What kayak to buy???

Wow...you all are great!
Thank you so much for your insight. It sounds like I need to get busy doing a little pedaling AND paddling to see what I really want.
It is unfortunate that I may need a tandem or a dive platform to support my age expanded girth--but there is an upside! I have three of my six kids still at home-- 7, 9, and 12 year old, so it would be nice to be able to take them for a ride once in a while
I know...I know--we have all heard it before, but DANGIT--I will drop 30 pounds by the end of March which should provide me with some much needed freeboard
Where is the best place to shop semi-locally (Salem/PDX area) for kayak's--particularly Hobie. Next Adventure? What about drysuits for fat--I mean burly men? I can round up the other safety gear that I don't already own.
Thanks again all--you ROCK!

For Hobies, Next Adventure is the place to go in the area.  They also sell Ocean Kayak if you want to try a paddle kayak too.  I would call ahead before you go and try to set up a demo.  They also have some closeout drysuits in 2xl that could be worth trying. 

I am a big guy--6'2"+ and currently 280#'s (but losing . I have alot of experience paddling kayaks in whitewater settings. I am pretty fit (and getting more so each day). In short--I think I am mentally and physically prepared. Now I need a 'yak--and hopefully a buddy who wants to hit the water with a newbie.
What do you all think? Speed is a positive--but storage and enough space for my long legs and a decent seat for longer fishing days are important too.
I won't say money is no object--but I will pay what I have to pay to get what I need.
Any help you all could give me will be greatly appreciated!
Hard takes and tight lines,
Charlie

Hey Charlie,
Welcome aboard. As far as fitting into a kayak because of size. I use a Hobie with no height problems and I am 6'4". I think Zee is even taller then me by 1 or 2 inches and he is also using a Mirage drive in a Hobie. The mirage drive itself has settings between 1 and 7 for leg length. At 6'4"  I mostly use the 6 setting and sometimes 7(if im wearing a ton of clothes). Again, also DEMO....demo...demo. Maybe, check in with Sinker when he gets back.. He's been testing pretty much everything lately.

I started with the Fish -n- Dive and loved it! Never felt unstable or like I was putting too much weight in the boat (600lb capacity). I had to sell it to fund my new Hobie Revo (for a 180 lb guy like me, it's perfect). I also purchased a used Mini-x for my quick jaunts across nearby rivers (and I've been out in the Columbia in it too).

I'd say "paddle first, peddle later." Good luck!

True

I'm a paddler.  It works fine for almost everything that I do.  Once I get the chance though, I'm going to buy a peddle yak to extend my range a little.

Jammer and Nate, follow the rules! You're both sponsored. Say it, then claim it. Love ya both, Merry Christmas, peddle fairies.

Jammer and Nate, follow the rules! You're both sponsored. Say it, then claim it. Love ya both, Merry Christmas, peddle fairies.

They say it with their signature badges every time they post! 

My bad, can't see 'em on tapatalk.

My bad, can't see 'em on tapatalk.

Interesting.  In that case, maybe we do have to explicitly state it when we post.

I don't think you should have to modify your postings to adapt to someone else's 3rd party forum viewing app.

I have my account settings set to hide signatures (some of your signatures are pretty large) so that I can get more posts in the same amount of space. So I thought the same thing - that Nate & Jammer didn't explicitly state their affiliation with Next Adventure, although it is well known by most on this forum.. My guess is that several members have signatures turned off also. (And please let us keep that feature.)

Is there a way the forum will allow an icon to be added next to a Sponsored member's name, whether they are someone that is sponsored by a company for kayaks, kayak fishing, or just an owner of a product brand here.

Some forums use a colored ribbon, dot, coin star or other indicator. This forum could use fish or a lure.

I have my account settings set to hide signatures (some of your signatures are pretty large) so that I can get more posts in the same amount of space.

Yeah, Spot's takes up half a page with all the stuff he has won.

The signature is sufficient in my book.  You can always click on a persons profile to find this information.

-Allen

I don't care much about color, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, favorite foods, shoe size, or what company you are affiliated with and peoples personal preferences and prejudices. We all have 'em and I am open to them all (within reason of course!)...
I am just thankful for all the help 
Next Adventure sounds like the closest and best place to check out Hobie products and you can bet I will.
Despite my naturally impulsive personality I realize I need to get out and paddle/pedal some kayaks before I drop a few grand on my latest piscatorial pursuit.
Damn I could use a fish taco right now...my dog is rolling on her back and groaning...I smell Christmas cookies!!!
Did I mention I am ADD as hell too???
Thanks again ya'all. This forum has turned out to be a tremendous resource so far filled with what naive me perceives to be a bunch of great folks. Don't prove me wrong 
Merry early Christmas all!!!!!!!