New to the Ocean! Looking for tips/spots/safety gear advice!

Hey there! I am new to the forum b/c I am going to venture out into the ocean with my kayak. I plan on fishing for Halibut/lings/rockfish/etc. Looking for advice on best clothing/waders/undergarments as well as necessary safety gear and best tides for fishing the bays in NorCal. Probably going to start with going for Halibut in Tomales Bay. Thoughts and advice are appreciated!

Mike Knott

#Fish4Nez

Welcome, Mike. 

Hey Mike,

Welcome! I'm pretty new to the forums as well but there's already a wealth of knowledge on these forums about safety and what to wear, etc. They were really helpful as guidance for setting yourself up for safety. I know I was definitely focused on the fishing aspect but that seems to be the icing on the cherry. We're definitely first and foremost kayaking and getting home is more important than any fish. Name of the game is dress for immersion and worst case scenario.

Click through the forums but a basic summary is:

1) farmer john (3mm-6mm) wetsuit or dry suit
2) booties
3) PFD
4) bilge pump
5) VHF radio
6) Whistle
7) Knife easily accessible

I'm sure there's always more but that's a quick summary and you'll find more good stuff on the forums by searching.

Welcome Mike.

Check out Outdoorplay.com They have good deal on all Stohlquist brand.

https://www.outdoorplay.com/

Welcome, MK. Good luck with the halibut fishing--looking forward to your reports.

there should be Hookups, I suggest going with the ppl from the forum after u got ur gear .

Don't forget:
 
-compass
-gps

Welcome to the madness Mike 

welcome mike 

Welcome to NCKA, Mike.  The best way to get yourself up to speed on the general recommendations for safety is to use the search function within the forums here and read all the threads that you can.

Another way to jump your game up a few levels is to hire a guide.  I take people out at Shelter Cove primarily.  We focus on safety, forecasts, dressing for immersion, navigation and how to deal with fog safely...etc., and we target all species.  Salmon, halibut, lingcod, rockfish and thresher have been on the hook for my guests and I lately - it's been a good summer.

Enjoy. 

Mike, just don't forget, the ocean is not forgiving.  Recovery is everything and you always have a choice to fish another day. 

There is an article for new starters that list recommended safety gears.  Keep in mind that those list are gathered by folks who had experienced disasters.

Good luck and welcome to the madness!

Great advice, as usual. I'm too cheap to buy a new wetsuit/drysuit. Not doing well finding a second hand 3 mm FJ in larger sizes. Anyone got a good source?

Wow, thanks for all the awesome advice and responses! Happy to be a part of the forum and continue to gain knowledge through all you guys!


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Hey Mike,

Welcome! I'm pretty new to the forums as well but there's already a wealth of knowledge on these forums about safety and what to wear, etc. They were really helpful as guidance for setting yourself up for safety. I know I was definitely focused on the fishing aspect but that seems to be the icing on the cherry. We're definitely first and foremost kayaking and getting home is more important than any fish. Name of the game is dress for immersion and worst case scenario.

Click through the forums but a basic summary is:

1) farmer john (3mm-6mm) wetsuit or dry suit
2) booties
3) PFD
4) bilge pump
5) VHF radio
6) Whistle
7) Knife easily accessible

I'm sure there's always more but that's a quick summary and you'll find more good stuff on the forums by searching.

1) Common sense.

Then the rest...

Welcome Mike,
I am also looking forward to learning more.