Let’s get something straight: as an angler, your boat-related expenses are going to be a lot more than any of your other tackle. This is true even for yak anglers, and some high-end fishing kayaks can cost as much as jon boats with outboards.
Which begs the question: how can you go about shopping for discount fishing kayaks? Well, here’s some sage wit and wisdom.
Shop Last Year’s Models
The first thing to remember is not to buy what’s hot and new – that is a surefire way to pay more than you have to.
There is nothing wrong with last year’s fleet of kayaks, or with models that have been discontinued, and at that point, sellers will be looking to get rid of them.
In fact, if you can find a collection that contains models that are lingering from several years ago (especially models that are no longer in production) you stand to save a little. Shop these collections.
Go Bare Bones
Pedal driven kayaks (or kayaks with any sort of drive system) are usually considerably more expensive than those that rely on paddle power.
Yes, there are disadvantages to being yoked to just a paddle, but price is not one of them. Models like the NuCanoe Flint and Pursuit and the Native Falcon 11 are great examples of paddle-powered kayaks that can save you a bit – even if they wouldn’t be properly termed “discount fishing kayaks.”
Wait for a Sale
Some retailers (whether they specialize in discount fishing kayaks or not) will periodically run sales.
Look for spring sales, Christmas season sales, and end of season sales (which usually but not always come towards the end of summer) when retailers will blow-out last year’s inventory.
These are the times to get a deal on fishing kayaks for sale.
Shop Clearance
Clearance is like a sale, but one that’s going on all the time. Retailers clear inventory for any of many reasons – it’s lingering a bit long, a new model is going to be released, they need the floor space, or they’re going out of business or moving locations.
Either way, a savvy clearance shopper can acquire discount fishing kayaks for pennies on the dollar, literally.
Know Which Kayaks Command Which Prices
To put it bluntly, there are some models that are going to command higher prices than others, which means that without a sale you won’t be getting a deal on them.
Brands like Hobie, Jackson and Native and to a degree, NuCanoe, tend to command higher, premium prices. Other brands like Hammerhead or Viking might be slightly more competitive.
Don’t be afraid to look a little deeper for recommendations. Buying impulsively is almost a certain way to pay more than you need to. Take your time, research, and you’ll find a deal.
Apply the Same Principles to Your Other Tackle
All of the methods mentioned here: shopping out of production models, waiting for sales and clearance, and buying basic gear, can all be applied to your other fishing tackle.
Don’t buy rods, reels and lures in the spring. Get them at the end of the season when sellers are clearing them; wait for sales, or buy stuff that’s discontinued.
The more you can save on your other tackle, the more you’ll have to put towards your purchase of a discount fishing kayak.
Shop Discount Fishing Kayaks
Looking for a place where you can snag a deal on a discount fishing kayak? Make No Bad Days Kayak your first stop, and get in touch with them directly if you have any questions or want a recommendation, they’ll be more than happy to help.
