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Topic: Introduction - Newb  (Read 1039 times)

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john1k

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  • Date Registered: Sep 2021
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Hello Everyone,

My name is John and I am a newb.  In my early 50’s I am starting this kayak fishing endeavor later in life.  A few years ago, I went crabbing with a friend on his boat out of Half Moon Bay, when I saw these people on kayaks out in the ocean.  I asked, “what are they doing?” His response was, “they are crabbing, and fishing just like us.”  At first, I was intrigued, then fascinated and finally after many YouTube videos I started to become somewhat obsessed.

I found a used kayak on craigslist, Old Town Predator PDL, and began getting it ready to get on the water.  My first voyage was in the bay or slough out to the mouth of the bay, launching in Redwood City.  My second and last voyage was out of Princeton Harbor HMB.  I fished but mostly just got comfortable with the kayak, learned how to use the fish finder, and stayed closer inshore.  A whale breached in front of me about 50 yards away.  As I was taking a pic of the whale, there was an enormous crash behind me, as I turned the kayak around large waves were coming at me.  With no boats around, it was obviously a whale that breached behind me.  I could see it on the fish finder, serious “pucker factor” but exhilarating.

Through your forum I have identified some safety violations on my first two trips and corrected them so thank you much.  With the kids older now I am looking forward to this new adventure but plan on taking it slow and learn as much as I can.  One question I have is, I am a big guy and was going to add Scotty Stabilizers to my kayak.  Does anyone have an opinion on the use of stabilizers? 

Thanks, and I look forward to participating on the Board and seeing some of you on the water.

John         


AlsHobieOutback

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Welcome John!  :smt006 

I'm also a big guy, so I've picked kayaks that have ample usable capacity.  A quick Google search pulled up https://oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors.com/kayaks/fishing/predator-pdl which said:
Code: [Select]
Total Weight Capacity The total weight a boat can support on the water including everything – the Assembled Boat, People, Gear, Dog, Motor/Pedal Console (when applicable) and 75 lb. Lead-acid Battery (when required). 500 lb | 226.8 kg

Usable Weight Capacity The weight that is left for People, Gear, and Dog after accounting for the weight of the Assembled Boat and 75 lb. Lead-acid Battery (when required). 378 lb

If that is correct, if you weight ~280-300ish your probably going to be fine without stabilizers.  That kayak is designed around stability, based on length and width, I'm betting it's very stable. I'm also guessing your not using a battery, so I think that is more capacity as well.  Personally I wouldn't worry too much about using them.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."

 IG: alshobie


123engineering

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Welcome, John

I used Hobie Sidekick stabilizer on our Hobie Oasis Tandem kayaks. It makes a huge difference.

Paul
Paul C.

YouTube: Kayak Fishing Couple
2018 Hobie Oasis Papaya & Grey
2022 Hobie Outback Papaya
2017 Hobie Outback Camo Sold
2014 Hobie Revolution 13 Red - Sold
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SlackedTide

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2014 Hobie Revo 13
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When you look outside the window, and all you see is fishing. True Story.


BsHawk

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Welcome to NCKA John.   :smt006
2020 Hobie Outback Camo


Pernell

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Welcome aboard John
USN EAWS
USS KITTY HAWK (CV63)
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HC-5 (Formerly HSC-25)
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fishbushing

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Hi John, welcome to the madness  :smt006
-Jason


Sailfish

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Welcome to NCKA John  :smt006
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."


MooMoo Outdoors

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Welcome John. Some call kayak fishing a madness but I call it an addiction. Either way, there is no cure 😁😁
https://youtube.com/channel/UC6mxd4WmuKFxDEozl7vuMzA

2018 AOTY Biggest Lake Trout Winner
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Fish

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Welcome.   Go get wet and catch some memories.


Codzilla

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Welcome to NCKA John !!!!! :smt006 :smt006
3rd place Trinidad Rockfish Wars lll
6th place GS11


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Papa Al

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Welcome to the group  :smt006