Hi Todd,

In my view, if you want something that will be a work of art and where the fun is in the building, go for a strip-built design. If you want something that looks good but will get you out on the water quicker, go S&G.

If you're happy to look at S&G plans, check out the Mill Creek by Chesapeake Light Craft. Designed as a stable, reasonablly efficient kayak for fishing and exploring. Flat-bottomed, wide and roomy with a big cockpit. I'm looking at building one for fly-fishing out of too - room to add some fly box-holders and rod holders on the side and gear between legs in the cockpit. Maybe with an insulated storage behind the cockpit (or leave a space to fit an esky like on rotomoulded ones).

I believe they offer a strip-deck hybrid one which would look better.

Not sure how they'd go in a bay/open water but great for backwaters, rivers, etc.

Eoither way, I'd go for something with a fairly flat bottom and secondard stability for when you're trying to haul that big one over the side.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Darren
Melbourne, Australia