Showing posts with label buying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying. Show all posts
5 Tips to Avoid Kayak Buyer's Remorse
How to Really Grow Kayak Fishing
The buzz is in the air. As spring approaches rapidly, anglers start prepping for the ice out, the prespawn staging or the white bass run and the buzz grows louder. Kayak fishing is growing across the world and rapidly but not as fast as it could or as well as it could. The buzz about industry growth can be seen and heard everywhere. Think of the options you now have for kayaks and the retailers that sell them. Think of the number of manufacturers who have angling specific options. Think of the number of posts you have seen on the internet from various forums and Facebook groups on "Which Kayak Should I Get?" There are tons of them.
So why would I say we can do better when it appears the snowball is rolling downhill? My view is that the snowball is lopsided. It's not a perfect sphere. It may never be a perfect sphere but a well formed snowball, spherical in shape will go farther and build greater momentum than a lopsided sausage shaped snow mass rolling down a hill.
So how would I change it?
The first thing I would do is to plead with kayak fishermen everywhere to slow a little bit on the brand pushing. I understand you are passionate about your SuperJohn 987.M super stealth kayak with a jet motor on it. It's cool. Almost everyone who sees it thinks it's cool. The problem is it may not be the best fit for all of the folks looking to get into kayak fishing. We can't put them all into the same category. The people looking to get into kayak fishing make between $0 and $1Billion dollars per year. They are men. They are women. They are tall, short, chunky and skinny. Some drive sedans while some drive trucks. They can lift 0 pounds or 500 pounds. They are young and they are old. Some of them even have red hair!
So with all of these different variables we should be purposeful about what we recommend. I visited yesterday with the owner of a business that sells kayaks about the best kayaks for 10 year old kids. The most expensive kayak was not the best fit. Not even close. He gets it and that's something I really appreciate in a business. Custom fitting to your customers' needs. I realize most of us are not dealers and most folks are not repping for a business but I would ask that you use forethought and questions to help people find the right boat, even if it is not the one you like or paddle/pedal. Some prospective kayak anglers only have $200 to spend. Pointing them to a used boat on Craigslist could be a great help. Talking them through questions to find the right boat is usually very helpful. The sheet I designed is a start. Regardless of the boat they choose, offering to meet up and fish together is a HUGE step in building the sport. Kayaks are cool but kayak fishing with good people and having a great day on the water is something that creates memories and an urge to tell other friends about it. Offer to let them paddle your kayak around for a demo, offer to bring an extra kayak just so they can get on the water and offer to help them rig their kayak when they finally purchase one. Camaraderie will help make that lopsided snowball much more of a sphere.
I know lots of people that do tall of those things but I also see the infighting amongst kayak anglers. And it's not one particular brand. To an insider it may seem you have a great passion for your SlugSlime Deluxe but to an outsider who wants to be an insider, it can come across as, "Unless you paddle a SlugSlime you are inferior".
True kayak fishing ambassadors don't care what boat you paddle/pedal, they care more about getting you kayak fishing. Very few of us started in an expensive boat. Let's not forget our roots. I paddled a Pelican sit in for almost seven years. It was a great boat for me at that time and for what I could afford. It taught me a lot and I was lucky to be mentored by people who just wanted to show me how much fun kayak fishing could be.
If we pass on the true generosity, acceptance and great joy we all experience kayak fishing, the sport will grow and that will push our sport even faster into the lives of so many in need of the joy, peace and great times on the water. Help me make it a sphere. I'm not saying don't recommend your favorite brand. We need passion. Just make sure it is the right fit and we always include anyone who wants to join in.
So why would I say we can do better when it appears the snowball is rolling downhill? My view is that the snowball is lopsided. It's not a perfect sphere. It may never be a perfect sphere but a well formed snowball, spherical in shape will go farther and build greater momentum than a lopsided sausage shaped snow mass rolling down a hill.
So how would I change it?
