where to test paddle

[jfish]

Hello all,
I am fairly new to kayak fishing and stumbled onto this site. I am enjoying reading the old posts and becoming painfully aware that I have a LOT to learn. Oh well...that's the fun of it right?
Anyway, the reason for the post is that I am ready to start my rapid decent down the slippery slope of kayak fishing. I have been fishing out of an old town vapor 10 but want to "upgrade" to a sit on top. I am leaning towards a tarpon 120.
A common theme I am seeing from those who have been doing this a while is "try before you buy". As much as I would like to go out and buy a new kayak now, I will exercise patience and wait for stores to offer test paddles. And that (finally!) brings me to my question. which retailers do you all recommend I visit when the water warms up enough for them to offer test paddles?

your input is appreciated,
jfish

[MetroMan]

Welcome!

The first time I demo'd kayaks was thru an event held in Annapolis sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports. Got to try about 4 yaks that I was interested in. I ended up renting from there for my first yak fishing trip. Rented a synergy 14, and a T-120. Ended up buying the synergy from them.

Also check with Easton Cycle and Sport. I think they have demo days, as they just sold a bunch of used demo yaks.

Also try Kent island kayaks. They rent yaks and I think they may have demo events.

Also check with appatomax river company.

Hope this helps

[jfish]

Thanks for the input. I will follow up on the places you mentioned.

[surfdog]

Annapolis canoe and kayak has tarpons and they are right on the water in eastport Dave's a pretty nice guy and the scenery is pretty nice too

[ictalurus]

I second Annapolis Canoe and Kayak. They even worked with me on the the price of a new Tarpon. I think there's also Backyard Boats nearby that will let you test drive Hobies. Bluhaven Piers will also let you test drive. You can rent them there, too, for a very reasonable price, and the creek there has some good white perch fishing.

[surfdog]

backyard boats is right next door try the tarpon first then try a hobie revo, and see which you llike better

[On the fly]

CD Dollar at Bass Pro

CD Dollar will be giving a seminar on Kayak Fishing the Chesapeake Bay on Saturday March 5 from 1-2pm and Sunday March 6 from 2-3pm.

Come to the fly shop and we will direct you to the seminar.

[DOGFISH]

Annapolis canoe and kayak has tarpons and they are right on the water in eastport Dave's a pretty nice guy and the scenery is pretty nice too

I agree about Annapolis Canoe and Kayak, 311 Third St., Annapolis, 21403. Not only do they test paddle, you could rent the model you are looking at and fish in Spa Creek. That would give you the all around experience.

Of course, we kayak anglers like to think that we ascend toward greater insight and knowledge.

[DOGFISH]

backyard boats is right next door try the tarpon first then try a hobie revo, and see which you llike better

Oh yeah, I forgot to warn you about those Hobie guys.