First kayak suggestion

[alex6528]

i would really look into the mainstream kingfish, its a really great all around kayak for the surf and bay, and its nice and light enough to carry easily by yourself. ill even let you borrow mine for a trip, i got a boat now and mine just sits on the wall most of the time, its pretty rough around the edges but it still floats and doesn't leak

[twdecock]

Will do thanks again to all

[Oleander Kayaker]

Thanks for all the info and help locating a good rig. I'm going to follow up on the tarpon and prowler. Those two seem like my best option.

After you acquire a kayak rig - don't forget to come back here and suggest a time/day for a shake down cruise with one of the guys here. We're always learning.

[mjh]

Just get the kayak that you are comfortable with.

[twdecock]

Thanks for all the info and help locating a good rig. I'm going to follow up on the tarpon and prowler. Those two seem like my best option.

[Jhua]

Excellent deal! That's worth jumping on!

x2. My roof rack system itself cost between 300-400 dollars. That is a deal right there. Hmmmmm maybe I should get it :P

[Curmudgeon]

twdecock - here is a good deal on TOS. Well regarded 12' boat with a good paddle and rack for $550. Saw this today and thought you might be interested.

Tarpon 120 with paddle

Excellent deal! That's worth jumping on!

[Jerkyourcroaker]

twdecock - here is a good deal on TOS. Well regarded 12' boat with a good paddle and rack for $550. Saw this today and thought you might be interested.

Tarpon 120 with paddle

[Longhornbubba]

Tarpon 140 really stable and tracks great.

[Texfish]

X2 on the paddle just think of as your engine. I have a carbon fiber paddle and it makes your day so much more enjoyable. I let a buddy try the paddle out once for a few hundred yards he said he could not believe the difference. I used his which about wore me out. The next day he went and bought a carbon fiber paddle.

There are good deals on used kayaks all the time just have to wait for the right deal to come up.

Some of the kayaks with higher freeboard and with a milk crate have a tendency to wind cock or crab out on the open bay this is where a kayak with a rudder will paddle a lot straighter and it also helps with drifting.

[TTU Wader]

If you want to really expand your fishing areas get a long kayak (14-16'), or a hobie. You will be able cover more water and go longer distances.

[Curmudgeon]

Here's a sweet starter@

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=174822

[Curmudgeon]

Sign me up!
I would lean more towards a good paddle and seat, I got my first high-end paddle this year and I can't believe I waited that long!

Me too!
What kind of seat & paddle did you get? I've got to get a better seat, and I keep looking at the paddles wishing..

[Rollo]

!last summer was windy,Bought a pelican and couldnt keep it going straight in cross winds major regret number 1 , no rudder.Tried a friends boat a higher end Hobie w/ the pedal drive WOW! But it is not super shallow till you remouve the drive and paddle old school its pricey but just as with most things you get what you pay for!

[Milkjug]

....is there not an "FWE" towing service for those in "Yaks"?

Sign me up!

Ya'll already hit on most of the stuff. You can get a good 12' yak in that price range that will serve you fine for a long time. My buddy has the heritage from Academy and it is a fine yak. Also look for Ocean Kayak specks/scramblers, and the Mainstream kingfish. All are good all-round 12' yaks for great prices.

I would lean more towards a good paddle and seat, I got my first high-end paddle this year and I can't believe I waited that long!