Kayak Recommendations? OK? WS? Need advice!!

I have been bass fishing for several years now at reservoirs in the South Bay and am ready to buy a kayak so I'm no longer limited as far as finding the fish (this is my very simple mantra - "you have to find the fish before you can catch 'em!"). I figure there's a lot more opportunity if I'm not stuck on shore. I typically fish places like Lexington, Calero, Guadalupe (though my car recently got vandalized there by guys with guns), and Stevens Creek. The kayaks I've researched so far are the Ocean Kayaks Prowler 13 and the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. I don't want something too big, but I don't want to be cramped. I want to be able to make it at least a 4-5 miles with relative ease, though I'm completely new to this so I don't really know what to expect. Ideally I'd like a short 10 footer of some sort, but I have a feeling it won't track as well or accommodate my semi-freakish height (I'm 6'4" (long legs) and weigh about 190).At the same time, I like the idea of being able to lift the canoe with relative ease to the water's edge, perhaps even down a trail from time to time if necessary.  So... If you were me, what would you get?

Oh yes, I haven't limited myself to OK or WS - those just happen to be the ones I've done a little research on.

Thank you!!

Look up fishing reports by Big Jim on this site. He's caught a lot of fish in a tiny short boat, then won himself a grown-up boat at the Gimme Shelter event last month.
Also, some of the bass fishing guys (Hobie Blue and Flyaker) really like the pedal boats for bass fishing. I prefer to paddle my OK T-15.

I started off small for the exact same reason.....didn't want to lift a heavy long bulky yak around. But over time the drawbacks of a small yak outweigh the positives and I went from a 11ft to a 12ft to a 13ft over 3 years. The extra speed, ease of attaining & maintaining said speed, and added room for gear is worth the extra weight & bulk.....to me. Oh by the way Hobie-Hobie-Hobie.....Revolution.....if you can afford the cost. jim

#1 Hobie Revo
#2 Hobie Outback
#3 OK Trident 13
#4 Cobra Marauder XF
#5 OK Prowler 13

I got the  Tapon 120  I really like my boat  but I am trading for something bigger.  would like  more space, good luck.
 

My progression:

Prowler-15
Malibu Extreme
Caper
Custom Trailer to haul growing fleet
Heritage Sea Dart
Malibu IIXL
Current Designs Altura
Prowler-13
Trident-15
Trident-13 (Son's Boat)
Venus-11 (Wife's Boat)
Trident-13 (Daughter's Boat)
Surf Yak

Currently enjoying the last 5 on the list and wouldn't change.
If you are 6'4" you will be a little tight in a 13 and might consider a 15 - my 2 cents.
Always demo before you buy.
Good Luck,
Eric

I have a OK Malibu Two and an OK Trident 13 Angler.
The T13 is a better fishing/diving kayak - way more storage, rod holders, etc, but it's surprisingly slower than the M2.

I'm looking into getting a cobra. Really like the reviews and features on them

If you buy a boat shorter than 13ft you will probably want to upgrade later. I say buy hobie revolution or a ws t-140 and you will never need to buy another boat.

I have a T13 and Hobie Revo. The Hobie allows me cover more water and allows for hands free fishing. If you plan on doing a ton of sure launches/landings the rod pod on the T13 is great. Oh and I am 6'3" 200 and have never felst cramped.

I got my wife a WS 120 and she loves it. It tracks well for her but not for me. I I like my WS 140, tracks good and paddles easier than OK, but in hindsight I would buy OK. Just a much better boat to fish..

I got a OC Trident 15 for a great price.  I compared it to some Cobra Kayaks as well as other Ocean Kayaks...I liked the regular prowler, but the rod pod made the difference for me...it's nice to stash your gear prior to getting flipped in the surf1

I have the Hobie revo - killer sled.  Buddy has the outback - he thinks his is better.

Just in case you don't know half of the lakes you mentioned are closed to boating.

http://www.parkhere.org/portal/site/parks/parksarticle?path=%252Fv7%252FParks%2520and%2520Recreation%252C%2520Department%2520of%2520%2528DEP%2529&contentId=8562ec18084e9110VgnVCMP230004adc4a92____

Staying on the subject, for black bass I prefer the float tube over a kayak because of the control on the water. But if I were to choose one for bass it would be a Hobie with the mirage drive. Having 2 hand to fish and a way to maintain position is a must when bass fishing.

 

  Welcome to the site!

  My progression has stalled, on the Hobie Outback.  I don't consider myself a "Strong paddler" and, like that I can use one arm for fishing (Left is steering) while I'm moving.  99% of my fishing has been fresh water though, (Except for Paradise fish & chill 09') so I'm a little biased.  To be honest, the Outback (At least mine) tracks like a cart on ice! (Only when I drift, under power it's fine) and that's OK for me.  My only experience on kayaks has been on the my Outback.
  Good luck with your choice!