Found a great deal! Need some reviews?

 Fellas, I need help with my decision! Im looking at a Pelican 116 fishing kayak and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these. Ive heard good and bad but I figured I would get my info here. I will be useing this for fishing and diving and mostly in the ocean rather than lakes and rivers. If anyone has info on these please help me out. This will be my first Kayak and I want to make sure I make an educated decision. Thanks

Not a super popular model - I've not seen one.  Is it SOT?  It may be a great boat - I recommend paddling it first.  Best of luck.   

Jason, I know nothing about them, but how long and wide is it for starters? For tracking and speed purposes, would be good to have the info to give general advice. For diving, some yaks are easier to get on/off of during diving.  I'ms assuming there's enough room in the tankwell to store your gear?  Ask BigJim or Chaeki too, and good luck

Peace 2 U

I agree with Eric, save you $$ and demo a more reputable kayak manufacturer.

IMO, the cheaper made kayaks are fine if you won't be using it as much. But if you have the "madness" that the typical NCKA'er has, get a better kayak 

It's a great deal because it's a Pelican.
Here's a previous thread (of those that replied) showing the breakdown of what kind of kayak they fish from.
Look to see how many paddle a pelican.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,6451.0.html

Save some coin up and buy a used one from a mfg with a proven record.
Just my .02.

The Headwaters Kayak Shop in Lodi is having a Kayak Swap Meet next Saturday the 24th. They have new and used fishing kayaks.

Thanks guys. I do have the bug and have looked at tons of different models. This model is 11'5" and has a 30" beam which must mean width from what I gather. It has 2 rod holders and a forward hatch and rear tub with bungies. Also adjustable foot pegs and a swivle rod holder. The whole package with seat and paddle included is $419 plus tax brand new with warranty. Im thinking its a great deal considering and deffinately easy on the pocket book and seems to be perfect for a first yak. Ive paddled an ocean brand yak but it had minimal storage. The other im looking at is a Cobra fish n dive which looks awesome but is considerably more expensive. Im open to suggestions or if anyone has something I can try out during the course of the next couple months it would be greatly appreciated. Im more looking to use mainly as a dive boat but im sure once I have one i will be fishing in no time.

 Here are the exact measurments for the Pelican 116 Castaway

 Length  11' 5'' - 350 cm
 Beam  30'' - 76 cm
 Depth  14'' - 36 cm
 Weight  53 lb - 24 kg
 Max. capacity  275 lb - 125 kg
 Hull material  RAM-X
 

Don't forget to consider resale value. I don't know a who lot of guys who still only use their very first kayak.
I am not trying to dissuade your decision, just giving you things to consider.

 No worries and thanks for all the info. Re sale is deffinately a thought. In this case I may just pick it up and if its not for me at least I have a spare. However the Cobra has been on my list for some time now and the resale on it is great as long as its in good condition. Im itching to get out soon hence all the questions.

Just came across a worlderness system Tarpon 120 on CL for not much more any info on this one? I know the brand is awesome just dont know much about making a good choice when buying. Sorry to be a pain and thanks for the replies...

Ive paddled an ocean brand yak but it had minimal storage.

 

Have you seen the Ocean Kayak Trident and The Ultra's ???

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/

 Im liking the Trident ultra series... Looks great and has tons of storage. So many options and such a varying cost. LOL I think im more confused than before but I feel alot more educated at this point..

I think you have allot of things to consider and may want to take a step back and think it thru, I say this because the pelican and tarpon you mention are in a whole different class than the FnD you also seem interested in. The FnD is great for a big guy (lots of weight capacity) and paddles great for a boat of it's dimensions, then the others would not be so good for a big guy but would paddle better if it's a physical fit. Also you seem interested in boats with a wide range of prices. 

Don't get in a hurry, if you don't catch this deal, there'll be another next week.

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=1519