Getting Started ...

I went into Aquansports the other day and was told that they have a boat house where you can sign up for 20.00 to try out what ever kayaks that they have there.  Has anyone gone there to demo boats?

Hi Michael,

I used to work for Aquan Sports and the boathouse in San Mateo is a great place to demo the kayaks. Aquan used to carry only Ocean Kayaks but are now carrying Wilderness Systems as well. I suggest taking your time and demo-ing as much kayaks as you can. My personal favorites are the Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 and the Wilderness System 160. The Scupper Pro would also be another model from Ocean Kayaks to demo. And don't worry so much about the stability issue. It's something you learn and get used to in the long run.

And don't forget to ask for you NCKA 10% off discount if you decide to purchase a kayak from Aquan.

Welcome to the madness!

I purposefully chose to start looking for kayaks in the off season

There is no off-season in yak fishing!

so I would have some time to get used to kayak fishing in the calmer waters of the bay and some of our inland lakes and reservoirs before the rockfish season starts.

Although I've never fished the bay, many people here do and I've heard them say over and over again that the bay is not a place to take lightly.  Under the right conditions, it can be even more dangerous than the ocean.

I'd suggest starting on true freshwater.  Find a nice lake where you can play around on your yak - flip it intentionally and practice getting back on.  Once you become familiar, then you can sign up for a saltwater class.

BTW, welcome!

Michael

Hi M:

    I would go Fast, Light and Cheap!
My favs are Scupper Classic, Scupper Pro T/W and P13A.
    Booking a Fishing trip with a Local Guide will give you a jump start!
Most Guides will give up a tip like scallen  who told me where to fish Davenport. Allens' tip helped me win the Fishermans' Warehouse Derby this
year.
                                                                       Sea-ya
                                                                       E

Allens' tip helped me win the Fishermans' Warehouse Derby this
year.

Ernie!! Shameless plug for you and Allen!  How do you like the new ride?

Hi Howard:

Truth is Truth. I din't win a Yak but, a nice Rod and T-shirt. I use
Alexs' Scupper Classic and share the Catch when I can.
 I feel that the money was well spent booking a Guide.
                                                                               Sea-ya
                                                                               Ernie
                                                 

Read about the Davenport Derby Derby for a heads up!
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,20099.0.html

Okay, I'm not sure what I am getting into here, but I'll bite any how.  So, if I wanted to go out with a guide, should I decide on my kayak first, or should I use a guide that can supply a kayak to me?  Second, who would you recommend as a guide who is not too far from where I live in San Mateo?  Thanks!

Michael

Allen Bushnell (scallen) is your best bet - he's got a fleet of kayaks and he's been a "go to" person for many newbies on this site.

http://www.santacruzkayakfishing.com/

YEah dude, Allen is cool. My first yak trip I rented and went by myself from the pier near my house. Instantly I loved it, but the rental yak from there was awful.

Second trip, I booked a trip with Allen B. Had a blast, but more importantly he lent me his new trident 11, LOVED IT! I was sold, I went down and bought a Trident 13 2 weeks later and I have ZERO complaints, LOVE IT! Was on the water constantly from then on... Met some great people here to fish with... Sold the power boat and haven't missed it yet....

Go with Allen, his gear is nice and he's a cool cat...

haha thanks guys....

but you forgot to mention how good-looking I am..

I've been fishing off of a yak for about 4 yrs, but I only get to go a couple of times a year.  I originally bought a used Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro and am still fishing on this.  Try as many different kayaks as you can before buying.  I have a very expensive mistake sitting in my garage, I used it once and decided it wasn't for me.

I have a very expensive mistake sitting in my garage, I used it once and decided it wasn't for me.

What is it?  If you don't mind sharing.   

A Hurricane Phoenix 160.