New guy here from San Jose

Hey everyone, thanks for the add! 

I'm looking to get into kayak fishing and am looking to buy my first kayak so will be looking for input on kayaks especially stable ones.  I heard about this site from some guy I met last year in Santa Cruz that had just landed with a pair of halibut and decided that I need to check this stuff out for myself.

Rob

Hi Rob and welcome to NCKA 

Welcome, Rob

Many kayaks to choose from.
The most popular one is probably Hobie Outback. 
I think you should do a test ride before you purchase one.

Paul

Welcome, Rob.  Lots of good folks and lots of knowledge here. 

If you narrow down a specific model, chances are high that someone here already owns one - feel free to search the forum or start a post to ask for their likes/dislikes.  As Paul mentioned, there are also places to rent or demo many popular models too -always helps to try before you buy!

Don't forget about safety and immersion gear!  Plenty of threads about that too, with lots of suggestions and opinions. 

Welcome to NCKA Rob 

Welcome Rob to NCKA.   

and so it begins with another one   

welcome.

Do some test paddling and also surf the classifieds for here for deals.
I might also recommend an intro class from one of the shops in your area just to get the basics down.

Welcome to NCKA, Rob! 

Thanks for the warm welcome!  I got lucky and my neighbor says that I can give his kayak a try so I'm thinking of heading out of Oyster Point like I saw on YouTube and go try and catch my first halibut!

Thanks for the warm welcome!  I got lucky and my neighbor says that I can give his kayak a try so I'm thinking of heading out of Oyster Point like I saw on YouTube and go try and catch my first halibut!

Right on!  Tomorrow looks like it should be nice out - good luck!  One thing about the bay - even on relatively calm days, the currents can be pretty big.  Oyster Point isn't typically too bad, but something to be aware of. 

I use tides4fishing.com, Bay Area Sea Kayakers (bask.org), and NWS (weather.gov/mtr/) for a pretty good picture of what the weather and tides are going to be in the area I am fishing. 

Check out this thread for the basic safety gear you should have: https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=27534.0
There are TONS of other threads discussing the finer points, and don't be afraid to ask. 

Good luck out there! 

Hey there Rob, Ron here, I am also a new member, looking to score some halibut. I am here in San Rafael, I go out by the Marin Rod and Gun Club, we have a pier and can also launch the kayak. I am looking to go down to Monterey soon, keep in touch when  you are ready/ I also like to hit Tomales Bay and up north bodega bay for crab, talk soon, Ron.

Hi Ron a pleasure to meet you!  I'm thinking of taking my neighbors inflatable out at Oyster Point, maybe on Monday since I work on weekends.  Please let me know if you can join!

Welcome to the madness. Be sure to search the archives, lots of good info.

JonM

Well I'm going to give it my first shot tomorrow at Oyster Point.  Was able to score a old life jacket at a garage sale today and have a pair of waders to wear.  Not sure how this inflatable will handle in the bay but figured I might as well give it a try.  Be bringing my son with me as well since it is a two seat.  I only have one paddle but think it should be ok.

Well I'm going to give it my first shot tomorrow at Oyster Point.  Was able to score a old life jacket at a garage sale today and have a pair of waders to wear.  Not sure how this inflatable will handle in the bay but figured I might as well give it a try.  Be bringing my son with me as well since it is a two seat.  I only have one paddle but think it should be ok.

I would not recommend waders...