Thinking about getting into Kayak fishing(Sacramento, ca american river area)

Good morning/afternoon everyone. I am seriously interested in taking the leap into Kayak fishing, but the first and most important question is what kind of kayak. I know this topic has been brought up countless times before by pretty much anyone else that has wanted to start fishing from a kayak so unfortunately I will have to folow chase in the same way. I am 6' 290 pounds and am assuming that i will need a kayak that has a higher weight capacity than most mainly because of my weight. I have seen some that have a weight tolerance of up to 550-600 pounds. I was wondering how boyant will these end up being since I am immediately taking up 50% of its capacity just by sitting in it... any suggestions. My price limit is pretty much anything under 2000.
there were a couple that i had come across that looked like giant standing paddle boards but with a seath that is elevated from the surface, like the one in the link below (copy n paste into browser)

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=chupacabra+kayak&um=1&safe=active&sa=N&hl=en&biw=1163&bih=740&tbm=isch&tbnid=O51BzYILEb3o5M:&imgrefurl=http://www.diablopaddlesports.com/our_products&docid=H_YWoNvm2lAJ4M&imgurl=http://www.diablopaddlesports.com/assets/image/164.JPG&w=407&h=266&ei=1n91Uae1NuqjiQK5kIHwAQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=62&page=1&tbnh=132&tbnw=212&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0,i:106&tx=84&ty=60

i will also want to eventually go to the kep beds and jig so suggestions should also take that into consideration. My peace of mind will come from the overall weight allowance of the craft... so the higher the better. any suggestions will be appreciated from your salty kayakers out there. I appreciate your time...

-wet behind the ears-

or if anyone has one for sale I have an AR-15 that I would be willing to trade for one partial or full depending on the kayak price.

WelcomeToThe(soon to be)Madness!!
That's a big question,,,,there are many of them that will fit your needs.
There are many of places to demo them and many people right here on NCKA that will steer you to those places or people. (check the Classifieds section)
See you OnTheWater soon!

that is the issue. i am looking for suggestions to even point me in the right direction. I dont know where start.

give it a day or two.....they will answer! 
I'll sugest an OceanKayak P15 because i see them EVERYWHERE. Along with Hobies(the peddal kind) your weight should not be an issue with any yak that is 15ft or more. I paddle an OceanKayak P13. 
Keep it simple and you'll have the best time of your life, OTW and here at NCKA!

WTTM! I agree with fishunter, both ocean kayaks and hobie kayaks are great. Although, I notice that members that start with paddle kayaks,  somehow get persuaded to join the darkside (hobie kayaks)   . Anyways, if you will be fishing in rivers with strong current or doing a lot of trolling, hobie kayaks are the way to go.  Otherwise; ocean Kayak, wilderness kayak, and jackson kayak are other options to consider. Good Luck!

I'll just throw a couple out there to get your list started: Ocean Kayak Trident 15, Ocean Kayak Ultra 4.7, Ocean Kayak Big Game, Malibu X-Factor, Cobra Fish N Dive, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160, Hobie Outback.

Other factors to consider (besides weight capacity) include: length, width, weight, speed, maneuverability, price, deck layout, comfortability, and available options aka pimpability.

Then consider where you plan to do most of your paddling or fishing. Because that will help you determine how the factors above rank, in order of importance (e.g., if you plan to run rivers, you'll want a shorter & maneuverable yak. Or if you plan to fish the ocean, you'll want a longer & faster yak. Or if you plan to fish lakes for bass, you'll want a stable & comfortable yak).

There is one Kayak that has stuck out to me more than the others, it is called the NuCanoe Pro Staffer Frontier 12. it has 650 weight capacity on it which it higher than most i have looked at. it is wider and it has a seat that is slightly elevated which i like, it seems that it would make it feel les cramped while sitting and moving around for gear. the chair swivels around 360deg which would be nice. anyone have any feedback on these or have experience with these before? horror stories? praises?

thanks again
-wet behind he ears-

wetbehindtheears, I am glad to see you are thinking about making the switch. I started kayak fishing a year ago and have gotten more fishing time then I ever imagined. I fish all the time and all different kinds of water. I too am large framed, when I started last year I pushed 340#. I demo'ed a lot of kayaks and didn't feel comfortable or steady and if you do not feel steady you probably wont use it. I got a  OK Big Game that has suited my needs well, it is short enough for rivers, lakes, ponds and does great in the open ocean. It is also easy to haul at 12'6". I just got a Malibu x-factor that is amazing with great stability, extra length and more speed for the countless ocean trips I do. This boat is a little harder to haul and pretty heavy but is awesome in the ocean. I have lost well over 60 lbs kayaking and have been demoing smaller/thinner faster kayaks, the Jackson Cuda 14 is great, OK t-13 kicks ass. I would demo a lot but don't jump into anything unless it is exactly what you want. Lots of used kayaks come up for sale, remember there are plenty of other expenses for example; PFD, paddle, fish finder, car carrier and kayak cart just to name a few. The kayak I really liked is Hobie Outback but $$$$$ with not a lot of deck space. Hope this helps.

