i'm looking around for a fishing kayak. any tips on brands? preferably something not too expensive or or too big.

Look here for some tips. I have been looking to.

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/portal.php

Charlie Haak

What do you consider expensive?

SoO, just how big of an ole boy are you??
-Roy D. Mercer..

This is a very important factor in your search.

This looks like a good deal? I am not ready to buy.
I am 205lbs please advise?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/boa/741274242.html

Charlie

Yall check out the Malibu mini-X 9'3" long, 38lbs, 325lb capacity. $550.out the door. with center hatch and 2 flush mount rod holders.
The mini-X is my third kayak. I luv how light and maneuverable it is. Im 6'1"/255lbs
Also if you buy a SOT yak get a good seat. Surf To Summit outfitter, classic or GTS are all comfy high back kayak seats.

For a larger yak for less, look at the Ocean Kayak Scramblers. A great starter yak for the price. Acadamy has em and I think Bass Pro is still selling them with a seat included. 499.00.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_73731____SearchResults

My first yak was a speck. same boat as the scrambler. very wet ride and not near as stable or maneuverable as the mini-X. plus the X is 20lbs lighter.

Scramblers are on sale at Academy for $399.
I'm about to pick one up. I need 3 yaks???

What do I need for a dry ride? I am 205lbs and 6ft tall? I love to fish all year around, Big and small water.

Charlie

For a, for sure dry stable ride at your weight in any water,,, My number 1 pick is the............ Cobra Fish-N-Dive! I know, because I have one. second pick would be, Malibu's X-factor. then there is the OK big game. all big boy boats! some how with the seat scuppers pluged in the mini-x im high and dry at 255lbs!

Thanks for the help.

Charlie

spend the money, and get the new ultimatye native. just came out with the pedals like the hobie. looks awesome. love my native, wished i would have waited for this model. oh well, maybe next time.

mantaray 12 by native watercraft gets my vote, im 5 9 215lbs, very dry ride, smooth, tracks well lots of room for gear and tracks well

I'd go with the Manta, it is very refined. If you want to fish in the surf, BTB, I'd go with cobras, however the fish n dive might be a little bigger for your purposes, a cobra navigator XF (new model) should suffice bay and surf fish quite well. It's not slouch at all, tracks very well, bunch of room for gear, and very stable BTB, besides all the look is a piece of art.