Let’s hear some opinions. I’ll be fishing stock tanks and rivers in this kayak. I’m leaning toward the Perception Pro 12. Thanks for the help.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wc2f7xglcEI

Here is a video on this from last June, newer kayaks on the market now but this is a good starting place.

At $799.00 it would be hard to beat the new Feel Free Moken 12.5 V2

https://www.mariner-sails.com/moken-125-v2.html

Jackson, Native, Bonafide, Crescent, Vibe, Feel Free all make really nice stuff under a $1000 that I personally would go for before a perception.

Check Anglers Pro Tackle, Mariner Sails, Mountain Sports, ACK they will have the best selections IMO

go to a demo day this spring and try out all of the kayaks in your price range. you will know which one you like immediately

I was In the same situation as you...research and then do more research. You cant tryout all the kayaks in that price range because not all are available nearby. I will be picking up a Vibe SG because of my budget and reviews. It appears to be a good bang for the $$ based on what you get to begin with..example.. rudder, storage, seat etc. Your fishing style is in line with mine. There is a ton of good info and advice in this section of TFF and so many are willing to share.

Used Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler... IMO It is the best kayak made short of a Hobie PA. I'd rather have a used OK than a new (lesser) vessel.

I checked out the Jackson Bite. I thought the seat was uncomfortable. I would rather buy used but I’ve not seen that many out there for sale.

Will I be able to use 10’ boat? I’m 6’3” 260.

I love my Vibe 110

6'3" and 260? The Vibe 10ft may not be your best option even if it is rated at 425 capacity. At your size, don't buy until you ride... Do a DEMO.

I have been very happy with my Jackson Cruise 12 ft. It has 500lb rating.

"Best" will vary. At 260 lbs, you'll want a kayak with at least a 400 lb weight capacity. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed 70% of the stated weight capacity of the kayak--that includes your weight, tackle, anchor, cooler, any other gear, etc. Too much weight leads to poor performance and safety issues.

I have a Native Ultimate Tandem 14.5 and a Viking Profish Reload and really enjoy them both. I don't care about standing up or having an elevated seat, but stuff like that is important to some people. The best thing you can do is research reviews and demo, invest in a good paddle and comfortable PFD, and think about how you'll store and transport the kayak.

If you’ll consider used, I have a 12’ Nucanoe Frontier I’m thinking of selling. It would come with a paddle, two 360 seats on the high bases, tackle crate with cover and three rod holder, wheel roller, anchor trolley and anchor, and one rod holder on a ram mount for a grand.

For an extra $150 I’ll throw in the shelf and a HB 571 HD DI graph.

This is a great kayak. Very very stable and has a 600 pound rating.

If you (or anyone) is interested I can post pics tomorrow.

One thing you might consider is fishing other waters in the future. I wouldn't buy a kayak that can only fish these waters (meaning a shorter kayak).

Considering your size a 10' kayak is definitely not the best option. As mentioned you'll want something with a high weight capacity which means a bigger kayak. The Perception Pro 12 is not a bad kayak. However I recomend the Vibe Seaghost 130. It's head and shoulders above the Perception for just a little more money. With tax it will be just over your budget but has a 550 lb weight capacity rating and is one of the best paddling kayaks with good stability, a rudder and a good seat. AND (to me this is a big one) the Seaghost has a molded in pocket under the kayak for a transducer in case you ever wanted to add a fish finder.

The Feel Free Moken 12 is another good option but doesn't have near the weight capacity of the Seaghost 130 and is less stable. BUT looks like Feel Free is having a sale on 2019's. https://www.feelfreegearus.com/products/moken-12-5-limited-edition-color-solid-orange

Keep in mind Feel Free has their own gear tracks which means all of the standard Yak Attack, Scotty, Railblaza, etc. won't fit a Feel Free gear track without having to buy an adapter for every attachment you want to add to the gear track.

Thanks for the opinions. I have a bass boat but have access to a bunch of private tanks up to 16 acres. In the past I’ve fished them in an inner tube but this year I’m going to invest in a kayak.

Any other boats I should look at before I buy.

A couple other kayaks that fall in the price range and have a solid weight capacity are the Wilderness Systems Ride 115 and the Old Town Topwater 120. Neither of these are going to come with a rudder.

I know you're just fishing smaller lakes but even on a 5 acre lake you can be in windy conditions where a longer boat and a rudder will be a big help. Not trying to knock any other suggestions or anyone else's opinions but shorter kayaks are harder to fish out of in minimal wind. The other thing to consider is resale in case this is something you decide is not for you. The Seaghost 130 is the most popular kayak in terms of resale and would be the easiest to sell out of the ones I have mentioned.

Second hand is the way to go for under 1K.
Ocean Kayak Big Game is where the bar is set for affordable big guy kayaks

Also take a look at the Malibu Pro Explorer, Perception Striker, Ride 135, Cobra Fish and Dive, Jackson Cuda/Coosa/Big Tuna, and Malibu X-Factor