The first thing I would do is to plead with kayak fishermen everywhere to slow a little bit on the brand pushing. I understand you are passionate about your SuperJohn 987.M super stealth kayak with a jet motor on it. It's cool. Almost everyone who sees it thinks it's cool. The problem is it may not be the best fit for all of the folks looking to get into kayak fishing. We can't put them all into the same category. The people looking to get into kayak fishing make between $0 and $1Billion dollars per year. They are men. They are women. They are tall, short, chunky and skinny. Some drive sedans while some drive trucks. They can lift 0 pounds or 500 pounds. They are young and they are old. Some of them even have red hair!
So with all of these different variables we should be purposeful about what we recommend. I visited yesterday with the owner of a business that sells kayaks about the best kayaks for 10 year old kids. The most expensive kayak was not the best fit. Not even close. He gets it and that's something I really appreciate in a business. Custom fitting to your customers' needs. I realize most of us are not dealers and most folks are not repping for a business but I would ask that you use forethought and questions to help people find the right boat, even if it is not the one you like or paddle/pedal. Some prospective kayak anglers only have $200 to spend. Pointing them to a used boat on Craigslist could be a great help. Talking them through questions to find the right boat is usually very helpful. The sheet I designed is a start. Regardless of the boat they choose, offering to meet up and fish together is a HUGE step in building the sport. Kayaks are cool but kayak fishing with good people and having a great day on the water is something that creates memories and an urge to tell other friends about it. Offer to let them paddle your kayak around for a demo, offer to bring an extra kayak just so they can get on the water and offer to help them rig their kayak when they finally purchase one. Camaraderie will help make that lopsided snowball much more of a sphere.
I know lots of people that do tall of those things but I also see the infighting amongst kayak anglers. And it's not one particular brand. To an insider it may seem you have a great passion for your SlugSlime Deluxe but to an outsider who wants to be an insider, it can come across as, "Unless you paddle a SlugSlime you are inferior".
True kayak fishing ambassadors don't care what boat you paddle/pedal, they care more about getting you kayak fishing. Very few of us started in an expensive boat. Let's not forget our roots. I paddled a Pelican sit in for almost seven years. It was a great boat for me at that time and for what I could afford. It taught me a lot and I was lucky to be mentored by people who just wanted to show me how much fun kayak fishing could be.
If we pass on the true generosity, acceptance and great joy we all experience kayak fishing, the sport will grow and that will push our sport even faster into the lives of so many in need of the joy, peace and great times on the water. Help me make it a sphere. I'm not saying don't recommend your favorite brand. We need passion. Just make sure it is the right fit and we always include anyone who wants to join in.
I Got A Kayak For Christmas. Now What?
Every year it happens. For the last decade that I have been around kayak fishing, Christmas brings a great new flood of people to the sport I love. Thousands of new anglers, looking for a way to get on the water or maybe a different way to get on the water, ask for and receive a kayak for Christmas.
Often times these gifted kayaks are not the $2,000 super decked out angler editions. They are sit-in or sit-on kayaks purchased at major chain stores. You know what? And hear me say this: THAT IS JUST FINE!
You don't need to have a BMW 7 Series car to drive on the highway and you don't need the Hobie Pro Angler 14 to get on the water. Would it be nice? Dang skippy. Is it necessary? Not even close.
I fished my first six, almost seven years out of a $200 sit in kayak from Academy Sports and Outdoors. And it was great. I fished differently then than I do now but every kayak owner fishes a little differently and some of that comes from the type of kayak they fish from. The important things to remember are safety, time on the water and customization to fit your needs.
These throngs of people often find their way to kayak forums and ask the same questions. That is when they get a good taste of what our sport is about. Sharing. More specifically, sharing information.
The questions typically revolve around accessories, where to try, and what is all this I hear about tipping over?
Today, I want to give you some of what I have learned both from the school of hard knocks and by others in the sport who have mentored me.
So I got a new kayak:
What accessories do I need?
| MTI Dio F-Spec |
PFD (Life Jacket)- Most people go straight for the paddle. The only reason I recommend a PFD first is safety. If you blow all of your money on a fancy paddle and end up paddling in an $8 PFD that fits like an albatross, you won't be paddling for long. Choose a good PFD and always wear it. Check out the NRS, MTI and Stohlquist PFDs. I also recommend a knife and a whistle to attach to the PFD so you can call for help or cut your way out of a tangle or hung anchor. If you are going to paddle at night, get a 360 degree light. The YakAttack Visicarbon Pro with Flag is a popular choice amongst kayakers everywhere.The PFD and whistle are legal requirements in Texas. The light is also if you are out at night.
