Need SOT kayak recomendations.

I am looking to buy a used SOT kayak for fishing.  Though I have been kayaking for years, SOT kayaks are completely foreign to me. 

I am 5ft11in, 200 lbs.  Though I primarily fish lakes, I will be moving to the coast soon and I would like a yak that can handle the ocean.  I like to troll (sometimes for 8 hours straight) so I would like an efficient kayak.  I generally do not take too much gear, and I do not plan to install a live bait well.  I am a graduate student (teaching part time at college does not pay very well) so I would like to get something that does not totally break the break the bank (600dollars is my upper limit). 

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

I reccomend a used wilderness systems tarpon 140.

If you can find a Prowler 15 it is a great all around kayak. There is a reason you won't find too many sold used.

Amen on the Prowler 15...love mine. Check out Sierra Trading Post and have one shipped to you. Sign up for their email coupons and get a 10-15% discount off their posted price...great deal on one of the best SOT's!
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1446W_Ocean-Kayak-Prowler-Angler-Kayak-Sit-on-Top-154-%C2%BD-.html

PM me if you ever want to paddle mine as I live in Sacramento. Welcome to kayaking...warning: can be addicting!

If you can find a Prowler 15 it is a great all around kayak. There is a reason you won't find too many sold used.

Totally agree....I've gone through several kayaks in my 10 years of yak fishing and keep coming back to the proven Prowler 15.....it's unfortunate that Ocean kayaks will no longer be making these kayaks IMO: all this kayak really needed was a rod pod

Anyway, keep your options open and test paddle other yaks if you can - and at the same time, look at the deck and figure out if there is enough space to do any more added modifications (fish finder and additional rod holders....ect)

Good luck and welcome to the madness!!!! 

Hi Nubee:

     I would start out with outfitting yourself with a good  Paddle, VHF Radio,PFD, Clothing Etc.. before you decide on which Yak to own. Sound like your going to spend a lot on time on a Yak so, make it as Cozy and Safe as possible. I fish and Dive off of a Scupper Classic and a Pro. Try all Models, it's a lot of fun.
    I'm 5-5" 160 Lbs. small so, I went with a light and fast Yak. I don't do doubles becasue, they are like fishing off a Log for me.
   
                                                                Sea-ya
                                                                Ernie
P.S. Try to shop with Vendors
who help keep this site up. Book with
a local Guide for at least one trip.
                                                               

I am booked for this weeeknd but let's get out for some paddling in the next couple of weeks.

I will have a ok scupper pro, ok prowler 15, and current designs altura and ws freedom available for paddling.

-Brian G

brian i'd like to paddle your scupper pro sometime if i could...looking for a second yak with some more speed and want to test my stability in it

let me know if you get a chance to go out soon

ATF you might check out Adventure Sports, I got a really good deal with a new fully loaded OK Prowler Big game angler.
See Carl and tell him Gene from the yolla bolly wilderness sent you, tell him your story and hopefully he will have a used or new OK prowler 15 that he can put you in.




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Ben,  you're welcome to borrow it if you have a place to store it.

-Brian G

Welcome to the site.
Asking these guys which kayak to get is like asking sports fans which team is the best. Everyone has a favorite. Good Luck!

You mentioned you like to go good distances and for long hours.

I have a Wilderness T160i which is super fast, but less stable. I have never felt like I was unstable and it works well for me. Been in 13ft. swells on a day that had small craft advisories and felt completely stable. The trick about a faster kayak vs. a more stable one, is not just the speed, but the effort it takes to paddle. The faster it is, the easier it is, hence the less fatigue at the end of the day. when racing a storm or wave, it might just make the difference.

I like almost all of the brands / models mentioned here, so the best advice is to try them all on, most dealers will let you try them and all will certainly let you rent them for a day to try them out. Many will re-imburse the rental fee with purchase.

I was able to pick up my T160i fish ready for $650 used (one year old), so you should be able to get a great deal in this economy.

If you are in the Santa Cruz area anytime before rockfish opens, you are welcome to try mine out for size, after rockfish opener, it will be booked solid on the water whenever the weather permits.

Stoggie

t160 is good in any seas you'll find yourself in

the main thing about most of these yaks that's not great is the stowage

Thanks for all the advice guys!  I will be test paddling a T160 and Prowler 15 in the near future.  If I buy new I will try to buy from one of the shops that supports NCKA. 

Mendohead,

Sound advice with the PFD, Radio etc.  Fortunately I own most of the safety equip already.  I have been kayaking (sit inside) and small boat sailing for years and have acquired most of the safety accessories I will need for ocean kayak fishing ( I even have a sextant, though I doubt that would do me much good on a yak.)

ATF - I'd suggest also trying the Ocean Kayak Trident-15 and Trident-13 as you compare options.  Both are popular and very functional with the rod pod, sonar shield, transducer scuppers.  I have p-15 and t-15 if you want to hook-up one of these days on Folsom or Natoma to compare.

Good luck - John

ATF - I'd suggest also trying the Ocean Kayak Trident-15 and Trident-13 as you compare options.  Both are popular and very functional with the rod pod, sonar shield, transducer scuppers.  I have p-15 and t-15 if you want to hook-up one of these days on Folsom or Natoma to compare.

Good luck - John

Wow, what a generous offer.  Let em know when you plan to paddle Folsom or Natoma.