Buying 1st Kayak--Pointers?

Looking to sell my son's small boat and get 1-2 kayaks instead.  He feels more comfortable with kayaks than trailering the boat.  Looking at a million different options it seems, and have read numerous articles.  Narrowed it down to sit on top in the 10.5-12 ft range.  Will have a trailer so weight of kayak not an issue.

Leaning towards a pedal option as it will be easier to move around while fishing.  I've read about the issues with skinny water, breakage of parts, weight, weeds, etc.  Any other negatives with the pedal option over a paddle?  Seems like it would be easiest to fish out of one of these if the water is 3 ft or deeper and mostly clean, true?

Anything else I don't know that I should?  Besides options on electronics, lighting, rod holders, etc. is there anything that makes the expensive yaks better than the others?  I'm fine spending up to $2000 if it's worth it, but if I can get 2 kayaks that are $1500 each over 1 expensive one, seems like that would be the way to go?

I appreciate all the opinions and input.  Thank you!

 Ditto on the high cost of casino lanyards! I made mine out of string trimmer line. What worked out even better, it was some line that was given to me. I am cheap! I could probably buy them cheaper, but these are made to fit my needs. And it was a fun little project. Making the coils and reversing them tats time, but they work well.

Kmanster

That surely could get expensive. Lol hopefully you have better luck than I

DIY Lanyards...

I use the lanyards that the casinos give you for your players card.  They usually last  2 years or so.  

DIY LANYARDS.

I have made them to. Very good money savers indeed !

 A couple of years ago, I got dumped by a rental mental is Florida. The only thing that kept me from losing everything in the boat were these lanyards that I made. All of my gear stayed with the boat. They are a handy item to have on board.

Get the one your really want, in other words buy your 2nd kayak first :-)

I had a Wilderness Ride 115 until I sold it a few years ago. Super stable, I could stand up and turn around on it will casting my fly rod. The track system was nice for accessory and I had a swing arm for the transducer. In hull storage is nice for trips, too. I could put my rods inside the kayak and lock it.  An anchor trolley is almost a must since you'll swing around on a breezy day. 

There are aftermarket track systems you can mount if yours doesn't have one and they are awesome for things like mounting rod holders, swing arms, etc. You can move your rod holder to where it's best for you that way.

One thing is if you go with a paddle and not a pedal drive: the wider it is, the more effort to paddle. You'll sacrifice maneuverability and speed for stability with a wider kayak. 

Also, a good kayak cart is worth it. I had a nice through scupper hole cart and it made hauling the kayak to the water a breeze if I didn't have easy access to a launch. 

Scupper plugs are a good accessory. I blocked off a couple of my scupper holes and kept the inside of the kayak a lot drier. 

If you buy a paddle, make sure to size it right. It's a lot easier to paddle with one that matches your body and if you sit higher/lower on the kayak. 

I have the same as "Mountain" and love it.  I really did some nice additions which were easy and not real expensive.  I'm 6'2" and 240 it have had no issues with stability.  The best advice I can give is get on You Tube when it comes time to rig it.  There are some great ideas and suggestions, one being a proper anchor system.

Tight Lines.

Thanks for the responses and additional information.  I was leaning towards the Ascends and can get them at Cabelas, but then after reading reviews and looking at them in person I'm not so sure?  They seem boxy and one of the complaints is they take on alot of water.  Would you agree?  There are some nice ones used that come with a trailer as well that I'm considering.  Have any of you had experience with the 3 Waters brand?  Almost like a tri-hull type design, looks big and stable, not super fast though and most say a rudder is a must.

I appreciate the info on the must haves besides the kayak itself.  Good to know what is an important accessory and what is just "nice to have".  I'm sure making sure he doesn't dump gear into the water will be a large part of the necessity piece.

Have any of you used a trolling motor on yours?  Plus or minus to it besides the basics of weight and wiring?

Agree with comfortable life vest. Get something that is comfy for a day-long trip and you can fish out of easily. 

Until advancing age got me out of Yaks I had an Ascend 12.5 sit on top. Nice unit and not too expensive. IMO every fishing yak should have: stake out pole on trolley, small folding anchor, basic depth finder, paddle leash, rod floats, comfortable floatation and portage wheels. I fished water in MN Wi and Charolette Harbor Fl. I had a Jerk in FL roll me with his wake so the rod floats and paddle leash came in handy. The 12.5 ascend from Bass Pro is big enough for a 225 lb guy.  Good luck 

I own a Perception Pescador Pro 12'. Paid $750 a few years back. I am 6'5" and about 250lbs and feel very safe in it. Comfortable seat and tracks very well. Have seen them for around $1000 this year. Not a pedal drive, FYI.

  From what I have been told, finding one might be the first major hurdle. The boats that I have were around $1850 a couple of years ago. I have used mine in lakes and rivers in Wisconsin, but I have spent many months on the Gulf of Mexico with no issues. I have caught plenty of saltwater fish from Spotted Sea Trout to Bull Sharks. I have fished grass flats in as little as 18" of water before the prop hits the bottom. The Hobie Mirage drive is very handy in less than 18" of water. Regardless of the drive style, each has pluses and minuses.