Kayak for a New Kayak Angler?

Hello All,

I am currently in the market to buy my first kayak.  I want to do a lot of ocean fishing, including some diving.  Therefore I have narrowed my search down to a sit on top.  What minimum lengths would you recommend for a ocean going kayak?  I am not a large guy, 5-8 and 155 lbs, would a 10 foot work okay or should it be larger?

Any recommendations on brands i should take a look at.  I am on a budget (recently had my first child) and would like to spend around $500.  I have seen a few good options on craigslist.  Does anyone have any tips for a ocean friendly kayak?

Thank you for your help!

Longer is, generally, better.  Most guys on here, for ocean kayaks, are sitting on 14-16' kayaks.  This will, generally, give you better weight capabilities, better glide (= easier paddling) & better directional control (less walking the dog).

Bill

If BigJim could handle a 10ft, then i'm sure anyone could! 

But that being said, a longer one would be more comfortable and handle rougher seas better, plus have more space to keep your gear, catch, etc. 

In your price range though you are probably looking at a used Prowler or Trident 13, maybe a Tarpon 140, or other such vessel.  On occasion there are some screaming deals on this site, I'd save up and be ready to pounce on one of them.

If BigJim could handle a 10ft, then i'm sure anyone could! 

But that being said, a longer one would be more comfortable and handle rougher seas better, plus have more space to keep your gear, catch, etc. 

In your price range though you are probably looking at a used Prowler or Trident 13, maybe a Tarpon 140, or other such vessel.  On occasion there are some screaming deals on this site, I'd save up and be ready to pounce on one of them.

Those deals go quick ... you don't have to be FAST, just FASTER than Sonny (Sailfish)

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 would be a good choice. Picked one up as a spare/girlfriend use for $400 with seat and a paddle.

Fairly light, stable, fast.

I paddle a Trident 13 that I got on here for a screaming deal. I really like it. Slightly more stable than the Prowler 13 and almost as fast. Great storage too.

Look at Wilderness Systems, Ocean Kayak, Jackson, Feel free, Cobra, Malibu, etc as far as brands go.

Thank you for the quick reply.  I have seen a few prowlers at around that range on craigslist as well.  Most of them are in the L.A area.  I may be up for a long drive.  I will keep an eyey out for the T13.  It seems to be a very popular kayak on NCKA.

Longer is, generally, better.  Most guys on here, for ocean kayaks, are sitting on 14-16' kayaks.  This will, generally, give you better weight capabilities, better glide (= easier paddling) & better directional control (less walking the dog).

Bill

Thank you for letting me know!.  I will narrow my search for larger kayaks.

If BigJim could handle a 10ft, then i'm sure anyone could! 

But that being said, a longer one would be more comfortable and handle rougher seas better, plus have more space to keep your gear, catch, etc. 

In your price range though you are probably looking at a used Prowler or Trident 13, maybe a Tarpon 140, or other such vessel.  On occasion there are some screaming deals on this site, I'd save up and be ready to pounce on one of them.

I will keep my eye out in the classified section!  I will also check craiglist sites throughout cali for the kayaks mentioned above.

Thanks for your help!

Thank you for the quick reply.  I have seen a few prowlers at around that range on craigslist as well.  Most of them are in the L.A area.  I may be up for a long drive.  I will keep an eyey out for the T13.  It seems to be a very popular kayak on NCKA.

my T13 just arrived today and it looks solid and the feel is awesome. will be taking it out this weekend. This is my 4th kayak so I've spent some $$$$ already.

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 would be a good choice. Picked one up as a spare/girlfriend use for $400 with seat and a paddle.

I wish I had a spare girlfriend...

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 would be a good choice. Picked one up as a spare/girlfriend use for $400 with seat and a paddle.

I wish I had a spare girlfriend...

Maybe Darius will loan you a spare wife 

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 would be a good choice. Picked one up as a spare/girlfriend use for $400 with seat and a paddle.

I wish I had a spare girlfriend...

Maybe Darius will loan you a spare wife 

No, that I can definitely do without...

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 would be a good choice. Picked one up as a spare/girlfriend use for $400 with seat and a paddle.

I wish I had a spare girlfriend...

Maybe Darius will loan you a spare wife 

Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 would be a good choice. Picked one up as a spare/girlfriend use for $400 with seat and a paddle.

I wish I had a spare girlfriend...

Maybe Darius will loan you a spare wife 

Don't you have a couple you could spare?

4 kayaks!!! That is a lot. Do you still use them for different scenarios?

You guys are cracking me up