Looking into kayaks

I'm new to this sport but have fished for years so I'm kind of excited about the possibility of fishing from a kayak.  I was wondering two things.  First, is there a place in the Seattle area where I can rent a good fishing kayak for a day or two so that I can try it out?  And secondly, whats a good fishing kayak for the Puget Sound for when I do choose to purchase one (which is likely in the next year)?

Thanks
The Newbie,
gitarwmn

What kayak you get is almost a religious decision   You will get a lot of opinions and then you will have to make up your own mind.  I was a shore fisherman for years and just got a kayak in April.  Without much guidance and without having discovered this forum I got an Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 13 Angler.  I think I did well, and the only thing I do not like about it is the flimsy and rather poorly sealing "Rod Pod" cover.  I am not a big guy so sitting on it is okay, but someone pushing 200# might have an issue.  Expect to modify any boat you get to fit your needs. 

Expect to modify any boat you get to fit your needs. 

True that!   However, that is half the fun in my book.

Expect to modify any boat you get to fit your needs. 

True that!   However, that is half the fun in my book.

And, I'm not even half done! 

So far, anchor trolley, deck mount/rod holder, battery bag, power adapter, plus all the accoutrements like anchor system, leashes, crab trap holder, milk crate w/ rod holders, FF/GPS/transducer, and crabbing gear.  Still have another deck mount, FF/GPS mount, and rear deck hatch. 

Expect to modify any boat you get to fit your needs. 

True that!   However, that is half the fun in my book.

And, I'm not even half done! 

So far, anchor trolley, deck mount/rod holder, battery bag, power adapter, plus all the accoutrements like anchor system, leashes, crab trap holder, milk crate w/ rod holders, FF/GPS/transducer, and crabbing gear.  Still have another deck mount, FF/GPS mount, and rear deck hatch. 

If I read a previous post of yours in a diff thread correct, you are not using the recessed sonar area for your FF?  Why'z that? 

I'm 5'8" and can not easily reach the controls while sitting.  I need it about 10-12" closer, and I am still working out the mounting issues.  In the mean time I have the mount screwed to a piece of 5" wide Trex.  First photo is the top view.  The screws at the end are for stops for the rod pod straps and bungee to prevent it from sliding forward.  The other holes were in case I needed to bring it even closer.  Second photo is the cut out on the bottom for the cables.  Third photo is it strapped to the rod pod.  It does prevent easy access to the inside of the yak, but I have found I don't absolutely need that access.

I'm 5'8" and can not easily reach the controls while sitting.  I need it about 10-12" closer, and I am still working out the mounting issues.  In the mean time I have the mount screwed to a piece of 5" wide Trex.  First photo is the top view.  The screws at the end are for stops for the rod pod straps and bungee to prevent it from sliding forward.  The other holes were in case I needed to bring it even closer.  Second photo is the cut out on the bottom for the cables.  Third photo is it strapped to the rod pod.  It does prevent easy access to the inside of the yak, but I have found I don't absolutely need that access.

Even at 6', I have to scoot forward to reach the controls comfortably.  However, I usually don't have to fiddle with it much after I get it turned on.  Maybe hit the zoom button once in a while to see a better view of the picture, or to pop a way point in real quick.

My issue was my 215lbs + warm day = squashed lid.  Fixed that problem with the fiberglass pod lid, so I find myself sitting on it more often making for easier straddles.  I'd say that was the single best upgrade I have done to my kayak for several reasons.

However, I usually don't have to fiddle with it much after I get it turned on.  Maybe hit the zoom button once in a while to see a better view of the picture, or to pop a way point in real quick.

Exactly. I know everyone does things differently but I don't get why you'd wanna mess w/ your FF so much. Like Insayn, I turn it on and leave it alone. If I need to mess w/ it I'll scoot. We all got the scoot down right?

Z

So when I get around to buying a SOT, should I get one with the rail system so I can slide my electronics and rod holder crap right up to me when I want it, and up and away when I don't?  ... Or do you guys recommend custom mounting where I want it?

I think the rail setup sounds better, but you guys have practical application experience that I lack, so tell it like it is 

So when I get around to buying a SOT, should I get one with the rail system so I can slide my electronics and rod holder crap right up to me when I want it, and up and away when I don't?  ... Or do you guys recommend custom mounting where I want it?

I think the rail setup sounds better, but you guys have practical application experience that I lack, so tell it like it is 

I've seen 'em and don't really understand the need. Simplicity in design always worked best for me.

Z

Malibu already came up with a rail system for you, although I think I am in the distinct minority of people who like this design:



It may not be the best option if you are primarily a surf launcher, but from what I have seen of them they are tough enough to take a few huli's and not be destroyed (the stuff mounted to it might be a different story depending on how/where you put 'em).  

Wilderness Systems also has a sliding rail system.

Z

I'm having a hell of a time trying to locate a Wilderness Systems dealer that has a Tarpon 14 and a Tarpon 16 IN STOCK that I can test paddle and compare, side by side. I won't just order something that expensive unless I get to try it out first.
The dealer in Port Angeles said they had a Tarpon 12 in stock. Not good enuff.  Anybody know of any dealers in W WA or Portland that have both of these (Tarpon 14 AND Tarpon 16) in stock now, that I can take out for a test drive and compare?
Thanks!

Yup. Me in PDX www.aldercreek.com

1x160 angler forest green 5x140 mango & yellow.

503-285-0464

Only way I'd haul around a 160 is if I was going 20 miles a day or more. Other than that, I think the 140 is more than enough boat and easier to haul.

What's your size?