Which kayak??

I am getting into fishing/diving from a kayak. I am 5'9" and 135#. Any advise on a brand/make of kayak? I was thinking of the Fish and Dive...but it seems really large for a guy my size. I was also told to look into the Marauder. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome Mike!

You will find a wealth of information on this site along with a ton of very helpful people.

This is a common question, and long story short the answer boils down to "test paddle a lot of kayaks and select the one that you like best."

Use the search function on the forum to locate threads that discuss this issue.

I also recommend checking out the Paddlefest at the end of the month.  Every manufacturer will be there with there boats for you to look at and paddle.  See the front page of NCKA for info.

Welcome to the madhouse!  (and get something to eat man!  5'9" at 135# ?!  )

MolBasser

scubamike - where is your location?

other places to test paddle:

Kayak Connection in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay Kayak Company


http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/bb/index.php?topic=78.0

welcome to the madness

Outback Adventures in Marin, near the Larkspur Ferry terminal.  They have Ocean Kayak and Tarpon, maybe Cobra.

Outback is also in San Jose on Saratoga Ave.  If you want to go Ocean the longer the better (15-16ft).  If not a 12ft will do.

Ken kickfish

Thank you all for the advise! I am very excited to get on the water. I will check out these shops and paddle everything I can. I hope to see you guys on the water!

P.S. MolBasser ... I am eating a bowl of ice cream right now!! hahaha

Yo Mike,

My wife goes to dog shows in livermore all the time.  If I'm not mistaken there are a couple of lakes that a way.

Maybe I could tag along with the wife and fish with you when you get your yak.

Eat that ice cream boy!  (heck, I got some poundage I could give you if you want....)

If you can, your really ought to check out the paddlefest.  It will be your best chance to see as many kayaks at the same time in the same place, oh.....and see me talk on sunday....heh.

MolBasser

MolBasser,
I will definitely go to paddlefest! It sounds like a perfect place to get set up! I look forward to meeting people and seeing what this is all about. Del Valle is a pretty good reservoir. Last time my girlfriend and I went we caught 7 cats(18" was the smallest) and a small striper. All on chicken liver just off the bottom. I would love to go fishing with you if you are interested. I would like to go with someone who knows what they are doing to watch and learn. Let me know in advance and I will make sure to not work the OT at work.