After owning a bass boat for many years and fishing from my float tubes for many more, I am ready to give a yak a try. I am in the Hill Country these days, and the majority of my fishing has been either wading the Guad or using the tube on Dunlap. I spent a day in a borrowed yak on Dunlap a few weeks ago, and I now have an itch I can�t scratch. . I was considering at first going cheap and getting an Ascend from BPS, but I have read too much online advising against that, at least if I will be a frquent user. So, I am looking at 3 models rights now and would love to get some input:
-Jackson Cuda 12
-Diablo Amigo
-Feelfree Lure 11.5
I primarily bass fish, but do a bit of fly fishing now and than, especially in cooler months for trout. I also might take the odd trip to the coast now and again to fish the bays for specs and reds. Let me know your thoughts, and thank you in advance.

If its opinions you want, you've come to the right place. Get ready for lots of guys to tell you about how their kayak is a good one (even though its not on your list) and to go demo one. In fact, they're probably right. But if you want my personal opinion of those three you listed, I'd go with the Diablo especially if you're fly fisherman. I'm partial to Jacksons myself but my brother in law has a Diablo, he's a fly fisherman and he loves it. Seems like a great ride.

You definitely want to demo several kayaks before you decide. You may want to take into account not only how they paddle but how heavy they are to load/unload and their carrying capacity. A comfortable seat can also make a big difference. Whatever you do, do not demo a Hobie. It will ruin you for all other kayaks.

There will be reviews on sites like paddling.com, ack.com, yakangler.com, etc. Demo, demo, demo if you can. Get a good, light paddle that fits your paddling style. YakGrips are a great thing for about $13.

Think you�d enjoy the Diablo

Keep in mind that when fly fishing from a kayak, the loose stripped line will find anything, the tiniest thing imaginable it can to snag on. Pegs, straps, rivets, covers, handles, electronic mounts, foot pedals, etc. You will have to take measures to cover, remove or eliminate those snags or be prepared for a lot of line management frustrations. Not to say that fly line can�t find other things to snag on that aren�t part of the kayak.

Obviously, some kayaks have a better design for fly fishing than others. I don�t know which on your list has the best layout for fly fishing. I have seen a lot of kayak designs that would present problems for fly fishing. I also know some designs are marketed as fly fishing friendly and if you are really going to fly fish much those types would be the ones I�d look at.

I like to stand when fly fishing and find it much easier and enjoyable to cast from a standing position. So you might consider a kayak that is stand up stable again not knowing if any on your list are good for standing.

I will send you a pm, I am selling a Jackson Big Rig, it is better than the Cuda for standing. I also have a lure 11.5 and a Diablo currently, I like the Diablo over the lure I am going for a peddle drive is the only reason I am selling the Rig

In "bang-for-the-buck" category Pescador Sport 12' is undisputed leader, in my opinion. Downside -- can't really stand in it, space is limited. Basic, light, indestructible, paddles well, has enough space for two rods and a soft cooler.

Have you looked at a Jackson Mayfly? It�s made specifically for fly fishing.

Donf forget the Bonafide on that list. But if you spend much time fly fishing at all you have to consider the mayfly

I fly fish most of the time, my personal short list includes the Mayfly, Native Watercraft Slayer XC and Bonafide SS127. Have fun shopping.

First I must say Demo demo demo!!! Now out of your list with the places and style of fishing you listed I like the Amigo the best. You'll want a good open and stable platform for sight fishing and casting.

I fished a Jackson cuda and the seat broke thru the kayak in the low sit position. I got it fixed by Jackson at a reasonable rate. after asking around to some of my buddies , a couple had cracks at the same place. I now have cracks showing at the end of the repairs. My 10 year old ocean has had no issues on it.

Jackson Mayfly!

Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK) just up the road from you in San Marcos puts on a couple of weekend demo days twice a year so you could have a chance of trying out several models including the one's you mentioned.
You might check with them and see what they have in the way of deals.