New angler on board.... need some advice/opinions

Lots of thumbs up for the Tarpons. Just to make it harder for you I will recommend the Trident 13 for what you have stated your fishing goals are. And, if I'm not mistaken, I think the t13 has more in-hull capacity for camping equipment, etc.

Good luck, and THANK YOU for serving our country. Make it home safe and be sure to keep us up to date on the Wisconsin kayak scene!

Yep I did the overnighter (in my T13) at Del Valle and was able to get pretty much all my gear below deck (tent, sleeping bag, clothes, and beer) Which made it all dry when I arrived.

I haven't been paddling nearly as long as most guys here, but because I own the slowest, most stable SOT ever, (OK Drifter), and the fastest sleekest, (T160), I think I can offer a unique perspective...

The T160 is a joy to paddle but I'd never choose one as my only kayak.  While great in the open ocean the DRifter would do way better in sketchy surf and in rivers and small lakes...

Weight is a factor, too.  It's nice to have a kayak you can carry yourself short distances without messing with wheels.

IMO 14' is a great general purpose length.

Hello Mooch, Yeah i am an army mp (reservist) almost done with my 1 year stretch, and i have to say the past few months i just sit on my computer during spare time and read up on on the one thing that is on my mind constantly...... i seriously have read so much it would make most sick... now i just gotta do the fishing.
  330th mp det law and order

 

You are a hero

Hey everyone, thanks for the support! It's really cool to how much everyone cares and how much people stick up for the soldier, it doesn't go unnoticed in the slightest bit.

This T13 and T15 talk have deffinatley made my choices much harder, so i really need to do my research now, and to take in consideration all the good points everyone is posting...

I am also working on getting a NCKA patch made up from the sowing shop to wear on my outer tactical vest, i figure that way i can represent and also discover if there are any NCKA member that are on the base, or at least if any yak members that recognize NCKA. I will post some pics once its done, it should be about a week though.
 

Welcome to the board WSki22!! And thank you for your service!!

I'm 6'5", 210 lbs, I paddle a Prowler 13. Its very stable and agile. Just another one for you to try!!

Stay safe!!

Rich

Hey everyone, thanks for the support! It's really cool to how much everyone cares and how much people stick up for the soldier, it doesn't go unnoticed in the slightest bit.

This T13 and T15 talk have deffinatley made my choices much harder, so i really need to do my research now, and to take in consideration all the good points everyone is posting...

I am also working on getting a NCKA patch made up from the sowing shop to wear on my outer tactical vest, i figure that way i can represent and also discover if there are any NCKA member that are on the base, or at least if any yak members that recognize NCKA. I will post some pics once its done, it should be about a week though.
 

That will so cool to see....Some may not agree with the mission but we all support the men and women serving!

Welcome 

Welcome aboard, WSki22.  Another boat to consider is the Malibu X-Factor, but it's mostly for crazy people who like the rough ocean and are after the best workout.   

The best advice around here is to paddle as many of the different models as you can.

Keep up the great work for our country, and thanks for stoking our coals of Honor, Pride and Appreciation.   

Did you say crayfishin'    Look me up when you get home.  former 68 delta here!

I'm an OK guy, so I'll reccomend the T13, or even the P13, both combine good speed and seaworthiness with nimbleosity (new word, like it?)

Seriously, try before you buy.  See what your butt, legs, and shoulders lioke the best, then go with it.

for more all-around fishing yak 14 or 13 foot is your best bet.  If you wann try yaks and youa re out here, PM me I have yaks for you to use, we can go fishing on your test paddles.

Looking forward to fishing with you.

Allen

Welcome  

Here's my 2c worth , all of the kayaks mentioned here are excellent and high quality. I paddle a Prowler 15. IMO it's one of the greatest kayaks ever made. I mainly use it for ocean fishing here in the Monterey Bay and along the Big Sur coast. In open water a longer kayak of 15 or 16 feet is great. However, you may want to consider the Prowler (P13) or trident (T13). I believe the 13's have more leg room than the 15's. You don't want your legs to be out straight. They should be bent a little when sitting in the kayak.

I also think the shorter kayak would be better suited for what your mainly using it for. If you should head to the pacific or open waters, you would have no problems with the 13's. As far as what brand you choose, it's a personal preference. Nothing wrong with checking out pre-owned or rental sales from kayak shops. You can get some great deals on kayaks. I would recommend you take your time and test paddle many different kayaks. . You never know, you may find something that you really like that's not even mentioned here . One more very important item, get a good paddle. I have a Werner Camano and like it very much. There are other quality paddles out there.

Whatever you choose you will find the members of this board to be most helpful and supportive. Safety is #1. Take a kayak safety class and learn to self rescue. Good luck to you. Thank you for serving this great country  , and hope to see you on the big blue one day .

Ben

Hey thanks Guys, Ben I will look into the Werner Camano, I haven't even thought about a paddle yet so it will be good to have something to compair and look into.

Hightide, How was 68D I am sure you have learned alot of useful stuff, I am taking a CLS course In a couple of days, nothing like getting paid to learn. Anyways Hightide what kind of traps do you use for your crayfish, can you or anyone for that matter vouche for the traps on this site http://www.terrybullard.com/crayfish_products.html

It's gonna be hard to test out some kayaks, I think there is a place 2 hours away from me back home. U guys are lucky on the west coast, I am sure you cant go more that 20 miles without running into stores selling kayaks. But i Will make it work, i think there is an REI in Madison.

Hey WSki22, if you ever visit the great state of "Cali-for-nica" [in my best Arnie voice] make sure to look us up! You can borrow one of my kayaks any time.
For paddles, I really like Aquabound and Werner brands. Both make quality paddles, even their inexpensive models are good.

I browsed that crawdad trap site you posted, and that guy has some nice-looking traps. The prices are reasonable too. But it looks like he isn't taking orders again until October. (ps--I prefer the square traps over the cylinders for crawdads) The cheapo traps from Cabelas worked for me in the past. Well, I broke one of the cylindrical models but that was probably my fault.

I'm an OK guy

Don't sell yourself short Allen. You are better than OK!  

very funny....lets go fishing this weekend S cruz is going good......

Hey Sin Coast, us WiscAHnsiners actually pronounce it Californy like in south park... jk, Thanks for the offer with Kayaking, i deffinatley gotta get to the west coast, but it will prolly be a while before i can get the chance.

Check these shoes out, pricey but i think they would be pretty good for kayaking http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/productdetails.aspx?catalog_name=web&pg=5081841&p=EC1128016&CMP=OTC-GoogleBase&partnerid=GoogleBase&cpc=GoogleBase&=campaign=The+North+Face&category=M&cpckw=The+North+Face+Mens+Dafda+Boa+Shoe+(Black/Grey)&CAWELAID=321751006# They got the Boa technology.