I’ve never fished out of a kayak and would like to give it a try. I would do probably 80% of my fishing in a small river in western Virginia fishing for smallmouth bass, maybe 15% fishing small lakes for smallmouths & trout, and maybe 1-2 trips a year to the beach to fish creeks/lagoons, etc… I’m 5’9" and weigh right at 190 pounds. I know…need to drop a few pounds. 
I work for the state of Virginia. We get all the holidays, but I don’t make any money. So, I’ll be searching Craigslist and local ads for deals. Would love to pick something up for $200 or so.
Sit-in or sit-on-top? Pros and Cons of each?
Is it worth looking for a “fishing” kayak, or can I get a “regular” kayak and add rod holders?
I know I need to make sure I have someplace to put a milk crate and/or bucket. Anything else I need to make sure I have?
Sometimes you see a good deal on a tandem SOT kayak. Would one of those work to fish out of (with just me in it)?
My local Dick’s store has a SOT Fishing Kayak for $400 (not the Field & Stream one). I could get that one, but would like to spend less money. Of course I could always wait until Fall and see if they put it on sale.
I’ll be at Hunting Island this weekend. Is there anyplace in the general area that sells used kayaks where I might get a good deal? (I’ll be in a Ford Fusion. Would I even be able to transport it back to Virginia without spending a ton of money?)
Sorry for the long post and multiple questions.
Thanks.
I guess you are talking about the Perception Sport Angler. I have that one as my lender when I take people out. Paddles okay but a little bit of a wet ride although I think it is a good value for $400. There are some places that sell used kayaks in the area but usually charge toooooo much for old beat up and heavily abused kayaks. Sit on top is the way to go for fishing and I went through all the same questions you are. Way more room, easy to move around, and getting up and standing. My dad has a tandem he fishes from and watching him is hilarious. He has stuff all over the place with nothing tied down, has lost a couple rods and some tackle(mostly just not setting it up right) but most sits in other seat and you can’t reach it. Generally much heavier and harder to manuever but it can work. As far as transport, that all depends on your car. With your budget the foam racks that just sit on roof and kayak goes on top may work although if you have a nice car I would not recommend it. Will scratch it up and leave dent marks. Try to find one that has rod holders, anchor trolley, paddle, vest, anchor, etc. For what you are spending it will cost you more than that to get everything done if you have nothing on it and the paddle alone will be near $100. Not the cheapest activity to get into. Hope this helps and I am sure a couple others will chime in.
We’re stuck between Barack and a hard place. Hide their food stamps under their working boots.
Manta Ray 14’
I think 99% of kayak fishermen/women would agree that a SOT is better than a SINK for fishing. There are a few people who fish out of SINKs and they might want to chime in.
It’s probably possible to luck into a decent fishing yak for $200 or less but it doesn’t happen often.
A tandem might work tho they’re generally a bear to paddle for a single paddler. What is the river like that you’ll be fishing in? Strong current? If so, you’ll need a boat that you can paddle easily to manage the current.
Spend some time to learn about kayaks and what suits your needs/style. Keep an eye on Craigslist and yard sales for a deal and you might get lucky. Save up more money…