Newbie Here

Hey just wanted to say  and let all of you know that this forum has been a tremendous help in gearing up my Kayak for some ocean fishing!

Here is a breakdown of stuff I've acquired so far:

Hobie Mirage Outfitter ( I know not a paddling kayak but I got a super good deal on one) Turbo fins, Ama sidekick, drift chute

NRS Chinook PDF

Mirror and whistle

Floating first aid kit

Oniel Reactor John and Jacket wetsuit 2/3mm

Air Horn

Standard Horizon VHF Radio

Ritchie Compass

Penn Squidder on Saber Rod (girlfriends)

Penn 155 on Abu rod (girlfriends)

Shimano Calcutta 401 (lefty) Rod to be determined

Penn 321 GT (lefty) Rod to be determined

Gaff

Of course there is all the tackle etc but this is the gist of it!

Please let me know if there is other safety equipment I might add!

Hope to see many of you out there!

Welcome aboard, 2000leagues.   

Sounds like you're getting ready for addiction.     Where are you located?

I'm in Santa Cruz! Yes I was already addicted to fishing and now that I have a boat it could get ugly for the girlfriend. Somehow I just don't see her being as into it as me 

She's got good taste in reels!

Welcome.

  those are reels I inherited from my dad and uncle but unfortunately I'm a lefty so they didn't work for me, trust me I tried to convert but it wasn't happening. She is a novice fisherman and I can't wait until she hooks into a big ling or halibut, should be interesting!

WTTM! and does she have any female friends or sisters like her?(ones with sweet reels) we have a few members here with blank poles.
I'm glad i read you have a good sense of humor

I'm still a newbie myself but wanted to caution you about fishing solo in that tandem yak.  I just sold mine and got a new Revo but the last time I fished the Outfitter was solo in the Bay.  The weather got rough and the swells came up pretty big.  The weight distribution in that yak when peddling solo can cause the back to sit very low in the water and the front to stick up very high.  In my case, it was aggravated by the addition of a full live well behind the seat.  I had to move the live well to the front seat area and fill it in order to get the yak to sit relatively level in the water.  I didn't get turned over or tossed out but it was a little scary as the swells were coming over the back of the yak.  I fished solo in it many times with no problems, but rough water stability is not this yak's strong suit.  I'm sure it would be much better with the front seat occupied.  I really enjoyed my outfitter and all of the deck space, but just wanted to share the one negative experience I had with it.  I'm really far too inexperienced to be handing out advice but one of the greatest things I have found about this board is the opportunity it provides to share one's experiences, both negative, and positive.


Martin

    I noticed one item not listed, possibly you have them, just didn't list, those are leashes for everything you want to keep! Rods, net, gaff, pliers, scale, clip for your VHF, (to PFD) The leash doesn't have to be fancy, I make mine out of a 10' length para cord.  Simply fold the rope, send the closed loop through an eye, pull the tag ends through the loop, then tie loops in each end and attach to whatever. 

Blanks  . She has a few friends, if they have sweet reels or not I'm not sure.

Martin I've read about fishing solo in the Outfitter and I don't believe Ill be doing too much in the way of solo trips but if I do I'll add a good amount of weight up front. The old lady is only a buck 10 and with all the additions in the rear of the boat, along with my lard ass, I might throw a few pounds up front anyhow.

CGN, thanks! I do have leashes for most everything and I'll make sure to do the rest before the 1st!

An 18in net, is that regulation? Guess I could grab the book and look...

Really excited to get out on the water and meet some fellow yakers! We might go to Lake San Antonio this weekend if all goes well!

Man that's a lotta stuff. Maybe it just seems like a lot because it's in a bulleted list.
Don't forget the dramamine, water, sunblock, and hat.
Oh, and gloves. And a spray top. And a stringer/game clip. And a kelp tie. And a waterproof container for your keys+wallet. And since you'll be fishing foggy Monterey Bay, consider getting a light---I've got the Scotty light that plugs into a regular scotty rod-holder mount. It lives w/my regular gear but I only use it if there's a chance for fog, or if I'm fishing in a heavy-traffic area.
C-ya on the H20!

I go for a couple of light sticks that I can tie to the top of a rod. The light may be cheaper and better in the long run but I just use light sticks since I only occasionally fish in fog. It also can aid in an emergency (tied to PFD shoulder strap)

my 2 cents....Sin is right don't overlook the safety stuff. I did for some time. Then had a scare and that was enough to motivate me to get it all.

I would also suggest you store it all in a big plastic tub that you can toss into the car. With so many bits and pieces it's easy to leave something behind. I tape a checklist on the lid of mine. Nothing worse then getting to the launch and not having your paddle or bait (I've done both...DOH!)

20000,

These guys know of what they speak.
They all helped me a year ago or so when I got started.

When you get ready for a trip, feel free to contact me, I will be glad to go out with you and your lady. I am from aptos and fish the sc area almost weekly. Not any good and it can be slow here but a good day on the water is always welcome.

Give me a call when you get ready to go.

Stoggie

Hey there

I am a newbie this year as well. Have been woring on getting all the gear.  Would love to hook up with you all in May for a trip. I live east side Santa Cruz.
Lee

You guys, and gals, have been a tremendous help with all of your suggestions. I will add a light, didn't think of that one.

It really isn't that much stuff, just looks like it in bullet form. I got new seats, GTS expedition yesterday along with the AMA Sidekick and turbo fins. Picked up a few new Ugly Stick Tigers yesterday, both 7' one med heavy for trolling for butts the other medium action for slinging jigs for RF and Lings. We'll  be going to Lake San Antonio this weekend to get acquainted with the boat, practice self rescue ad maybe do a little fishing.

Thanks again!

Bobby

Hey I think Andy (fishmaster1) is fishing San Antone this wknd too---he posted it in the Hookups section. I'd be out there too if I didn't already have plans. Good luck!