Paddle- This is your motor. Use this paddle guide and find the right one for you. If you only have two upgrade things you can buy, they need to be a good PFD and a paddle. That seems like a no-brainer but lots of people skimp on the first and sell their kayak shortly after from non-use.
| Park-N-Pole in a Trolley |
Anchor- This is the most widely underpurchased item under $50. Anchors exist in all shapes and sizes. The most popular one is the collapsible anchor. If you are going to be in water eight feet deep or less, I suggest a YakAttack Park-N_Pole. It can double as a push pole, GoPro camera pole and many other things. Very versatile and it floats. It comes in three different lengths to fit exactly what your needs are.
Anchor Rope (and accessories)- Most anchors don't come with rope. If you are going to be fishing in any current or wind at all most people will recommend 2X the length of rope for the depth you are fishing. So if your fish are in 20 feet of water, you need at least 40 feet of rope. If you are fishing on the coast it is recommended 3X the depth. I like 3/16" rope but choose what you like. Just don't buy 1/16" rope and expect to raise a big anchor easily. While you are there in the rope section, pick up a carabiner and rope float to attach to these as well.
Rod Holders- These come in different varieties. You can get flush mount, rocket launchers, trolling rod holders for baitcasters and spinning, rail mount, and the list goes on and on. Look at some rigging pictures, sit in your boat, see where you can reach and then go buy one.
| YakAttack BlackPak |
Everything Else-These things will get you going pretty well. After you have the above mentioned items, you should look at, in no particular order: a fish finder, stabilizers (depending on the kayak), drift sock, stake out stick, VHF handheld radio, scupper plugs (for sit on tops), waders, paddle gloves, really the list goes on and on.
Your fishing adventure is just that. Add things as you can and see what others are doing. Go to get togethers. Visit kayak shops like HOOK1 if you are in Tennessee or Mariner-Sails if you are in Texas. Talk to guys who have years or even decades on the water. Talk to the new guys. See what's new, what's a need, what's a want and go for it. And if you buy something that doesn't work out, there is always the buy-sell-trade forums. Most of all, have fun and catch some fish!
Scotty Offset Gears and Slip Discs Review
If you could buy two items that could make your fishing simpler, more dialed in and easier would you? What if I told you that together both items would cost less than $10? It sounds too good to be true but it's not. I have the magic items and I can tell you, they are worth twice what they are asking if not three times.
So what are these modern marvels? Let me introduce you to the Scotty No. 414 Offset Gears and the Scotty No. 415 Slip Discs.
The Offset Gear is placed between the two existing gears on a Scotty mount to double the number of adjustments you can make. Finding a better angle but still maintaining that rigid hold is not only possible but extremely inexpensive. I used the Offset Gears in my Scotty Gear Head Mount Extender (No. 429) to get a better angle for my GoPro which is attached to a PanFish Camera Mount from YakAttack. I just couldn't get the angle I wanted with the standard gears. I popped in an Offset Gear and voila!I had what I wanted. I also tried it out in a Scotty rod holder which worked well but I still needed more fine tuning capability. That is where the No. 415 Slip Discs came in.
The Scotty No. 415 Slip Discs will tune as finely as you can dial it in.
A typical Scotty gear has teeth on both sides. The Slip Discs have teeth only on one side. What this allows you to do is make micrometer like adjustments up and down to find the perfect angle on that rod holder. These can be used with all the other Scotty mounts that have gears in them as well. The only thing you are really giving up is that iron clad security of teeth on both sides. With enough force the Slip Discs will do exactly that, slip. That's what they are made for. With a hand tightened nut on a rod holder or extension, in almost all applications, the 415 will be good to go.
