where to start

 greetings everyone..Ok so i`m watching two guys crabbing and fishing off the coast here in Sonoma county while i was on the shore line fishing..they looked like they were having a very good time..yes they were getting crab and fish too...  soooo...naturally on my way home i decided i gotta do this..obvious question coming here..where do i start ? I grew up fishing the SF bay area and I enjoy fresh water too  I `m semi retired and started fishing more now that I have the time...any input on types of kayaks and gear  to get started would be great ....Thanks ,Vic

Hey Vic welcome.
Kayak fishing, especially the ocean has a definite learning curve but there are a few necessities. I would start with a used sit on top (sot) kayak and don't spend more than a few hundred bucks. Spend most of your money on a VHF radio, wetsuit and PFD. These items are very important and everything else is just less important, especially being a newb on the salt.

My first boat was Ocean Kayak Scrambler xt. It's tough as nails, stable and just an all around good beginner boat that will last for years. I've seen them advertised in our classified section for just a couple hundred bucks. As for the VHF and PFD, buy new and something you'll keep for a long time, don't go cheap your life may depend on it. Wetsuit is also something you can buy used but it's important to get a full suit. Don't wear wadders!

As for rods, reel, baits, nets, gaffs, fish clips and everything else for fishing... well that's up to you and something you'll define OTW (on the water).

Look on the classified for used items or post a WTB (want to buy). Hit up your local kayak shop, west marine, etc., for your important items. Tell them where you'll be fishing so they can set you up correctly. Good luck and search this site extensively, there is so much great info available.

~ Mike

Vic,

Invest in an intro course to kayaking.

Basic Skills for Sit on Top kayaking:

If you want to use a sit-on-top kayak for coastal trips, this class is a great investment towards making your adventures safe and enjoyable This class combines the Intro to Kayaks and Surf Zone for a comprehesive and intensive fun day. Includes wetsuit, sit-on-top single kayak and all gear. Instructors are ACA trained. A minimum 2 people are required for the class, or available by private instruction.

Offered every Sunday 9:30 to 5:00


http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/HostedStore.LassoApp?-ResponseLassoApp=search.lasso&category=Kayak%20Classes

You will also be able to demo their yaks in the process. I believe they offer an NCKA discount as well.

I strongly recommend a course of this type. Always remember safety first. You want to feel safe and comfortable in the water before you start fishing from a yak.

Antonio

Welcome, Vic.   

I believe here  in my area there is a kayak safety course and at least 1 or 2 kayak outfitters ..

Where are you located?

Welcome Vic  . I started as a lurker on this site reading up on old threads (safety, equipment, etc)  trying to absorb anything I could. NCKA has a lot of great information. Read on old threads and you'll see/get everything you need to know. Everything's been pretty much covered here already. Safety is number 1 priority so read up on that a LOT. Good Luck and see you OTW in the future.

Welcome to the madness Vic