So, Dick's is currently having a huge sale on a couple of sit in kayaks. There's a 10 footer for sale for $330 and a 12 footer for sale for $500. The 12 footer has a much bigger cockpit, but I didn't feel cramped in the 10 footer (I'm not a big guy).

Is the added length worth $170? The 12 footer had slightly better features (paddle holder already installed, better designed rear storage).

Oh, and this would be my first kayak and would be primarily fishing on a small river or small lake/ponds.

thanks!!!

and to add to the above, BPS has a 12 foot sit on top kayak for $480.

Are sit on tops better/worse/it depends than sit ins?  Will I likely end up with both?

I prefer the sit on top kayaks. There's many to choose from and they're made for fishing.

I am by no means a kayak expert but I can tell you that I have sit on top yak and absolutely love it. I have never had a sit in kayak but I have a friend that has one that I go fishing with alot and is always telling me that he should hav gotten a sit on top. Here are so

e pros and cons from what I have noticed. Sit on top pros- very easy to get in and out of, very easy access to storage areas, easier to mount a fishfinder, more space to spread out, easier to land and release fish, just as stable as sit ins, better modification potential, I can even stand up on mine without outriggers, if long enough you can store extra rods on the I side of the hull, ALOT easier to get back on in case you flip it, and you get a tan on your leggs also instead of just your arms and face lol. Cons- you can get wetter due to water comming up the scupper drain holes but you can plug them up if you want, you usually have to buy a seat sepperatly the   can be a bit pricey but well worth it, and it's a good idea to secure your stuff just in case you flip but you could loose suff in a sit in also I'm sure and less chance of getting stuck and drowning in a sit on top. Over all, I would never go to a sit in after having a sit on top. I hope this helps. By the way, I have a Malibu mini-x fish and dive model with an achore pulley system and a fishfinder installed. Soon to have an out rigger system and trolling motor mods. Happy paddling.   

the pelican castaway from dicks has been recommended to me a few times when i was looking for one. on another forum , plenty of members had them and everyone said they were great at their price point , just a bit heavy.

I have the 12 ft Perception Kayak from Dick's. It is a sit-on-top which from my experience and what I have read is the best way to go for fishing.  I have taken it out a few times and am very happy with it.  It is fairly easy to get in and out of (although I did fall out trying to get in the first time ) and has plenty of storage space. It was on sale for $499 when I got it.  For that price it is pretty good expecially for getting started in kayak fishing.

Thanks for the advice guys.  Looks like I'll wait for a sit on top deal.