Been looking at the kayaks available from places like Academy, Bass Pro, etc., trying to find one that would suit my needs. Have decided that I need a high weight limit for stability, and would much prefer one that comes rigged with rod holders, a place for a fishfinder, etc. Primary use would be my local lakes (Lewisville, Ray Roberts, Grapevine, Texoma), and probably some bay & inshore use.

Academy has one called a 'Perception Striker' 11.5' long, with a capacity of 500#. Seems like it would be plenty stable, though likely slow compared to other types.

Anyone have suggestions that are at the lower end of the price spectrum? Say a max of $700?

You're looking to fish a lot of open, big water which are better suited for longer kayaks. I'm not saying that you can't fish in shorter kayaks, but kayaks with better tracking characteristics are better suited. In your price range for a new kayak there are a couple of options. The Ocean Kayak Prowler 13, Heritage Angler 14, Field & Stream Eagle Talon, and (the kayak you mentioned) Perception Striker. The Striker would be the more stable kayak of the bunch and the next three more or less the same. The Ocean would track the best of the bunch.

If you went used it would open up a few more kayaks as well.

I love my ws ride 115.

You can usually pick them up used around that price.

I'm still pretty new to kayaking but I picked up the Perception Striker as my first kayak.

If stability is what you're interested in, then I would think it is a good choice. I haven't flipped it yet, but I think I would have to try really hard to do so.

However, it tracks like a loaf of bread. Part of that is probably my inexperience and technique, but I know its not all me.
On long stretches, it becomes quite apparent how hard much energy is wasted from the poor tracking.

It doesn't come with anything rigged, however. But customizing your kayak is half the fun! Like the AR-15 of fishing.

I second looking at the ocean kayak prowler 13, looked at it pretty hard before I settled on spending more and getting my santa cruz raptor

Picked up the Striker 11.5 about 10 days ago. Dig it. I'm 6'1 280 with 66" shoulders and it handles me and my gear fine. Also caught a 9 last week out of it:)

Oh yeah, tracks like a zara spook lol

You can broaden your choices at that price range if you consider buying used.
Just an example, for $700 you can pick up a used older model 2012+ Wilderness systems ride 115 or 135 lightly used, just by waiting a bit, and the deals come up pretty often.

I have a Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 you can have for $300 and would leave you about $400 to rig it however you choose.

Pm sent hunter

I grabbed a Big Tuna this spring. That thing is a monster and will hold up some serious weight. My dads a big guy and we were both on it with no problems.

Well, I picked up the Eagle Talon today at Dicks sporting Goods. Price was too good to pass up.

Went out for a couple hours today & figured out the basics of kayaking. Didn't catch anything, but did have a couple hits on a spinner.

Also learned to keep the cellphone in a dry bag. Good thing I have insurance on my phone.

If you still have the fishing kayak and are still willing to sell it my name is DAMIAN I am disabled and I definitely am interested in it I have been wanting a kayak for a while but cannot find one that I can afford so if you are willing to sell it please give me a call at 903 802 8796 and thank you very much
Damianlwhitt30@gmail.com