I started kayak fishing with Scotty rod holders almost a decade ago. I fished them more because of the price point difference than because of functionality. There were other rod holders that had better adjustability but they were twice the cost. I knew the Scotty rod holders and extenders were clunky. The angles never seemed what I really wanted and so I eventually stopped using them. With the release of the Offset Gears and the Slip Discs, Scotty is going to get another shot on my kayak. The price point on Scotty products is already hard to beat and with these newest additions, affordability and functionality are both part of the new equation. If you are looking for a way to fine tune your Scotty products and your fishing, this is it,
If you would like to order some of these products you can go to the links below. These folks at HOOK1 are top notch and have the best prices around.
No. 414 Scotty Offset Gears (Listed at $4.49)
No. 415 Scotty Slip Discs (Listed at $4.49)
Since I mentioned it, if you needed to check out a Gear Head Mount Extender, here is a link as well:
Scotty No. 429 Gear Head Mount Extender (Listed at $24.99)
Thanks for reading. More reviews are on the way this week as we will look at some additional Scotty and YakAttack products.
 |
| Scotty No. 414 Offset Gears |
So what are these modern marvels? Let me introduce you to the Scotty No. 414 Offset Gears and the Scotty No. 415 Slip Discs.
The Offset Gear is placed between the two existing gears on a Scotty mount to double the number of adjustments you can make. Finding a better angle but still maintaining that rigid hold is not only possible but extremely inexpensive. I used the Offset Gears in my Scotty Gear Head Mount Extender (No. 429) to get a better angle for my GoPro which is attached to a PanFish Camera Mount from YakAttack. I just couldn't get the angle I wanted with the standard gears. I popped in an Offset Gear and voila!I had what I wanted. I also tried it out in a Scotty rod holder which worked well but I still needed more fine tuning capability. That is where the No. 415 Slip Discs came in.
The Scotty No. 415 Slip Discs will tune as finely as you can dial it in.
 |
| Scotty No. 415 Slip Discs |
| Scotty No. 429 Gear Head Mt Ext. |
If you would like to order some of these products you can go to the links below. These folks at HOOK1 are top notch and have the best prices around.
No. 414 Scotty Offset Gears (Listed at $4.49)
No. 415 Scotty Slip Discs (Listed at $4.49)
Since I mentioned it, if you needed to check out a Gear Head Mount Extender, here is a link as well:
Scotty No. 429 Gear Head Mount Extender (Listed at $24.99)
Thanks for reading. More reviews are on the way this week as we will look at some additional Scotty and YakAttack products.
Water Wednesday
Depending on which candidates you supported yesterday, today could be bitter or sweet. Or maybe both. I tend to not publicize my votes, talk politics much at all and really despise the process of picking most years. There is drama in every walk of life but one that has little drama 99.9% of the time is my passion, kayak fishing.
I wanted to have a day to allow everyone to remember what drives them to joy. It could be fishing, kayaking, both, gardening, hunting, origami etc etc. My obvious love of kayak fishing has brought me to name today, "Water Wednesday". No more politics. Just good kayaking talk from here on out.
I have several upcoming projects and will be investing significant amounts of time working on them. What does that mean? My posting will most likely be about once a week. I appreciate all the visits, questions, comments and shares. I think a big reason for the response has been trying to produce quality, useful content. Working on these projects will mean less blogging for a bit. I'll be around; don't worry. The once a week post is going to be my new norm for a while.
So what are the projects? Without divulging too much information, I'll be doing some extensive product reviews for a very well known company which I was approached by recently. I can't express how excited I am about this opportunity. I will also be working on a new e-book about kayak fishing. When it is released, it will be free to the first 500 subscribers. I expect it to be released next spring. My last major project is videography. I am somewhat limited in the number of people I can reach by having a writing platform. I want to expand into some video as well for those quick hit visual demos to help spread the kayak fishing knowledge I have learned from the school of hard knocks and by learning from the many ambassadors of kayak fishing I have met and fished with.
Are you saying, "I came here for the giveaway!"?
So here are the details:
The prize is a $25 gift certificate to Austin Canoe and Kayak. The prize will be mailed to the winner within 14 business days of the drawing. The drawing will be held next Tuesday, November 13th. The winner will be notified on the 14th. All persons except my immediate family are eligible.
