help me choose a kayak!

Hey guys (and gals).  I'm trying to decide what kayak to get.  I will be using it for salt fishing primarily with some Columbia and lake fishing.  I want something that is very fishing friendly (rod holders, fish finder friendly, storage capacity, paddles somewhat easy).  Easier surf launching would be a plus too.  I know there is no one perfect kayak (is there?), so what would you choose?  Oh, and I'm not ruling out the mirage drive Hobie yaks, but I think I prefer to paddle.  I've been eyeing the OK trident ultra 4.7 and the old town predator 13, leaning towards the ultra.  If you have either of those or other recommendations please comment on likes and dislikes.  Thanks!

The hobie outback about fits all your needs. The paddling part would be its weekness. But who paddles with a mirage drive anyway lol!

The hobie adventure would have you covered but you have to get creative with mounting gear, thankfully yak attack products are available that can help you there. But it only has two built in rod holders.

I own both those kayaks. I prefer the adventure

I'm pretty much a salt guy who deals with a lot of current all day and covers a lot of ground

This weekend, I was out in the salt on my Hobie Outback and two other guys who were in Hobie Adventures. A fourth guy paddled through where we were. I can say that the two Adventure sailors covered a ton of space, I covered some...and the paddler covered very little. That's all about mobility from the starting point. For getting "out there" the wind-power of the Adventure kicks ass. 

Once fishing, we were all trying to troll at about the same speed. It seems like the Adventures are more challenging to control speed (at least until you get the sailing system down). Pedaling and Paddling are pretty equal here, with the exception of free hands vs engaged hands. For example, I could grab a water bottle, prep my next tackle, or check facebook while keeping a single speed with my legs. Point Hobie.

When you hook-up (which this weekend I didn't) it's about space and stability. Let's say it's a push.

A fourth main consideration would be the amount of time you can spend moving (or working to NOT move) on the water. Sailing with the Adventure as Rimfirematt does will again out-do other options. But with the wider fishing boats (which allow for the additional gear/mounting spaces) paddlers' backs and arms are typically unlikely to out-do pedaler's legs. Fighting current and wind for the four or more hours around a good tide change uses up strength...so best to employ your strongest body parts, I'd say.

What is the basis for your paddling preference? I'd assume that fewer "moving parts" can be seen as an advantage; expense is a consideration; maybe "kayaking purity" as a concept is alluring; or the feeling of more complete/immediate control would be compelling. I know that when fishing with Mirage Drive, "reverse" is not as easy of an option as it is when paddling my sea kayak.

As cheesy as it sounds, feeling comfortable is probably the most important element. When you are out there and you hook into a fish, you need to feel comfortable on the water so you can focus on the fish.

Here are my thoughts on the paddle versus pedal issue.  I have been a canoer since I was a kid, and a very active whitewater kayaker since 1985.  I have fished and spearfished from a 13" Trident for quite a few years, and think it's an excellent kayak.  There aren't very many Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks out here in Montana.  When I saw one of them from time to time, I figured they were a gimmick for use by decrepit old people with no boating skills.  Then a friend bought an Outback, and after I saw him zooming around in it fishing with both hands, I borrowed it from him for a weekend.  And I immediately realized, wow, I can go twice as fast in this kayak as I can paddle my Trident, it's highly maneuverable, I can chug around all day and not get tired, I can fish with both hands while motoring around, and I can hold myself stationary against wind and waves while jigging with both hands. I bought a 13" Revolution, and do virtually all my lake fishing from it.  I still use my Trident for rod fishing on rivers and spearfishing, and I loan it to friends, but other than that it sits in my garage.  On a river or a lake with big waves, I'd rather be in my Trident with thigh straps clipped in.  However, if I could own only one sit-on-top fishing kayak, I'd definitely choose a Mirage Drive kayak.

I have a predator 13 I love it but you need to get the rudder kit, to help it track in the wind. Great platform for fishing lakes and standing, have not used it in salt but it should do fine I also like the part of not having to drill in it. I will be at lake sammamish this sat. If you would like to give it a try.

Be careful what you ask, it might morph into a the ole' paddle versus pedal debate      ......wait WTH here we go again!  I do like the looks of the Ultra 4.7, I especially like the heavily rockered and upturned front.  That sure does help get over some choppy surf.  Have you looked into the Jackson, Hurricane, or Cobra kayaks?  They have some decent kayaks on the market.  What length, price range, and a couple of aspects that are most important to you?  This should help narrow down the selection that's out there and further help determine if it will be the padel......or a paddling kayak that best suits your needs.

