Introduction is all

Hi there Everyone,
Introduction time:
At this time, I do not own a kayak. 
Many years ago, think mid 1960's, I built two kayaks in the Sonoma Valley High School.
Plywood frames, Mahogany stringers, with cotton stretched across the framework.  Applied a coat of fiberglass resin to that.  Then a couple of coats of fiberglass cloth, more resin.  Plans were from a "Sunset Magazine".  Drifted down part of the Sacramento River for four days in that kayak, that summer.  I used that kayak once in awhile.....but mostly it sat.  Had to go play with Uncle Sam for four years on the other side of the world.....then school.....then work.  OK - so the kayak is gone now.  Sorry to say.  Now, I am retired and want to go fish and would like better access to waters around here.  Think a kayak would work well.  Something I could handle myself out of the back of my pickup. 
I still have the plans for the "Sunset" kayak and am thinking of building a new one......but, then think I should just go purchase one.  Hoping being on this forum will help me make a decision. 
I am looking for a kayak that would handle places like the Trinity River, Yuba River, Sacramento River......and San Pablo Bay....want to go striper fishing as it is close to home.  Any help along the way would be appreciated. 
Old Kayak

Welcome and congratulations on the retirement!
You should just buy one to your liking and start fishing.
Get comfortable in small water and reservoirs first.
I know I wouldn’t want to miss minute  :

Welcome to NorCal Kayak,

Too many variables on purchasing a kayak , do you want to peddle or paddle it,  max weight you want to handle , how much you want to spend?

I have a Oldtown Predator PDL, it's heavy, peddle  version, can get out in the ocean, very stable, and not cheap $2100 on sale. I'm very happy with it for my needs.

Good luck in finding a kayak for your needs.

Ron

Welcome, OK. Lots of good info to be found here.

Very few people kayak and fish on the Trinity River - just for perspective.

The vast majority of fishermen on this site are flat water specialists - myself included.  We push a standard of "kayaker first" in terms of safety and awareness of abilities and limits.  We are basically the fishing-obsessed, but I don't see many people considering covering miles on swift water for their fishing - that's whitewater kayaking, and it doesn't allow for the gear hauling and diverse use that SOT kayaks on flat water have.

Long story short, I think you'll greatly limit your progress in fishing if you rebuild the Sunset yak.

I take people out on Malibu X-Factors if they don't have their own SOT kayak.  Extremely stable, roomy and easy to paddle, the X-Factor - like so many SOT's these days - allows for a full fishing focus while also keeping the user in a position to challenge him or herself with covering distances, dealing with adverse ocean conditions, and being able to easily land and stow large game fish as well as hauling all the gear to get the job done.

Come up to the Cove for a guided trip and I'll give you the best intro that I can to SOT ocean fishing.  It's a wonderful pursuit.

Welcome. 

welcome

what size are you..did i miss that lol
helps folks steer you into a a kayak you can take stuff etc..how much salt time you can swing etc..

good area is for sale here ..craigslist deals can be really really great-or the reverse suck...post ones you see folks will chime in 

Welcome
Keep it simple
Tight lines

Welcome to NCKA OK 

Hi there Everyone,
Thanks for the welcome. 
I appreciate any advice, perspective, etc.
I do not do the ocean.  Do not like it even in a larger boat.  It is the every 13 second thing out there.  I know there are a bunch of rock fish that would be available.....but the ocean is not for me. 
The river thing.  I see a kayak as a way to get to a nice gravel bar that others can not walk to....and fish for steelhead and such.  Although on a larger river like the Sacramento or the Feather River....I could see drifting with the current and casting for fish. 
But, I am an hour away from San Pablo Bay and can see that as a good area and a good way to get there....via kayak.  Delta is about 90 minutes away.  All within a day trip range.
As far as kayaks:  I was thinking of something around 12'....no larger as I want to be able to handle it by myself.  The old kayak I had ....the Sunset kayak....was inclosed....opening on the top.  One sat a bit below water level.  It was pretty stable.  Looking at the sit on top kayaks...it would appear that everything is a bit top heavy.  Am I wrong about that? 

Questions: Will a peddle kayak work on a river like the Trinity?  Or does the propulsion system have problems? 
Is there that much difference between the various kayaks?  I know everyone has a favorite.....but? 
What about fly fishing from a kayak?  Is that a problem? 

Thanks for the help folks. 
Old Kayak