Kayak considerations

[nonamesleft47]

I would be leary about taking a sit in on the Ohio. There isn't anywhere for the water to go if it comes in over the sides (boat wake). If you get enough water in you are going to need something to bail with. Also if you get tossed (which you will eventually) there is no way to reenter a sit in while on the water (not to mention being stuck in a kayak upside down in the water). If you are on a sit on top you can flip and reenter and go right back to fishing. Another thing to think about is that if you are a "big boy" like me
5'10 250lbs a sit on top is going to be more comfortable with a good seat and you'll be able to get in and out without the help of several bistanders.

Go to kayakfishingstuff dot com and look at the forum and articles there. They are a bunch of saltwater guys who take theirs out in the surf all the time. I've tried both sit in and sit on tops the sit on tops were to me more stable and I wasn't worried about flipping it all the time (I was using it in the ocean). To me, if you can use it on the ocean it will be good enough for the Ohio.

Only looking for models made for fishing is just about useless in the kayak world because with most models all that means that it has rod holders installed. You are going to pay an extra hundred dollars for two 15 dollar rod holders. If you get a standard model you can rig it the way you want. If you are close to my size look for one in the 13-14 foot range, it will be faster than short wide models.

I'd really like a Wilderness System T14 but I'm also looking at the Ocean Kayak brand. My absolute choice would be Hobie Revo but I don't have $1800.00 to sink in one. You might check Craigslist or ebay for used ones. If I can't get the cash up for the one I want I'm going to wait until fall for people to start cleaning out their garage.

[kc]

I can see what you are saying about a sit-in and waves. My interest in a kayak is smaller waters - small lakes, ponds, and creeks and that's where I liked the thought of the ultimate. It also has that comfortable seat and with my not-so-good back that was attractive too. Plus I perceive it to be a stable small boat although I have yet to try one out. In the end it is all up to what you are looking for in a boat and if you do different things you may need different boats. I already have a 17' canoe but that is not worth a darn for solo fishing. I may also want to try a sit on top to see how that may work. I must admit the thought of not filling with water is a plus with them.

kc