New to kayak fishing and need kayak recommendations

Hi all-
I am new to kayak fishing, and was hoping to purchase in the next 6 months.  I plan on fishing about 60% San Francisco Bay, 30% Near Shore Ocean at Duxbury, and 10% lake fishing where-ever.  My price is not really a huge factor, as I plan on keeping it for the long haul and its a lot cheaper than a gasser

I am taller at 6'2" and weight about 185.

Most of the kayaks seem at least similar, except the hobie's with the fin drives.  Any and all suggestions welcome, and I hope to be a regular here as I get a little more experience on the water.

Thanks!

Ethan

Hey Ethan,
Welcome to the madness!

Do you have any paddling experience? If not, please consider taking a class on basic paddling skills, self rescue and getting in and out of the surf safely. It would be wise to be a "paddler" first and a fisherman second.

As far as kayaks are concerned, we advise all newbies to "try before you buy". The best way to do it is to rent a kayak for a day and see if it works for you and see how it handles in the conditions you plan to fish on.

Considering your height and weight, here's a few kayaks you might want to test paddle...

My personal all around favorite: The Prowler 15 by Ocean Kayak

others:
Tarpon 160 / Wilderness Systems
Trident  also by Ocean Kayak

Good luck on your decision making and take your time.

If you want to test paddle any of the 3 that I had mentioned, send me a PM.

Welcome To the Madness Ethan if you are in no hurry you might want to come up to lake Mendo the 1st weekend in May we will be fishing the CSBA Striper Tourney it's pretty informal and you will be able to see a lot of differant Kayaks, Set ups and gear most of the members will be more than happy to let you paddle their yaks. If you wanna fish we can bring you a Yak.

Welcome! I would suggest also trying a Malibu Kayaks XFactor. I love mine! I'm 6' and 195. The XFactor is a bit wide, which translates to a slower speed, but great stability.

Good luck on your purchase.

CHEERS!

I own a Prowler 15 and Trident and prefer the P15 for bay and ocean because it is lighter, quicker and a little faster. The Trident is drier, more stable and has better internal storage. For long distance ocean paddling, it is hard to beat the Tarpon 16.0. If cost is not an issue, I would check out the Hobie Revolution and Adventure. The Hobies have some serious advantages in windy conditions, strong current and when trolling and there is the sail option. The disadvantages are the cost, weight and the mechanical components (rudder, mirage drive) can increase the chance of leaking or failure. I will probably get a Revo in a couple of years if I can part with my Malibu 2XL.

scott

WTTM! ( Welcome To The Madness ) and get ready to learn a whole new lingo too.
Spend time reading this forum and you will find everything you need.
Excellent idea by Mickfish on heading to the tournament. You will see first hand a lot of different kayaks and how they are rigged. No Way will you see this much in any store or expo show.
Mooch's recommendation about a paddle class should be done. Especially before you buy. You will be much more prepared on making the right decision on your purchase if you have more skills than less skills. What might seem like a great kayak before you have skills might be exactly what you don't want once your skills improve.
Have fun.

First thing demo all of the boats that you can.  I use a Hobie Outback, very stable and because you peddle you have your hands free to fish.   Taking a class is also very advisable.  Good luck with your search

Welcome to the madness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a big game and love it . Its a heavy unit but a stable one. If you get one let me know and I willl show you how to drill holes below the waterline.

Sherm

Thanks for the welcome and advice.  I will take a course/lesson to get the basics figured out - like getting out of the water and back into the kayak.  I have been out of a canoe, and getting back in solo was a bit morethan frustrating...

I'll take a look at the yaks mentioned, and from reading through the site I have a pretty good idea of models I would want. 

Quick question on transporting the yak.  It seems for big water (pacific) I would be looking at yaks 13'+ in length.  Are people putting 15' yaks on the top of their cars?

 

Howdy and Welcome Ethan.

Try the Hobies also.

Our policy is to try them all.  The long and the short and the tall.

They'll be no promotions this side of the oceans.

So cheer up my lad try them all!

-Matt

Hey Ethan

Not much more I can add here other than listen and hear the advise your getting. You will only receive quality information from these folks, especially on safety . Pay attention to the postings and events. Plan to attend even if you don't have a kayak. You will meet some quality people involved with NCKA. Good luck to you and get ready for the madness    

Ben

By the way, I paddle a P15 as well . 

Hey Ethan WTTM!

Most of us paddle longer boats we we are in the ocean. Longer boats are generally faster and in the ocean faster is better. In addition to the boats mentioned I will throw out the Cobra Marauder. Fast and lots of storage.

FYI I hear Wilderness is having some pretty major supply issues...

Quick question on transporting the yak.  It seems for big water (pacific) I would be looking at yaks 13'+ in length.  Are people putting 15' yaks on the top of their cars?

Been doin' it for years, 15 and 16 foot kayaks w/o a problem.

If you are ever out in Bodega Bay hit me up if you wanna try a big game.

Sherm

The Malibu X-Factor is the kayak of choice.

This yak is a "floating couch".... super stable, lots of storage and a flat foot well.

Try em before you buy em.


Fish on!