The Nucanoes are great kayaks. Pro's the 12' Frontier is a work horse, it is big and stable. Con's big and stable also translates into heavy and not that fast when paddling. However this should make a good kayak for taking your son along and a great fishing platform with or without a trolling motor. I fished out of a classic for a couple of years and it was a great kayak, I have paddled the Pursuits and the Frontiers some and they are great platforms. The Frontier should work out good for you. If you are not too big the 10' Frontier might be an option. Good luck.