Interested in getting into kayak fishing

I'm new to the board and am interested in getting into kayak fishing and I am looking to talk with somebody about what it takes to get started.  I am a bigger guy at about 300# but not terribly out of shape.  I'm leaning towards the Prowler Trident 15 or the Big Game.  I have no experience kayaking and want to try it out before I make an investment in my own kayak.  Where is the best place in the Seattle area to demo a kayak similar to these two?  Any info is helpful.  Thanks!

You're in the right place! I'm in a similar position to you...

Check out Outdoorplay.com.  There's usally link to them on this forum, and they have just about everything you can need.  I know they have the Trident 15, and i'm pretty sure they have the Big Game on sale right now too!

Thanks!  That really helps.  Does anybody know of a place local to Seattle where I can try one out?

oh yeah, they are in seattle
REI does a few demo days as well (think the Seattle REI just had one a week or two ago...)

Thanks!  That really helps.  Does anybody know of a place local to Seattle where I can try one out?

It's difficult at best to find places to demo these yaks.  For sure up at the factory in Ferndale (call first), but that's a bit of a drive.  So is heading south to Portland where one of the shops there could probably hook you up.  I'll check with the OK rep to see if there are any other places around Seattle to demo yaks.  This question is coming up more and more.

At your size, you should also check out the Malibu XFactor.  But good luck finding a place to demo one around here as well.  I've owned all 3 of the Big Game, T15, and XFactor.  Each would be suitable for your size.  Each paddles differently and personal preference comes into play ...

-Allen

oh yeah, they are in seattle
REI does a few demo days as well (think the Seattle REI just had one a week or two ago...)

REI only has one paddle day demo a year and it has already occurred for this year.   

-Allen

If you find yourself in the Portland area sometime soon, I've got a Big Game you can paddle.

Jay

Here is some info on the dealers in the seattle area (and a bit further afield):

Aqua Sports - Redmond (has a few demos)
NWOC - Rental of a few models
Olympic Outdoor Center - Poulsbo (might have some demos)
Olympic Raft & Kayak - Port Angeles (has demos of many styles)
Sportco/Outdoor Emporium - No demos
Alpine Experience - Olympia (has some demo boats)
Backpackers Supply - Tacoma - sort-of a dealer, mostly Necky

-Allen

I don't know exactly what you are looking for in a boat, but the Cobra Fish 'n' Dive floats a 600lb payload. I have no idea where you could demo one, but if you are ever down my way we could take mine to a near by lake so you could try it out. you can see pics at this link.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,3094.0.html
   
I'm new to the kayak portion of angling as well, but it has been a blast so far. I hope you find what you are looking for.

I'd look around for a used kayak. You can get a feel for kayak fishing and see if it's for you. After using a kayak for a while you'll have an idea of what kind of kayak you might want to throw down the big bucks for. Borrowing one would be good as well.
We used beater Dagger kayaks for many years; small and tipsy before kayak fishing became popular.

Is there a better place than Outdoorplay.com to buy a kayak right now?  Free shipping and no tax are nice perks. 

I just got a used Cobra Fish -n- Dive and I love it. I'm 5' 7" and 190 lbs and been out in the wind and I feel quite comfortable in it. It handles well.

True

Is there a better place than Outdoorplay.com to buy a kayak right now?  Free shipping and no tax are nice perks. 

Outdoorplay is very popular with both the local whitewater and fishing kayakers in the Gorge area. Probably would not be that popular if they were ripping people off. I think they are also associated with The Kayak Shed. Both are here in Hood River.

Is there a better place than Outdoorplay.com to buy a kayak right now?  Free shipping and no tax are nice perks. 

I don't know about "better".  I got great service and prices from Austin Canoe and Kayak on my T13 and accessories.  I've also bought a boatload of stuff from Outdoorplay and gotten excellent service there. 

http://www.austinkayak.com/

if your in the Seattle area and are looking at the Ocean Kayaks ... it would be worth a trip to Ferndale to Johnson Outdoors they usually have really great deals on OK's thats where i got my T-13

SG