A few years ago a friend and his family invited my wife and I to go float the White River. I had many years experience fishing out of a canoe but was hooked on kayaks after this trip. We also fished on the Buffalo National River from a rental. The ones we rented were a Malibu sit on top that cost about $500 new. They were short (less than 10') but very stable. I spent about a year trying out different models and finally bought a Native Watercraft Ultimate 12 for about $950. I ordered it from Austin Kayak in Texas and it was delivered from a freight truck very inexpensively. Later my wife and I went to Lake Belton in Texas for her to participate in an annual kayak days. She was able to try out several models and picked out a Wilderness System 10' SOT that ran about $600. I have fished extensively out of both and they work just great. I primarily use them on streams in SE Oklahoma or in Arkansas or on small lakes. They are a great way to fish. They do not replace my Lund Explorer for large lakes. Two totally different ways of fishing! I car top ours on top of a pickup cover and have a small cart I made up out of PVC pipe for when I need to tote mine very far. They are both as light or lighter than the canoes I used to use. The kayaks are much more stable but don't have the carrying capacity of a canoe. Before I bought mine I tried my brother in laws Hobie several times but just didn't like the pedaling bit. I like paddling. If you have the opportunity you should try out as many as possible even if you have to travel to do so. Generally the shorter they are the easier it is to turn one and the longer they are the easier it is to go straight. A 12' is a good compromise for a fishing kayak. I'm 6'3, 235 pounds and can fish out of one as easy as my 5'4 better half. I especially like to fly fish from one. Enjoy!
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