I'm 5'6' and I'm looking for a good kayak. How long should it be?

To be honest your height is totally irrelevant. Kayaks, like all boats go by maximum weight capacity.

What you need to ask your self is what kind of water will you be fishing. Rivers? Lakes? Ponds? Longer kayaks tend to track better. Some folks like the old style cockpit type kayaks while other like the sit on top type. There is also the hybrid type. Kind of a canoe that you use a kayak paddle with. They all have there advantages and disadvantages. If you have a decent outfitter near you you can go for a test paddle and see what fits your needs. Todd

Thanks

whats your price range? 

Under $600

Height comes in to play but more for taller fold and it is in regards to cockpit size.  Given your height pretty much any kayak will be totally fine.

 

As far as in that price range you have to remember that you also will need a good PFD and a paddle so adjust your budget accordingly.  I would say take a look at used boats on craigslist as there are always good boats for sale at good prices.  As far as which one, you need to give a little more info like

What type of water?

How are you transporting?

Sit in side or a sit on top?

 

Those three questions are pretty key in figuring out what length and type and after that it is all about features....

I'm 5'6' and I'm looking for a good kayak. How long should it be?

 

I'm also 5'6" ish (on the + side) and I use a 12 foot Native Ultimate. But it's beyond your stated price range.

 

Depends on what you're looking to do, like flyfisher suggested.

 

If you have a kayak store in your area, see if they're having a demo days event any time this spring (or whenever), where you can get in several models and test them on the water.

 

If not, most stores will let you sit in them in-store to test out how they feel.

Thanks!

I'm looking to fish freshwater. I'm gonna keep at my lake house and bring it in the shed when I'm

Not there. I really don't care if I sit on top or cockpit style. I live near a kayak store and I will test one out sometime. Thanks again!

I have found an 8 foot one for beginners. I will check it out.

I am 5'6'' too and have a 12 footer. I think my next will be a 14 footer for the extra speed to cover more area. 

I'm 5'6" as well and currently have 14 foot SOT kayak.  I personally like the Sit on top as it is easier to fish from, I mostly think that is because of my height but just my opinion. I would sit in both types and see which one your more comfortable with.

I'm 5'6' and I'm looking for a good kayak. How long should it be?

Fry, it looks like you fish on lakes, lake Hartwell in particular. Perception has a kayak called the Pescador 13 available through Gander mountain.

Perception kayaks is owned by Confluence water sports. This is the company that also owns Wilderness Systems kayaks and a couple of other brands.

The Pescador 13 is a rebranded older model Wilderness Systems Tarpon. I would recommend doing some research on this boat. I know kayak anglers who have them are happy with them. I have seen a 12 foot version at Academy sports. Personally, I would not go smaller that 13 ft on a big lake like Hartwell. 

If you get a chance to fish from a kayak, do it. Even if the kayak you get to paddle is not what you are looking for. Any experience you gain will give you insights into what you want, what you like, and what you don't like. 

The 10 foot Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 sit on top (you can start with a different kayak but when you get this one, you will will keep it forever)

When I bought this I was not sure how good it would be good for fishing in lakes but I had researched features and concluded it was great value (for $800 including PFD and great paddle).

Three summers now, with over 100 times on the water with it, I can attest to you that it is a dream come true. I have convinced four other people living close by to also buy exact same kayak and they too are now 100% convinced by its features.

 

some of the older SOT were narrow, ride high in the water and this makes them tippy-roll over easy. My bro-in-law has an original WS Tarpon 12. It is good quality , but does roll over easy.

I have found an 8 foot one for beginners. I will check it out.

 

wouldn't go anything less than 10' on the lake.  height has little or nothing to do with it at 5'6".  the length is really impacting the speed and stability of the boat.  i would do a lot of research and look into it.  there is a huge difference for me between sit in and sit on top, lengths, seats, etc.  good luck, kayak fishing is a ton of fun