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Hi, I'm new to the forum but I've lurked here occasionally and there seem to be some very knowledgable Kayak fishermen here, so....
I'm in the market for a Yak but I don't know much about them, I was hoping some of you guys could help me get started off right!
I searched Google and even this forum, but haven't found much help for most of the questions I have, hopefully this thread will turn into something that might help others as well as myself.
Thx,
Rob

My Kayak Questions:
- I'm looking for a SOT Kayak for fishing Ponds and maybe some moderate river fishing, nothing beyond class II, but there will be rocks in the streams (Smallie/Trout water).
- I'd like to be able to stand up in it.
- I’m a complete novice, so please assume I know nothing whatsoever about this! I’ve fished my whole life and owned many boats from pond prowlers to bass boats and even one canoe, but I’ve never tried a Kayak yet.

Price:
- I see a range of around $3-400 entry level at Dicks or Walmart (Sun Dolphin, Pescador), and then up to over $1500 on the high end (Hobies, Jacksons, etc..) for the various SOT Kayaks.
- Can someone please explain the differences and whether they are performance related or more along the lines of rigging, etc?
- With a $1000 spread in the pricing, I’m thinking there must be some big differences I’m not aware of!

Weight:
- Are the more expensive models heavier duty, or fiberglass construction? Or are they all roto-molded plastic?
- I would probably be using a roof rack part of the time, and sometimes a pickup truck.
- Is a trailer the best option, and if so any recommendations?

Length:
- I’ve read that I need around a 12’ Because the shorter ones won’t track as well, ie: sway during paddling or in windy conditions.
Is this good advice?

Stability:
- Is it easier to stand up in one type or another?
- Does length factor into that or is it more width, or both?

Comfort:
- I’m assuming the SOT is the way to go for fishing. I’ve seen some info online that indicates you should put part of your initial investment into a good seat.
- What are some good seats to look into? Homemade options?
- I saw a Youtube where someone took a low profile beach chair and put it on a SOT Kayak, basically copying one of the retail models, maybe a Jackson seat? Anyone tried something similar?

I guess my biggest question is this:
- Can I buy one of the cheaper models and modify it / rig it out myself (rod holders, sonar mounts, straps, etc…) and wind up with something comparable to the higher end ones, or is there a lot more to it than that?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Sorry to ask so many questions, I just want to get set up right the first time. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone to ask personally so I thought this would be the way to go.
Also, not a lot comes up on Google searches for these kinds of comparisons. Any useful links I may have missed would be appreciated too!

Thx,
Rob