Newbie - Looking to get into saltwater kayak fishing

Hey Everybody,

I'm Jonathan (based in Sunnyvale) and I'm excited to get into kayak fishing/crabbing!! I've been freshwater fishing since I was a kid (grew up in Atlanta, lived in MN for a few years before moving out to the Bay Area) but started saltwater fishing/crabbing when the pandemic hit. After jealously watching countless kayaks pass me by while fishing off the HMB jetty I decided I have to try it out for myself and was told about NCKA from a friend (who then moved to SoCal which was a bummer...).

Needless to say, I'm a complete noob when it comes to kayak fishing so I would appreciate any advice and/or tutorials/videos to help me get up to speed. A few things I'm currently trying to figure out:

• what size kayak do I need? Should I go pedal or paddle? What about boat weight (it's just me)?
• what other gear do I need?
• safety advice? what conditions to look for? Is pillar point harbor a good place for beginners or should I start somewhere else? any tips on where to go?
• is there a class you'd recommend or am I better off learning through YouTube videos?

Thanks in advance! Super excited to be here!

Jonathan

Welcome to NCKA Jonathan.  If you haven't already, check out the "Safety first" section in the forums.   

Welcome

Attached is the gear list I made several years ago for a friend.
You can use this as a reference and check with more experienced people.  Also watching YouTube will help you prepare.

Paul

$15 pee bottle?   

Oh, and welcome! 

$15 pee bottle?   

Oh, and welcome!

I found one at the thrift store, smelled alright...JK...I just bought one, went for the 8.99 version...

pee bottle...that's what scupper holes are for 

pee bottle…
thats what empty gatorade bottles are for …
 with the BIG cap!!!

Welcome to the madness. Fluid release system is a definite +... unless you like stewing in the juice

This is what I use as a pee bottle and has some benefits.
This is just large enough for me.  I wish they make 1,000 ml one.

pee bottle…
thats what empty gatorade bottles are for …
 with the BIG cap!!!

And if this isn't big enough, well I know of a video producer down in So Cal who would love to talk to you... 

I just shoot a powerful pee over the side of the boat. It attracts the fishies.

pee bottle...that's what scupper holes are for

No mo’ scuppahs on da PF...just for the foot wells...small and always wet to the heel...I was worried of the blood and coagulated parts wouldn’t flush out and they did clear up after some paddling, shark shield on..

Welcome to NCKA Jonathan.  If you haven't already, check out the "Safety first" section in the forums.   

+1

Keep in mind what the boat capacity is and weight of the boat. The heavier the boat, the harder it is to get it on the water.

Wow, you guys are awesome! Thanks for the extensive list Paul!

Looks like anything 12ft or more should be good for the ocean and I should go with a pedal vs paddle. Thoughts on Hobie vs Old Town? I've had people recommend both to me.

Noted on the pee bottle 

pee bottle...that's what scupper holes are for

I thought scupper holes were for #2...