I'm interested in getting into SOT Kayak fishing. I'll be fishing Lake coves in moderate wind or less. I'm 6'2" at 220lbs. I've been reading reviews and looking at different Kayaks. I like the reviews on the Ocean Drifter. Does anyone have one of them or have any imputs on Kayak selection. I would appreciate any advice. I would like to stay dry as much as possible. Any advice about clothing would be helpful also.

Thanks,
Davo

Davo,

Count on getting wet at somepoint. IN saying that, I stay pretty dry, even though I have a big hole in my yak, where my pedal drive goes (I have a Hobie Outback). I'm only 170 soaking wet. You should prepare to get wet. Keep dry clothes in your storage. Keep a towel handy if you want to. Wear water resistant clothing. Above all, if you want to keep it, lash it down.

I recently lost one rod/reel combo to the bottom of the lake. On a later trip, I rolled my yak over, trying to rescue a dropped rod/reel combo. It was a nice day, so I dried off quickly, but when I got to my truck, I was glad to put on dry clothes.

As for the yak, I really like the Hobie Outback. It's more expensive, but having hands free is great. I still need to paddle some, but it helps.

Good luck.

/Dave

I have a Sit in, if you are limber, they are easy to get in & out of. You stay dry also. I have stood up in it, to get lures out of trees.
Mainstream Patriot. 12 foot long, 50 Lbs.

the drifter is a good pick, stable good payload 450 lbs and plenty of in hull storage. yes you will get wet, in the summer thats nice in the winter breathable waders are the trick. with scupper plugs in you may not even get wet, I carry a dry bag with a change of clothes inside the hull just in case,hav'nt used it yet
mm

I have a prowler 13 from ocean kayak. I'm 6'5" a little over 200 pounds. It's easy to paddle, easy to fish, has lots of storage, and handles the lakes I fish really well, even on windy days. I do recommend tying things down, I have not tured it over yet but I know I will someday.

I just bought a boat from Bobcat Boats out of Shreveport, La. I have been real happy with it. You should check them out before you buy anything. I think its www.bobcatboats.com I got the 12' PI. Its very stable and has lots of room plus you can use it as a layout boat during duck season.

thats why i got my sit in. for duck hunting

I have the Mainstream Patriot also and love it.

Climaxkid

Another one worth looking at which is very similar to the OK Drifter would be the
Wilderness Systems " The Ride "

It has a weight capacity of 400lbs. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon series are a faster boat but "The Ride" is the most stable of them.

It is a good idea to test paddle a few of your top choices before spending the $ to own.

You mostly will get damp from the paddle drips. Always dress waterproof. In the winter a good pair of breathable wader's are in order. You can fold them down to your waist for comfort. But wear a wading belt and also a PFD. In the summer months think Nylon. I wear Nylon Fishing shirts and shorts or zip off pants. Various manufactures such as Columbia, Bass Pro brands and Magellan by Accademy are some of the more affortable ones to look at. Nylon dries very fast where as cotton holds the water longer and would increase the dry time.

kid,
have you been here yet?
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/
do a search and you should find all kinds of opinions answering your question, and others.

Thanks for all the info. I hope to have one and be on the water for Crappie Season soon.