Ditch the motor and kayak small lakes and protected areas first, until you are comfortable.   Ditch the motor, at least for now.   If it has a motor, then the kayak has to be registered.  When and if you register, say you just got the motor and only have to register now, or they will gouge you lots of back registration money.   Forget about fishing for the nonce and learn to control the kayak and self rescue.   I originally practiced at Shadow Cliffs near my house.   Had a very unstable kayak with a single occupant.  Stayed near the shore, So, I could drag the boat to shore, if I could not yet get back in.

Milk in tea?   Unless you are English like my sister in law, is bad stuff.

I think closed rock fishing, delta and lakes are main areas to target.  Stripers and bass in delta.

I think 5/16 is easier on the hands pulling.

What grill is that.

No hurry.   We will be in Sonoma in January for .garrison Keeler.

Seems okay.

Wife out of town for a luncheon. Took the boat to New Melones.   Have not had it out for a long time.   Few health problems.   Went up Tuesday, but only fished Weds.   nothing trolling for trout and Kokanee.   Marked fish 50-100’ deep.   Little late launch as launched and found out near empty tank.   Probably siphoned in storage.    Not first time over the years.   Heat broke and really nice calm day.   Ended up with one dink bass on Ned rig.  Boat ran well, bow mount trolling motor I trashed on an underwater mount and repaired worked well.