Gearing up for freshwater

I'm not equipt to hit the ocean yet, but I'm able to get out on some bay area lakes.  I'm planning on going to San Pablo Reservoir tomorrow morning.  I have basic fishing gear for fishing from the shore, pfd, and dry bags.  Is there any other essential gear that I need for the kayak?  Also, what other spots can I try in my cheap Big 5 kayak?  I know that I want to upgrade to an ocean worthy boat soon, just trying to get out as much as I can with what I have.

Honing your skills on freshwater will only make you a better saltwater angler.

Self rescue skills are worthwhile. Check out the safety first section, I'm sure you'll find lots of info.

Sa Pablo Res offers some fun fishing. The trout are likely deep, but you should be able to find some bass and/or catfish cruising the shallows.


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only take the minimum gear to start, taking too much and gets tangled, turning to reach for it you roll over, etc. You need a net or some sort of lip tool to hold the fish-missing form your list. Put foam on the handle of the net so it wont sink. Tie anything you don't want to lose to the yak.

Thanks for the advice yall.  Got skunked today but had a good time exploring and getting used to the boat.  Here's a novice question... what is the idea behind having mutliple settings for the angle of your paddle?  I have mine lined up parallel, but i could change it so that the paddles are offset.  Is there an advantage either way or is it just personal preference?

If you ever need a kayaking buddy for fishing the Bay Area lakes, message me and we'll meet up! 
 I tend to fish San Pablo, Chabot, & Lafayette a handful of time each per year and know those pretty well (for trout trolling anyways) . . . I'm open to any others as well.

Thanks for the advice yall.  Got skunked today but had a good time exploring and getting used to the boat.  Here's a novice question... what is the idea behind having mutliple settings for the angle of your paddle?  I have mine lined up parallel, but i could change it so that the paddles are offset.  Is there an advantage either way or is it just personal preference?

I've been getting used to offset.  I've learned in wind the offset cuts through it out of the water.  When they are parallel in the wind when the paddle comes out of the water there is resistance because the wind hits a bigger surface area.

Understanding paddle feathering.


http://www.austinkayak.com/blog/2012/03/understanding-paddle-feathering/

Oh, I see.  Thanks for the link traildad, it gave a very detailed explanation. 

If you ever need a kayaking buddy for fishing the Bay Area lakes, message me and we'll meet up! 
 I tend to fish San Pablo, Chabot, & Lafayette a handful of time each per year and know those pretty well (for trout trolling anyways) . . . I'm open to any others as well.

I would love a fishing buddy for San Pablo Res... Im headed out of town for a bit, I'll hit you up when I return.  The bass/catfish/crappie bite should still be on.

Get a nice big hat, sun screen, polarized sun glasses, a light weight and non-cotton long sleeve shirt, and bring a lot of water. 

I would love a fishing buddy for San Pablo Res... Im headed out of town for a bit, I'll hit you up when I return.  The bass/catfish/crappie bite should still be on.

Don't discount the hold over trout @ San Pablo . . . no one really fishes for them during the summer. I pulled in a nice chunky 18" hold over this past Saturday . . . Do downrigger needed @ San Pablo . . . colder temps keep the fish up.