Looking for a mentor

I just bought a kayak  and would like to do some halibut and striper fishing in the SF Bay but don't know anything about fishing from a yak. If someone would like to show a greenhorn a thing or two I would greatly appreciate it. It would be easier to learn from someone than the school of hard knocks.
Steve

Join us for the ARW Halibut Derby and i'm sure you will have plenty of helpful advice 

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,28706.0.html

Welcome

but don't know anything about fishing from a yak.

Learning to fish from a kayak is the easy part. Knowing how to use your kayak would be more important to learn at this point. I suggest taking an "intro to Kayaking" class before doing the fishing thing.

You wanna be a kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND = It's the Golden Rule that a lot of newbies never think about.

Welcome

but don't know anything about fishing from a yak.

Learning to fish from a kayak is the easy part. Knowing how to use your kayak would be more important to learn at this point. I suggest taking an "intro to Kayaking" class before doing the fishing thing.

You wanna be a kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND = It's the Golden Rule that a lot of newbies never think about.

I think that is incredible advise Mooch, Especially when paddling in the bay. My store is inland but I teach a monthly free kayaking class for the Lodi Paddle Club and you would be welcome to join us. No date for the next class yet due to the weather but just shoot me a message if you would like more info. Typically we do them on wednesday evenings, and saturdays.
 

    Couldn't agree more,   get familiar with your kayak first.    Rig it up in your garage, think about what you'll need before getting out on the water.      Paddle leash, life jacket, beer ... oh yeah, bait.  ( not necessarily in that order )

         I'd love to hook up with this event in June.  how's that work?   Does a meeting place get posted as we get closer?  I can 't seem to find much info on this  Fisherman Warehouse tournament  other than dates that are posted.

on tournaments or gatherings....if you want good intel I looked up the previous year's field reports to see what people caught what on and where.
loads of good info and pics to see what rigs people were using, what baits worked etc.

as for rigging the kayak..I highly suggest actually sitting in the cockpit before actually commiting to it..for example I wanted to put a rod holder at a certain place but discovered that it would interfere with my legs while I pedaled (Hobie Mirage drive)...issues like that you can only figure when in your fishing position..

peruse the fishing reports of spots you want to hit like ARW, Delta, etc..
definitely hit the equipment section to get insight to equipment.. for example I shopped for my VHF but wish I reviewed the section on others recommendation...Now I am stuck with my current unit.

daviator

Hey Steve, just wanted to say your not alone. I got my kayak in Jan this year and joined NCKA just a week ago.  So if your heading out I'm interested to join and learn. So far I've been getting my school of hard knock at the port of sac fishing stripers. 

And please anyone know of classes or hook ups that would be good for a beginner please message me as well! Thanks!

TJ

Not to join the train - but I am also new - it does seem to take some research, practice, and a long-term view.  I also tend of over-analyze things.  So far, I got the pedaling part down I think - lol.  The rest is still somewhat a mystery. 

I recommend going to an event before rigging your kayak. See how the experienced people do it before you start cutting holes. There is more than one right way to do it but you can definitely do it wrong.

I recommend going to an event before rigging your kayak. See how the experienced people do it before you start cutting holes. There is more than one right way to do it but you can definitely do it wrong.

+1
wise words here.

Having had a couple of dunks in the sea myself and still being here, I think the best thing to do is sign up for an ocean kayak class, I did. You paid the money for your yak a few extra bucks is well spent  for your safety in the ocean.
Self rescue talk is fine and dandy on dry land or a lake but experiencing it supervised in ocean breaks is the real deal. The techniques are invaluable and saved my ass on a number of occasions. Don't skimp on this or you'll find yourself in trouble even in a group of us who do not know your a newby.
Tournaments are fun and very informative but not a time to ask someone to show you safety. We are there to fish and compete so the focus is not on your safety. Don't get me wrong we will help IF we see you in trouble, but then not only are you at risk but then you put us at risk.
I'll be fishing the Rock Wall (Del Valle) ,soon as the bait is in the bay. Your more then welcome to pm me and I'll take the time to show you a few tricks and even have you come along. However, I am not certified to teach Kayak Rescue techniques but am well versed in the school of saving my own ass. Welcome to the board!
 Do not take this sport for granted or come up short on self rescue when entering the ocean. Mother Nature is beautiful however,will kick you ass and even kill you if your not prepared for when she gets ugly.
Just friendly advice from a guy they renamed frankswimming.
PS: I have a tendency for being blunt and to the point when it comes to this topic. I do not hold punches. You don't have to heed my advice so I hope that those who have been in trouble out there will chime in and tell their tails of how they wished they had taken a class  when they were in the middle of their incidents. These tales are invaluable to any newby. Frank (no pun intended)

Frank and others speak the truth    The MBK Kayak classes are really a great way to learn from a professional.  I've taken the class the last two years, and will do so again this year for Sara and I.  Even if you think you know what your doing, do it over and over again until its second nature and you will be glad you did if something goes wrong. 

I recommend going to an event before rigging your kayak. See how the experienced people do it before you start cutting holes. There is more than one right way to do it but you can definitely do it wrong.

+1
wise words here.

+2

See ya at GMS or Albion

Welcome aboard Steve . Keep an eye out on the hookups so you can see
how people are setup for the kind of fish they are after. BTW, I'll be taking that
Safety Class once again this year at MBK(Monterey Bay Kayak). If time permits,
you should take the class with us. It will be a lot of fun.

Jedmo

+3 or more.

Have some fun in a protected spot in the bay or Pillar Point.  With anotheryakker standing by.  Go out without your gear and flip it on purpose.  Try to right it and then imagine what that ould be like with stuff hanging on it.

Next try and kick and flop into it.  When I was looking for a PFD I was looking at one of the angler models with all of the pockets on the front.  I asked about it here and people rightfully pointed out that those pockets tend to hang up when trying to get back in.  I now wear a Bahia Tour.

Welcome to the board and the sport.  People here are definitiely willing to share.