My parents will agree to a kayak since it gives me a work out. So is there a good fishing kayak new for around 250$ that is better than the old town otter.

You could also check craigslist for something used.  I see canoes, kayaks and jon boats on a regular basis for decent prices.  Another thought is go for a 12' jon with some oars.  You'd still get your workout and have plenty of room to bring someone else.  

If you're smart, you could also sneak a trolling motor on there every once in a while when the folks aren't looking

I would like to stick to kayaks. Heres what I am looking at right now:http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131654&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153.2291570&cp=2367826.2672651.2674153&fbn=Type%3A+Kayaks%7CHard+Shell&f=PAD%2FType%3A+Kayaks%2FHard+Shell&fbc=1&categoryId=2291570&s=A-StorePrice-DSP&parentPage=search&searchId=22979738843

That would be a good kayak to start with. I have used the Zest on inshore bays in Florida. Are you set on a Sit on Top yak or would a Sit In interest you? You have many more options for your price range with a sit in and all kayaks can be customized for fishing.

I have a Old Town Kayak and I take it out every now and then.  I actually have better luck in the kayak fishing then in a boat.  I think you can sneak up on them better.

Just look around for prices, because I found my at REI cheaper because they had a sale going on.  But I think Dicks, REI, Bass Pro, etc... all are about the same on the Old Town kayaks.  Just remember you have to pay extra for the paddle, lifevest, etc..

I got a lifevest at Walmart for about $10

Look for Blemished yaks..

I bought my Otter Xt at Gander cheap because the decals were peeling..

Any yak you look at sit in it/on it to see if its comfortable..A hard seat can make for a long day..

Some things I looked at when shop were how the seat adjusted,seat comfort,foot braces,weight and how my assecories were going to mount.

Read the reviews

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/

I can take sit in or on top but I like the sit ontop more for storage.

I do not claim to be an expert on kayak fishing, but here is some experience and advice.I have canoed since I was big enough to hold a paddle. I have been kayaking for about 15 years and kayak fishing for around six. I used to only fly-fish from a yak, until I saw the saltwater guys using them for all kinds of inshore fishing. I said what the heck I'll try bass and catfishing from a yak. I have a small boat and access to several larger boats(jon, pontoon, and big bass), but I would rather paddle my kayak into some unpressured backwater anyday. I fish from a sit in kayak in freshwater and a sit-on-top in salt. One thing about kayak fishing is that you have to reduce the amount of tackle you take. When fishing from a boat I usually carry 5-7 rods and a huge tackle bag. In the kayak, I have 2 rods and a small bag. I take a few colors of plastics(lizards, worms, and craws), 6 different jigs, 4-6 cranks,  several spinnerbaits and a small selection of lead and hooks. I also carry a rain suit, emergency kit, flashlight, extra rope, and a few other essentials in a dry bag, this I stuff into the rear of the yak. I think yakkers learn to use their tackle more efficiently, because you can't constantly change rods or lures. Fishing from a kayak is about simplicity. You can go places others can't and fish waters that rarely see anyone else. Another thing is that you are sitting down and cannot stand up, so some fishing techniques are extremely difficult, especially pitching and flipping. Sight-fishing is virtually impossible in freshwater. And sometimes if you happen to catch a large fish, particularly a catfish or carp, it can pull you around some. A kayak is not a substitute for a jon or bass boat, it is a different way of fishing altogether. Take this into consideration before jumping in head first, if your expectations are to fish like the Pros on TV or like some of the guys on BR, then you may be disappointed with a kayak and maybe should wait until a boat presents itself. If you are looking for a totally different style of fishing, then a kayak may be right up your alley. Good luck with your decision and fishing.

Where are you located kickbass? I can do a little looking around for a used kayak in your area. For 250, you can't get an ideally suited new kayak. You can however find a good used one for that amount.

I'll keep an eye out online for you too.  I just bought a 15 1/2ft canoe.  I was kicking around the idea of a kayak, but I like to bring a fishing buddy.  I love it though.  Something about that old school feeling

I live in a town outside of newark,Ohio.

My mom said I could get a new kayak form dicks so I want to know how to trick it out.

