I'm brand new to kayaks. I plan on trying some out next Saturday to see how they feel. Here's my question though: If I think I'm going to fish creeks often, but have to cross a mile or two of lake to get to the creek, should I focus on speed (long) or maneuverability (short)?

Both? 12-5- 13.5 foot is ideal for most rivers n lakes around here IMO.
If u dont fish the lake at all then concider a shorter yak with a rudder.
MOST short yaks dont glide through the water as well as a longer yak but r more
maneuverable..

If you are anywhere near average size I would suggest anything under 12 feet is just not going to get it done if you need to cross a mile or more of flat water. And a rudder is going to be a problem if there is any structure up that creek you are navigating to.

What ZoMbiE said. I wouldn't be without a rudder, you can always raise it if needed and I'd
recommend a SmartTrack rudder if possible.

I have a 14 foot Stealth with a rudder. I couldn't live without a rudder, makes paddling in a cross wind a lot easier. It also makes turning that longer boat a breeze. I fish everything from open water to small ponds in it. I'm glad I bought a longer boat. All the people I fish with have boats that are 12 feet or shorter. Their boats don't keep speed and glide as well as mine so they have to work harder to cover the same distance as me.

I think short vs long shouldn't be the primary consideration, think about what you can afford that meets your weight, budget, and fishing requirements. I have a Native Ultimate 14.5 with a rudder. It�s great on ponds, rivers, lakes, and creeks. The photos show a typical creek I fish, lots of structure, sometimes pretty narrow, and sometimes pretty shallow. I�ve never felt the 14.5 was too long or not maneuverable enough. Definitely get a rudder.

12-14'

Thanks for the input. There's a lot to consider, and even more ways to sink money into this. I'll need to think about how I'm going to haul it around too. I have a full size pickup, but the bed won't be big enough for a 13.5 - 14' kayak. Also need to consider how to load and unload it alone.

Do any of you guys use a trailer hitch bed extender?

Very easy with a bed extender. I also rigged up a light bar to be legal when driving at night, and I use the lights during the day for extra safety. The empty kayak weighs about 65 lbs., I bought a cart but never use it, it's easier and faster to just sling it onto my shoulder and carry to the truck.

Yes. They r nice. Get u a retractable rudder on a 11.5 - 13'

We don't mind helping you spend your $$

As fun as that sounds, I'd like to keep my total investment capped at $1500. Maybe I'm dreaming.

Is a WS Ride 135 stable enough to throw a 6' cast net from while standing? Are any kayaks?

I throw a 6' net out of my Ultimate FX with no problem, there are several that are plenty stable to throw a net from.

I've had both the Cuda 12 w/rudder and the Slayer 12 w/rudder And Ultimate 12 no-rudder. For upper Guadalupe & San Marcos, I now use a Cruise 10 (will be putting a rudder on it shortly). Also use it for "buddy" yak in the bay. Have no problem paddling the 10 footer, one to two miles to fish. Not quit as fast as the 12 footers, but it gets the job done AND it only weighs 57 lbs without the seat, fits in the back of the truck without an extender, and hangs from the garage ceiling. Oh, and it is very stable.

Yes on the 135. But, U dont have to stand to throw. Sitting n throwing just takes some practice.
Start practicing from a chair then Pull your yak out into the yard.
I put almost 3/4 of the net in one hand then I do everything else the same with a cleared deck.
Practice practice practice.