First kayak

[450matt]

Hello this is my first post. I have been searching all over the Internet about this and I am still lost. So I am looking to buy my first kayak. I like the predator 13, the Jackson cuda 14 those have been my favorites so far. But I see bad stuff on both. I see everyone uses something different. And I see people love the hobies. But not looking to spend that much. So what would you guys recommend? This will also be only ocean once I am comfortable on it. Thanks for any help

[makobob]

Check out OEX! They can steer you in the right direction.

[450matt]

Check out OEX! They can steer you in the right direction.

Problem with that is I am not close. I am on the central coast. North of Santa Barbara. I might buy from them but just want to know what I want first

[Carp]

It's worth it to make the haul and demo some.

[450matt]

It's worth it to make the haul and demo some.

I get that but just want a direction even before I demo. There are tons of kayaks out there and right now I feel clueless

[beef78]

I have a wilderness systems tarpon 14 and I love it. comes with slidetrax makes mounting things easy. I really recommend going and spending an afternoon with the guys at oex. They are really cool and nice guys. Plus, they normally have a nice selection of yaks and a lot of knowledge.

[Dirty Curti]

You've got to go to OEX. Also keep an eye open for their parking lot sale. You can really pick-up a nice yak at a very reasonable price.

Research the Malibu kayaks. I have the Stealth 12 and love it for fishing.

[Sdspeed]

Considering your making a big commitment and have a lot of questions it seems to me that taking the time to make a fun road trip to OEX would be the wisest thing to do. One stop shop, selection,knowledge and a great crew to give you the honest advice and answers your looking for! Go down the night before and make a day of it, you'll be happy you did!
:D

[makobob]

Considering your making a big commitment and have a lot of questions it seems to me that taking the time to make a fun road trip to OEX would be the wisest thing to do. One stop shop, selection,knowledge and a great crew to give you the honest advice and answers your looking for! Go down the night before and make a day of it, you'll be happy you did!
:D

2x, 3x, 4x!!!

[flemdogg]

Waiting for that end of season sale to pick up a new hobie!

[CKallday71]

Ditto on what's already been posted above. Take the trip down, spend a day and take a test paddle, or peddle and make an informed decision. OEX is the one stop you need.

[BrokeLoser]

I get that but just want a direction even before I demo. There are tons of kayaks out there and right now I feel clueless

Are you a bigger guy?
You want something fast or something stable?
Do you have any length, storage or hauling / loading restrictions?
Whats your budget?
Fishing only yak?

[Sdspeed]

Are you a bigger guy?
You want something fast or something stable?
Do you have any length, storage or hauling / loading restrictions?
Whats your budget?
Fishing only yak?

All great questions and even more reasons to drive down to OEX:D

[beef78]

When you are demoing kayaks, make sure you ask how they will do in the open ocean and with surf launches. A mile off the coast is different than paddling around one of the bays.

[BrokeLoser]

All great questions and even more reasons to drive down to OEX:D

I get that but just want a direction even before I demo. There are tons of kayaks out there and right now I feel clueless

I agree, at some point he should visit OEX...and if he's going to buy new hopefully he ends up buying from OEX. Right now though I think he's looking for a little more than "Go to OEX." from us.....haha
I'm just hoping to give the guy some direction like he's requested. We have all been here before.

[oneyedeer]

Are you a bigger guy?
You want something fast or something stable?
Do you have any length, storage or hauling / loading restrictions?
Whats your budget?
Fishing only yak?

X2
Malibu is a good starting point. If you cant afford a new hobie pick up a used one in the off season. Its not really that expensive once you factor in the cost of a seat, and paddle.

[Sdspeed]

I agree, at some point he should visit OEX...and if he's going to buy new hopefully he ends up buying from OEX. Right now though I think he's looking for a little more than "Go to OEX." from us.....haha
I'm just hoping to give the guy some direction like he's requested. We have all been here before.

