To tell you the truth, it is truly an individual choice based on your wants and needs. Living in SD is a special situation with a protected launch at LJ and a couple of big harbors to choose from, there is little need for a surf launching kayak. The exception is if you want to be able to launch at other locations with less than desirable conditions. There are other notable exceptions: like fishing rockfish is probably better on a Hobie and fishing in the kelp for Calicos is probably easier on a paddle kayak. I can tell you for sure that, as incredible as it may seem, you can fish and paddle at the same time. And just about every person that tells you you need a Hobie to hold your rod while pedaling has a rod holder on each side of their kayak and one hand on there rudder control.
