Would you choose one over a kayak on a first purchase of the two? Obviously kayaks are a better choice on faster water but do you have any experience on the paddle boards? Are they stable?

shouldn't this be in the kayak section ?

Man, if you are in a position to buy both then by all means buy both! File a report ASAP on how it is to fly fish offa one of those boards!

I used to be a surfboard shaper in HI and CA, and have used and made SUPs a lot. I like them for a work out and some are now "designed" to fish with but I do not think they should be your first or only thing for the water. Especially if you end up going with an epoxy model (half the weight) you will be blown all over the place in the wind. They are very stable and I actually think the surf ones are better than the angling ones because there are models that are shorter and fatter so that they are easier to maneuver.

and when you search em be sure that you look at stand up paddleboards. paddleboards are very different and would not be an enjoyable fishing experience

I used to run a 10'6" and it was like a sidewalk, I'd have me, a milkcrate of gear and at times a 80# lab

HaRyan

Would you be so kind as to post links to ones that you feel would be best for fishing platforms?

this is a good mix between light and effective
http://store.c4waterman.com/C4-Waterman-Stand-Up-Boards-SUB-Vector-p/c4subvector10-0.htm

c4 is a little expensive of a company but they're amazing quality


http://www.paddlesurfwarehouse.com/paddle-surf-hawaii-9-6-wide-all-arounder-sup.html

rounder noses will give you more stability

www.eatonsurf.com also has some really great used listing that you can check out. There are a ton out there that I have not used, including inflatables which might be something to check out. I just dont wanna say on them either way because I have no experience with them

I really like "fish" style SUPs for fishing, short fat and round noses

thank you!

all i have too say is neato

The sheer width and breadth of the knowledge available via our members never ceases to amaze me. Good stuff.

Thanks for the advice! Unfortunately, not able to afford either now. Just moved down to Austin though and definitely want to buy a Kayak. Probably buy a yak first then see how I go.

I was looking at this one though

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/2915/Native-Watercraft-Versa-Board-Angler.html

You will need this t-shirt to go with your new yak.
Banjo's

also look at the "soft top" models, they say they're for beginners but they're actually a little more bulletproof and the material on top makes gear stay on better. If you end up getting one pm me and I'll give you tips on how to make handles for stuff to stay on and put straps.

Old beach lifeguard rescue boards work well as long as they're in good shape or you know how to work with fiberglass but they will be about 12'

FW- Welcome to Austin. Maybe you can rent a paddle board on LBL before you make a final decision.

Haha nice shirt btw. I definitely will have to sport one once I get a yak. Thanks for the welcoming. I bartend at la condesa if anyone wants to stop by. Always looking for an excuse to fish, so come grab a cocktail and lets go sling.

Check out diablo paddle sports in Austin. They are local and I am sure would be happy to do a demo day or tell you when the next one is. They are a hybrid kayak/sup, I am looking into one as my primary fishing platform.