I am currently in Iraq right now but as soon as I get home I plan on buying a Kayak. I need one that can handle the surf well and works well in the bays. I need to be able to have spot for an anchor and plenty of storage space. Any suggestions for me? Price is not an issue.

Thank you.

Go to texaskayakfisherman.com
The best kayak forum there is. A great bunch of guys and girls.

Don't buy an Academy boat if you want to set up well for fishing unless you go with the OK Prowler. I would suggest a 12' boat and 29 to 31" wide. I would suggest a Malibu Pro Explorer or one of the new 12' X-Factors. You will get a stable, light weight boat that will do you right and hold it's resale value. On the other hand if you are a big guy who needs more weight capacity and a longer stable boat I have a 14' Heritage Redfish with a seat, paddle leash and anchor trolley for $550. BTW, thank you for your service.

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That is in his HO. I bought mine at Academy and I fish like crazy out of it.

Did you buy the one of the Pelican line?

No, I bought the Heritage Featherlite Angler 9 1/2 ft.

The Heritage line of boats are good boats. Glad you are enjoying yours! That 9.5 Sit-inside is a great little boat to get you off the banks and out on the lakes and rivers. I carry the Heritage line of kayaks and paddle them as well...and I am a big fan.

The 9.5 sit-inside might not be the best choice though for the surf. A stable sit-on-top would be a little better choice. So, I think Reelfisherman was saying that the selection of quality boats suitable for fishing in the surf or BTB might not be the best at Academy...unless you're going with the Drifter or maybe even the Big Game.

Okay I will buy that.

Thanks for the info guys. Hardwired helped me out alot I think I might go with the X-factor after I get back and paddle it.

Don't go with anything until you paddle it.

Check out the Ocean Kayak big game. A friend of mind found one fully rigged out at LL Bean (I think) for the best price.

It is similar to the Prowler, but wider. Looks like a helluva yak.

Otherwise, I really like my Cobra Triple. ANd the other Cobras and Malibus I've seen looks and ride great, if price is not an issue. If you decide price is an issue, then I would check out the Spec Angler from Academy. Great price for an Ocean Kayak Prowler with a different name.

That was more the direction I was going and even the sot model (14') has a small front hatch which inhibits storing of some gear like spare rods and paddles. Also, the Pelican models have mostly poor reviews, although there are positive ones out there they are in the minority. I have a Heritage and nearly bought my son one of the Feather lite models but he settled on a sot so I got him a Mini-X. Sorry for the confusion and late reply.

Ok school me up a little on the acronyms. Whats SOT? Also, whats BTB?

SOT := Sit on Top Kayak
BTB := Beyond the Breakers (just past the surf)
SIK, SinK := Sit inside Kayak