When I'm not in the Bass Raider I'm in a kayak called "Victory Blast" that I got at Dicks.  very easy to get in/out of...easy to move efficiently with the paddles but could use some rod holders if you want to go fishing with it.

only $250 (and sometimes discounted from that!)

Thanks but I found a nice one at my local dunhams.

My mom said I could get a new kayak form dicks so I want to know how to trick it out.

Check out this site. Lots of great info and more ways to rig a kayak than you'd think possible.

http://kayakfishingstuff.com/

I spent $550 on my yak and another $50 putting in two rod holders and rigging an anchor. Best money I've spent on fishing gear. If you're looking for a bargain price but want a decent boat to fish from (unlike those from Dick's) I'd look at used or blems. Good luck and have fun!

Found one at my local dunhams. The pelican pursuit 100 DLX. Good price and new. I think I will go with it.

Nice. You should have a good time with it. 10' is a good length for smaller bodies of water and on anything bigger than a few acres you'll definitely get that workout. A couple of rod holders and paddles clips (assuming yours isn't outfitted with them already) are easy DIY projects that will make all the difference in the world when you get out on the water. There are lots of other mods you can do to make it "yours" and a convenient, effective platform to fish from.

Thanks for all your help. I am looking forward to the purchase.

Boaters World has one called the Dragonfly for $199.  Has a rod holder and some other cool features.  My brother has one and says he loves it.  Looks pretty cool too I think.  Has a drink holder, rod holder, tie down, paddle holder all built in to it stock. I am 250 lbs and got on it once, it was not quite bouyant enough for me.  I could use it but woud get pretty wet riding so low.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/363480013.htm

I would consider it but shipping is 250$ and that would put me over my budget.

how about a pontoon?  You still get some exercise, your able to hold more gear, and they are easier to fish from.

this one is under your budget with free shipping.

http://www.creekcompany.com/indivdisplay.php?primaryAutoID=6&Cat=Featured

I would consider it but shipping is 250$ and that would put me over my budget.

Didnt realize you were in Ohio.  I think West Marine sells them too if you have those in your area.  They ship to the store for free if the store dosent have one (most have them).

kickbasskid: whoa there, young padiwan. Are you sure you want a SIK kayak for fishing (Sit In Kayak) vice a SOT kayak that most fisherman prefer (Sit On Top)?? The SIK does have a few pluses but the negatives far outweigh them. Please check out all the recommendations and articles/posts on this subject at the Kayak Fishing Stuff website BEFORE you buy something that will be more of a pain to use and ruin your fishing outtings! The Dragonfly that TyTy listed in his post would be WAY better than the Pelican Pursuit 100 IN MY OPINION!!! A SOT kayak gives you way more ROOM to acccess all your rods and fishing gear and also, IMO are safer since entry and exit are much easier. I just sold my Malibu Mini-X SOT kayak and bought a Nu Canoe which is in the $700 range for a 10' and $800 range in the 12' for the basic Recreation model. Finding a used one of those might be near impossible since the company is fairly new and a lot of people don't know about them. You can read all the posts I've made the last few weeks on the Mini-X and the Nu Canoe here on BR. For someone who doesn't care if he/she stands up while fishing, the Mini-X at 9'3" and 40 pounds is probably one of the BEST small kayaks on the market and you might be able to find a used one in your price range since the new ones sell for around $500 for the base model and $600 for the one rigged out completely for fishing. I paid $500 for my almost new, only used 4X Mini-X rigged for fishing and it came with a $120 deluxe seat, installed compass, and a $400 Werner Carbon paddle that IS the cat's whiskers!! I kept the seat and paddle when I sold the Yak itself for $300 to a guy who wanted it for his girlfriend.

You can also find pretty good deals on Cobra Fish 'N Dive kayaks on Ebay and Craig's List. The Tarpon 120 is also touted as a nice fishing Yak.

Just don't make a mistake and get the wrong configuration of Yak. Patience young Padiwan. You're not a Jedi yet (Yaki??) Hope this helps you out!!!

I have fished out of SIK's before and I had almost no trouble. Also I found a Victory Blast at my local dicks on sale. Thanks for the concern though. Here is a link:http://www.noyopacific.com/victorykayaksblast.html

OK, glad to hear that, BUT I still think SOTs are the way to go. The Victory is a nice looking SIK. Let us know when you have your new Yak!