newbie questions

I've been kayak fishing for about 2 years now and I think I want to get a little closer to the water.
That being said I need gear. I have a 3mm farmer john could i just add maybe 7mm over my torso
or should i just buy a new suit? Also RF season closes to boat anglers Dec. 31 Does that include kayaks?
If so what about using the kayak as a dive float?
I only have one friend who kayaks and he is unreliable and will not dive so if any one wants to show me the ropes when i get some gear that would be cool.

You should get a new suit IMO.

You can spear rockfish year round, but hook and line on kayaks ends the same time as hook and line from "regular" boats.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

A 3mm farmer John will likely be too thin, especially this time of year. You'd be a lot better off with at least a 5mm, but a 7mm is probably best. Open-cell reediving wetsuits are very warm and flexible, but more expensive than a closed cell suit. A closed-cell scuba suit will suffice if it's all you have, but the difference is night and day, and once you use freedive suit, you'll never go back. I'd recommend renting one to try before you buy one, for fitting and to see if you like freediving/if you can freedive. If you're sure you want to buy a new suit and start freediving, then try on different brands of freedive suits and pull the trigger on one.

Spearfishing is open year-round, regardless of transportation (kayaks, shorediving, boat diving). Kayaks make great dive floats because: they allow you to paddle long distances to reach places out of swimming distance, you won't be tired when you reach a dive spot, you'll dive longer because you won't get as cold, if you get cold you can hop back on, you can keep your fish safely tucked away, GPS use is more easy, and you can carry more gear.

Post up when you and your gear are ready to go and I'm sure someone will show you the ropes. Or when you have everything, look for a hook up and join someone. Winter time is the best time to dive around here now that ling season is open all year. The vis is good, the kelp is thin, and the fish are active.

Nothing's quite as magical as Carmel or Monterey on a clear winter day with top to bottom vis and lots of life out.