need advice on my first fishing kayak

Hello guys,
I just found this forum, and I hope I can get some suggestions choosing my first kayak.
First I will fish 99% time in fresh water, lake and river half and half. I've narrowed down to two choices: trident 13 or wildness system tarpon 120. I really like the features on trident 13 and it's only 56 lb compared to more than 70 lb of tarpon 120. I know trident 13 is a great ocean kayak. Is it also good for fresh water fishing? I've read some reviews and some complained about the keel. They said and I quote "while it is nice to have in open water, sucks when drifting down a small creek or river."  Although I will do river fishing, I'm not going to use it frequently in strong current. Most of time, it will be small river with limited current.
Does any of you do a lot of fresh water fishing on trident 13?
thanks!

T13 is what I started with on the American, it is a great all around boat, same as the 120. I would try to demo them first but don't think you will be disappointed with either boat.

Ryan

T13 is definitely a good yak for freshwater fishing too (not just saltwater fishing). But it's probably closer to 65lbs than 56lbs. I've owned three T13s and a T15...    The T11 might be a good option if you plan to fish rivers and it's definitely lighter than 60lbs. But the tradeoff is no Sonar Shield.

Is it also good for fresh water fishing?

Yes its a great boat for fresh water fishing (rivers/ lakes) as well as the salt. Rod pod is very convenient and has plenty of options for forward rod placement.

I've read some reviews and some complained about the keel. They said and I quote "while it is nice to have in open water, sucks when drifting down a small creek or river."  Although I will do river fishing, I'm not going to use it frequently in strong current. Most of time, it will be small river with limited current.Does any of you do a lot of fresh water fishing on trident 13?

That's just crazy talk.
I fish the river a lot (American/ Sac). I drift fish year round will all types of river flows as well as sit on anchor in current and the T13 tracks straight as an arrow. Its long enough for speed while giving you the easy maneuverability of a smaller boat.

thanks a lot folks! I decide to go with T13.

I think you will like the T13. After a lot of research and some test paddling in Monterey, I bought a T13 in November and have used it as many weekends as possible since then in a variety of local lakes and it has served me well. The rod pod and sonar shield and transducer compatible scupper hole are very convenient and useful. It also paddles better than some of the other kayaks I tested.

Matt

It is a great kayak. I just got mine last weekend.

Welcome!
It's a great forum to be a part of 

If you get your Trident by June 8th, come out for the FreshKats tourney at New Melones!

-Cherie