Whether you’re looking to catch striped bass or mahi mahi, kayak fishing is a great way to get on the water. Kayaks offer the same shallow running and quiet platforms that big boats do, but they can also take you to remote locations. Find Your Perfect Kayak Match with the Comprehensive Kayaks2Fish One Man kayaks.

But before you buy a fishing kayak, there are a few things to consider. First, stability is one of the most important factors.

Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops offers a wide selection of fishing kayaks. These are typically designed for angling, but a few models are also available for recreational paddling.

Kayaks from Bass Pro are cheaper than kayaks at other outdoor retailers, and many models can be purchased for less than $1,000. This makes them an excellent option for first-time paddlers or budget-conscious buyers.

The best time to buy a kayak at Bass Pro is during the end of the kayak season, when many overstocked models are offered on sale. The store also runs frequent sales on fishing gear and other outdoor accessories.

Bass Pro Shops has multiple locations throughout the U.S., with each store based on a theme and containing an aquarium stocked with various fish. They also host frequent events and seminars. The store also contains a large number of natural wildlife displays, including full-sized animal mounts.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods is a well-known sports retailer with a wide range of sporting goods including kayaks, tents, hunting gear and much more. The store has helpful and knowledgeable salespeople who can help you make your purchase based on your needs.

The selection at Dick’s is quite varied and includes many different brands of kayaks, both recreational and whitewater. Prices can be lower than at other major sporting goods retailers like REI and Cabela’s, so it’s a great option for people on a budget.

Kayaks can be expensive, so it’s important to shop around and compare pricing before buying. Some of the best deals can be found online, though it’s still a good idea to check out local Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and see what they have in stock.

Kayaks that are on sale at Dick’s often come with free shipping. It’s also a good idea to test paddle your choice of kayak before making your final purchase. This will ensure that the kayak is comfortable, performs well and fits properly.

Cabela’s

Cabela’s is one of the best stores to buy from if you love to hunt or fish. Their stores are full of fun activities, and they have grand tanks that showcase sport fish from all over the world.

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of their locations, it’s well worth a visit! Many of these stores also have restaurants and a shooting gallery.

Founded by Dick Cabela in 1961, the company is now a $4 billion outfitter with 34 stores across the United States and Canada. The company sells clothing, footwear and gear for fishing, hunting and camping.

The company’s rewards program, CLUB, is an excellent way to earn points toward free items at the store. You get 1 point per $1 spent at both Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. If you spend more than $10,000 annually, you’ll be eligible for CLUB Silver status. This boosts your points to 3 per dollar, and if you spend more than $25,000 a year, you’ll receive CLUB Black status, which allows you to earn 5 points per dollar.

MEC

MEC is an outdoors specialty store selling kayaks for dedicated paddlers. It’s a good place to start when looking for a high-performance sea kayak.

Its selection of kayaks varies by budget, but its selection of authentically designed models from American manufacturers is unmatched. They include the Bonafide EX123, a sit-inside kayak that’s perfect for backwater honey holes and multi-day expeditions.

The MEC Aquanator, a popular entry-level fishing kayak, keeps weather out with taped seams and a front zipper with a storm flap and Velcro closures. It also comes with a full-coverage hood and waterproof pit zippers.

If you’re on a budget, big box department stores like Walmart and Costco offer a large selection of entry-level recreational kayaks for sale online. These kayaks can be a good choice for beginners who don’t plan to use the boat often, or for people who want to spend time on calm water with their families.