going crazywith the size thing

new guy again - i'm stressing over the size of the boat now

i understand the basics of Length and width and impact to performance and handling

i have an idea of what i want to fish, but i don't won't to exclude any options because i choose the wrong size boat, due to my current lack of experience

so, my big question - will buying a 11ft or 13ft boat or vice versa limit (or benefit me significantly)in any way for specific fishery in  river/sound/lake fishing

thanks in advance for you assistance - i'll be quiet now

I don't think 2' of kayak length is going to make too much of a difference. My Cobra Fish -n- Dive is 12' 6" and I feel comfortable taking it out into the Columbia or any lake. Now, there are pictures of some people on this site who use this type of kayak to fish at Buoy 10 and out in open water (they say he's mad).

If it was me I'd feel more comfortable with a longer kayak than with a shorter one. You'll want to also consider weight and max capacity.

True

so, my big question - will buying a 11ft or 13ft boat or vice versa limit (or benefit me significantly)in any way for specific fishery in  river/sound/lake fishing

I have two kayaks one 11 ft and one 13 ft.   My 13 ft Trident gets most of the action on the ocean, lakes and large rivers because it's a bit faster and tracks a bit better.  My 11 ft Caper is my small river boat because a smaller kayak is easier to maneuver in tight situations and in the Caper's case it's significantly lighter for portages.  That said, I paddled the Caper everywhere for several years because it was my only kayak and I survived with little to complain about.  Had I only had a 13 ft kayak the whole time I would have done fine as well. 

Don't sweat a couple feet here or there.  If features, cost, availability, etc.. find you in an 11 ft kayak you'll be fine.

Brian

There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the kayak.  And remember Antpo, two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left.

 ... or just get multiple kayaks.

-Allen

I agree that a couple of feet in length probably won't make the biggest difference in performance. It's more about length plus width and also the general shape of the hull. When I look at a hull I think I know how it will perform but when I paddle/pedal them I'm always surprised at how they actually ride. The Prangler was a real eye opener. Here comes that broken record again.. try...try...try...try...try...try...try...try...

Z

Kudos to ya'all for not mentioning "motion in the ocean", "size of the ship", or simply "girth."  Way to keep it classy.

"Prangler" = Hobie Pro Angler??

I think it could also be any of the OK Prowler angler editions.

Then again maybe it's some new term for women who prowl fishing forums in search of men (i.e prowling for anglers).  Kind of like the term "Cougar".

For lakes and rivers; including the Columbia, something around 12-13' should be fine. In the open ocean; I'd prefer about 15' for smooth paddling and tracking through currents and chop. Generally, longer is faster; wider is more stable but slower.
A 15' kayak may be a bit unwieldy for a small lake or river and a 12' boat may not be an ideal ocean going vessel, but you can use the fifteen footer on a small lake and, under the right conditions; take a twelve footer out to sea. Figure out where you are going to use the kayak and get a boat to fit your needs.

I believe a paddler's abilities will have a greater affect than the size of their yak, especially for those of you starting out.

-Allen

"Prangler" = Hobie Pro Angler??

I think it could also be any of the OK Prowler angler editions.

Then again maybe it's some new term for women who prowl fishing forums in search of men (i.e prowling for anglers). Kind of like the term "Cougar".

   Yeah Pro Angler...

thanks for the input everyone - much appreciated!

Thanks from me too, I'm learning more and more each time I log in here.

Also, thanks to AMB for telling me about this place!