Purchasing my first kayak

Hello everyone I hope I'm posting in the right section,
I want to buy my first fishing kayak, I'm really interested in buying a pompano kayak any tips or suggestions would be awesome thanks.

Any opinions would be great lots of views thou lol .

I would look around the site and see what different kayaks ppl here have and then find a place to demo the different yaks.

Ok thank you for replying.

   Welcome to the site S.A. I'am pretty new here also so I don't have much info but there's lots here and Lot's of great members that know kayaks. Hope to read your future posts and maybe see'ya on the water. 

If your looking at the pompano 120 it's a good kayak it's basically the older wilderness systems tarpon 120, wich a lot of people liked except for the wet ride, wich scupper plugs under the seat fixes that.

Check your local REI for the paddle days they will be having shortly. The REI in Santa Rosa has one in April but that's quite a trek over this way. What kind of fishing are you mainly interested in? That will narrow down the search somewhat. The difference between a 12ft kayak and 13ft kayak can be a lot depending on the brand. Angler versions are already basically equipped for your angling needs. Just add sonar and some rod holders and you are ready to fish. I would also say to stick with a brand that has some history behind them so as to give you years of kayak making experience and a quality warranty behind it. Ocean Kayak, Jackson, Wilderness. Santa Cruz kayak company has a new innovative sit-on-top that looks pretty cool also. To save even more money try to find a quality blem or a demo that has a warranty. If you would like to talk about Ocean Kayak send me a PM and I will try to answer any questions you might have. Have fun, Craig

Thx a lot Craig will do I'm just gonna go for the pompano 120 It looks really nice and it affordable .

I recently rigged out a Pompano 120 for the corporate office of West Marine with a Lowrance Elite 4 and a few extra goodies.  It's a great kayak to work on.  For the price, it's hard to beat with "factory equipped" Scotty rod holder, anchor trolley, two flush mount rod holders and the mesh glove boxes for gear.  You'll have fun with it!  Nice hull design & adjustable foot rests!

Bill

The only bad thing that I've heard of with theese is there's a seat problem Anyone have any info on that?

It's molded for the original WS seat.  I'd recommend splurging for a good seat.

I recently rigged out a Pompano 120 for the corporate office of West Marine with a Lowrance Elite 4 and a few extra goodies.  It's a great kayak to work on.  For the price, it's hard to beat with "factory equipped" Scotty rod holder, anchor trolley, two flush mount rod holders and the mesh glove boxes for gear.  You'll have fun with it!  Nice hull design & adjustable foot rests!

Bill

That's a great first hand account of what you're looking at, SA.  Welcome, and good luck with your new yak.  Craig's right that there's much to be gained in a matter of inches, but starting with a 12' kayak is pretty good.  If you get into the sport the 12 footer may become your backup as you move on to a longer boat.  Have fun and enjoy.   

It is made by Perception, which is owned by the same company that owns Wilderness. It is the based on the old Tarpon 120. One of the most popular boats out there. I definitely would buy a good seat for it. I have not seen that boat in person. Even based on the older boat, it may have different plastic, or even the thickness may be thinner to get the price point down.  Some day I may check one out just so I know and can relay the right info every time this comes up. Good luck with whatever you do.

Here is the link for the yak , I'm super excited and can't wait to get off the shore lol. Hopefully this may help you help me lol thanks again.http://m.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_11151_10001_1000321_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView

As Craig says there are a lot of good kayaks out there. Remember you will need a paddle, seat, and some fishing accessories. Cheap paddle $75. Decent seat $75 and up to $175. The Pompano has NO seat. Rod holders  $20 each. PFD $40 and up. It will add up. If you are set on that boat look at Adventure sports at the 2012 Tarpon 120 they have on  closeout. Includes nice seat, paddle. Tracks for the rod holders which are really nice to have. It is about $825 and I think you might get an NCKA discount.  A little more than the Pompano after buying all the extras. You get a lifetime hull warranty on the Tarpon too. Just food for thought.