New to the sport

[rjmickster4]

Hi guys. Thanks for having me. I went kayak fishing last summer in Hilton Head and loved it. Lookng to buy my 1st yak to go in the bays and rivers and light surf maybe. Currently looking to spend around $700.  I was looking at the Ascend ft 12 or the eagle talon 12. Either would be sit n top. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Hotrod]

   Welcome.. You came to the right place..  hang tight our Kayak guys will love to help you..

[rjmickster4]

Thanks

[BigAl13]

  Im not a kayaker myself but surely the guys will be responding 

[Still Running]

 

[fluke - u]

 

[Surf Bird]

12 Foot sit on top is a good size for what you described. I have a 12 foot manta ray (native watercraft).How are you going to transport it. Pick-up - on top of a car or SUV. (Can you lift it). My brother in law just bought a 10 ft SIT IN Kayak and he is happy he did because of the lifting. He can use it in the bay and freshwater. Safety is very important (personnel floatation device , whistle vhf radio, cell phone, first aid kit) A good paddle is important. Visit all the kayak sites read and look at pictures of outfitting. Don't go overboard you don't want a kayak to cluttered up. Dave on this site has given many lectures and has an excellent handout he may schedule one this spring.(Kayak1) Check out all of the past posts of this site there are a few good tips. Clothing is also very important ,cooler weather means dry suit or wet suit & dry top also foot wear is important.

[Dalejam]

Welcome aboard rjmickster4
 I am KAYAKER, there is a lot to tell you about Kayaking, to much to list, so i will give the things that make the difference.
1) Go sit in it try one out at a store, that will tell you everything about being comfortable. also height and weight of you will play a big part too.
2) don't Buy one from stores like Walmart, Kmart etc... Nothing against them but they usually don't cater to kayak fisherman. generic stuff.
3) sports authority is a ok place, i would go to south Jersey (well for me it is) JERSEY PADDLER they have a lot of variety and you can sit in them to see how you feel.
4) Cant stress this more ALWAYS WEAR YOUR PFD, NO EXCUSES...

IF you want more information and some good ole insight send me a PM AND I WILL GIVE YOU MY CELL number and we can talk and get into greater detail.

Kayak1 IS by far the best knowledge around for fishing and what you should be looking into, but as he told me and i am telling you, dont buy on looks buy after you sit in it....

DALE

[Pfishingruven]

 

[rjmickster4]

I want to thank everyone for their assistance. I was looking seriously at the Ascend FS 12t, However after looking at reviews and the opinions of people on this forum I opted for a perception pescador 12. Purchased at Sports Authority was on sale and had a coupon, the Kayak and Paddle for $600.00 This kayak is an older model of a Wilderness Tarpon. I am looking forward to the spring and getting out on the water. I will be coming from the Essex/ Morris county area looking to fish the Raritan, Sandy Hook and Red Bank areas.

[Hotrod]

Cool.. we will need pics of your first trip.. and Fish 

[Still Running]

  

[Dalejam]

I also live Morris County too.
send me a pm and when I go down I can give you a call and introduce you  to some kayakers