I'm trying to buy a kayak for both fishing and recreation and was hoping to get some recommendations.. I don't really want to spend over $500 so nothing too fancy.. and also I'm having trouble finding any good stores to buy from here near Northern Virginia.. thanks!

try looking up kayakbassfishing.com lots of good info.

Check the June issue of Bassmasters magazine. They compare a handful of different 'yaks

thanks guys, I'll check them out

Try the Appomattox River Co.  I think they have several locations in VA and have tons of kayaks in stock.  I've never personally dealt with them, but they have a pretty good reputation in the kayak fishing community.

Good luck!

ARC is well known in the VA area.  At that price point, I'd also be looking at used boats.  You'll have to decide SOT/SINK style, take into consideration weight capacity.  And think about what water you'll be fishing, lakes river, ponds, current, etc.