Yak purchase
 

What is the best yat out there and who has the best prices?

I have Jackson Cuda and love the storage and fishabilty, price wise from I saw when looking around is the manufacture sets the prices on yaks. If you want new go to Pack and Paddle in Lafayette or you can find used ones on the net.

Lots of things to consider when buying. Best thing to do is go to a demo day and try them all out so you know capabilities.

There will be plenty at the outdoor expo to look at this weekend and to also talk to a few of the club fisherman.

^^^^ Pack and Paddle has demos every Saturday if you in Lafayette area

I checked out Pack and paddle wednesday, and I was impressed with there inventory of kayaks and accessories. also they sell some tackle from companies that sponsor SC. I bought a 12ft native redfish which was a pretty reasonable priced kayak and I've enjoyed fishing out of it. but the best out there is all what do you want and how much you want to spend, my kayak cost me less than $700 after I rigged it out, but you can spend $3k on a Hobie kayak with a live well and all kinds of other accessories.

Like everyone else said you have to demo them. My last kayak i bought used in April. I sold it an I'm buying a Jackson cuda because in those few months i realized comfort and the ability to stand comfortably and fish are important to me. My reccomendations would be to try the WS ride 135 and Jackson cuda. Those are pretty versatile yaks.

Some will say try the hobies as well. Those are for rich folks though as lp stated they run about. $2500 just the boat

This, and they are really nice folks and can customize them for you if you decide on one. As soon as you walk in there is a Hobie with a $2500 pricetag, go on past that one:)

Jump in the demos and see what you like, the Natives are really popular

P&P is where its at

The $2500 hobie is the top of the line fishing kayak, but you can get 4 models of peddle hobies for around $1800 or less. They often cut a bit off the price if you buy on demo days.

It's not pocket change, but it does include seat, rudder, and paddle, along with the peddle drive. If you buy a regular yak it might cost $800 - $1000 but you have to pay $200ish for a rudder and anywhere from $80 - $200+ for a good paddle.

I moved up slowly, started with a used $300 yak then a few more used and finally a couple of hobies. I drecommend a paddle yak to start because then you really appreciate the mirage drive if you go that route.

How shallow can the mirage go?

You can short stroke the mirage in something like 8" of water. I you need to go less you can just pull the mirage drive out and use a regular paddle.

Here lots of good stuff about hobie.

I have a two man, Mailibu, sit on top kayak. I use it to carry shark bait into past the breakers. It does the trick, but kind of pricey.