Newbie

So first off. In absolutely in love with kayak fishing and I haven't even tried it yet. I've fished all my life and I've kayaked before. But never did both at the same time. I've been doing some research and saving some money. And I'm planning on getting a cuda 12.
I'm for sure going to need a life jacket and an anchor. Is there anything else that I absolutely need or that would be super helpful out on the water.
I will be attending Headwaters swap meet this sat as well. So I will ask questions there too.
Thank you.

Welcome, dan and his crew at headwaters will get you set up right.

Welcome to NCKA.   

Welcome!
Don't forget a paddle😎

See you on the water!

welcome...there is thread on this site (  I think) where members with exp make lists and suggest stuff.
One of the things members I met on the water always asked was "whats you screen name?" followed by " you got a vhf radio?" when I said no they told me it was safer to have one.
Stuff ads up quick when you have everything to buy at once-I bought a cheap pair of floating uniden vhf radios
I have had to send one back and the other is now in need of a battery,the good vhf's are a bit pricey but I could of saved 80 bucks buy not buying the cheap one for my first season..
anyways
welcome look forward to seeing your posts

there is a thread on vhf radios on here too,many really

Welcome to the madness !!

Welcome to the madness. Check out the gear swaps this weekend at either Headwaters location. Not sure what Dan has down in Lodi but in Redding we have a 2011 Hobie outback (only got wet 3 times) with cart and anchor trolly for $1600 or a 2013 Cuda 12 for $1200 with PFD Bending Branches Paddle and hatch liner. The Cuda was only put in the water once for a short time. We have lots of other gear as well.

Definately a radio, its good to be connected on the water.
Welcome and see you OTW.

chuwy

Welcome!

Here are some things I would say are required if you plan on fishing saltwater:

-Waterproof VHF Radio
-Compass
-Life jacket (of course)


And some things you'll find helpful wherever you fish:

-Rod holder. Think long and hard before you mount it. Will you be trolling? Will the rod be in the way when you need to paddle?

-Fish finder. Of course not required, but VERY helpful.

-"Game clip" to hold your catch. These can also double as kelp anchors (grab a handful of kelp and secure it in the clip).

-Drift sock to slow your drift in windy conditions. I find that my drift sock gets MUCH more use than my anchor, but I usually like to keep moving while I fish.

Thanks everyone. Greatly appreciated. I'm still saving for a yak but I'm anxious to get out on that water..