What To Look For

Hey Ladies and Gents

The name is Keo I'm new to this whole thing. I wanna get myself a kayak probably used just to get my feet wet first. I don't wanna get ripped so what stuff should i be looking out for. Oh btw I'm 5'8 130lbs i will be using this as a workout and at the same time doin some fishing Jai Boi. Species i will be aiming for is Stripers, Sturg, Halis, Sharks, and anything thats bites my line haha. I don't know which models is best and which models i should stay away from i want something that is light but at the same time i don't wanna get flipped over  .

Thanks Keo

WTTM.
My advice would be to take a basic paddling class before you buy anything. Some shops even have classes set up for SOT boats. Once you are comfortable paddling, test paddle as many boats as you can before you buy.
I would look for something in the 12-14 foot range. Most plastic SOT's in this group will run 55-65 pounds empty. If you want stability, the wider boat you'll want, which will add pounds.
If you are interested in a fishing oriented class you should contact Allen Bushnell here on the site.

hey keo, welcome to the board. choosing the right kayak is about finding the right balance of speed,stability and tracking. i paddle and reccomend you get a wilderness systems tarpon 140. once you have a boat, spend some time on the lakes getting your groove on before heding to nastier waters.
                 good-luck,hope to see you on the water,             
                                                                         jack

hey keo, welcome to the board. choosing the right kayak is about finding the right balance of speed,stability and tracking. i paddle and reccomend you get a wilderness systems tarpon 140. once you have a boat, spend some time on the lakes getting your groove on before heding to nastier waters.
                 good-luck,hope to see you on the water,              
                                                                         jack

Hey Jack Thx for the welcome i haven't really checked out a lot of models yet but the Tarpon 140 is really nice and stupid question is it that stable to where you can stand and cast. I really have to try one out to see if it fits me but at that price range its a lil steep for me ive been checking out craigs and they have some cobra that looks reliable but not sure about the brand or any brand for that matter. But your definitely rite my first yak i will probably hit up the stani river rite next to my house n see if i can paddle it up stream n hopefully build stamina tat way so i can prep myself for nastier water.

Keo

is it that stable to where you can stand and cast.

i have a T140. Im 15lbs heavier than you and an inch and a half shorter. I can stand on it and cast but rarely do. sometimes in freshwater for bass n trout.I have fallen off once in the early days. i do have decades of surfing experience.

is it that stable to where you can stand and cast.

i have a T140. Im 15lbs heavier than you and an inch and a half shorter. I can stand on it and cast but rarely do. sometimes in freshwater for bass n trout.I have fallen off once in the early days. i do have decades of surfing experience.

Hey Sharky Since you own one is there any downside to it? hving said that is there lots of storage place, when paddling is it heavy/light and does it give any resistance or does it pick up pace pretty quick, comfort is there or there isnt any comfort at all in a kayak. I don't do any surfing or anything but balance wise i use to skate and now trying to pick up on wakeboarding which is hella fun so hopefully i don't have an issue there but to stand up and cast i wont be doing it ofter but at least if i want to im not limited.

Keo

i have stood-up and peeed out mine but i wouldn't try it sober.

i have stood-up and peeed out mine but i wouldn't try it sober.

haha lol  isnt it more riskier when you drunk i guess alcohol gets the best of us

i have stood-up and peeed out mine but i wouldn't try it sober.

 

Keo, welcome! 

I agree with trying different kayaks before buying. There are pros & cons to all (some more than others) and some aspects are just up to personal choice.

A lot of these sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks are very stable but are not made to stand up - most people learn to adapt to casting while sitting, even fly casting. Stabilizers/outriggers can be attached for stability if someone has to stand up.

As Piscean said, learn basic paddling skills & safety before fishing, whether through a class or otherwise. It doesn't take too much time to be up & running but there are some important skills & safety precautions to take care of first (IMO a course with certified instructor gives you a jump start on all that).

Welcome again & happy hunting - for a kayak & fish!

i have stood-up and peeed out mine but i wouldn't try it sober.

 

Keo, welcome! 

I agree with trying different kayaks before buying. There are pros & cons to all (some more than others) and some aspects are just up to personal choice.

A lot of these sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks are very stable but are not made to stand up - most people learn to adapt to casting while sitting, even fly casting. Stabilizers/outriggers can be attached for stability if someone has to stand up.

As Piscean said, learn basic paddling skills & safety before fishing, whether through a class or otherwise. It doesn't take too much time to be up & running but there are some important skills & safety precautions to take care of first (IMO a course with certified instructor gives you a jump start on all that).

Welcome again & happy hunting - for a kayak & fish!

Thanks how much would the class cost and do they supply you with the yaks the basics. I don't mind the SOT ones i just wanted one to where if i do wanna stand and take a stretch i can or go for bass what ever it is i just didn't want to regret in the long run in kick myself in the butt. But mainly i got in a few car accident and tat took a toll on my back so just to be on the safe side so my back wont lock up from being in same position for a long period of time i want one to where if i have too i can stand on it and not worry about it tipping. There is a demo going on June 21 at lake Natomas tat i just found out about im definitely going to that one but no guarantee i will be going back home with one bummer gotta ask the lady

Keo

Hi ILF:

     Go with Fast, Light and Cheap for your first! I think
Light and Stable  are Dichotomous when it comes to Yaks.  
      I would show up at Derby's and help others load their Yaks so, you'll
get a good idea how heavy  Yaks came be fully outfitted. I good Sand Cart
and Rack System will help to increase your range of spots.
                                                                                 Sea-ya
                                                                                 Ernie

My spin on some O.K. Configs.
    
 Scupper Classic, Scupper Pro/TW, Prowler13,Trident13, P15,T15,Big Game
  Min.Light/Fast                                                                  LOG
                                                                                                                      
    

Man i want one so bad i can't wait till i actually get on one and try that shit out. Wont be much longer tho me and my boi and his unk is bout to tear it up the following Sun. Were gonna rent one you guys know of any good spots to where you can rent n fish out of? I'm located out of Modesto Ca.

Keo

im just gonna launch mine at mcavoys and rom around there till i get comfortable , then graduate and venture out into the channel(not to fish) just get the feel of nasty water , after that ill maybe try out monty slough for a sturg or two , use the tides as a power system! haha

im just gonna launch mine at mcavoys and rom around there till i get comfortable , then graduate and venture out into the channel(not to fish) just get the feel of nasty water , after that ill maybe try out monty slough for a sturg or two , use the tides as a power system! haha

Hell yeah bro sounds like a plan iono when imma get mines but when i do most def every day im off ill either be on that or my boat jai boi man im starting to feel hella anxious now and i hate that feeling. I ain't got no bread in the bank but i hella wanna just got to BPS n pick one up haha lol. My b-day is coming up July 19 n i told my family last night wat i wanted and they can all pitch in for me haha if anything it will give me a boost Jai Boi

haha keo now u know what i was talkin about!