New Year - New Yak

Hello and Happy New Year!http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/Smileys//Lots_O_Smileys/006.gif

 I have wanted a regular kayak for a long time and this looks like the year it will happen. I have an inflatable kayak (Sevyelor Dive Yak) now that has a 2 HP motor on it. I use it for crabbing and it works well for that. I can carry a commercial pot and a couple of fold ups without much problem however I know the kayaks you guys use cut through the water unlike my "truck" of a kayak.

 I am primarily an ab diver but I definitely would like to get in to fishing off of a kayak, my Wife wants one also... she loves to go fishing. We will be using the kayaks in the ocean and will be going through the surf. I have a lot of studying to do through the forum and web to see what will work best for us. I have been looking at the Ocean Kayak's Trident and Prowler, and the Wilderness Systems, Tarpon and Ride. I am sure there are a bunch more out there but I have a lot to learn about what we need for the Ocean. I was looking at this forum and everything is segregated as far as asking questions about kayaks, a bit strange for asking general questions.

I can't believe how much those Hobie Kayaks are... wow. You could buy a zodiac for the same price. I would like to see one sometime.

 Do you think I should get a smaller kayak for my wife? I was thinking of getting a 12 footer for myself. I am looking at buying the Humminbird 175PT for the crab craft, it is new and does not seem to be in stock anywhere yet and should also work well on the new kayak.

 I have a lot of studying to do on safety, kayaks, upgrades, poles, etc. Thanks for this great site and Happy New Year.

Welcome aboard, any thoughts on coming out to crabfest, you'll learn a lot at that event and be able to meet a lot of fellow kayakers.  There is tons of info here and hopefully someone will chime in as to what size your wife would use.  What does she plan to use it for and what will be the main type of water she will be using it in.

Thanks for the invite, I would like to come to the Doran Beach but I wouldn’t want all you guys laughing at my big rubber kayak…    Seriously though I would like to make it next year after I get a real kayak. I have something planned the weekend of the crabfest, however I am going crabbing the weekend before. I’ll post some pics if I get some nice crab. I really like crabbing, Ab diving is like treasure hunting, fishing is great when you hook up and pull in a nice one, but when you are pulling up that crab trap you never know what you have until the trap is 5 feet from the boat. It is great to see a bunch of crab in the pot!

I have been searching this site and others gathering info slowly. It seems like a 13’ kayak would be good for my wife and myself since we will be in the Ocean and some small rivers. I think I should take her to one of the shops in Marin and take a lesson with her so she can get some good information and instruction. I may go to that sportsman’s show in Sacramento, I am sure they would have kayaks there… along with a bunch of other cool stuff.

I am kind of leaning towards the Ocean Kayaks. The Prowler looks like it would be good for crabbing and the Trident looks like it would cut through the water. I still have a LOT to learn. It would probably be best if I look for a life vest since I don’t have one. My wife has a Patagonia vest but I think there are some better ones to choose from for kayak fishing.

The search continues...

Sounds like you're on the right track, if you're going to visit a shop for advice make sure to pick a couple, everybody has a different opinion and selction.

I had planned to shop around at a few shops to see all the different style kayaks that are around these days. I am particularly interested in the the Hobie, I just do not understand the paddle/pedal  system.

I ordered my PFD yesterday from AKC, the Stohlquist Fisherman. That is the most important item taken care of...

Welcome aboard and to the madness Yak 2013.

If you can make it to the valley, check out Headwaters, they are great!

http://www.headwaterskayak.com/headwaterskayak.com/Home.html