Ok, I Need This. . . . . .

[charlie_the_tuna]

about 10 to 12 feet long.

must track well.

good for recreational paddling.

handle surf.

handle whitewater.

i need the all around do everything kayak.

so, waddayall think?

the wife is softening up to the idea.

[chumbucket]

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.

[Stinky_Hooker]

I agree with everything above completely. I do have one suggestion though..if you are concerened at all about tracking as you mention get a 10'er out of your head. 12+...


Some of my favs....

Tarpon 120 and 140

Redfish 12 and 14

Manta Ray 12 and 14

Malibu X factor

Cobra Fish and Dive

Ocean Kayak prowler, Drifter and several others


and of course the Hobies are awesome...if you want to spend that kinda coin.

[charlie_the_tuna]

but. . . .

i know the longer boats will track better but can i take a 12 footer surfing or into some mild whitewater?

it would be ideal if i could afford a fishing AND a surfing boat but as thats not possible right now, i need a good all around boat.
tracking is important but i need something that will be easily manuverable in the rough stuff.

[charlie_the_tuna]

on the other hand, how fishable is something like this?


http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/aloha

[charlie_the_tuna]

or this?


http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/torrent

[chumbucket]

Charlie. By surf, these models are referring to wave riding for fun. They are also made for someone a bit more "demure" than someone like yourself or me. Check out the max capacities of those.
The longer yaks do track better in rough water. Shorter is better for ponds, calm waters, rivers, etc.
Check out www.kayakfishingstuff.com
They have many different styles of yaks with good pricing and comparisons. they also have forums to ask questions. I'm just relaying what i learnewd from my research and by no means am I the consumate expert on kayaking. Just trying to help.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Thats a great site...used it in my research as well. Again Im with CB...Im no pro, just done alot of homework prior to..

Again Ive never ran a 10' boat but with my experience in the Tarpon 120 and then my Redfish 14....I certainly dont think a 10'er would be anything but frustrating while paddleing. If you just wanted to fish a pond or lake with very short trips and minimal gear it would be fine. But for saltwater where winds and current and wave activity are an issue IMO you need a little more boat under you.

[Stinky_Hooker]

So what you getting CTT?


Im excited for you!!!!

[scook]

I'm also no expert, but a few comments:

Tracking and maneuverability are kind of opposite things. To maneuver you need to be able to spin around and one that tracks well resists quick turning. You can get the keel up out of the water by rolling up on edge and taking advantage of the curve (rocker) of the side of the boat and turn a lot faster (when you learn how).

If by white water, you mean rivers where you're scooting around boulders, a sea kayak won't do but you ought to be able to surf a little in saltwater waves with one. Be ready to get rolled over.

My strongest recommendation is to spend a few bucks and take a class or two from someone who knows their stuff. You can learn a bunch in a hurry and have fun doing it. A good shop should have lessons or know where to go.

It was really a rush to catch a wave. The guy in his shiny new boat in front of me, who didn't catch the wave, was a little annoyed when I ran over the top of him, but given his attitude, I thought it was a good experience for him to have.