First kayak?

I'd like some input on purchasing my first kayak? Mostly lake fishing and some ocean fishing. I'm a bigger guy and it needs to be stable. Any tips?

Hey fishalot, first off welcome to NCKA. I'm sure many will chime in to make recommendations. What you'll probably hear most is DEMO, DEMO, DEMO. And I would say that's best advice you'll get. But knowing that, let's try to narrow it down a bit. How big is a "bigger guy"? What sort of fish will you target in lakes and occasional ocean trips? What's your budget? Any physical limitations, bad shoulder or knee, etc.?

ruben

Thanks for the warm welcome. 6'0 and 230 I live at lake Hennessy so majority of fishing will be small lake fishing. But I love rock and ling fishing and just bought a 27' trailer. No limitations healthy guy hehe  up to 2k budget

Welcome!

With a $2,000 budget, it'd be hard to beat a Hobie Outback with the Mirage pedal drive. These things are true fishing machines.

BUT... I hesitate to recommend a Hobie as a first kayak. It's probably best to learn the fundamentals of kayak fishing on a "standard" sit-on-top kayak. Something simple like an Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT can be found for cheap, and will be a great platform to learn on.

So my recommendation would be to pick up a used boat in the $200-$500 range, use the crap out of it, then upgrade once you know what kind of boat YOU want.

 

Welcome to the madness (WTTM) This one has your name all over it.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=56008.msg633228;topicseen#new

Thanks

I am 6-4 230 and I can stand up in my Raptor.

http://www.santacruzkayaks.com/raptor-sit-on-top.html

I would say take a day and go to the Boat House at Lodi Lake, and Demo a bunch of the kayaks that Headwaters Kayak has there. It will give you an idea of the dif styles, designs, etc. You will be able to feel the dif between a 11.5', 13', 15' etc. I am a big 'ol boy too, and I have an Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 (not made anymore) and a Prowler 13. I am comfortable in both, @ 6'1 and 260. I fish anywhere a fish swims. I think for $2K, you will find that you can get a great kayak, fully rigged, all the safety equip you will need, and a water bottle.