New from Sacramento; Looking to buy my first Yak :smt006

Hi all,

My name's Logan, and I live in Sacramento.

I've been fishing since I was little - probably 4 or 5 but seriously since about 8 years old.

I used to spend 2-4 weeks a summer as a kid in Tomales Bay, Dillons beach area.

Was introduced to bait and surf fishing, and crabbing as well. I have fished bodega and tomales on a larger 22' boat as well, either trolling for Salmon or bouncing the bottom for rockfish.

Anywho, I first saw a fishing kayak around 2006 in Tomales bay, and always wanted to try it out myself.

Fast forward to now, I'd been on a fishing hiatus do to work/travel for work/ etc.

Decided to get a couple of rods setup, and do some pier/surf/shore fishing in the bay area and coast and realized a Yak was a great way to get some good fishing for not a whole lot of coin.

I have went and looked at a couple yaks, and here's where the questions start.

I'm 6'1 230, decent shape have been a non-smoker for a year now and have been going to the gym the last couple months to get in better shape.

I was originally looking at an OK Trident 13. Sitting on it, it seemed a bit small to me.

Was recommended to get these yaks;

Prowler Big Game II
Wilderness Systems Ride 135

As it stands right now, I like the center hatch storage of the OK Prowler, and I like the thickness of plastic and hull design on the WS Ride 135; it appears it will be more stable.

Any insight from folks who have tried both? any better options that are similarly priced?

Safety wise, i know I'll need a wet/dry suit, PFD, marine radio, and a compass/gps before even thinking of going anywhere near the pacific.

Looking forward to talking/meeting/paddling/fishing.

-Logan

Welcome Logan! Best thing possible to do if you haven't already is demo as many yaks as you can. I tested at least a dozen before I actually pulled the trigger.

Welcome to the board! I agree with JR, try before you buy! This includes on-the-water demos if your local dealerships have them. If not, then it's still more worth it to travel a bit to a good dealership than to drop good money on a kayak you won't like. Took me at least three months before I bought mine.
Good luck in your search though!
Tom

Yes, I'm assuming I'll have more luck in the bay area with finding dealers that will be able to let me take a few for a spin.

Aww grea, now I found the Malibu X-Factor. One more to test out!

Also, found a Tarpon 160i I believe I could snag for about $500. How would that be stability wise for a guy my size?

Long boats are more stable in general, but they're long!  16' is a bunch of kayak.

I like my X-Factors for extreme stability, roominess and ease of paddling - I troll 10 to 15 miles per session no problem.

Try before you buy is the best advice.  Good luck to you.   

Yes, I'm assuming I'll have more luck in the bay area with finding dealers that will be able to let me take a few for a spin.

Aww grea, now I found the Malibu X-Factor. One more to test out!

You can try boats at Headwaters Lodi Lake location. I believe they have entire lineup available there.

I have a Viking Profish that you are welcomed to demo at Natoma or Folsom. It's faster than the two you were recommended, but it has a lower COG that makes it stable.  If RacinRob joins you can probably get him to bring you anything from the Wilderness Systems lineup.

The two boats you were recommended aren't my favorite. I would rather have a faster boat with a lower COG than a wide boat.  I like the option of 10+ mile paddles, which is easier when you aren't paddling a barge.

I think the best thing you can do is identify what type of paddling/fishing you want to do, and then find the boat that fits.

send me a PM if you want to demo the Profish

....Welcome to the Madness

I probably should just let the experts weigh in. I bought my T13 somewhat on impulse based on things I'd read and when the dealer waved a few hundred off because it was a second w some cosmetic flaw; however,  I'm 6'2 and about 211 and I love the thing. I've been all over Clear Lake and Tamales Bay and pretty much a noob, but maybe don't count it out?  Just my 2 cents

I probably should just let the experts weigh in.

experts... 

Welcome to the Madness Logan 

I probably should just let the experts weigh in. I bought my T13 somewhat on impulse based on things I'd read and when the dealer waved a few hundred off because it was a second w some cosmetic flaw; however,  I'm 6'2 and about 211 and I love the thing. I've been all over Clear Lake and Tamales Bay and pretty much a noob, but maybe don't count it out?  Just my 2 cents

I feel like I would love any kayak at the moment, and I've always been really good at finding a good deal on things. I just think this time I'll try a few out before I buy, but good to know that the Trident works for a bigger guy.

Welcome, Logan. 

A lot of them regardless of size will feel a little tippy, awkward till you paddle for a while. A lot of good recommendations so far. That is a good deal on the 160i. Yes it is long, but it is my favorite boat. I am not as big as you but I know several guys that are that have no problem on it. At $500 you could buy it, try it, and not lose a dime if you don't like it and resell. Heck, I might even buy it if you don't like it. Like ATD says, if you Want to meet I have the entire Wilderness line just about. At least anything you would be interested in. I personally don't like shorter boats. I feel they don't track as well and take more effort to paddle. The Ride is super stable, but a little slower since it is a bit wider. But as a wider boat it is in my opinion the fastest and best tracking of the wider boats. If you have the $$ look into a Wildy Thresher. Good all around for ocean and freshwater. But, like everyone said so far, test them out to see what works for you. Anything you need to know about Wilderness feel free to pm me.

PS. I can bring them all in one shot on my trailer. I can bring 7 different models for you to try.