New to kayak fishing

[somdkayak1]

I am looking for a kayak/s for myself and my son to use for fishing. I live in southern Maryland, so will be fishing all around the St. Marys county area. I would like some input on whether I should purchase a tandem or 2 single kayaks. I am 41 and my oldest son is 11. He has paddled a kayak by himself before on flat calm water - not fishing. Is it difficult for two people to fish from a tandem kayak? My thought for going with a tandem is that it would give me the ability to help teach and offer help during fishing together - since we are both new to this type of fishing. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and reading all the posts - I am very happy I found this forum.

[Slackdaddy]

If he already can fish, 2 singles. he will pickup the kayaking part quick, and you'll be selling the double and getting singles.
The hottest deal on a SOT is the older Tarpon 120 now sold as the Perception pescador, West Marine has them for 550.00, but will price match Acadamy at 499.00.
My 3 kids started wanting to be in their own around 9-10,,
If you are going with a double, look at the mad river adventure canoe, I paddle one with a kayak paddle when taking a youngster.

OK, let me tell you the truth, in 6-12 months your gonna have 3-5 boats, doubles, singles,,, it's a sickness

Slack

[nay_sayer]

I second Slackdaddy, 2 singles. My son is 9 and he does just fine with both fishing and paddling on the rivers and in the bay. When he needs something or I want to teach him something we just raft up next to each other. This doesn't happen much since, at his age, he already knows everything

[mango]

my son 12 and I paddle 2 singles and it is working out well. When he is tired of me talking, he says that he thinks he sees a good spot that likely holds fish and paddles away.

[somdkayak1]

Thanks for the input so far. Sounds like 2 singles is the way to go. I actually did look at the mad river canoe - was at Dicks the other day and was thinking of picking it up. My family camps a lot - we have a pop-up camper. I used to have a 16' bowrider I would fish with quite a bit, but got rid of it. We are new to owning kayaks/canoes and want to get some for the family - although the idea of fishing from a kayak is something I can do on my own when the boys don't want to. Looks like i may be spending some money.

Another question - other than craigslist, what is a good site to find a used kayak in southern Maryland - or near by?

Thanks for all the help.

[yakersaltlife]

to be honest, this is an awesome spot, under "tackle shop". There are two on the board right now that would not be bad for starting out and would cost just over 1000. They are sit inside kayaks, so that would all depend on the type of water you plan on fishing. just my .02

[Slackdaddy]

I have found it very very hard to find a good used yak,, less than you can buy new.
Example: a used Tarpon 120 (pre 09 model), I see them listed for 500-700 used, you can get it brand new for 499.00, it's going to real hard to find a decent SOT for less then 499.00,, unless you are talking about a stripped down big box store POS. And if you camp,, you WILL be camping out of it before to long,, so get one with hatches.
Yeah, there will be that super cheap 1000 yak listed for 250,, and it will be sold in 10 minutes.

Slack

[daddyg]

First thing Welcome...I have still have our first two' my sons and mine. I just put my asend fs12 up for sale but if you want to do a package deal I will sell both for a good price.

[ictalurus]

Welcome to the site. I live in St. Mary's County, too. I can meet you guys somewhere if you want to try an 09 model Tarpon or a Hobie Revolution to see if you like them before you buy something. Bluhaven Piers rents Hobies for a reasonable price. The Patuxent Adventure Center sells, demos, and rents kayaks, too. I think they carry Heritage and Malibu.