The Best/Most Popular Fishing Kayak Models?

I think most anglers around here fish Tarpons, Prowlers, Hobies, Cobras, Malibus and a few others but in your opinion, what's the best fishing kayak out there?  Is there a difference between the most popular and the best fishing kayaks?
Thanks for any input, I really appreciate it.

the one i am sitting in, floating next to you, fishing and BS-ing, hey spike, how have you been, see you OTW soon, cameron

I think OK, Wilderness and Hobie (dark side) dominates!!!

It's like asking what's the best suit, or what's the best auto. 

Yeah, I'm with Bwodun:

the best fishing kayak is the one you are fishing off of that floats safely.
kinda like the best beer there is-cold & free.

Everything is a compromise these days.
So, I prefer kayaks with names that sound like old-school WWF wrestlers. Like the Scrambler. Or the Marauder.
Kidding aside, I think the Tarpon 140 is the best kayak for ME and the type of fishing I do. For now, at least.

  I think the Tarpon 140 is the best kayak for ME and the type of fishing I do. For now, at least.

+1

I'm a big fan of the older models such as the scramblers, Scupper Pros and the Prowlers.  The simpler the better. All I need is a hatch that I can access, a flat spot to mount my FF and a paddle. And a kayak at about 50 pounds would be really nice!

Fishing Kayaks these days are getting heavier because of all the added features and all these moving parts....seems like you need a tool box and a spare parts kit just in case things fall a part when you least expect it.

Hey Dennis, if you have plans on designing your own line of kayaks, give me a holler 

Still think the old school Prowler 15 was the best ever even though I went to the dark side (shoulder issues).

Not soon enough Cam.  Thanks Darius.  It looks like Tridents, Tarpons and Prowlers have the majority so far.  I'm not considering kayaks with "drives" in this.  The Hobie Quest ain't so bad and there are a half dozen or so other models including the Ride and Manta Ray to name a few.

Eric, I've thought the same for nearly 20 years and probably fielded the question (what's the best kayak?) more than anyone.  But I believe I found a line of superior fishing kayaks.  Both by design and craftsmanship.  That's a bold claim.

This whole thing is blowing my mind.  For 16 years I've been declining exclusive sponsorships as a matter of policy for my little kayak fishing company, meanwhile recommending ALL the best craft for the sport to thousands of anglers so far.  Now I'm considering an endorsement to compliment (I'm already) representing this brand.  I'd rather not bust out the name yet since the ink is still drying so feel free to PM me for some details.  Would the sport absorb ANOTHER fishing model? Would anglers leave their tarpons and prowlers for a better boat?  Would they pay a little more?

I've never seen such angler attention and ingenuity in design and a finished kayak. 

I truly appreciate all your input, thanks!

BTW, I don't anticipate establishing any California dealers for a few months.  I'm posting a little prematurely with excitement  and will provide less cryptic details asap.  Thanks!

I came from Mainstream boats, a Hobie Pursuit (too small for my fat ass...), an OK Scrambler XT, and then to my X-Factor.  I think it's fair to say that I see more rough conditions up here than most who paddle to the south.  For the stability it provides, I don't think I'd trade my X-Factor for any other boat at this point.  I am, however, open to changing at some point - I like the level of stability that allows me to easily stand up on my boat, and I don't mind having to exert more effort to paddle 10 miles.  Those considerations will differ among paddlers, of course.  Another consideration is leashing - I've never used a rod leash or any other leash besides my paddle leashes - I like that freedom, and I think I have it because I'm paddling such an overstable craft.

I believe I gave the once over to the boat Spike is talking about. He had one at the last HOW event and I was very interested! Looks bullet proof, Great Layout and has been run through the mill by Spike. Bring it on Brother!

I came from Mainstream boats, a Hobie Pursuit (too small for my fat ass...), an OK Scrambler XT, and then to my X-Factor.  I think it's fair to say that I see more rough conditions up here than most who paddle to the south.  For the stability it provides, I don't think I'd trade my X-Factor for any other boat at this point.  I am, however, open to changing at some point - I like the level of stability that allows me to easily stand up on my boat, and I don't mind having to exert more effort to paddle 10 miles.  Those considerations will differ among paddlers, of course.  Another consideration is leashing - I've never used a rod leash or any other leash besides my paddle leashes - I like that freedom, and I think I have it because I'm paddling such an overstable craft.

i feel the sameway eric , i feel confident enough to carry my android phone on me while fshing even in rough waters around my house , so stable even for my big ass , works great for diving too , i can crawl all around it while putting on fins , weight belt .ect. in surf launches i just throw everything in the front hatch  and out i go, no worries about garage sells. its a little harder to paddle but hey im burning more calories working harder right?
X FACTOR for me , i got 2 now due to a warranty with an option to repair my old one as a loaner and after repaired its as good as new.

I remember Andy/BnB laying flat on his kayak while chasing after the wsb last year; he was taking a pretty long nap while the swells rolled underneath him. I was totally blown away at that sturdy sight lol!!

If there are some stats on sales figures, i'm guessing that OK comes out on top, WS and Heritage right behind it? What's the BEST yak? A used one on sale fully rigged at 65% of retail value!

Peace, y'all