Need help choosing a Yak

[gottagofishnow]

Went out with MJ today ,used his Fish n' Dive-very stable yet alil' slow. Once again thanks MJ. Then I went and demo'd a Drifter-nice stable ride, lil faster that the Cobra, the Prowler 13 and 15-both nice yaks, not as stable but I'm sure I could get used to either one in a very short time, then the new x-factor- big yak , not the one for me.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I am very green at this yak fishing.

Tight Lines- Mark

[Danimal]

Drifter might be a good call. Stability is it's main selling point, as well as it's ability to handle some weight. It handles surf well and might suit the malibu launches just fine.

I'm now in a Tarpon 140, from the sounds of what you like, probably not the line of boats you're looking for.

[SteveO]

It all comes to what you are willing to sacrifice. Do you want speed or stability? It's tuff to get both on a kayak. I've had both and made my choice. It's kinda up to you now since you tried the different yaks.

[2 Amigos]

Yeah im going to start looking at kayaks after this summer if I make enough $$$, and hopefully I can get a hook up from Rhyno for a good deal. It would be my first kayak, and I think my main concern would be stability. I saw Rhyno was using a Drifer on the episode of Inside Sportfishing where they were catching Threshers off Malibu. Looked like a good Yak. I guess size has alot to do with it also. Im around 5'8'' and 150 pounds... Any suggestions from you pros?

-Tony

[Bigworm]

Another thing you should think about is how you will transport your yak. The one I used to have (cobra, navigator) was rather on the heavy side and I used to carry it on top of my car. After a good day of fishing my arms were like wet noodles and the last thing I wanted to do was to lift this yak on top of my car and strap it down. If I had a truck it would of been SO MUCH nicer and easier for me.....man I hated doing that after a long day of fishihg

[JasonC]

If I had a truck it would of SO MUCH nicer and easier for me.....man I hated doing that after a long day of fishihg

I hear that Hugo. I have Drifter and used to have a Honda Accord. My $600 drifter ended up costing me a $20k new Tacoma! Loading that thing was hard enough. A X-factor or Fish N'Dive would be heavier.

I am a what you would call a "husky yaker" . At 280 lbs my Drifter holds me and all my gear just fine. It is very stable and comfortable. It is my first Kayak and I am quite satisfied with it.

[gottagofishnow]

Thanks for the replies , I'm still in the decision process soo all your inputs are extremely helpful as they may give things to consider I have yet to.
Tight Lines-Mark

[ODH33]

i just picked up a drifter. not the fastest on the market but i am new to the sport of kayak fishing so stability was a big concern for me. this weekend will be my first time out on it so i'll let you know how it handles for me

[Olson]

Lot's of good choices out there. As the Rep. for Ocean Kayak ( call me biased)and 5'10 170lb. here's my 2 cents. You being 150 lbs and 5'8 you'll probably lack the need for a beamy boat like the Drifter real soon. I've had a number of Drifters and still love the boat, it's a cruising lounge chair. I've found most people under 200lb feel extremely comfortable in no time in something faster like the Prowler. If you have the money, I'd reccomend reconsidering the Prowler 15 as the combination of speed, stability and storage for anyone fishing hard that's your size. If length is a issue then the P13. I'll have both you can demo tommorow at the tournament in Channel Islands. Otherwise CI Kayak center has a demo day scheduled for June 10 and you can check out a number of these yaks. Try sitting side sadlle in any of the kayaks you try and see your comfort level sliding to the bow hatch and back to tank well. The OK designs are really excellent in surf zone as well.

Get what ever gets you amped and start fishin' a yak
Mark