Kayak Recommendations for a Newbie

[Gimpy]

I'm looking into buying a kayak, with crabbing very much in mind.  All I know for certain is that I am going to get a sit on top fishing-type kayak with pedal drive so I can work a trotline (eventually). 

Other than that, I don' know much about brands/models/features etc of kayaks. I've only ever used relatively cheap, small sit-in kayaks or a tandem sea kayak (once, long ago).

I'd love any input at all on what kind of kayaks everyone has, and what they do or don't like about them.  Any brands you love?  Any you would avoid?  What are the features you didn't get that you wish you had?  What did you pay extra for that was a waste of money?

How different is the handling on a ~10' kayak vs ~12'?  I'm 6' and about 230 lbs.  This makes me think a 12' would probably be better for me but maybe it doesn't matter and I could shave a little off the price by going shorter.  How much more than my weight should the capacity of the boat be?  Would 350 lb capacity be sufficient for 230 lb me once I load in gear, beer, and (hopefully) a bushel of crabs?

Any information will be greatly appreciated!

[Gimpy]

Just replying to myself to ask specifically if anyone has experience with BigFish kayaks?  Someone has a lightly used BigFish 108 for sale that looks like a nice rig.

[mikepet]

I will be crabbing from a FeelFree Lure 13.5 foot. It weighs 100# bare. I am also 6' and about 210 and feel absolutely comfortable in mine in any weather I'd be crabbing in. I would look at the FeelFree Moken, Lure, or Dorado. I believe all come with a pedal option, although I added an aftermarket Trolling to mine this year for crabbing.

[Logical1]

There are many options to choose from.  I still use a paddle kayak myself.  I am still using ring traps from my Kaku Wahoo 12.5.  I may go to a pedal drive kayak and trotline someday, had a friend that was had a hobie kayak that he was running a trotline with.  It did look like fun.

[JOHN M.O.T.]

I have a Hobie Revo 13 and a Wildy Tarpon 140. I wouldent go less than a 12'. You plus all your gear and space will get really small quick.
You should try out a few to see what works best for you.

[Logical1]

It sounds counter intuitive but, a longer kayak paddles easier and tracks straighter than a shorter kayak. Easier to get moving and glides farther on it's own.  A longer kayak will give less "Fish Tailing" (the back going side to side from paddling).  In the case of Trotline, traps or rings, being able to move in a straight line is key for efficency and economy of motion.  A skeg is nice, but a rudder is a tremendous asset to have.

[Harford Crabber]

Hey Jack, Is that Ganey's wharf in the picture?  I don't believe I've ever been there, definitely not from land.

[Harford Crabber]

I'm seeing the ringnets now that I blew it up so I'm doubting it's Ganeys,  certainly not that early in the year.

[Logical1]

I'm seeing the ringnets now that I blew it up so I'm doubting it's Ganeys,  certainly not that early in the year.

No that is definitely not Ganey's and your right, I would not be crabbing from there that early.

[SteveL]

I agree that kayaks in the 12 ft size is a good starting point.

Be thinking about how you will transport it, those boat are not light and not easy to get on top of roof racks.

Brad at Starrkmoon carries some nice new and used kayaks and he takes trade ins.

http://www.starrkmoon.com/

[jimaok]

I have a Nucanoe Unlimited.   Its 12'  and there is a peddle drive available but I just paddle mine.   I lot of reviews complained that it was like paddling a barge, and it kind of is, but I like the stability.  It has a 600 lb capacity, and a high swivel seat.   Its big and slow,  but really stable.   I like mine.  You definitely need wheels to get it to the water.  I use mine in the Bays off Cape Cod.   

[Logical1]

I have a Nucanoe Unlimited.   Its 12'  and there is a peddle drive available but I just paddle mine.   I lot of reviews complained that it was like paddling a barge, and it kind of is, but I like the stability.  It has a 600 lb capacity, and a high swivel seat.   Its big and slow,  but really stable.   I like mine.  You definitely need wheels to get it to the water.  I use mine in the Bays off Cape Cod.  

You have to go with a kayak that works for you and how you are using it. I have a Native Slayer Propel Max 12.5 with a pedal drive, but my Kaku Wahoo 12.5 ( pictures above) is my go to kayak for crabbing.

[Jimmies and Sooks]

Hey there, welcome to kayak crabbing crew! I would recommend a 12 ft kayak. I also highly recommend a kayak with a "Wheel on the Keel"... it makes transporting it from the truck to the water a breeze. 
A peddle kayak(Lightning Strike) is great in theory but they are not as easy as I was hoping for personally. I still find myself going back to my paddle kayak(Liquid Logic).
I ride a 12ft Liquid Logic- Manta Ray with paddle  -and-  I have a Lightning Strike 12 ft peddle kayak. I wouldn't necessarily recommend either of these kayaks but I do love the wheel on the keel and lighter weight of the Liquid Logic is nice but both kayaks are not hitting the mark for me.
My Lightning Strike has been disappointing because it is very heavy and take a ton of peddling to get from place to place on the water. My legs are gassed after about 30 minutes constant peddling.
Here is a quick video on my Kayaks-

[moc]

Nice to see you here.  This is Mach or MOC as some know me by.