I have a Tarpon 120. it paddles well and is versatile. I’ve had it out in rivers, lakes, and in the salt.
I think buying a used kayak is a good idea. A lot of people are upgrading to the Hobie peddle 'yaks, and you might be able to find a good one. Some owners might ship.
I’d like to own one of those peddle kayaks myself.
have a look at www.akff.net and all the yaks available here are listed and discussed.
Right now, I own three Heritage Redfish 14s (angler model). Tomorrow (July 2), my new fleeet arrives. I’m getting two Heritage Redfish 12s (angler model) with rudders. My third kayak will be a 14.5 Native Watercraft Ultimate, a cross between a kayak and canoe that has a great seat. It’s also tunnel-hulled and so stable you really can stand up with little problem. Should be great for sightfishing on the flats.
The reason I downsized from the Heritage 14 to 12 is because of weight and maneuverability. If it was just me, I’d go with the 14. However, I run Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing in Sarasota, FL and it words better for my clients.
My first kayak was a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. I loved this boat, but it was wet. That’s wasn’t so bad in the summer, but not desireable in winter. The Heritage boats are extremely dry.
Like everyone else I advise paddling different kayaks until you find one that fits you.
I have a Hornbeck 10’6" that I love. 17lbs what else do I need to say?
I fish from a 12’ Current Design Kestrel. Mine is thermaformed and weighs approx 36#. If I had it to do over again, I would get a 14’ with a rudder, for hands free correction when drifting down river. I have added a half skirt, also called a work station. And a soft anchor system.
Just bought a Heritage Redfish 14 Tuesday. I use it for fishing in the Indian/Banana river Lagoons
Perception “America” 12’6", of 1999? vintage. ‘Milk crate’ on top of the rear hatch with modifications to the crate to haul the stuff that doesn’t work out residing in the cockpit.
Full skirt in the cold or rain and a half deck for the work area and protection from the sun for my legs.
Home made outriggers (aka and ama) when I need to stand to see my quarry attatch to the milk crate. One good paddle and a cheap one for the back-up/loaner.
Use a home made anchor I saw on the Texas Kayak Fishing web site (Bruce type) made from welded lawn mower blades when I don’t want to “Go”. Full length anchor trolley adds control.
Soft sided cooler when I’m planning on eating fish.
When I learn to post pix, will do as much.
I have tried a pontoon and a small it in kayak but just purchased a Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. I think this one is a keeper. It is pretty light at 50 pounds and stable enough to stand and sight fish from. It is a very nice and comfortable boat.
I fish (a lot) from my Old Town ‘Dirigo 106’ kayak. I’ve found it to be easy to transport, comfortable to sit in and stable to cast from. I like it! 
Jeff
Currently have 4.
Wilderness System Pungo (12’1" Classic) - Still my go-to boat for versitility, menuverability and seaworthyness.
(2) Old Town Loon 138’s- Once with Rudder, one without. Great all round yak. Similar in performance as the pungo but is better suited to longer paddles ( due to slightly better hull speed & tracking) and higher weight of gear capacity.
14’ Heritage Sea Dart SOT( with Rudder)- My only SOT left ( after 3 others)- fast, nicely designed/featured SOT that looks like a yak vs a bar of soap A bit tight for fishing but great for paddles where I want to get in/out of the yak routinly.
My ONLY advice is to TRY BEFORE YOU BUY REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU READ FOR REVIEWS.
One mans’ perfect yak is another disapointment! Been there-done that-it’s expensive
Kind of late in the game to reply, but I have a Malibu Mini-X, and it has been great on ponds and slow moving streams. Extremely stable, you can sit sidesaddle if you want(1) and pretty good performance in a small yak.
Bob
Been checking them out myself and think I’m going to get a Native Ultimate 12.
I am going to be using it mainly on ponds, lakes and slow-moving rivers. The main reason for getting it is it’s stability and the ability to stand and fish from it, being mainly a fly fisherman.
It has covers to make it pretty much waterproof and has a lot of pretty cool options. It also has a much more open layout, kinda like a canoe, leaving more room for you and tackle.
I have been fishing out of my new Native Watercraft 14.5 Ultimate since June. And it’s absolutely the finest paddling/fishing boat I’ve owned. It’s easy to paddle, tracks extremely well, very stable and quiet. Best of all, it’s wide open and extremely roomy. I carry a cooler full of ice, food and drinks, milk crate with tackle and rod holders and other equipment.
This is just a great boat (especially for fly fishing) that you might want to check out if you’re in the market for a new ride.
For the past year I’ve been using a Coleman’s inflatable kayak from Wally World. Cost less than $100…It has 5 chambers and is very sturdy. I pump it up by hand in about 3 minutes and the paddles screw together and work well. The only negative is the cockpit dimensions. I don’t think it was designed for anyone over 6 feet who has long legs :? It ain’t fancy, but it gets me “on” the water…
Later…
I have an old perception swing and love it. I guess I have had it for 7 years.
Here are a couple of pics of it rigged and in action.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p45/pblandry/pics/DSC00292.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p45/pblandry/pics/DSC00197.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p45/pblandry/pics/DSC00341.jpg
I don’t use mine as much as I used to anymore, but I still love getting out there in it. I still offer kayak guide trips and usually do 3 or 4 a year, but I’m mainly in the jet sled these days.
I’ve been reading aboiut this new Freedom 14 Outrigger Fishing Kayak that sounds very interesting indeed. Here is a link: www.freedomhawkkayaks.com
What makes this one different is that it has two outriggers that make it very stable to stand up and cast when stationary and then they fold in while moving. Not cheap, but very cool indeed.
Rick
I have a Heritage 9.5 Featherlite Angler (SINK) and a Heritage Fisherman Pro 14 (SOT).
I love them both.
Ultimate 12
I’ve got a Pamlico 100 with the adjustable padded seat, otherwise there’s no way I’d sit in a yak for hours on end without feeling like I’d been kicked in the kidneys.
I’m typically on moving water and wont’ try to flyfish out of it (big headache) unless I happen to make it to a pond or lake.