Looking to get back on the water

Hi -

My name is Brad and I live in the East Bay. I’ve been lurking for several days and this looks like a great and lively community. Thank you for having me.

I have a kayak (Scupper Pro) but I’ve not fished from a kayak before. My kayak has been my trustworthy mount for spearfishing trips to Monterey/Carmel and Sonoma/Mendocino although it’s been a couple of years since I’ve been spearfishing. I’d like to get back on the water and am looking to expand my kayak-based water activities.

I plan to return to freedive spearfishing.

I’m Open Water certified for scuba but haven’t done that in years. Given the right opportunities, I might look into a refresher course and service my equipment but I enjoy the simplicity and tranquility of freediving so that’s more likely where I’ll lean.

Since I’ve never fished from a kayak before, I’ve been looking into local guides and will probably plan a trip with one or two soon. I’m especially interested in the safety aspects and learning about the types of equipment required to outfit the kayak for saltwater fishing. At this point, I think I’d like to try for lings and halibuts.

I might even do some sightseeing up Elkhorn Slough this year. (Is this sacrilege? Admitting I might get on the water and not go after fish on an angling forum?) 

Hope to meet some of you on the water! If you need a partner for a trip, feel free to PM me!

Brad

Welcome to the group and back to the water.  Can't go wrong with the guides but scan through the safety areas of this site and make sure you have all necessary gear.  Lings are so much easier to get that halibut so probably not a bad idea to start with them.  You could throw out a weight and catch one so at least you won't feel defeated if you try for a halibut and get skunked. 

I might even do some sightseeing up Elkhorn Slough this year. (Is this sacrilege? Admitting I might get on the water and not go after fish on an angling forum?) 

Yes, that is indeed sacrilege.

Actually, I took my wife and kids (not known for their kayaking enthusiasm) to Elkhorn Slough a while back, and they all enjoyed it.

Hope to see you out there fishing soon.

I always being a rod while sight seeing, in order avoid the "sacrilege".

Welcome, Brad. 

Hey Brad,
This is the place if you want to learn from the best(not me).
Welcome!

Welcome to NCKA Brad