I don't own a Santa Cruz but Christian has let me paddle his a few times at GTG and the like. Definitely worth the time to demo one. Prof. Salt fishes one offshore so pretty much anything these lakes can throw at you it can handle. Demo several different brands of kayaks if you can. All the ones mentioned above are good ones to try.

to reiterate...demo, demo, demo...I researched for 8 months, had my mind set on what I wanted, went to Mariner Sails demo day and walked away with one that wasn't even on my consideration list...again I say...demo, demo, demo. And know that the yak may be $1,000 but everything else you need to hit the water will be extra $500 -$1,000ish...

There sure is extra cost for pfd and gear, $500-$1000...I think thats a tad excessive. Some do have that much in fishfinders etc but just to get on the water...very little actual expense imo.

I just now posted my Hobie Pro Angler 12 in the classifieds section. I absolutely love it but unfortunately I have to get rid of it for financial reasons. I've only had it since January 19th of this year I bought it brand new. I can give you a good deal on it if you're interested?

I'm in Burleson, and have a Santa Cruz Raptor you can demo. Can meet you at Alvarado or Pat Cleburne. This week isn't an option for me, but available most evenings and Saturdays. My fishing buddy has a Moken Lure that I like too. There are so many options in that price range that the decision will be difficult.

I am selling one of my kayaks and this one is set up for fishing. It has a rudder, fish finder, anchor, live west and lightweight paddle. I am 6'2" and 240 pounds and it has been a great kayak.It is a 12 foot Heritage Red Fish

Hopefully my skeeter sells quick, if so ill just get a Hobie, if not my options are wide open. Looking forward to getting to demo a couple.

Tried looking into this kayak and found many who do not like it as well as an owner that seems to make waves in several forums. Looks very stable but can't get any reviews/comments that confirm this. My only dog in the hunt is my hard earned bank rags going to a kayak; One that would best serve me.

So I'm not much of an expert in kayaks, as I'm a new member of the plastic navy. I'll say this though, with a $1000 budget, consider used. All the rigging you need, paddle, PFD, night light, anchor, rod holders, rudder, etc is going to send you well beyond $1000.

I bought used from the classifieds here, and it was fully rigged with everything I needed to get on the water. I'm so glad I didn't have to figure out what I needed and go through that learning curve on my own.

The kayak is extremely stable. I was able to stand in it my first time ever in a kayak. The stability is actually what sold me on the yak as I don't want to take a dip into White Rock Lake (if you've been there you know why). On that note, I'm with you as to finding the yak that serves you best!

Don't blame you there! As a casual bike rider the thought of a pedal drive system was really appealing to me. I was just weary of the weight of the outback and PA yaks. Most of the time I knew I was going to be going out solo and was going to be car topping the yak on a sedan.

All that said...those who buy raptors just dont sell them. Id encourage you to paddle one along with as many others as you can.

Check out the new Feel Free Lure Kayaks as well. The seat in is awesome. A comfortable seat should also be something you consider when taking Demo rides. I can't sit in mine for more than a couple hours before my back starts hurting.