Which Kayak should I choose?

[Caleb from Kentucky]

I am 20 years old and have fished my entire life. I have also kayaked for the past 8 years or so since my family bought 3 second-hand kayaks (which are in rough shape by now).

I am very interested in kayak fishing, but I do not know what type of kayak to try out/buy. It seemed most appropriate for me to just ask the experts on a forum where people are very familiar with kayak fishing and many different boats. = )

some information...

I will be mostly fishing for small-mouth bass in large creeks/small rivers.
(the kayak is for getting to where I cannot/don't want to walk)

I plan on bringing camping equipment, too.
(very light; just hammock, blanket, space-pillow, etc)

Being able to float over shallow areas is fairly important.

I believe I would like a sit-on-top kayak, although I have never used one.
(if it matters, I am 6' and 145 #)

A long kayak might be inconvenient in a lot of locations where I might fish, but straight-tracking is still somewhat important to me.

I do care about the price, since I'm still a student, but I understand that it isn't a cheap hobby to start. = )


My big questions are...

What length should I look for?
Would I be okay through rough/fast water with a sit-on-top?
Are there any specific kayaks that you would recommend?

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP!

Any first-hand testimony about river kayak-fishing would be great!