It's been a while since there was a kayak thread. I'm looking to get my first kayak and was looking for some advice. I'm a bigger guy that is going to use it for recreation and some fishing. 
TTT
guys like whitebelt and cbia can give you all the info you need including specifics based on your height/weight, the type of water you'll be in, climate, etc....
In. Just went recently and thinking about purchasing my own too. 
I designed fishing equipment for surf to summit for years. Any specifics ask away.
As a big guy I suggest nothing with a beam narrower than 30" ... Gets to tippy. I like a 12'-14' ocean kayak (big game or prowler) with 32" beam for Saltwater and I like 10' for fresh water. Being in the ocean I like the extra length and track ability !
Get a good seat, will make all the difference. Get a S2S expedition or Pro... Also don't skimp on a paddle.
Ocean kayak, Cobra, Hobie are best IMO for traditional Sit on Top yaks. I dont recommend a sit in side for fishing.
Tie everything down, get a dry bag and get ready for a life long addiction!
I recommend looking for a used one then outfitting the way you want.
Once you buy, take it out with no gear and purposely tip it over...Rick back n forth be side to side till you find the tipping point... Better to know with board shorts on and no gear than fully clothed and loaded to gills...plus you need to learn how to get back in if you ever fall out, can be tricky at first
What type of water? Do you have any experience in kayaks/canoes?
Do you have a dealer or paddling club/org near?
I'll be going in the bay and lakes. I used to use my brothers kayak in the ocean when we were younger. I am visiting him now and used it on a lake yesterday and the seat is way too narrow but I had a blast doing it.
FETT_TFK_El Pescadero - Once you buy, take it out with no gear and purposely tip it over...Rick back n forth be side to side till you find the tipping point... Better to know with board shorts on and no gear than fully clothed and loaded to gills...plus you need to learn how to get back in if you ever fall out, can be tricky at first*Rock back n forth and side to side
"As a big guy I suggest nothing with a beam narrower than 30""
I agree with this for SOTs and rec kayaks. A few other options for SOTs not mentioned:
Wilderness Systems
Jackson Kayaks
Try as many as you can. Many dealers will have demo days or join a paddling club.
Invest in a good paddle. They are 100% worth it.
cbia - "As a big guy I suggest nothing with a beam narrower than 30""Great advice.
I agree with this for SOTs and rec kayaks. A few other options for SOTs not mentioned:
Wilderness Systems
Jackson Kayaks
Try as many as you can. Many dealers will have demo days or join a paddling club.
Invest in a good paddle. They are 100% worth it.
Been yak fishing for over 15 years. Love it. I have worked with most if the major company's, we designed seats for a lot of them.
Diablo paddle sports makes some cool designs also... Not typical at all. Same with NuCanoe. Both good company's run by great people.
In. Need to buy one. Debating on the little play boats or whatever theyre called to though.
liquid logic
Cool kayaks. I like the crossovers
I bought a perception striker 11.5 today for me and a perception rambler 9.5 for my wife. We got pretty decent deals on them too.
Butts
I got a couple necky rip 12s on sale. They is my and my gfs first kayaks. So far they are great. I have 0 problems cruising around.
They have huge cockpits so easy to get I and out, hard to roll, but I've had no lessons.
going to buy 2 this weekend
bonesjonesin - Looking at a nu canoe. Frontier 12. Amazing stability. Great boat for big guys.Great company, the owner is a good dude...definitely a unique design and beyond stable... But not ocean worthy. Freshwater there killer... The duck hunting model is tits!
TFK_Dagz - I bought a perception striker 11.5 today for me and a perception rambler 9.5 for my wife. We got pretty decent deals on them too.Stoked my man!! Good times ahead