Well, after my last trip down the Brazos with my brother I've finally got the bug to get a SOT fishing Kayak. The last 2 trips we used my brothers 16ft touring kayaks and I'm pretty certain I want an SOT as the fishing is a big part of what I'm enjoying.

I really like the speed and stability of these longer boats. I'm over 6ft and weight around 200lbs. So far it really looks like the Tarpon 160 is the best bet. Am I missing any other great boats out there.

I expect most of my trips will be around Austin as well as a few trips down the Brazos and maybe heading down to Port Aransas once or twice a year. So I need something well suited for all of those environments.

I was going to ask the same question.....has anyone reviewed the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler....pricey but loaded. also the Freedom Hawk has my attention.

I'm not sure where you are located J-bird, but we have our demo day coming up on Lake Belton, Oct. 24th from 10am to 4pm.

It's a free event and you can come test drive the Manta Rays (one I'd recommend based on what you wrote), Ultimaes (another potential), Tarpons (160, 140, 120, 100), Commander 120, Freedom Hawk, etc. etc. We'll have over 30 boats out there to paddle.

I'd come and test paddle every boat and see which one you like.

I love my Emotion Stealth great kayak.

I agree with Colleen. Hit the Demo Days and paddle them all first. With that being said, it sounds like you will be spending a lot of your time on the smaller hill country streams and rivers. If that's the case, you might consider going with a shorter yak like a Tarpon 140 for more manuverability in tight quarters.

good thread. if i was closer id go to belton and try em all out. sounds like a good oportunity

Belton is not to far from me. I'm going to try my best to make it out there. Thanks guys for all the suggestions.

Hope to see you there! Definitely stop me and say hi...I'll probably be in the pink Ross Reels hat.

I agree with Spiny, the 160 is a little long for the rivers around Austin. I actually rarely paddle anything over 12ft. on the local Austin waters (except for Lake Austin). A 140 would be more manageable and still give you a great boat for the trips to the coast. I would also try out the Manta Ray 14 and the Redfish series....as well as every other boat at the demo (if you're able to make it) because you might as well paddle them all while you're there!

I bought a Manta Ray 11 from HOT Grapevine location, Colleen was/is INCREDIBLE and very knowledgeable. She fit me perfectly with my Manta Ray. I love it!

I think if you can make it to the HOT Demo Day you should jump to it.

prowler trident 13 is great. Ive had it on several lakes, three different rivers and in the gulf. I think the 13'6" is great. I want a short one for ponds.

Spent some time at the demo day at Lake Belton (thank you HOTKayaks). Yep, I really liked the prowler trident. The 15' is very appealing to me. Was not in love with the Tarpon 16 but it had a rudder which I'm not used too.

Perception Search 13 or 15 is probably the most under rated kayaks on the market. The Search 15 is almost identical to the Tarpon 160 and is a few hundred dollars cheaper. The only difference as far as I can tell is the deck layout.

The Hobie's are good kayaks but they are huge and weigh a ton compared to other yaks on the market. Like everyone is saying though demo as many yaks as you can and if you can rent one and fish from it.

here is a great deal on tkf i saw. ready to roll

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=132907

gone

Im 6' 200 pounds, and I went with a 15' Ocean kayak prowler trident 15 from ACK, had them put in the optional rudder kit, and I put in a fish finder.

I love it, you can store the rods INSIDE the boat, and you can even stand up on it. But yet, its not like paddling a barge either.

Good boat IMO.