pontoon systems for your kayak

If you haven't already practiced "self rescue" I think that is the most important thing to do. It will give you a lot more confidence knowing how to get back in your yak.
Trying assist a paddler who can't get back on is very difficult!

+1,  maybe take a class or practice on your own.   This is huge!

First of all, don't take this the wrong way. You have one of the most stable kayaks ever built. If you are having issues in stability, you need to stay on flat water till you have enough confidence to paddle that thing without thinking about what you are doing. When you are fishing in a kayak the last thing you want to be thinking about is "am I about to fall out". Then you need to go to Folsom lake on the weekend, staying close to shore, borrow my high seat for that Ride and ride wakes all day long in the kayak. Once you have done that, put the low seat back in it and go to the ocean on a small swell day with no gear. All the pontoons are is a crutch for someone new who has no ability to paddle when they are starting out. You need to know how to handle a kayak without those before you use them. You may not like what I just said, but it will make you better. My dad rides my Tarpon 160 in the ocean at 71 yrs old and has no problems. Practice , practice , practice. Someday you may be able to get out in the big blue.

+1 on this one too.   

Rob is right.  I have been watching the thread and have wanted to post what Rob said. 

I think a good rule is to always know where your head is.   If you get your head over the edge of the boat,  your shoulders "could" follow and you will end up taking a swim.  After a few outings,  you will be looking for a faster boat that might be a little more "tippy".  It sucks to get left behind in a barge while the other guys in the Tarpons, Revos, Trident 15's, Prowler 15's, and 4.7's leave you behind.    I bought my first two boats only because I was worried about stability.  There were stable,  but slow to paddle.   Get comfortable and the get FAST!

I know there are many who look down on the outriggers and that's fine. To each their own. I can go out with or without them but I do feel a lot more comfortable and stable with them. I guess one of these days I might take my crutches off and become a real kayak angler. But until then I will just peddle around with my crutches and do what I do.

I will be running with the amas at Albion as well.  I have practiced self rescue and if I were tip over they unplug easily. I like the stability and will gladly take pictures of all the speedy boats leaving me in their wakes!
I say use whatever you think makes the day good for you.   Have fun out there guys and gals....

+1 to the +1's    It took me about a few months to get comfortable fishing in the ocean.  It can be very intimidating for someone just starting out.  Best bet is to get 100% comfortable with your kayak before you go out ocean fishing.  Take it out, play in the surf, do some self rescues.  A course can teach you all of this in a day, plus much more.  Do what ever it takes to gain that confidence in your craft, and your ability to propel it.  Remember conditions can change when you are out there too, so know your limits and play it safe.  Fish aren't worth dying for, that's for sure!

As the wise man named Mooch has said many times; Learn to be a kayaker first, and a kayak fisherman second.  Kind of like in the Karate Kid 

I know there are many who look down on the outriggers and that's fine. To each their own. I can go out with or without them but I do feel a lot more comfortable and stable with them. I guess one of these days I might take my crutches off and become a real kayak angler. But until then I will just peddle around with my crutches and do what I do.

I'm not bashing anyone using the outriggers. What I meant was one really needs to know and be comfortable with the kayak without them to truly be safe.

Kayaker first, fisherman second ...  simply brilliant.

Bill