Tackle recommendations - help me build my saltwater arsenal

Another n00b question from me 

Now that I've got the yak I need to start putting together some tackle for going after halibut and rockfish to start.  What are the essentials you'd recommend for starting to build out a salt arsenal?  I've only fished freshwater for most of my life (Skagit and others up in WA, random alpine lakes since living here).  Thx.

Bigdood

I'm somewhat new myself as i started little over a year ago.
I can at least tell you what works for me.

I carry two rods sometimes three if bait are around.

In the tackle box is:

2-8oz, 6oz and 4oz weights
2 shrimp fly sets
1 each of 4,6 & 8 oz leadheads
1 each of 4, 6 & 8 oz metalbars
Extra hooks both std and trebble as well as an assortmant of swivels.


Pretty simple and if you are around hojoman, buy some of his homemade stuff.
He turned me on to a bunch and they are awesome! Top quality stuff, he is a master craftsman.

I look forard to seeing what others carry as well.

Stoggie

    
  I recently fished Paradise park (with no luck ) the stuff I got for that trip included a few "Hayward halibut rigs" already tied up rigs, I got a few 6oz torpedo weights (Store was out of the 4oz torp weights) I picked up a few size 1 ot 2 ot circle hooks (Packages)  1 thing of leader line  (Reel is loaded with 20lb test)of 15lb test to use for 3-way halibut trolling.
  Most of the stuff was recommended by the fine folks on this site.  Over time you'll find out what works and what doesn't just like in the fresh water. 
I also purchased a new small tackle bag to use for salt so I can return my bass bag to it's normal gear.

Another n00b question from me 

 I've only fished freshwater for most of my life (Skagit and others up in WA, random alpine lakes since living here).  Thx.

a class in surf and saltwater safety......since you claim noobieism, it would be a wise thing for you and your close ones.

a class in surf and saltwater safety......since you claim noobieism, it would be a wise thing for you and your close ones.
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AMEN to that! The big blue is much less forgiving than a lake

Welcome bigdood!

after you get your classes in ocean yakking...and some practice in a nice flat safe-ish cove, you'll need a rod.

I'm 100% on board with a Baidarka M or even ML -- they're beautiful, reasonably cheap, and apparently pretty durable (at least mine is).

reels-- well, i've fallen in love with my Avet SX...but am having an affair with a daiwa luna 300 as well (basically a much less expensive copy of a calcutta te)

Yup, still want to take a class for sure.  Have the VHF on the way and have spent some time on the salt before, but def want an 'official' rundown.  Have a few rods/reels I picked up on the cheap, right now just looking for tackle recommendations.

Thx.

much like stoggie but I tend to top out at 6 oz, most often use 3-4 oz.  Swimbaits in various colors.

Here are a few pics of some common baits...

Yep, as a more-or-less ocean noob, I'd say you can't go wrong with swimbaits for rockfish and halibut will hit 'em, too.

I saw those homemades that Hojo had - definitely good lookin' stuff. I think he has a buddy who makes them.

Glad to hear you're gonna take a class - it really does help to give you a head start on the game.

Hi Big:

       Keep things to a Min. and purchase a good SS Long Nose
Pliers to keep your hand clear of Spines/hooks and other nasty
things. Make sure to have Pliers that will cut Hooks. I also carry
First Aid Kit with Gloves.
      It no fun being caught up in you own Gear. Cut and re-tie
leaders often because, you never know when the BIG ONE WILL HIT!
                                                                Just  my Nuggets
                                                                Ernie
                                                                 

A plastic fish gripper is a good investment too, especially for releasing lingcod. It can really save your hands & you can keep "releasers" in the water while you unhook them.

Scampi twin tails in white & rootbeer/motor oil are great all around bottom fish lures.

I would say focus on paddling first, learn your rescue technique, get comfortable coming off your kayak...THEN think about fishing.

Consider that even with a group, you should be self reliant in any situation.

Welcome to the MADNESS!