What to do:
Option 1: Go to this web address and like the page and then share it on your timeline: https://www.facebook.com/PaynesPaddleFish
Option 2: Leave a comment on this post about what products you would like to see reviewed in the next 6 months.
All names will be entered in the drawing and a random winner drawn. If you leave a comment, you will have to check back here to see if you won. If the winner is on Facebook, I'll send you a message. If the winner has not responded within 7 days, a new drawing will be done.
Have fun with it. Shares, subscriptions and comments are always appreciated. Thanks for reading and have a better day by planning a paddle trip soon!
Chris
I wanted to have a day to allow everyone to remember what drives them to joy. It could be fishing, kayaking, both, gardening, hunting, origami etc etc. My obvious love of kayak fishing has brought me to name today, "Water Wednesday". No more politics. Just good kayaking talk from here on out.
I have several upcoming projects and will be investing significant amounts of time working on them. What does that mean? My posting will most likely be about once a week. I appreciate all the visits, questions, comments and shares. I think a big reason for the response has been trying to produce quality, useful content. Working on these projects will mean less blogging for a bit. I'll be around; don't worry. The once a week post is going to be my new norm for a while.
So what are the projects? Without divulging too much information, I'll be doing some extensive product reviews for a very well known company which I was approached by recently. I can't express how excited I am about this opportunity. I will also be working on a new e-book about kayak fishing. When it is released, it will be free to the first 500 subscribers. I expect it to be released next spring. My last major project is videography. I am somewhat limited in the number of people I can reach by having a writing platform. I want to expand into some video as well for those quick hit visual demos to help spread the kayak fishing knowledge I have learned from the school of hard knocks and by learning from the many ambassadors of kayak fishing I have met and fished with.
Are you saying, "I came here for the giveaway!"?
So here are the details:
The prize is a $25 gift certificate to Austin Canoe and Kayak. The prize will be mailed to the winner within 14 business days of the drawing. The drawing will be held next Tuesday, November 13th. The winner will be notified on the 14th. All persons except my immediate family are eligible.
What to do:
Option 1: Go to this web address and like the page and then share it on your timeline: https://www.facebook.com/PaynesPaddleFish
Option 2: Leave a comment on this post about what products you would like to see reviewed in the next 6 months.
All names will be entered in the drawing and a random winner drawn. If you leave a comment, you will have to check back here to see if you won. If the winner is on Facebook, I'll send you a message. If the winner has not responded within 7 days, a new drawing will be done.
Have fun with it. Shares, subscriptions and comments are always appreciated. Thanks for reading and have a better day by planning a paddle trip soon!
Chris
The Five Kayak Fishing Gadgets I Want (But Don't Have Yet)
Let's be honest. There will always be a new gadget, toy, accessory or tool that, regardless of your hobby, you will want. In kayak fishing it seems almost weekly some new item enters the market to improve the on the water experience. I spend plenty of time scouring the web for the newest, coolest item that will change my fishing time in the yak for the better. Some of these are fairly inexpensive; some not so much. Some of you may have some of these. A few of you may have all of them. To those few, I am jealous. It was hard to do but I have boiled down the catalogs and websites to the five items I don't have yet but would love to try.
Being able to pivot and tilt any direction is valuable when you only want to mount a couple of rod holders, if that many. Coming in at just under $32 the Revolution Rod Holder is a great buy and a great tool. The dual pivot points allow 360 degree turning on the bottom axis and almost 360 on the top axis. This is definitely going on the Christmas list.
The Feel Free Camel trolley is truly a personal beast of burden to get your kayak, plus all that gear, in and out of the water without making you feel like you have already paddled 10 km. The Camel is designed not to tip over when loading. Simply let it kneel to load your kayak aboard, then tighten up the tie strap which automatically locks the trolley to the shape of your hull and off you go. The Camel Trolley adjusts to most kayak beam and length dimensions and can be stowed easily using its unique folding mechanism and quick release wheels.
-from ack.com
| Revolution Rod Holder |
5. Ram Rod Revolution Rod Holder
Being able to pivot and tilt any direction is valuable when you only want to mount a couple of rod holders, if that many. Coming in at just under $32 the Revolution Rod Holder is a great buy and a great tool. The dual pivot points allow 360 degree turning on the bottom axis and almost 360 on the top axis. This is definitely going on the Christmas list.
