I somehow got in my head that maybe a Kayak is a great idea to go fishing. Of course I have never fished from a Kayak, and only been in small one recreationally.
If I end up purchasing one, it would be most likely used in the actual surf, for fun with the kids, maybe an escape behind the last sandbar (no "offshore" trips, or too much behind the breakers) and bait dropping for big reds and small sharks, if it gets too it.

So with that in mind, first purchase and limited uses I don't see dropping too much over $500-700 for a kayak, specially until I figure if it will used a lot and what I really look for in one. I may hit the flats/marshes, but in reality my fishing is very limited so far to trips to the beach with family and launching bait and lures into the surf.

Any recs? Are the Academy Magellan worth it? Ocean Frenzy seems like an option too. Perception Pescador 10.0?

I don't even know what questions to ask to help guide advice.
Thanks a lot,

How much do you weigh? Figure the weight of you plus all your gear and don't go over 70% of the stated weight capacity of the kayak. I'd look for at least a 12 footer.

How will you store it? How will you transport it? Budget for a good, light paddle and a comfortable PFD.

How much do you weigh... that will help determine what size capacity kayak will carry your weight the best. How will you transport (back of truck, on top of car). Don't forget you'll need required safety gear... life vest (pfd), whistle, 360 light if you use kayak in low light conditions and of course a paddle. Lots of great choices in your price range if you look at some older kayaks that have been well taken care of.

I would be paddling this one tomorrow if I lived closer. Old kayak but one of best of it kind.
https://houston.craigslist.org/boa/d/14-prism-kayak/6657496151.html

I weigh ~180lbs, 5'11". Will transport on roof of car. Would store in my garage, hanging from rails. I was thinking something in the 10-12' range.
PFD and paddle are a given, but good to include in budget thought process.

I don't foresee using in lowlight at first, so 360 light may be an addition in the future. Most likely use will be beach/surf/toting kids around and maybe dropping baits 200-300yds out. Maybe fishing there.

I keep reading about demo days, but have no clue what they are (I assume stores will allow you to try kayaks, but where?)

I realize they can be customize over time

Go shopping at Austin Canoe & Kayak, they have stores in Houston and Spring and some demo days coming up. You can paddle a number of different brands and models.

Yes, my plan will be to start renting different models of what I think I want. Then start narrowing down, or changing options as I find out more. ACK and other places rent kayaks.
The other sad reality is that 3-4 outing rentals a year I may still come ahead vs buying one that I only use a few times.

Trying them all out and seeing what you like and don't like is one of the funnest parts of getting a kayak. Took me a year of renting and several demo days to decide. Have fun.