new yak...

i am new this site and  kayak fishing but not to fishing  i was thinking about this yak    http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_93620_-1?cid  [/color]     whats your guys opinion will be fishing mostly freshwater lakes/ ponds and some slow moving rivers possibly some places in the sound. whats your opinion?

Welcome aboard Rainshadow

Not sure about this brand but that looks like a Tarpon 120 which is a fine multi use kayak.  If you like to float rivers I wouldn't go any longer than 12 feet in length.   Definately try to Demo some different brands if you can before buying.

Scott

That will get the job done. It's nearly identical to the Heritage Redfish 12.

http://www.heritagekayaks.com/redfish12.htm

Ling Banger is/was selling a 14' redfish with a bunch of rigging in the classified section. Might save yourself some time and $$

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,5662.0.html

k in the reviews somebody said its the same a the tarpon 120 just a different name and cheaper. i will go look in the classifieds now.

Can't go wrong with ling bangers ride if your needing some instant drop in the water and go gratification.

You could always keep looking after and get the one you exactly want and not lose money on LB's boat.

You would still have to buy a paddle for the new Yak also and rig it up.

yeah i know not going to have the money till April though   

yeah i know not going to have the money till April though   

OK, most likely be something available at that time also. People will be buying new boats or upgrading to new models for summer, just keep your eyes open.

You will have a fun summer once you do get one..

Welcome Rainshadow!

I bought my 1st yak off Craigslist.  Best $450 I've spent. 

Good luck in the hunt.  You might consider hitting up NANOOK (Jason Self) on the site or at Alder Creek to see about taking a couple of different models for test paddles.  It'll help you understand what's important to you in a kayak.

-Mark-

Can't go wrong with ling bangers ride if your needing some instant drop in the water and go gratification.

You could always keep looking after and get the one you exactly want and not lose money on LB's boat.

Mine just sold. Welcome to the board RS, hope you have good hunting finding your first kayak.

Welcome to the board Rainshadow!  I would avoid buying your first yak from West Marine if you are on a budget, they are way overpriced and they will look at you cross-eyed if you tell them you plan on fishing from it.

I would recommend a "standard" 13 foot kayak as a all around good workhorse.  I have a OK Prowler 13 and it does pretty much everything I as of it.  It isn't the best river yak, but for the few times I've taken it in the river it has done well enough.  If you have the cash, go Hobie with the mirage drive, otherwise you have plenty of choices in the paddle powered variety.  Personally, I like the OK's and Malibu's the best.  Be honest with yourself on where 75-90% of your paddling is going to be and go from there.  I rolled the dice and bought mine without paddling it first and got lucky.

i noticed that most akyaks at west marine are overpriced but this ones only 530

i noticed that most akyaks at west marine are overpriced but this ones only 530

You're right!  I scoured the web and my favorite sites and it looks like West Marine is the cheapest around for a Perception Pescador 12 aside from the ESPN shop (Who knew they sold kayaks ).  People seem to like it on Paddling.net and say it is pretty much a re-branded WS Tarpon 120 which at least one or two guys on here paddle and like.

i am going to get it in April or late March  cant wait

Look for Ling Banger on a new T-13, it was nice finally getting to meet Alkasazi at Outdoor Play. Man they sure have a lot of kayaks in that place. Now I have to head over to the fishfinder recommendations thread. Wahooo!