4. Feel Free Camel Kayak Trolley
| Feel Free Camel Kayak Trolley |
The Feel Free Camel trolley is truly a personal beast of burden to get your kayak, plus all that gear, in and out of the water without making you feel like you have already paddled 10 km. The Camel is designed not to tip over when loading. Simply let it kneel to load your kayak aboard, then tighten up the tie strap which automatically locks the trolley to the shape of your hull and off you go. The Camel Trolley adjusts to most kayak beam and length dimensions and can be stowed easily using its unique folding mechanism and quick release wheels.
-from ack.com
At $129 this one comes in a little more expensive but well within the range of other trolleys.
3. Yeti Tundra 50 Cooler
| Yeti 50 |
The construction of Yeti Tundra Coolers is carried to the extreme, because there are elite groups of outdoorsmen and adventurers who seek extremes. Desert sun has scorched these coolers. Blizzards have frozen them. Bears have gnawed on them. They have tumbled off trucks and cliffs. All the while, Tundra coolers have kept their cool. This is one ice chest that puts no conditions on reliability under the harshest conditions. There's no better choice to keep food and drinks cold in a campsite, job site, pickup bed, or over your favorite fishing hole. One piece roto-molded UV polyethylene construction is extremely durable and a full length, self-stopping hinge can't hyper extend and break. You'll never buy another cooler! Replaceable nylon rope and textured grip handles make carrying easier. Padlock holes are molded into the cooler body and lid for added security. Dry goods rack included.- from ack.com
The most expensive item on the list, the Yeti 50 lists at $329.
2. YakAttack PanFish Camera Mount
| YakAttack PanFish |
Getting your camera pointed in the right direction just got easier with the YakAttack PanFish Camera Pole for Scotty Mount Systems. The PanFish features a split mast design with adjustable friction disks that allow quick and easy horizontal panning. Just grab the foam grip above center mast and rotate. Nothing to loosen, nothing to get loose. Just point and let go. The PanFish was designed for over-the-shoulder video with lightweight cameras. Maximum payload is recommended at 1 lb, including camera and housing. Mighty Mount and Scotty Mount versions available.- from ack.com
At $60, this is one accessory that can be added and utilized with existing hardware that doesn't break the bank.
1. The Ram Aqua Box Pro 10
| Ram Aqua Box 10 |
The RAM AQUA BOX™ product line has been keeping mobile phones and devices safe for years. Now, with the introduction of the AQUA BOX™ Pro, you have access to side buttons and full use of the touchscreen. Weather resistant and splash proof, this unique patented design allows access to all side buttons on the phone while in the case. Are you one of those people that can be a little rough on things? Our PVC Vinyl screen is replaceable so if you start to lose that crystal clear appearance, we’ve got you covered…literally. Allowing easy operation of the touch screen while in the case, the compact and sleek design means traveling with your AQUA BOX™ Pro is never a hassle. Think an enclosure will slow you down? Think again. Send text messages, listen to music, take photos or capture video, make calls all while protecting your phone. Includes a standard belt clip and safety lanyard, the AQUA BOX™ Pro series is perfect to carry along on your next adventure. -from rammount.com
When you have fishing apps, contacts and honey holes marked on your phone, the last thing you need is an oops moment. The Ram Aqua Box will prevent that, keep the phone safe and usable and hard mounted to your boat. It's a good day when all of it comes together. For $54 you can make it come together sooner!
If any of you have some of these gadgets I would love to hear from you. Let me know what you think on these and other things I might not have seen yet.
September Events Continued
More events happening in Texas for kayaking instruction, tourneys and demo days from Sept 18-30.
Rise Adventures End of Summer Bash VIII
Where: Meadowmere Park, Lake Grapevine
When: 9A-3P
What: Allowing people with physical disabilities the chance to get out on the water in a kayak. There will also be swimming, golf, archery, pony rides a petting zoo and more!