Welcome and I'm sure you will find a Kayak. The wife & I just bought two kayaks with in a week apart from each other.

Mad River Canoe - Synergy 14 (14 ft)
Ocean Kayak Trident 11 (11 ft 5inches)

Both of them have a good weight rating and are very stable.

We will be mainly fishing the American River and also the Sacramento River. I'm 6ft tall and 240lbs and both of those kayaks glide around very well with myself, poles and gear...

Also check out some of the local shops in/near Sacramento be sure to ask if they have used or demo models that they would be willing to sell.

Adventure Sports
1600 East El Camino Avenue
Sacramento‎ CA‎ 95815

California Canoe & Kayak
11349 Folsom Boulevard
Rancho Cordova‎ CA‎ 95742

Headwaters Kayak Shop
847 N Cluff Ave
Lodi‎ California‎ 95240






The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.

I'll just throw a couple out there to get your list started: Ocean Kayak Trident 15, Ocean Kayak Ultra 4.7, Ocean Kayak Big Game, Malibu X-Factor, Cobra Fish N Dive, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160, Hobie Outback.

 I know you like Tarpons Pat, but the 160 for a big guy will be a little tippy. The Ride 135 or Tarpon 140 would be better choices. I have a 160 and the Ride if you want to go for a test paddle. Ill be at Folsom tomorrow with a 160 and maybe a Ride 135. PM me before 9:30 or call me at 916-202-2631 if you want to meet.

Should be a Cuda 14 out to try too.

Should be a Cuda 14 out to try too.

 I will be at folsom tomorrow with Rob and you are welcome to try out my Jackson Cuda.

My advice is to paddle lots of boats and see what you like best in your price range.  There are lots of good brands that make lots of good boats.

wetbehindtheears, I am glad to see you are thinking about making the switch. I started kayak fishing a year ago and have gotten more fishing time then I ever imagined. I fish all the time and all different kinds of water. I too am large framed, when I started last year I pushed 340#. I demo'ed a lot of kayaks and didn't feel comfortable or steady and if you do not feel steady you probably wont use it. I got a  OK Big Game that has suited my needs well, it is short enough for rivers, lakes, ponds and does great in the open ocean. It is also easy to haul at 12'6". I just got a Malibu x-factor that is amazing with great stability, extra length and more speed for the countless ocean trips I do. This boat is a little harder to haul and pretty heavy but is awesome in the ocean. I have lost well over 60 lbs kayaking and have been demoing smaller/thinner faster kayaks, the Jackson Cuda 14 is great, OK t-13 kicks ass. I would demo a lot but don't jump into anything unless it is exactly what you want. Lots of used kayaks come up for sale, remember there are plenty of other expenses for example; PFD, paddle, fish finder, car carrier and kayak cart just to name a few. The kayak I really liked is Hobie Outback but $$$$$ with not a lot of deck space. Hope this helps.

I would strongly recommend taking an ocean safety class as well. I took mine at MBK ( Monterey Bay Kayak).
For about 100 bucks with the NCKA discount you get a days training plus you get to demo their yaks doing so.
I took that class a year ago before starting out and it provided me more confidence, knowledge and made me feel safer on the water. I did this before purchasing my yak. Let me know if you want additional info.

Antonio

RacinRob & ATD sorry i wasnt able to get back to you two I absolutely appreciate it and i would tak you up on it any other time if it had happened to be on a weekend...some of us have to work. jk. I work here in sacramento for PG&E and I am in my probationary period right now so I cannot miss work... until im locked into the union lol then its whatever (further perpetuating the union stereotype) I MUST test out some yaks because i would like to be wrong as far as me thinking that i need one that is bigger than most because of my weight. if i can test out some models and then make a decision i think i will be much happier with my end decision. if you all ever make it out on the weekends then i would love to shadow you guys (one or both of you) as to get pointers and instruction from some experienced paddlers. you can reach my on my phone as well @ (707)-685-1881. the name is Lucas by the way. I appreciate the hospitality thus far as i have only belonged to the forum for 1 day and am already getting a friendly reception. thank you all

tightlines
-wet behind the ears-