Looking to buy my first fishing kayak. The ones at the top of my list currently are:
– Bonafide SKF117
– Bonafide SS107
– Bonafide RS117
– Old Town Sportsman 106/120
Obviously I would like to save as much money as possible and have the best performance value. I had looked at Cabela’s Ascend 12t, but there we too many terrible reviews and horror stories to want to go down that road.
My absolute top end budget would be in the 12-1300 range – but I would like to stay closer to 1000 if possible. I want something that I can stand up comfortably in and that I can be comfortable fishing in all day.
Thanks for reading, and please let me know if you have any suggestions!
Posted by WinnieTheDudeBuddy
2 Comments
I just bought the SKF. I fly fish and wanted an open deck. I also liked that it was a little lighter than some of the others and I primarily do quick trips on local lakes after work. Only got it out one time so far. Managed to tip it over with the seat on the high setting, although I was leaning way out of the kayak. It was the kind of thing I could do for my old kayak easily, although you can’t really stand in that one. I imagine it’ll be decent for standing on calm water, but will have to work up to it in the spring.
I’ve owned three Bonafide kayaks: RS117, SS127, and now the PWR129. The 107 is a smaller version of the 127. I don’t know much about the SKF, but it’s a little different than regular kayaks with the lower sides and probably other skiff features.
I loved the RS117, it was easy to paddle and stable enough to stand on if you have good balance. The 107 is easier to stand on, but worse to paddle. The RS117 is a great beginner kayak and you have a lot of customization options with it.