Kayaking, Diving, Skiing, & Surfing Forum. - Advice-Buzzards Bay-Fishing-General Use-16yr old

Am looking for Christmas gift for my 5'11"/145lb son. Use will be in calmer bay/inlets of Buzzards Bay. Will want for general exploration, but also for fishing - spin, not (yet) fly. Likely bottom-fish and cast/trolling for blues/small stripers. I recognize that everything is about compromise.

Just starting to research, but any and all advice very welcome. Plan to hit Bass Pro, REI, LL Bean and perhaps Natick Outdoor Store. On-line found an Old Town Vapor 12 XT at REI - 56 lbs @ $679 while Bass Pro has an Ascend FS10 Angler - 59 lbs @ $499 (12' Angler seems heavy at 75 lbs) -- both are sit-in style.

Does anyone have any thoughts on either of these models or other advice/recommendations?

Thanks for helping to educate this NOOB.

Happy holidays to all!

Suggest you stay away from the sit-in yaks. I think the Vapor is a pure sit-in. The Ascend may be open enough to allow movement.

The sit-on-top yaks will not take on water and you have unlimited movement of your body. Much easier to fish from, safer if the wind kicks up some chop.

Are there any kayak clubs in your area? Talk to some members for suggestions. Find a kayak store and get more info from them.

Spin is easy sitting down. Fly means you need to stand and then you need beam or outriggers for stability.

The longer the yak the better it should track in the water. Helps to have a rudder but not required. 75 lbs maybe heavy for your son on land but in the water it is nothing. Look at a cart (two wheels with an axle) if he has trouble moving it himself on land

Your son doesn't weigh much but if he gets into it, then you might add a cooler, water/drinks, ice, a couple of rods, lures, net, anchor. I think it easy to add another 50 lbs of stuff so he can get to 200 lbs loaded. Do you need 250??? Also means you can use it.

around that price range I really like the perception pescador from academy its the same mold as the older tarpon 120 kayaks for almost half the price. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4UJiGOrDw

. before I got my Hobie I had a ocean kayak trident by far my favorite paddling kayak.