First time oceaner

Would love to give the ocean a shot cause all the reports look awesome and so much fun.

So heres my reservations:
1. Never been ocean fishing
2. Newer yaker
3. Dont know what to expect
4. Not quite sure how to fish it

I know there are probably a few others like me out there. I think it would be awesome if a few experienced guys could show us the ropes. I am very comfortable in my yak and have no problem getting back in if i am to fall off.

Is there other "newer" guys like me?

Anyways, i love the site and there are a ton of great guys on here that are always willing to give advice.

How i picture my first time!!! j/k lol

I will fish with you. Let's PM
-Amos

IMO - take a class from a reputable kayak company. There are a lot of newbies that go out there not knowing how to self rescue or even paddle the proper way I've said it a million times "be a kayaker FIRST and a fisherman second"

Welcome to the Madness!

Watch for hookups, most everyone post when they are going out and most are very willing to show newbies the ropes. If you know what you target fish is look into old post, or post up some questions, I am sure they will get answered. Most of all make sure you have ALL the safety gear you need, and know how to use it. And yes it is a freaking blast, but be careful it WILL take over your life, it is all I think about !!!! 
Jeff

Welcome...have fun be safe! Buddy system is the way to roll... you could hire a guide or do the Hookups...lots of peeps goin out all the time...and if your in my neck of the woods would love to hit the water with you!!! Get Some!'!

Sent from my LGL86C using Tapatalk 2

Hiring a guide is great advice.  In the meantime, keep studying the information that pertains to what you want to do.

If, for example, you're interested in catching a salmon and you've been reading up on the posts here then you shouldn't be surprised to hear that you'll need a big net, a rod like an Ugly Stik with something like a Penn reel, trolling or mooching gear, terminal tackle or the ability to hookup bait, and the willingness and power to paddle the miles required after having familiarized yourself with the forecasts, reports of current conditions and intelligence reports from here and elsewhere.

Rockfish and lingcod are a great place to start in the ocean.  Go somewhere with options - like HMB where you can stay inside the harbor if you're not ready for going outside.  As you venture further out you should enjoy the challenges and discoveries at your own pace - whether that's with others or not, you are the one who is responsible for you, and that's one thing that makes this sport so awesome.

Eventually, when you hookup with others who are also well versed in the safety gear, fishing gear and methods, specific areas, seasons, regs...etc., you'll come to appreciate that the sport, when properly approached, is an excellent way to meet others and enjoy time with them without apprehension about getting into something that can feel threatening or at all unsure.

I'm not saying that you or others aren't free to show up and learn what you can from those who are willing to show you and to watch out for you while you learn - many of us enjoy that.  What I am saying is that there is a baseline amount of knowledge, fitness, gear and experience that are required of anyone who wishes to become a kayakfisherman on the ocean.  A guide will give you the best headstart on that prerequisite work, and others at various hookups who know you've been out with a guide and that you're dedicated to learning, improving and gearing up will respect that and be much more apt to assist you further.

Enjoy.  See you OTW sometime.   

I'm in the same boat as you bugman (or should I say kayak). I spent literally probably a hundred hours starting in January reading this site, just doing research. Worth every minute.

I got a kayak about a month ago. I live close to Humboldt Bay and have been out a few times out near the entrance just getting a feel for the tides, currents, and swells. I broke a cardinal rule last time out and left my lower legs exposed and got a pretty bad sun burn. How stupid was that?

I've even caught a few rock fish and a couple lingcod. Even that part is all new to me, but I've been a fisherman all my life so I probably have somewhat of a head start there.

My feeling is that out in the ocean a few miles is not the place to realize you made a mistake, so I'm trying to get it right the first time.

I am finding out that you MUST be a kayaker first, and then add the fishing part later. You can live without fish, but you might not live without kayak skills out on the ocean.

There is a certain commitment you have to make gear wise too. A wet or dry suit, a GPS, and a VHF radio. Read the Safety Forum!

I think the right guide would be priceless. Someone who is patient with lots of experience both as a kayaker and fisherman.

I think it's great that you asked the question bugman, and I wish you well. I hope we meet out on the water sometime!

NotaSeal

TheBugMan check out the PM i sent you.