The first rule is, try before buying. Do not buy it unless you try it. Period!
Now. On to your requirements.
The longer they are, the better they track (in almost all cases). So get the longest within your budget.
SINK (acronym for sit in kayak) is good for cooler weather paddling and more recreational touring. There are some that are very adaptable to fishing. I mentioned one to you before and stick with that recommendation for a SINK. The Wilderness Pungo 120. Large open cockpit. Tracks well and also makes a fine fishing rig if you choose to do so.
SOT (acronym for sit on top) is my choice because they are more adaptable to fishing which is my main focus of kayaking. They are generally more stable believe it or not. Self rescues are much easier with a SOT. By self rescue, I mean if you get dumped, you're not inside the yak, and getting back on top is easier than getting back into when you're "out there". On mine, I can swing my legs around and sit side saddle to access my gear behind me or just fish that way if I like. I also like to paddle the flats and marshes and get out to stretch and cast to fish for a while.
there are so many choices with the SOT's that it would be difficult to pin down just one or two, but I would look at the Manta Ray's, Redfish like Stinky's, Ocean Kayak Prowler's, Cobra's, etc.
Call a few shops that sell just boating and paddle sports as most of those will let you try them on the water before buying. You can't do that at big box stores like Dick's and the likes.
You need to decide what your budget will be. Mine was @ $700 for the yak. $150 for the paddle. $75 for a good paddle sports PFD.
Another thing that hasn't been mention around here yet is safety. I'm a firm believer that if you're going to be paddling in the salt or high boat traffic areas in salt or fresh, I want to be very visible. That's why I chose a bright yellow kayak. I would much prefer a more subtle color, but I don't want to get run down by a drunk or haphazard boater that could see me. You'd be surprised how well a blue, green, or other dark, dull kayak blend right in with the water. Then add a few (even small) waves. You're sitting pretty low in the water and when you dip below that wave height, it gets hard for others to refocus on your position once they lose sight of you. This year, I'm adding a pendant flag about 3' tall as well.
I could go on quite a bit, so ask away with the rest of your questions.
