Another +1 for farmer johns.  Those 3mm NRS suits are perfectly comfortable and are great here in the Bay Area.  With a long sleeve wetsuit top, they even work for January crabbing.  I've been crabbing when the car thermometer read 35 degrees, and, with a little peddling, I was perfectly warm.  Hot summer days have required unzipping the front a bit.  I am sure the drysuits are a bit more comfortable, but I am just the kinda guy who would forget to zip up after relieving himself, so I haven't bothered to mess around with one. 

I had a lengthy swim in surf zone + rip tide this last weekend.  Tons of lessons on what not to do and I tired myself out pretty good, but with farmer john, PFD, radio, and a buddy nearby I didn't feel like I was ever in serious danger.

I'll also admit, as someone else also did on this thread, that I was less than safety conscious in my foolish youth (really, my young adulthood).  I kayak fished Monterey and HMB in shorts and t-shirt.  Had a buddy and a PDF, but no radio.  Seemed reasonable to me at the time, but, not, in retrospect, a great decision.

I know of several people who started with an Outback, but switched to a Revo 13 after 1-2 years.  Revo is handles better in the surf, if that matters to you.  Plus a bit lighter helps when with car-topping and dragging up/down the beach.

I like my NRS 3mm, but after 30-40 trips in my hobie peddal yak, the seams in both knees are coming apart.  Currently trying to patch.  Crummy amazon neoprene that I glued into place split on my first trip out.

Opps, already paid using that button.  Let me know if I need to undo that somehow.

21st place last year, but, ominously, 666 points.  I am coming for you top scorers this year!
Also, I have one eager junior fisherman (BlueLorcan) and one reluctant one (RedStorm) who would rather be playing video games than fishing with his Dad on weekend mornings who will be competing this year.

Car topping Outback upside down is not bad once you get the process down.  In addition to being heavier, that PA look pretty unweildy with those rails.  Stability in Outback is fantastic.  Once you know the boat I don't think you'll feel the need for added stability.

*SOLD*

My starter kayak, purchased used from HMB Kayaks last year.  If you have a kids the flexibility of going single or tandem can be really useful.  In addition to the built-in rod-holders, has two scotty mounts.  Out of the hatches needs its latch fixed, only one paddle available, and it has some scratches that I would call regular wear a tear.

If you know someone looking for an inexpensive starter 'yak, PM me.  Pickup would be on Peninsula.

I might also accept trade for fishing gear, rods and/or reels are most likely to interest me.

I was there last week.  I caught one rainbow and three Lahontan cutthrout.  All were about 12 inches, and caught on trolling little kastmasters or cleos near the top.  I fished in front of the camp at the south end of the lake.

Given the size, the Lohontan were all probably planted this year.  There should be bigger ones from previous years, but I couldn't find them.

I was told that there are still some mackinaw, but they are trying to get them all out of the lake.  Drifting live "minnows" was said to be the best bet for them.  Note that you would have to trap your own minnows on Fallen Leaf.  I didn't see anything that looked like Macks on my FF, but didn't explore that much of the lake.

Also note that Fallen Leaf is pristine with respect to aquatic invasive species.  You can get your kayak washed down with 140 degree water at Meyers boat inspection station or at the marina on Fallen Leaf.  No charge.

Good luck, and hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in.  This was really my first time lake fishing, so I was kind of making it up as I went.

Just decided that I will haul my kayak up to south Tahoe area for planned family trip.

I have been almost exclusively a saltwater guy since I started last year, so I am combing the website for advice.  Lots of good stuff.  Looks like I will be jigging for macks and maybe trolling for kokes.  If anyone has recent intel or advice specific to this time of year and/or the heavy snowfall this winter, please share.  Would be especially happy for a hookup so someone could show be the ropes.

I think I will be fishing California side of lake Tahoe, but I have all week, so excursions further afield (Fallen Leaf and others) are possible.  Reading up on the inspection process....

Hobie Outback with FF.  Safety first on cold water so it is full wetsuit, radio, etc....