Cost: FREE for persons with disabilities and their families
Contact: 469-762-5075
Austin Canoe and Kayak Demo Day
What: Over 80 models of kayaks with up to 30% savings on select items
Cost: FREE
Contact: 512-396-2386 or 888-828-3828
Austin Canoe and Kayak Demo Day
Where: Independence Park (Missouri City)
When: 9A-5P rain or shine
What: Over 80 models of kayaks with up to 30% savings on select items
Cost: FREE
Contact: 713-660-7000 or 888-828-3828
Austin Canoe and Kayak Expo
Where: Houston Store
When: 10A-5P
What: Lots of New Product, Savings and Lunch Provided
Cost: FREE
Contact: 713-660-7000 or 888-828-3828
Fundraising Tourney for Heroes on the Water
Where: Meadowmere Park, Lake Grapevine
When: 6P-9P
What: Benefit Bass and Catfish Tourney with 50% going to HOW
Cost: $5 for Big Bass and Big Cat
North Texas Get Together (Texas Fishing Forum)
Where: Twin Coves Park, Lake Grapevine
When: 8A-?
What: Lots of good times with kayaks, fun, games and a donation box for HOW
Cost: $5 gate entry fee
Contact: http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/7863319/1/Official_North_Texas_GTG_Threa
September 22:
Where: Meadowmere Park, Lake Grapevine
When: 9A-3P
What: Allowing people with physical disabilities the chance to get out on the water in a kayak. There will also be swimming, golf, archery, pony rides a petting zoo and more!
Cost: FREE for persons with disabilities and their families
Contact: 469-762-5075
Austin Canoe and Kayak Demo Day
Where: Texas Ski Ranch (New Braunfels)
When: 9A-5P rain or shineWhat: Over 80 models of kayaks with up to 30% savings on select items
Cost: FREE
Contact: 512-396-2386 or 888-828-3828
Austin Canoe and Kayak Demo Day
Where: Independence Park (Missouri City)
When: 9A-5P rain or shine
What: Over 80 models of kayaks with up to 30% savings on select items
Cost: FREE
Contact: 713-660-7000 or 888-828-3828
September 23:
Where: San Marcos Store
When: 10A-5P
What: Lots of New Product, Savings and Lunch Provided
Cost: FREE
Contact: 512-396-2386 or 888-828-3828
Where: Houston Store
When: 10A-5P
What: Lots of New Product, Savings and Lunch Provided
Cost: FREE
Contact: 713-660-7000 or 888-828-3828
September 28:
Fundraising Tourney for Heroes on the Water
Where: Meadowmere Park, Lake Grapevine
When: 6P-9P
What: Benefit Bass and Catfish Tourney with 50% going to HOW
Cost: $5 for Big Bass and Big Cat
September 29:
North Texas Get Together (Texas Fishing Forum)
Where: Twin Coves Park, Lake Grapevine
When: 8A-?
What: Lots of good times with kayaks, fun, games and a donation box for HOW
Cost: $5 gate entry fee
Contact: http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/7863319/1/Official_North_Texas_GTG_Threa
Summer is Over and Deal Season is Here!
Labor Day marks the end of summer for most folks. It's back to school time for the kids. Businesses are starting a new fiscal year soon and the holidays are within sight. What Labor Day also marks is the beginning of sale season for kayaks.
Commonly thought of as a summer time hobby or sport, kayaking enjoys a bolus of participants between May and September. The crowds on local lakes start to thin more and more as the weather becomes more tolerable. Hunting season has started and for some that means dove hunting and then deer hunting. For me it's always DEAL hunting.
Kayaks, both used and new are at the end of their cycle for the year. Dealers are reducing inventory for the winter months, doing some trade-ins, selling off the rental fleet and clearancing out. They know the pattern. It's their business. Craigslist will be flooded with people needing to sell a kayak for this or that. There are nomadic, seasonal kayakers who often sell a boat just to make a lease payment for deer season. Then there is dad, who thought he could convince the family to kayak with him, who instead is needing to sell a tandem to get a solo kayak. It takes all kinds. Often it works out for both parties. Everybody gets what they want and the cycle continues into next year.
