[browntrout]

Originally Posted by MidTNKayakAngler

Hey Gator
Just looking at some of MNfisher’s fishy pics will be more than enough to make you want to buy a kayak.
There are a few things you need to consider (your size). You will need a kayak that will support you plus 100lbs of gear or more. Another consideration is length, I prefer a kayak to be 11’6” to 14’ for most waters. Usually the shorter the kayak the quicker it will turn, but slower it will be. So a shorter in kayak for creeks, and swift narrow rivers, and longer kayak for lakes, and larger rivers. That also goes for the width the wider the slower usually, but with width you get stability. There are several kayaks out there that allow you to stand, this all depends on your physical ability of course, and done at your own risk.
Sit on vs Sit on top vs hybrid
There are primarily three types of kayaks the most common for fishing is the Sit on top or SOT. This is a design where your entire body is above the water and kayak. It’s a hollow piece of plastic that you sit on top of it has dry sealed storage inside. Some come with really comfortable seats. SOT have what are called scupper holes so the water that drips off your kayak, rain, or waves that end up on top of your kayak drain right back into the lake, river or ocean. Most SOT’s have a tankwell this is storage behind the seat.
Example: Wilderness Systems Tarpon, Ride. Jackson Coosa, Cuda. Native Slayer, and many others
The sit inside, or SINK is a hollow piece of plastic with a hole on top that you put your body into. This will provide warmth in the winter and SINKS are generally faster, and quite stable for their general narrow width. Most of your gear you have to store inside the kayak with you due to not many areas outside the vessel for storage. If you take on water via wave, rain, or something else the water stays inside the kayak with you and you will need a sponge or pump to remove the water. Also getting back into a SINK while on the water is much more difficult than getting back on a SOT.
Example: Wilderness Systems Pungo

Hybrid kayaks are very similar to a canoe, but generally sit lower in the water, and have a square stern. There are no scupper holes for water to drain out of the hybrid kayak either. The advantage to the hybrid is you sit low in the water like in a SINK, but the cockpit is all open so you have access to all your storage easily.
Examples : Wilderness Systems Commander, Native Ultimate, Jackson Kilroy

Buying used is good, but only if you can find what you are looking for. You need to decide upon a few kayaks and then find the one you want. A lot of people that buy their first kayak get the cheapest thing they can and decide that kayak fishing isn’t for them and this is mainly because they don’t get a kayak that fits them and their needs. Buying new from a reputable dealer will get you a warranty, customer service, and someone who will help you when needed. If you can find someone like I that’s into the sport, fish’s regularly, takes care of their vessels, buys the best kayaks on the market, and replaces their kayaks ( 4-5) on a yearly to bi-yearly basis than you can come across a good deal, usually about ½ off MSRP. I’ve already sold mine off this year, and in the process of replacing them with 2013 models.
My personal preference is a SOT in the 12-14’ range. I like buying a non outfitted kayak saving the $150 and outfitting myself with what I want where I want it and saving some money. Flush Rod mounts behind the seat, anchor trolley, Silent Traction System, Yak Attack Slide Tracks, Solas Tape, and a couple RAM Rod holders that are removeable.
My suggestion is to stop by Hook1 in Hendersonville, TN and check out several different kayaks. Arrange for a demo of a couple different boats to see what fits you best. With this information you can decide what platform suits you best, and you might be able to find a deal too good to advertise http://kayakfishinggear.com/. Or at least what fists your style best.

I could go and on, but figure this will get you started. If you have any other questions there are several of us on here that are very familiar with different platforms, and know of a couple different good platforms.

Jeremy

Yeah what he said. Lol. Very good explanation. I would also highly recommend Hook1. Chris is awesome and you can get all the stuff needed to really trick out a yak. I would really look and try out all the different kinds of yaks. Lots of good options out there right now.

Roy