Completely New

Hi everyone my name is Matt, I couldn't come up with a better screen name so first initial last initial it is haha. Brief background, I grew up in Napa hunting and fishing my whole life, joined the Army and got out after 5 years, and just have been slow readjusting to "normal" life. I still go hunting but haven't been fishing very much over the last 6 years. I now live in Santa Rosa and have easy access to the Sonoma Coast. I don't know if it is the weather or what, but I have a real need to go fishing over the last month.

I have zero experience fishing the ocean and have done a lot of reading and YouTube watching trying to educate myself. After reading about one of your guys' fishing get togethers out at Albion in a magazine, I started researching the community and kayak fishing in General. I'm pretty sure I'm already an addict and I haven't even got my line wet yet! So I wanted to join the forums to pick your guys' brains about starting out and maybe meet some people who could show me the ropes sometime.

I have searched your guys' forum and found the section about necessary gear really helpful, but here's what I'm wondering. What is the bare minimum I would need to go out and be safe and successful. I have a pretty good idea of what I would need, but what do you think it would cost? My wife loves deer and fish, but hates spending $2k+ because I have a need to go fishing. are there deals to be had and where? any help would be appreciated.

Thanks for allowing me to join your community and hopefully I can get out on the water in the next month or two.

Welcome!

Check the stickied threads on the top of the forums.  Most of your questions will be answered there.  Here's the ocean safety sticky:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=27534.0

WTTM

Thanks Oyster Boy. First rule of internet forums, don't ask questions that have been answered 4550865087 times and that's the first thing I do haha. I'll read and re-read everything.

Welcome to NCKA Matt. 



-Kiel

Welcome Matt. Bare minimum, I'd say PFD, VHF radio, being dressed for immersion, and the knowledge to self rescue. Start out slow by hitting local lakes first.

Herb

Probably wouldn't hurt to take one of the kayak guides down there for a day to make sure this is what your interested in, try it before you buy it. Had a few guys up here go all on just to resale all there gear at a substantial loss a month or two later. Just my $0.02

Welcome Matt. Bare minimum, I'd say PFD, VHF radio, being dressed for immersion, and the knowledge to self rescue. Start out slow by hitting local lakes first.

Herb

Good advice. And some bargains on used kayaks (and other gear) show up on here frequently---the kayaks are often rigged for fishing, which can save a lot. I believe you'll need 10 posts before you can see the want ads...

welcome matt

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Welcome to NCKA Matt

Probably wouldn't hurt to take one of the kayak guides down there for a day to make sure this is what your interested in, try it before you buy it. Had a few guys up here go all on just to resale all there gear at a substantial loss a month or two later. Just my $0.02

I was thinking that as well, do you have any suggestions? I found this place http://www.kayakfishing.com/schools.html but was thinking about what I could buy for fishing for $259 instead, but I believe it would be wise to do something like this.

Welcome Matt. Bare minimum, I'd say PFD, VHF radio, being dressed for immersion, and the knowledge to self rescue. Start out slow by hitting local lakes first.

Herb

Good advice. And some bargains on used kayaks (and other gear) show up on here frequently---the kayaks are often rigged for fishing, which can save a lot. I believe you'll need 10 posts before you can see the want ads...

Good to know! I didn't even know there were classifieds on here. Thanks!

Probably wouldn't hurt to take one of the kayak guides down there for a day to make sure this is what your interested in, try it before you buy it. Had a few guys up here go all on just to resale all there gear at a substantial loss a month or two later. Just my $0.02

I was thinking that as well, do you have any suggestions? I found this place http://www.kayakfishing.com/schools.html but was thinking about what I could buy for fishing for $259 instead, but I believe it would be wise to do something like this.

The fishing part is easy. Instead, I'd sign up for Kayak Safety class. They'll teach you paddling technique, surf zone (launch/landing), self rescue, etc. When you have those skills, then watch out for hook ups and show up. Members here are very welcoming and wouldn't mind a newbie tagging along as long as they're safely geared up.

Welcome, Matt. 

Welcome , you could start here  http://www.clavey.com/, they have safety classes and provide gear for them till you get your own    (and no I do not endorse one shop over another ), there`s some good guys in the Sonoma County  area and some of us are in Santa Rosa ( not that I`m one of the good guys ) , see you OTW

Welcome to NCKA.