First Kayak

Knowing what you know now, what brand and which model kayak would you purchase for your first boat if you where 6-3, 280lbs and planned to primarily fish the delta and small lakes and reservoirs and maybe the river once in a while for bass, trout and catfish?

I am 6'3 and 260. My first comfortable kayak was a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. I have fished out of a Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 and a Perception Bimini 15, but I ended up back in a Tarpon but a 160. Much more leg room and comfortability for my size. I am sure other guys have their opinions but that is mine.

Jeff

I am 6'3 and 240lb and I fish out of a OK big game angler,I do like the looks of the tarpon but just never paddled one. yes mine is slower but for diving and all I like the extra width of my OK

6'4" 200lbs and I use a T13. No issues on the length or weight....

I'm 6'4" and a tad over 280.  I have a Trident 15 and like it alot.

Have also paddled a Marauder and liked it too... but I like the trident more and it is a faster boat.

You might also consider some of the newer Malibu products like the Stealth 14 or the X-13... some pretty cool features there but I have no first hand experience with them.

If your river usage is for faster water, the shorter Trident 13 might be a good choice.  I'm not sure the Trident 15 likes fast water very much.  Just fine in mellow current though.

EK

I have two P15s, a T15, and a T13.

If you can fit comfortably in the T13 I'd definitely recommend that.

+1 for the T13.

I'm 6'3" 230 and love mine for salt and fresh, although I primarily fish the Monterey Bay area.

Try before you buy!

I weight 280 and the trident 13 will have some decent water in the footwells.  Also had a  tarpon 160i and you only have about 95 pounds of leeway before you are over capacity.  For those reasons, I went with a trident 15 but almost 100% ocean use.

Eugene

Thanks for the responses. I have narrowed it down to the Big Game, Ride and Malibu Stealth 14.

Anyone know of any local bay area shops that carry the Ride 135 that can beat $1035 before tax for an 09 w/rudder? Who is the big malibu dealer in Northern Ca? Thanks

I was able to buy two big game angler at sportsman wherehouse in rocklin for 599 each and they had a ton of other Ocean kayaks too

I'm 6'4" and a tad over 280.  I have a Trident 15 and like it alot.

Second that! (but im shorter).

Anyone know of any local bay area shops that carry the Ride 135 that can beat $1035 before tax for an 09 w/rudder? Who is the big malibu dealer in Northern Ca? Thanks

not sure in Sac, but Outback Adventure in Corte Madera sells Malibu.  That is where we bought our X-13's.