I have been reading and posting with some consistency for a few years now. Although I do not post as many replies and messages as some of the regulars I do read and learn. Today is the first time (I have been away most of the summer) I saw this Paddling forum.

I am thinking about buying a Kayak and have looked at many brands and it has become confusing. So here is what I would like the experts out there to help me with. If you had one boat to be used on lakes, slow moving rivers, and possibly ocean bays (say, off the Cape Cod, etc.) what would be your suggestion. Things like length, make/model, rutter/no rutter, etc. Also anything I should be aware of in purchasing such a craft.

The boat would be used for fishing and some overnight stays on the boundary waters and other connecting lakes. I do a lot of traveling.