New guy here

Hello everyone, I've been interested in kayaks for quite some time now. I normally bank fish off the sloughs around the rio vista area. Sometimes hit the lakes but haven't fished the ocean outside the waves only for surf perch. I know like all purchases cheap isn't always the best thing. I'm 6'1 and normally weigh around 210. I been kinda reading a bit here & there but still have a few questions all be headed over to headwaters in Lodi today to check out there yaks. But with work & the lack of a bunch of it lol I'm looking more for a decent yak that won't let me down but I won't lose a big chunk of my wallet on. Is there yaks that are out of question for example the ones sold at Costco, walmart, or sports authority? I hope I don't get flamed for saying those. I'm thinking of renting a few & trying them out. But I think the money is what is gunna come down to it. Hope I didn't ask to many stupid questions. Great site by the way.

Welcome aboard 

Oh one more thing only been in a kayak once sit in type tandem in Lake Tahoe.

Welcome to NCKA, if you're headed to Headwaters sounds like you're going in the right direction for some good advice and answers to your questions.  While I've never been there or met any of the guys from the shop their reputations seems to be to notch. 

Welcome to the MADNESS!

Money is an issue for many of us. I would recommend buying a used boat from a reputable maker, than going with a Walmart or Costco boat.  If you look around for demo closeouts (Headwaters in Lodi is having one now), or deals in our Classifieds and Craigslist, then you should be able to get a superior boat at a good price.

If will have some Headwaters boats to demo at Amador tomorrow.  You are more than welcome to join us for the fishing and festivities.

Here are some makers that I would recommend over Costco kayaks.

Jackson
Ocean Kayak
Wilderness Systems
Native
Malibu
RTM
Eddyline

There are others, but those are the brands that I have tried.

Thanks again all prolly be doing a few rentals to see what size & brand I like best. Than maybe my budget might change to the one fits me just right

Welcome aboard Hastingsisland.

Welcome 
Fish On!

You should be able to find a used Ocean Kayak Prowler or Trident for like $500. Or a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 in the same price range. That's what I would look for. Check craigslist or the Classifieds section here. I think Monterey Bay Kayaks might have some used demos for under 500 too.