Do you have your really nice stealth available?
He could learn a lot from talking directly those who went threw this not that long ago. :cheers1:

[jbaker]

I love my cuda 14. Recently I had the chance to look closely at the predator 13 and even paddle next to one on the water. This was in NorCal out of Trinidad, about 20 miles north of eureka Ca. We had some big swells and nasty seas. In those conditions I would say the cuda handled much better than the predator. I've owned a steal the 14 and an X factor. I would take the cuda any day over those two kayaks. Check out norcalkayakanglers.org there's lots of stuff going on up here. There's a tournament coming up on the central coast. Next weekend is the Albion open (south end of humbolt county) 114 registered contestants as of today. It's going to be a great time

[BrokeLoser]

Do you have your really nice stealth available?
He could learn a lot from talking directly those who went threw this not that long ago. :cheers1:

Haha...I'm thinking about putting it up for sale again since it hasn't been used.:cheers1:

[450matt]

I am 5'9 160ish. I want a stable rough water kayak. Cause the water here is much rougher then down south. And it will just be a fishing kayak. I did call and talk to the guys at oex. And they recommended the trident series. So now I am stuck between the 13 or the 11

[MrPatrick]

13 on the trident

[450matt]

Since I am closer to figuring out what I want. One more question. What are all the differences between the trident 13 and the trident ultra 4.3? And what does everyone like more?

[tacmik]

Try the Trident 13 or even the 15. I have the T-13 and have no problems with the open water, paddles great, fairly dry and handles the surf well. I would stay away from the T-11 just because of where and how you would be using it. If you go with the 15, I recommend you get a rudder also.
P.S. I am also 5'9 and weight 175.

[Siebler]

Hey Man I spoke with you yesterday. For what you are doing go with the 13 or the now discontinued 15.

Discontinued 15's I have a Blem and my demo that will be selling cheap if you decide to go that route.

[MrPatrick]

If you can get a 15 cheap and have room to store it, by all means test paddle that 'yak. I say this from experience. I have poor balance due to inner problems as a kid, the 15 is very stable. I have joint problems in both shoulders and both Knees and my left hip due to a bone disease I was born with. Can't peddle, have to paddle and the big 15 cruises nicely with little effort when at speed. Doesn't turn worth a turd though. And it handles all size paddlers.

Patrick

[MrPatrick]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/02/eny5ydaz.jpg
I also think its still the best looking 'yak out there.

[TheBentRod]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/02/eny5ydaz.jpg
I also think its still the best looking 'yak out there.

For sale?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[MrPatrick]

Never!!!!!

[Socalkayak]

Matt you can't go wrong with the trident series. I would go with the 13 it doesn't seem like it but it will be easier and faster paddling. One thing that is rarely mentioned is the wieght of the kayak. I live in ventura county and am jelious of the Lajolla guys that can drive there yaks to the waters edge. I have a stealth 14 great for fishing but just sucks loading and unloading even with a cart. Being from central coast I imagine you will be beach launching and the tridents are good for going through surf. Those monster yaks that are as big as a boat like mine really suck trying to paddle through surf. And if it is your fist one try to go used. Most everyone goes through a few different yaks before they settle in to one they stick with. Try not to add anything to your kayak untill you have used it fishing a few times then try to go minamal as possible if you look at the guys that have been doing it for a long time they just have the essentials. I have owned a lot oh kayaks and when I get the opertunity will probably go with a basic prowler 15 I never see people using the rod pod on the trident. And remember its not the kayak that makes a good fisherman.

[Socalkayak]

Sorry but I need more space. Once you decide one one if you can't find it on Craigslist and you will probably have to drive to LA or Orange County to find what you are looking for. You can also try kayak rental places call and ask if they want to sell one or one of there demos. I picked up a brand new demo prowler 15 once for 500. Try to get a used one then you can drop 130 bucks on a good seat. I have a nice OEX seat and sit on a 1.5 inch pad a good seat is almost as important as the yak. And don't forget $200 to endless for a fish finder unless you are only going to fish kelp a fish finder is a must have. You will want to get a good paddling jacket $150 I wear waders or or waterproof pants $150. Unless your not going to fish in winter. My point being save money on your yak you will need it for other things that give you more time on the water and time on the water is what you need for the Lings and seabass good luck and I hope this helps you. Feel free to PM me

[Socalkayak]

The difference between the prowler trident and ultra is basically money. All you need is the prowler angler and save your money.

[tacmik]

"I never see people using the rod pod on the trident."

I love my rod pod. The tray inside holds all my immediate tackle i am using, and I stow my rods in it when going thru the surf.

[Oxbeast1210]

I dont really want to but im considering the sale of my 13

[Socalkayak]

I was referring to the plug in play not the hatch itself. I agree it is great for storage but don't see to many people using the plug and play which is more money then the standard hatch. I would get the blue one in the post that looks nice by the way what are you asking for it