new guy, interested in crabbing and some lake fishing/cruising.

Interested in doing some crabbing in and around Humboldt bay. Some local nor cal lake fishing and cruising. Looking for recommendations on an entry level kayak. I will be looking used as well. Thanks in advance.

Check out the for sale section here. You might need 10 posts before you can access that area. Do you know if you want to paddle or pedal? Do you need a big guy kayak? What is your budget?

I am 5’10” and about 220. Not sure if that is big guy or not lol. Looking for a paddle only.

Seems to be several 12’ around, is that just a bit on the small side for me plus gear?

Seems to be several 12’ around, is that just a bit on the small side for me plus gear?

For many years I used a Wilderness Tarpon 120. I’m about the same size as you and I did everything with it. Trout, sturgeon, ocean fishing, crabbing and cruising. I even loaded it with gear and went camping. I knew I had found its limit when I realized water would run into the hatch if I wasn’t really careful. Not all kayaks are created equal though. Differences in width and hull design will affect stability. Then I bought a Wilderness Thresher 140. It’s longer and also way more stable. I really loved the extra stability on the ocean when conditions were less than perfect. Now I’ve upgraded again to a Wilderness Radar 135. It is the first kayak I’ve had that I can stand up in. Different models have different pluses and minuses. Some are more stable and some are easier to paddle. Longer kayaks tend to track straighter. Some have more or less room to stow gear under the deck. Keep in mind no kayak will be the best at all those uses. The more features you add for stability may take away from speed or weight of the kayak. Be sure to check out the section of the forum on different kayak brands.

A lot of research to be read. Most likely I will pick up something used on the “cheap” end of the price range. That will allow me to get my feet wet. Will allow me to see if kayaking is for me as well as finding out what I like and don’t like about it and discover what more I could want/need in a future kayak.

Thoughts on a Perception search 15?
Found a pair of them locally for what I think would be a good deal.
Is that a very stable rig?

If you’re looking at used it can be harder to get a demo paddle. If I’m not mistaken, perception kayaks are similar to Wilderness without the super comfortable seat. I know some people love long skinny kayaks. They usually track great and are easy to paddle. I’m not sure they make for good starter kayaks. I guess it depends on your ability. I know Rob loves them. Also think about storage and transport. That’s a long kayak.

Yes there is a lot to consider. Is the difference between a 13 and 15 that much more cumbersome to move and transport? Really, I guess, I am looking for the smallest boat that will suit my needs. Most anything will allow cruising the local lakes. Looking for a stable rig that will allow me to crab the bay and channels and maybe explore the Trinidad area when my skills and conditions allow.

Yes there is a lot to consider. Is the difference between a 13 and 15 that much more cumbersome to move and transport?

Absolutely. I had a WS Tarpon 140 (long, skinny boat) and transporting/maneuvering it was always an issue. I could do it by myself but it wasnt easy. I fish small rivers or sloughs and I'd get so far upstream that I couldn't turn around and would have to literally paddle in reverse to get back out. It tracked straight as an arrow and was fast as can be though, but the lack of stability was something that led me to go in another direction ultimately. I cant imagine dealing with a 15.

Don't get caught up too much on length though. Width and hull shape have so much to do with stability. I'm 6'3" and 240 and I paddle a wide, 12'6" kayak very comfortably. Ive had it loaded with myself, two promar crab cages, and two ring traps and never once felt even slightly unsafe. I definitely sacrificed speed and acceleration but have the stability that fits my larger frame.

As others have said, test paddle as many as you can. Cant stress that enough. Even if you cant test paddle the exact used one that you're interested, test paddle similar hull shapes and see what you prefer. Theres nothing more frustrating than purchasing a kayak that you think you'll like and fighting with it until you finally come to your senses. Ask me how I know.

Yes there is a lot to consider. Is the difference between a 13 and 15 that much more cumbersome to move and transport? Really, I guess, I am looking for the smallest boat that will suit my needs. Most anything will allow cruising the local lakes. Looking for a stable rig that will allow me to crab the bay and channels and maybe explore the Trinidad area when my skills and conditions allow.

Length by itself won't provide stability. Hull design and width are probably the two most important factors. What are you going to transport it on. My pickup has a 6.5 foot bed. That would leave 8.5 feet sticking out past the lights. It's probably longer than a lot of cars you might put it on. Go to a kayak shop and look in person. I remember the first time I saw a 13 foot kayak standing on end. Don't get me wrong. It is doable,  you just need the room for it.

Thanks guys. Ideally I would like to stay as short a possible. I will be keeping it light as I am usually a minimalist. Something like a 12-13’ that gives has great primary stability and good secondary for when/if I do venture into bigger water. Used will definitely offer me better value while being introduced to this new adventure.

Welcome to the madness GW 

Welcome and I agree with everyone else that you should demo before you buy (at the very least find a couple of friends that have kayaks).

I have not been out on the ocean with a yak but I have been to Lake Tahoe during the afternoon; which almost qualifies 

Plenty of Ocean guys on  here that are experts...

my two cents;
I don't know if you gain any advantage with a 15ft over a 13ft.  Bow shape will  matter if you expect to spend most of your time fishing the ocean. 
One thing to keep in mind is that once you are seated, you will have most of your gear within an arms length and you will typically have most of your extra gear stored right behind you so secondary stability is key as you turn and reach back. (especially if you are in waves or choppy water). You will not be spending much time at the front of your yak or the very back; which is where the extra length will be. 

Good luck on finding the right kayak for you. 

PS

I'm 6ft 3  190lbs  and I am completely comfortable in my 11ft  on lakes and the delta

Yes there is so much to learn. I will see what I can demo. Might go to the ISE show to check them out. Hate large crowds so not sure if I will go to that show again. Lol.
Looks like I will be staying around 12.5’ to 13’, I can store them in the loft of my shed out of the weather. I will be patiently looking for a deal on a used kayak and learn from there.