Just getting started

A few months ago I was reading an article in the Western Outdoor News titled the Plastic Navy Tournment. I've been hooked on getting started every since. I've tried Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 & 15. Being 6' and about 245 I found the 15 to be pretty stable and smooth streight tracking. The 13 seemed a little tipsey to me. I'm not sold on any particular Kayak yet and would appreciate some advise from the more experienced out there before I make my investments. I also have twin 14 year old boys that I will need to get started as well. Still trying to figure out how I'm going to afford this. I havent found any used equipment yet. I live in the Monterey area and have checked with our local Kayak shops for used without much luck. Would appreciate any advise I can get. 

Ben,
we have a classified section that folks can sell their used kayaks and equipment. There have been some really good deals lately as guys are upgrading for the start of the fishing season. You've got to be quick as this crowd Knows their kayaks and seldom let em go.

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out - Ben

Hey Ben - welcome to the madness!

IMO: the Prowler 15 still gets my vote for an all around kayak. It's stable,fast, a big enough tankwell to store your fish, a very nice deck layout for electronics (Fish finder and GPS). And I hear that the new version will have even better storage capabilities - which I'm looking forward to seeing!

Anyway, test paddle as much kayaks as you can and take your time....just think of a kayak as if it were a shoe. If it fits you comfortably, buy it

For used kayaks, you might want to contact Half Moon Bay Kayak Company - they sell some of their used rentals every now and then. You can also test paddle their line of Cobra Kayaks. The Marauder - being their flag ship for kayak fishing is something you might keep in mind. But don't count out the Tourer or the Fish and Dive.

Kayak Connection in Moss Landing has more variety of kayaks to test paddle as well.

Anyway, good luck and hope to see you on the water soon!

NOTE: June 10 - we will haqve our 3rd Annual Rockfish derby at the Princeton Harbor. If get a chance, swing by and meet the "NCKA family"....and you can check out everyone's rigged kayaks. I'm sure you can ask any of us - to demo any of our yaks - we got a really friendly and helpfull group  Hope to see you there!

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=7754.0

On another note: take a paddle class on basics: how to paddle properly and learn to self resue or hire a guide before venturing out in the big blue - lot's of things to learn. Allen bushnell is a super guide based in Santa Cruz - he goes by Scallen in this board.

On another note: take a paddle class on basics: how to paddle properly and learn to self resue or hire a guide before venturing out in the big blue - lot's of things to learn. Allen bushnell is a super guide based in Santa Cruz - he goes by Scallen in this board.

Welcome Ben,
Mooch is right on taking  a class before paddling out in the pacific. Allen is also my choose as far as getting a great guide and suggestions on safety plus members of this board.
In hookups if you see something that might interest you, jump in, but I do suggest that you take a class before venturing out. From a member who did follow this advice and found that it really paid off.
Anytime partner, Frankfishing

Welcome!
I'll third that taking a basic kayak class should be your first priority if you are new to paddling. As kayak anglers the learning curve is much more enjoyable (and safer) when we are kayakers first, and fisherfolk second.
Enjoy!

when we are kayakers first, and fisherfolk second

Amen to that! IMO: we should use this as a"motto" for the newbies 

Thank you all,

I appreciate the great welcome! and the advise. I'm really looking forward to getting into this and really want to do it right. The information you all have provided is greatly appreciated. I can tell you that I did plan on taking a class on self rescue and whatever else is involved. The first time I tested a kayak at MBK, the water was rough and I was dumped the first wave that hit me. I was able to climb back on in deep water and paddle out. (learned that from watching the Kayak Fishing Video). That was in the OK Prowler 13. Did not have the problem in the 15. When I first started looking into this, MBK suggested I contact Allen Bushnell for a guided fishing trip. I emailed him and he responded. I am planning on taking this trip with my boys this summer. I guess I need to find out if Allen gives the safety class or do I need to schedule this before I go out with him.
Anyway, I want to do this right and I really appreciate all your comments and advise. I looked in the classifieds today and seen that Mooch had a Prowler 15 for sale. I also seen that it sold. I guess I do have to be quick. Will keep a close eye on this sight.
Again, thanks for the great welcome and all the advise. - Ben

Maybe add that motto to the Logo contest

when we are kayakers first, and fisherfolk second.

Welcome   12 y/o twins ....Amen Brother...I have 9 y/o twins...As soon as I started this, I could not wait to get them going...I Went a little crazy with the Hobie Mirage, and set off the alarms on my credit card, but no regrets. No need to go that way for there are deals to be had, stick with the advice here, Ocean kayak, Tarpon, Cobra Murader has my interest right now. Pedals are Kool but they have disavantages too, especaily in the Ocean. It's nice to have a deck that is uncluttered, but it's also nice to troll with your hands free...The classic advice.." Try before you buy "..

Taking my boys out for the first time @ clear lake was the koolest 2 hours of my life...

Can't wait to get out more with them

That last pic made the 1st page of WON this week....

Oh, and Scallen Rocks!!!!!.............Danglin

Don - I can't get over the size of that crappie  Did you weigh that monster?

Hey Danglin,

Twins are great! Thanks for sharing the photos. I know Clear Lake has some monster crappie and bass. Looks like you all had a great time. Thanks for the advise, I'll be keeping an eye on that classified section that Mooch told me about the other day, in addition to staying in contact with the rental shops. It sounds like the kayak fishing bug hit you as it has me. I can say that I've been hunting and fishing for most of my life. Most of my hunting was with a rifle. When I was introduced to archery, that spark was back if you know what I mean. I got my first buck with a bow las year. What a thrill that was. That spark is on high with the kayak fishing. The best part of it is this is something that my whole family can enjoy. With the responses from just this one posting I've done I can tell there are a lot of good people involved in this sport. Thanks again for sharing the photos. I hope to do the same in the near future. - Ben

 Hi Ben. welcome to the Game. If your looking for used be sure and check with freshwater places also. Tahoe, Truckee ect. They are just starting to open up and have some pretty good deals sometimes.

Don - I can't get over the size of that crappie  Did you weigh that monster?

No, I did not weigh it...As Ben can tell ya, having twins ( Kids ) is like catching 12 chickens @ Once

You have to keep your "span of control" and believe it or not, weighing the fish never made priority...

Speaking of priority...When are you getting married????   

I'm sure we have scared the Hell out of ya by now, not really fair....

I took the Peter Brady attitude about marrage and kids...Quote..

  " Sure, I'll get married....When I have nothing else to live For..... ...."

  If ya want to try and see if kids are for you, try this....

Wake up every 2 hours or so, and carry around a 10lb weight for 2/3 hours,

Take 2 goats and go to grocery store,

While walking down the road, stop every 5' feet to look at the ground,

Start to hate people without kids,

Realize you would not give this up for the World

Attempted highjacking by...............Danglin

Take 2 goats and go to grocery store

that tells me a lot already