New to the kayak world

Hello all! I'm from San Jose and have been fishing lakes, ponds since I was a kid and have been lately hitting alot of charter boats. Always found kayak fishing interesting and had my first kayak fishing experience last week at Monterey Bay kayaks.  I went on their guided fishing trip on Sunday and let me tell you guys, IM HOOKED! We didn't catch anything, and the Kayak, rod, and reel they provided were not the greatest but I still loved every minute of it.  On this trip i learned that idefinately want a pedal drive kayak (our guide had a pedal drive and had a way easier time getting from spot to spot).  As well is it being very difficult to maneuver the rod while trying to keep yourself from drifting and using the paddle.  I feel with the pedal drive it is much easier to maneuver the kayak while being able to use your hands to fish.

I'm 5'7 145lbs and was looking at the Old Town topwater 120 for its stability and pedal drive, but am wondering if this is too big of a kayak for a smaller person like myself (as maybe I don't really need such a wide base since with my weight it would be hard to turn it over) maybe i can get away with a smaller kayak?  Although I would like to be able to have a crabbing cage at times so the extra space might be good. I see a lot of people like the hobie models but they don't really meet my budget and am not a big fan of their push pedal drives (have been reading that they are harder on your knees). Thinking about pulling the trigger soon and just going for it but will spend a little more time researching.

Really excited to have found this forum as I have been able to gather a bunch of info further convincing myself that this is something I will love.

Also would like some recommendations on safety equipment you guys like for PFDs,VHF radios, GPS ETC.

Thanks in advanced for the info everyone has already provided me by posting on the forum!

Welcome to the community.  Great intro - I like the enthusiasm.

The lifestyle is a strong pull.   

Hello Bayareasj and welcome 

It seems to me everyone ends up with a hobie. You will be money ahead of you just go for get yourself a revo. Just my 2¢

Welcome to NCKA Bayareasj.   

Hey Bayareasj, Welcome to NCKA. For recommendations on PFDs,VHF radios, GPS ETC, check out he "Safety First" section.

Welcome and that old town is a great kayak.

welcome to ncka and the best advice is to demo before buying.  You will find that research and reviews can only go so far. 

Personally a big fan of the NRS chinook fishing lifejacket and any VHF radio that floats. Just like demoing some kayaks for the PFD it's worth going to your local kayak shop and trying some stuff on.

Thanks for all the warm welcomes.. definitely looking at the Chinook PFD, and I will take a closer look at the safety first thread.  Can't wait to make up my mind on my purchase and get out in the water!!

Welcome!  Get comfortable and have lots of fun.  Fish catching is secondary.  (Unless that's your job._ 

Welcome to the forum Bayareasj!