New to kayak fishing

[96ekhatch]

i'm new to the idea of kayak fishing but not new to fishing at all i was just wondering whats a good kayak that i could get that has good balance and isn't very expensive, since i'm new i don't wanna tip over in the middle of the bay or anything. I live in ocean city maryland idk if anybody is familiar with it but its on the ocean with a bay behind the island that runs behind another island that normally houses red drum not huge one's they r mostly off of the beach's striped bass, flounder, speckaled trout and other normal bay fish on a day that the wind is calm the bay is normally glass flat any advice would be great i'm about  5' 7" 170-180   thanks alot guys i look forward to trying this sport and catching alot of fish doing it!!

[Spike]

Here's a few referrals biased to a few advertisors here whose models I have the most recent experience with.  Take a hard look at Native kayaks.  They are fast emerging as a strong fishing kayak competitor with models made on the East Coast.  Their models, especially the Ultimate series, are more specifically designed for the particular waters and species you noted.  If you're caught up on getting the latest hot fishing model all the studs team members tout as "the best", take a look at something better in the Hurricane Phoenix line.  Another Carolina kayak manufacturer I feel is stepping towards the next generation of fishing kayaks with unique plastic (Trilon) and design plus a plumbed scupper system.

Demo the Hobie Quest too.

I'd look at the 14 foot and under models.  If you have moderate tidal movement on the nearshore, consider a ruddered kayak. 

Contact me directly for my full (unbiased) list of picks.

Don't forget the crabbing if you eat them.

Read everything you can including the Articles and FAQ Pages of this site.  Start with a basically outfitted kayak, paddle and PFD and grow into your purchases by buying what you need gradually, not what you think you need prematurely.  Some folks would recommend you watch The Kayak Fishing Video (DVD).  I wrote it to answer a few hundred questions first timers have.  It will save you $.
Whack `em!

[dgoff]

Even though the Hobie's with the Mirage Drive peddle system are much more expensive, I started with one and can't imagine kayak fishing without it. It's extremely nice if you do any trolling, your hands are on the rod instead of a paddle. They do come with a paddle and I use it for surf launching and moving around in the kelp, both places where the fins are a nuisance. I just pull the Mirage Drive out and set it on the bow. I own the Outback and it is very stable. It comes ready to fish, with the exception of a fishfinder and/or GPS, both items that you will eventually want, but not absolutely needed to start fishing. By far the majority of fisherman use standard paddle style yaks and most probably outfish me, but I'm sure it's their knowledge not their yak. I can peddle all day and even fair pretty well in the wind; LOVE my Hobie.

I strongly encourage the purchase of the DVD on this site, it is an outstanding instructional video that really prepares you for the adventure of fishing from a kayak. I can't imagine the learning curve without it.

Have fun, whatever you get. 

Dennis Goff

[Toast]

I am just down the Bay in Hampton Roads.

Right now is also a great time to get into kayak fishing around the Bay.  Run down the Eastern Shore and go for some BIG stripers!

[96ekhatch]

well i'm still looking inot different kayaks idk what to get i am looking inot 2 seater canoe's so me and my girlfriend can go out together instead of buying 2 seperate kayaks but idk what to get.

[Riskey Water]

a two seater is fun if you are out for a short day and dont mind a back seat driver but YOU WILL BE HOOKED on kayak fishing and there will be days you want to fish and she wont so you will be out paddling around an over sized kayak alone as well as hauling it to and from your vehicle nothing against your significant other but I to faced that situation and droped the dollar on two kayaks best decision i ever made  i can fish with her or go solo she is nolonger with me but my friends are lining up to make use  of my spare   at a nominal fee of beer and bait    sorry this probably wasnt what you wanted to hear but such is life    FISHING  VS  SPOUSE     good luck and may you never get skunked

[Spike]

I've seen enough tandem kayak fishing to know it works for some people.  Based on your comments, seriously consider the Native Ultimate series.
It's a hybrid design of a canoe/kayak and seems like the direction you're headed.  Good resale value too if you want to make changes.  A used Malibu II or similar will accomplish the same with a SOT and ley you paddle solo.

[wolfman]

I  had a Malibu II which I bought for fishing and with the intent of taking my wife out.  She went twice.  In spite of our best efforts, she did not master the coordination required for tandem surf launches/recoveries even in relatively benevolent conditions.  After being dumped a few times, she refers to it as "the divorce model" and now has her own boat. and we are both much happier.  Gave the tandem to another happy couple.

[Mugu]

Totally off topic, but couldnt resist with your username.
I used to have a Midori Pearl EK, I was the OG Midori on all the
old boards. Former mod at what is now e-hatch.
I miss my Midori! Never sell yours you'll regret it!