Newbie in Redwood City saying hello

Just introducing myself as the newest noobie… my handle “Backcountry” is from several other hunting-related websites that I frequent (I enjoying bowhunting while backpacking in wilderness areas, aka the backcountry), and to keep things simple I wanted to use the same handle.  I know at least one fellow terrestrial hunter is also a member of this board (Bigdog).

So, a few months ago a buddy traded up and sold me his SIK (Necky Manitou) and I’ve been having fun exploring the south bay estuarine canals (I live in Redwood City which makes that very convenient) and some of the local lakes (e.g., Lexington, Loch Lomand).  About the fourth time out seeing things like trout & bass (in freshwater) and leopard sharks, stingrays, and sturgeon (in the bay), it dawned on me that the kayak would make a great fishing platform (oh yeah, I’m real sharp)…

The way I see it, I can give the Necky Manitou to the fiancé as a deposit into the future WAF account, and get me a nice SOT yak and outfit it for fishing!  I’m 6’1” and 185 pounds and from scouring these forums and the rest of the web, it looks like there’s a plethora of yaks for me to choose from… my plan is to try to demo some SOT’s from Aquan in Santa Clara or California Kayak in Jack London Square, or meet some local yakers to see their SOT rigs (and maybe try them out) to help figure out what’s best for me.

What else?  I’m an engineering geologist, a total science-gadget-gear geek, and I own a small geophysics testing company in Menlo Park.  I’m comfortable in freshwater and the bay, but my place in the food chain in the open ocean gives me the heebie-jeebies… I know, I’m a puss… in spite of that pathology, I started ab-diving several years ago and after a few years found a comfort level, and I suspect with the right mentors, the same is possible for pursuing saltwater fishing from a yak.

Great forum, great resource, and I’m looking forward to learning a lot!

Cheers, Backcountry

Welcome to the madness Backcountry!

If you go to Aquan in San Carlos (right across REI), make sure you talk to Vince (the owner) or Brian regarding kayaks.

And if you've got the time, check out our local tournament schedule - we will be out in force during the Half Moon Bay rockfish derby. Stop by and say hello - you'll see everyone's rig. You are more than welcome to test paddle our yaks.

I stopped in Aquan yesterday afternoon and took a look at a fully-pimped Prowler 13... it had 2 flush mounts behind the seat, a padded seat, 2 Scotty's up front, a rudder, a Humminbird, 240cm paddle, anchor system, etc... somewhere around $1750... looked like a good all-around choice, especially since I plan to mainly use it in freshwater... will try to demo that one in the next couple weeks...

Thanks for the invite to the HMB derby... I will try to make it over the hill in time to see the weigh in...

Cheers, Backcountry

I'd also consider unrigged models and look at rigging it yourself.  You seem pretty handy and it really isn't hard if you take your time.  After some consideration, you can get the boat set up perfect for you.

Check out the Cobra boats.  The Mauraders look like a well thought out boat.  www.gwkc.com is a great dealer in Ukiah (plan a weekend around it).

As far as getting comfortable on the ocean, I have no doubt that you'll adjust quickly if you ab dive. 

Welcome and good luck.

hey Backcountry.  Yeah, what Kevin and Mooch said!  I also would do the rigging myself versus pre-rigged.  I spent about $1200 on mine which included yak (bare and also a blem, though, so it was discounted), paddle, hi-back seat, front rodholder, FF, 12V power supply, Garmin GPS, net, tankwell crate/storage system, no anchor but I have only ever fished in the bay once, and never in freshwater.  I don't think I would know how to fish in lakes and rivers, but I guess I could learn from others doing it, coz' people here are very cool and generous with help and advice.

Welcome!