New to NCKA from Santa Rosa, CA

Hey guys and gals,

I'm happy to be a new member of NCKA and I'm just getting started in all this madness.  My lady picked me up a kayak for my recent b-day and I'm addicted .  Ive been sticking to lakes mostly, but I'm interested in getting out into the ocean.  I was wondering if anyone in the Santa Rosa area is familiar with the ocean and or would be interested in showing me the ropes?  I'm new to Santa Rosa(originally from Sacramento which i visit every other week) but based on what I've read on the net there are some great spots along the north coast not too far from where I'm at.  My setup is a Elie Horizon 150 (15ft) with rudder, humminbird fishin buddy 120(POS i know). Im on a budget but my next purchase will be a salt water rod/reel/tackle (right now i have a couple freshwater light rods with baby spinning reels and an Abu Garcia Vendetta/Shimano Citica 200E).  I just dont want to buy a saltwater rod/reel/tackle and have no skills or knowledge of ocean fishing.  I work 4 days on 4 days off so my schedule is pretty open.  Let me know if you're interested in meeting up on the north coast or inland near sac. My goals are to catch some good fighters and eat some tasty fish on occasion. Im eager to learn from the vets of the sport or just someone who can show me the ropes!  Any tips or anything? Im ALL ears! Thanks again! Hope to hear from you all soon!

yours truly,
Derek.

Welcome to the Madness Derek

I'm too far north of you for hook-ups, but you will learn very much on this site

Before you head out on big blue make sure you have all your safety equip. in place and some instruction or experienced paddlers with you.
Remember you are a kayaker first and fisherman second, safety always comes first.
Use the search function to learn about safety equipment and procedures.

Later, Tad
 

Welcome to the Madness Derek

I'm too far north of you for hook-ups, but you will learn very much on this site

Before you head out on big blue make sure you have all your safety equip. in place and some instruction or experienced paddlers with you.
Remember you are a kayaker first and fisherman second, safety always comes first.
Use the search function to learn about safety equipment and procedures.

Later, Tad
 

What Tad said.  Welcome, Derek.   

Welcome to the board. There is a hookup for this coming sunday at Stump Beach which might happen if the weather cooperates. You will need a cart to get your kayak from the parking lot to the beach. A cart is desirable for many of the launches on the coast but there are some where you can drive your vehicle all the way to the water. There are plenty of posts suggesting the necessary gear to have before ocean kayakfishing but some kind of wetsuit is near the top of most everyone's list. There are several recent threads on this very topic if you need the info. Check out the hookups forum for more details re:Stump and other local hookups and also check out the tournament forum for info on the Red Barn Tourney coming up in October.

Hi Derek
Santa Rosa is a great place to be for kayak fishing.
I am new hear also but have learned a lot from just reading the posts. There are some very experienced kayak fishermen here. and hooking up with some of them is a good way to start.
Rob

yea , redbarn tourney would be a good chance to feelwhat were about here plus meet some cool ass people, even if u just come for the day.

thank you all very much for your responses. I will try to get out there to meet everyone and learn more.  Hope to see yall out there.   

Welcome to the madness!  Im from windsor and usually mostly fish fort ross and around there or tomales bay.  Need to stretch my zone out a bit.  lol.  Anyway..  I usually post if Im going out and more company is always welcome!

Welcome to the madness Derek! As you can already see, many, if not all, of our brothers and sisters are some of the best people you'll meet Many are very helpful and genuinely kind, as they are so open to share info/advice and always willing to have company (as long as you have all the necessities for safe outing).

I wish I was closer to you, as I would be more than happy to fish together. However, if you are ever in the Monterey Bay area, hit us up!

- Daniel