I am beginning to shop around for a sit on top kayak. I wouldn't say I am an expert fisherman, I usually wade fish the bays with a guide about 4x a year. I would love to be fishing more. I know nothing about kayaks, except that I want a sit on top. Could y'all provide me with recommendations as far as brands, size, rudder or no rudder, tricks of the trade, etc.

Could y'all also include some pics of your setups? Like I said, I am a beginner, so any knowledge shared is knowledge gained.
I have looked on Craigslist as I am not against buying used. Any recommendations on things to look for so I don't get screwed?

Everyone stay safe, and best of luck!

Thanks.

You may want to post this in the kayak section. Include your mid range budget, your height and weight, what type of fishing you intend to do. Lots of great people on that forum. Good luck to ya!!!

If u fish shallow any of the pedals or rudders will drive you nuts. I sometime use a red fish 12 but it's nowhere near as stable of my friends' Jackson's and Hobie's, I'm just not ready to spend $1400+ on a kayak.

Thanks for y'alls help. I am going to copy this forum into the kayak section. New to TFF, and did not see that forum.

Thanks guys!

Keep an eye on CL the various fishing forums classifieds and watch Academy. They had a great deal on a 12' Pescador last year. Don't go too small and look for the better kayak paddle if you can.

Stay away from the Pelican brand.

Get a stake out stick of some sort. Bought a 8' solid fiberglass tree stake and wrapped it so can tie off the 'yak in shallow water. Get the larger collapsible anchor.

Make sure you have a PFD with you and if crossing any deeper channels wear it. Have spent days in water no deeper than 4' and didn't put on the PFD. Any time crossing Packery channel, deeper canals, or ICW, I wear the PFD.

Great info! Thanks!

Check out Academy I believe they have a 12' Pescador. May also be available in 14'. Wilderness System Tarpon is the same kayak, they are both owned by the same company. If you are familiar with the WS Tarpon it it's a great boat. The Pescador may be a bit more of a budget model of the Tarpon, still a great boat. I have the 12' Tarpon and wish I had the 14'. The longer boats will usually track better reducing the need for a rudder. I often cross big water with mine so longer helps there also.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/10621213/A_GOOD_BUY#Post10621213

Comes with a paddle too. All you need is a PFD, your anchor / stakeout stick, a loud whistle / noisemaker, and your fishing gear.

I have never seen the need for a rudder in open water. If you can spend the money for a better paddle
you will be gald you did.

You can pick up used Wilderness Rides for $850 if you shop properly. Very stable good paddling yak.

I will disagree on the pedals for open water. They free up your hands for reel action, and you don't have a paddle across your lap to manage. They also provide faster movement, and your legs are less apt to tire out as your arms.

If I had the money, I'd buy a Hobie PA 14.

I just took delivery of a new 2013 Jackson Coosa for 700. Dealer has a couple of them left and also some used ones in extremely good condition. Bought this one for wife and anticipate a Jackson Cuda 14' for me quite soon. Cannot wait for water to warm just a bit.