Over the last several years I have used fall and winter as a time to upgrade. Often, there are folks looking for a boat I have, rigged and ready to fish and are willing to pay a fair amount for it as is. I then turn that money into a better deal for me by finding great deals. I scour the dealer sites for clearanced or blemished kayaks daily. I look on Craigslist, Texaskayakfisherman.com and Texas Fishing Forum for deals. If you are patient, you can find a great deal.
It is important to note I paddle/fish year round so my investments don't rot away in the garage waiting for summer. My experience on the water tells me what I like, don't like and helps me create new ways to rig up for fishing. When I am looking, I narrow my field to a handful of kayaks. I do homework on widths, lengths, capacities, storage, known issues and the like to be able to wait for that one sweet deal and then pounce when it arrives.
I went to look just now and here are a few that I found:
Austin Canoe and Kayak has this one right now-
Wilderness Systems Commander 140 Kayak - 2012 Closeout >
With $49 residential shipping, that is a really good deal!
Mariner-Sails.com has this one:
Craigslist has a Hobie Pro Angler listed for $2000 right now with lots of upgrades and extras. The ad reads:
2012 Hobie Pro Angler 14. Olive. Almost new condition. Comes with Hobie paddle, mirage drive with turbo fins, supernova kayak led lights and battery. 2000 .
Also a pretty good deal.
There are several used kayaks on TKF and TFF for 50-70% of retail right now.
As the weather cools, the deals will heat up. Be on the look out and you could get a great upgrade this winter too!
If you have some deals you would like to include here please post them in the comments section. No charge at all, just post them up! You can also email me and I will post them for you or provide links.
Kayaks, both used and new are at the end of their cycle for the year. Dealers are reducing inventory for the winter months, doing some trade-ins, selling off the rental fleet and clearancing out. They know the pattern. It's their business. Craigslist will be flooded with people needing to sell a kayak for this or that. There are nomadic, seasonal kayakers who often sell a boat just to make a lease payment for deer season. Then there is dad, who thought he could convince the family to kayak with him, who instead is needing to sell a tandem to get a solo kayak. It takes all kinds. Often it works out for both parties. Everybody gets what they want and the cycle continues into next year.
Over the last several years I have used fall and winter as a time to upgrade. Often, there are folks looking for a boat I have, rigged and ready to fish and are willing to pay a fair amount for it as is. I then turn that money into a better deal for me by finding great deals. I scour the dealer sites for clearanced or blemished kayaks daily. I look on Craigslist, Texaskayakfisherman.com and Texas Fishing Forum for deals. If you are patient, you can find a great deal.
It is important to note I paddle/fish year round so my investments don't rot away in the garage waiting for summer. My experience on the water tells me what I like, don't like and helps me create new ways to rig up for fishing. When I am looking, I narrow my field to a handful of kayaks. I do homework on widths, lengths, capacities, storage, known issues and the like to be able to wait for that one sweet deal and then pounce when it arrives.
I went to look just now and here are a few that I found:
Austin Canoe and Kayak has this one right now-
Wilderness Systems Commander 140 Kayak - 2012 Closeout >
| Description: Save big on this 2012 closeout color. With even more storage space, leg room, capacity, and speed than the Commander 120, the Wilderness Systems Commander 140 hybrid sit-on-top/sit-inside is the ultimate hobby machine. |
| MSRP: $1149.00 Our Price: $849.00 SAVE: 26.1% |
With $49 residential shipping, that is a really good deal!
Mariner-Sails.com has this one:
Kayak - Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5 Volt - Demo Product #: LP ULT145VOLT_DEMO Retail Price: $2,199.00 Online Price: $1,495.00 |
Craigslist has a Hobie Pro Angler listed for $2000 right now with lots of upgrades and extras. The ad reads:
2012 Hobie Pro Angler 14. Olive. Almost new condition. Comes with Hobie paddle, mirage drive with turbo fins, supernova kayak led lights and battery. 2000 .
Also a pretty good deal.
There are several used kayaks on TKF and TFF for 50-70% of retail right now.
As the weather cools, the deals will heat up. Be on the look out and you could get a great upgrade this winter too!
If you have some deals you would like to include here please post them in the comments section. No charge at all, just post them up! You can also email me and I will post them for you or provide links.
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