What size?

Hey guys, new member here. A lot of you guys have a;ready helped me a lot and I'm looking at different setups and deals I can find on the 'Ol Craigslist. Found a guy selling a new Tarpon 100 and was wondering if 10' is adequate for fishing along the Sonoma coast. is bigger better or is 10' safe enough?

bigger is better. I'd overall recommend a 12' or longer.  they're generally faster and have more stability.

10' is OK in the right conditions though, like flat calm days.  I use my 10', although its built for stability and has a pedal drive, which gives it speed that other 10'ers can't match for conditions.

Well, since I'm new to kayak fishing, I'll stay away from 10' to be safe. Too bad, it's a sweet deal https://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/6028382357.html  . 

Well, since I'm new to kayak fishing, I'll stay away from 10' to be safe. Too bad, it's a sweet deal https://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/6028382357.html  .

Honestly you could do better for the price. just wait and be patient. something like the one ricci (fishworks) sold back a month or two ago would be perfect.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=77020.0

This one, which is still for sale, would be a great beginner yak. a T13 was my second boat, and was one of my favorites back in my paddle days.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=77159.0

talked to the guy that has one for sale in Bencicia this morning...sale is pending and not for me.

talked to the guy that has one for sale in Bencicia this morning...sale is pending and not for me.

ah, that's too bad.  keep your eyes open though, deals do pop up from time to time and you still got a month or so until rockfish opens.

We used to do the Lost Coast on 9 footers...  without PFD's since we were in wetsuits...  no radios, just a few jigs and a couple beers...

Yes, we were stupid! 

bmb has given good advice here - 12' is widely considered the minimum length for decent tracking and stability.

The sport is very addictive, and many end up getting a more seaworthy boat after starting on something smaller and more affordable.

Best of luck. 

This one is still for sale and I'm considering going through with it....thoughts?   https://monterey.craigslist.org/boa/6029815803.html

This one is still for sale and I'm considering going through with it....thoughts?   https://monterey.craigslist.org/boa/6029815803.html

that one would work fine, although I've never paddled a BG. I'd ask around for others opinions on it first.  they are going to be heavier, which means more work on the water, and possibly a little sluggish on the water.  should have stability that you may want though. 

Kinda similar to me, my very first kayak was a cobra marauder - heavy, slow.  got me into the sport fine though and nowadays i know what i like.

i'd definitely recommend you try some kayaks out if you haven't already at a demo day.

Oh BMB, why do you talk so much sense? I'm just trying to give money away to the first person who takes it so I can go drown while fishing....you are making that hard 

First time on the ocean I recommend you look at the widest boat you can get also. You're going to be sitting in it for long periods of time better make sure it's comfortable

i believe he purchased that 2015 T13 yesterday, which was a great deal.  surprised no one else swooped in on it at that price.

Oh BMB, why do you talk so much sense? I'm just trying to give money away to the first person who takes it so I can go drown while fishing....you are making that hard 

Drowning is no joke......

Invest in an intro course to kayaking.


If you want to use a sit-on-top kayak for coastal trips, this class is a great investment towards making your adventures safe and enjoyable This class combines the Intro to Kayaks and Surf Zone for a comprehesive and intensive fun day. Includes wetsuit, sit-on-top single kayak and all gear. Instructors are ACA trained. A minimum 2 people are required for the class, or available by private instruction.
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/monterey-classes.html
You will also be able to demo their yaks in the process. I believe they offer an NCKA discount as well.

I strongly recommend a course of this type. Always remember safety first. You want to feel safe and comfortable in the water before you start fishing from a yak.

HMB Kayaks also provides classes but am not familiar with them.

Good luck and be safe

Antonio

i believe he purchased that 2015 T13 yesterday, which was a great deal.  surprised no one else swooped in on it at that price.

Yea, I got a call from Lox late that night and said his original sale fell through so I swooped in to the rescue. I'm pretty excited. I'll look into a good class, you guys have made good suggestions. I'm also going to stick to lakes to start out, weather tides and surf are more predictable in them.