I'm buying my first ever kayak and would like advice in whether I should buy the Potomac Tidewater 100 Angler for $350, or the lifetime Tamarack Angler for $315

I know nothing about those 2 yaks, but some questions that will come are:

Where do you plan to fish (Rivers, Lakes, Bays, Beyond Breakers)?

What type of fish are you going to be chasing?

Drift, trolling, following shorelines?

Seems like $300-350 is your budget?

yes, I'd like to get something in that range because I intend on getting some additions as well. I'd fish in lakes for bass most likely and my family owns a place in South Padre so I may use it in the bay or possibly surf if it's able to handle that, mainly trying to hook up with reds, trout, and jacks in the salt

i'd get at least a 12' boat.

and personally, for angling, I like being able to stand up, so that's why I went with the ride 115

I'd save up for a more established brand of kayak, you usually get what you pay for

I'm in my rookie season so please understand I'm just some guy typing on the internet who doesn't know what he's talking about but I will share what I found.

I think right now you're at that price point where all you're gonna get is a Kia or a Hyundia but you're not that far from being able to afford a Chevy even though you still a ways off from Caddy.

By doing a lot of reading and getting some really good advice here, I went with a Pescador. I think I ended up with a really nice piece. Although I already dream of upgrading I firmly believe I got a good boat that performs very well and will stay in the fleet long term.

Another thing I learned is that I came real close to buying a different $500 range rig that I now know I would not have been nearly as happy with, thanks also to advice I got here.

I think if you can get to that $500 area and shop carefully, there's a few nice choices out there.

My advise is hold in to your money just a little longer. I haven't heard anything about the kayaks you've posted .
Go to Angler Pro tackle, Mariner Sails, or Mountain Sports, and get their advise on kayaks. Before you buy take a FEW kayaks out and demo them. If you see one you like and want to take it out right away post a question about it here on the forums. There is a lot if great people here that will take you out to let you try out their kayaks.

A good way to get into one.

Used kayaks. Also, ACK (www.austinkayak.com) gives a nice discount to members of TKF.

Definitely do some free demos before you buy. IMO you want something at least 12' long if you will be on open water. Short yaks don't track well unless you have a rudder. I got my moneys worth out of my$200 SINK but my Hobie outback is tons better.

What could you guys tell me about the Ocean Kayak Drifter, saw an add selling that and a paddle for 375 and wanted some knowledge on that kayak

$375 for an OK Drifter n paddle is great deal IMO! stable, good maneuverability, high max cap rating, handles rough water well. at 13' its a good all around yak. my only complaint was the small tankwell behind the seat.
buying a nice seat is advised, add a cushion for more comfort & get ya a 230-240 length paddle.

dont think many can argue. you wont find a better N E W yak at $375 w/paddle. psss! paid $699 + tax at academy yrs back (no seat & no paddle)

it was still a nice yak for me at that price. after 2 buds paddled mine they ran out & bought themselves some.
academy threw in 2 cheap but brand new ocean kayak seats for them

Is the pelican cast away any sort of decent kayak?

No.

But, I think there's potential in the Pelican Icon line even though I haven't paddled one, but no one believes me.

I'm seeing an add for one selling at 250 and wanted to know if that's any thing to pay attention to. Am I way better off waiting to buy an established brand or what are the risks in buying a brand maybe not so recognized

Have patience, save up a little more money, do a lot of research and demos and then get yourself a kayak. Way too may people are disappointed by making a hasty big box bargain purchase that you will quickly outgrow or find uncomfortable or unstable. They are inexpensive until you try to sell them to get what you really have discovered you want. There is a reason that Craigslist, etc., are always flooded with Big box brands.

Regardless, go to a local full service paddle sports store and let someone with actual experience in their products give you sound and accurate advice. That big box clerk that has you enamored with the $299 special probably is their shoe and soccer ball expert too.

Check out another thread recently posted about scupper leaks. The poor guy bought a bargain Manta Ray and was badly burned.