when it's the one! :)

	Fishing Kayak Posted by: Vel on Apr-15-11 9:37 PM (EST)
	Look into the Perception ones too. They seem to be well built and in your price range.

	Craigs list too Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-15-11 11:40 PM (EST)
	It doesn't matter where you get your first boat, just get it before summer. When the water is warm enough for swimming, you'll want to be paddling. Life is short.

	Go cheap - you life is worth pennies Posted by: willi_h2o on Apr-16-11 1:36 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Apr-16-11 1:39 PM EST -- Buy anything that floats....regardless the cost. Skip kayak/canoe lessons -- go cheap No PFD vest - you want to go cheap, remember Go play in current in with no knowledge as a novice Play in waves and wind on anything that floats Water Temps - who cares - My cheap t-shirt is okay Yeah..right - Mother nature EATS cheap people and BURPS loudly - yum, yum

	Ok Willi Posted by: FrankNC on Apr-16-11 4:43 PM (EST)
	YOU can't go cheap so don't go out at all until you are fully geared up and certified. Entry price starts at about five grand. This is why SUP may over kayaking in popularity. they keep it simple and fun with minimal gear for entry.

	Nice post Posted by: speed4theneed on Apr-18-11 9:39 AM (EST)
	This was very educational. Now I see that by one making a simple statement, another can take it to the entire extreme. I didn't know that by saying someone didn't want to spend more than $400 on a cheapie kayak that no money would be left over for a $50 PFD. Now I am aware. I also wasn't aware that Mother Nature would capsize a craft based on price. In my previous ignorance, I had paddled a cheap kayak and cheap canoe for years without incident (albeit with much more effort). Now I know that beginner kayaks--which I thought were built extremely wide for the sole purpose of being more stable at the cost of speed--are actually much less stable due to Mother Nature not liking cheap products. See the problem of taking a statement and totally blowing it out of proportion? Funny thing is--it works both ways.