Thanks so far guys.  $ really isn't a huge factor, but I'm not sure I want to pay an extra $1,000 to have pedals.  I like paddling, and am in great shape so I don't mind it.  I'm not worried about fighting fish while adjusting with a paddle either, the fishing is the easy part.   I do realize we live in the PNW and its windy often on the coast so I can see a slight advantage to being able to pedal vs paddling a tank of a yak.  Just want to be able to launch with relative ease, be able to carry at least two rods and all my gear easily.  I'd like to put a lowrance ff/gps, so an easy install for that would be a plus.  Having a decent place for my limits of sea bass and lings is also a concern.  I was hoping someone on here has some first hand experience with the ultra 4.7 and the predator as far as surf launching each one and paddling each one to the salt.  I sometimes paddle my aqua pod (for duck hunting) up to 12 miles so I'm sure any yak will paddle like a dream come true compared to it.

I've heard the ultra 4.3 is a better all around boat than the 4.7. I believe Alan and Scott have paddled both and can probably give you more insight. I'd lean toward a trident 13 over any or the above boats you mentioned though. The best things to so will be to demo. The Kayak Shed or Next Adventure will let you paddled a few before you buy.

okay! I have come to the conclusion that there are just too many kayak to choose from. There are so many that looks nice how does a person choose one? The Trident 13, Ultra 4.7, Jackson cuda, predator 13, Hobie outback all look awesome.  I think it is time for a water test.

okay! I have come to the conclusion that there are just too many kayak to choose from. There are so many that looks nice how does a person choose one? The Trident 13, Ultra 4.7, Jackson cuda, predator 13, Hobie outback all look awesome.  I think it is time for a water test.

Kingdr1300,
Make the drive to lake sammamish this sat. $7.00 to demo and yaktrap and ballardbrad will also be teaching a clinic on cutthroat fishing at 10am a win win for demoing and some knowledge. Hope you can make it.

Naturally I have my personal preferences, same as any other person on this site.  But here are a couple of suggestions I think may help you select the right boat for YOU.  First, make a list of available features you want such as:  Short and wide vs. long and narrow, new vs. used, pedal vs. paddle, SOT vs. SINK, color schemes, storage compartment access, live bait well, etc.  Eliminate the things you don't want or need from the list and start looking at models that have the features you do want.  Second, demo as many different models of that type as possible to find what feels best to you and fits your personal fishing style.  Get to know what is available; there are many makes and models to choose from so take your time.  I hope this helps.  Good fishing!   Attached is a photo of my Malibu X-Factor.   

Go to the Lake Sammamish Paddle Fest.

Then, if you decide on a pedal boat get a Hobie Revo13.

Or, if you decide on a paddle boat go with the Trident13 Angler.

Will there be pedal boats at the paddle fest?

I will put in my 2 cents.
I go to the ocean and Columbia river almost exclusively with my kayak, I have an outback.
I have to say, I'm 6ft 230lbs. i spent 3 days out hoe buck last week. the first two days I used my mirage drive, it's 2.7 miles to strawberry rock, this is as the crow flies. If the swells are in the 4-7ft range add about 2000ft of elevation gain.
The first two days I used my mirage drive, on Friday due to a rogue wave my mirage drive went into the big blue.(the ocean giveth and taketh away). I paddled the third day. Now mind you, I'm at the gym 6 days a week and bike 10 miles each way to work through the summer. I will say without a doubt that if you are wanting to be comfortable and cover the most ground a mirage drive is the way to go.
Raybourbon has all paddle kayaks and goes out fishing on the ocean with us quite a bit, he's a beast. In big wind and waves, constantly picking up you paddle and setting down your pole while trying to jig bottom fish is a pain. Tryin to use as little lead as possible while staying on top of your drift in the ocean is so much easier when you have your hands on the pole.

On Columbia for me its a different story. i like to be able to enjoy a beer while I work my way back up to the top of my drift is worth the drive.

Bottom line if you have the money get a mirage drive kayak. Which one depends I think on your weight and balance. Look at the max weight capacity and then add 100lbs to you weight.

okay! I have come to the conclusion that there are just too many kayak to choose from. There are so many that looks nice how does a person choose one? The Trident 13, Ultra 4.7, Jackson cuda, predator 13, Hobie outback all look awesome.  I think it is time for a water test.

Kingdr1300,
Make the drive to lake sammamish this sat. $7.00 to demo and yaktrap and ballardbrad will also be teaching a clinic on cutthroat fishing at 10am a win win for demoing and some knowledge. Hope you can make it.

I wish I could, unfortunately my Saturdays are booked through may (coaching T ball).  I appreciate everyone's input so far and I have to say, after reading review after review and watching tons of you tube, I am leaning more towards a Hobie outback.  I'll have to get one out on the water and test one first before pulling the trigger.
Thanks for the input so far guys.

   kingdr1300.
 I have a lot of free time on my hands right now. If you can make it out to Raymond, I have 2 Outbacks you could try out on the Willapa River, and an Adventure, and a sit-in kayak as well. You are only 80 miles away if you'd like to give any of them a try.