What kind?

[strikezone31]

I was thinking about investing in a kayak this year.

What are the differences between a sit-on-top vs a sit-in?

[dogfish]

You might want to give us a little more info about where ya want to use it. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/images/icons/icon3.gif For rough surf, yer better off with a SOT. Fishing backwater ponds and lakes in colder water, a sit-in is a good choice. I don't know the statistics, but I think SOTs now outsell SIKs 2:1. Either way, you will have to plan to get wet, and learn the safety procedures for when you do.

Try before you buy. Find a guy with a shop that has a pond or bay out back. A pond isn't good enough if yer gonna use her in the salt, you want current, and to see how she handles in rougher water. You should ask yourself where you will be doing most of your fishing? Pedal kayaks like the Hobie have changed the sport. Things are so much easier with one, and you can fish all day or night without getting tired.

Good luck, let us know if you start to narrow it down.