New guy on the block

Like the title says, I'm new to this neighborhood (the kayak owning neighborhood that is).  I've been watching and reading about you guys for a while now and wishing I could join in all the fun. 

I'm sure that I have some dues to pay before I can consider myself a kayak fisherman.  With any luck I can mitigate the dangerous stuff offered by the ocean and avoid dropping too many expensive things, that don't float, overboard.  I've already pushed one kayak off my car while tying down another. Lesson learned and won't be repeated.... hopefully.

I know y'all have had your share of "Doh!" moments.  Any suggestions on what I can do to steepen my learning curve and avoid some of the big mistakes?

Welcome to NWKA Spot! Glad to hear you've come out of the shadows and fish w/ us. And that's the best advice to steepen the learning curve, hang out here and let's go fish!

Z

Welcome Spot!

Dues, schmooz!?! We don't pay no stinkin dues! (yet) Besides, you got credit for dropping the boat. Hope you did'nt take out the rear view mirror (I did,,,twice )
 Everybody here is kinda new to this sport. Heck, I've been at it 12 years and find something new most days. Hanging around here, www.norcalkayakanglers.com and www.kayakfishingstuff.com should help minimize the number of Doh's! and shorten the curve. That and remember that anything you want to keep should be attached to the boat. Welcome to the fold!

So what kinda boat did you drop and where do you fish?
And yes, it is fun!

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! 

I appreciate the suggestions F.F.T.!  I've been checking out several different sites for ideas and cautionary tales. 

As for craft:  Last weekend I purchased a used Cobra Fish-n-Dive and a used Cobra Explorer as a package.  Both are in nearly perfect condition.  I couldn't have asked for a better deal or a better seller.  Took them out on a costal river for a trial run and was extremely pleased with their handling and ability to make ground paddling against a decent current.  Next step will be to practice surf launches and landings.  Funny, I have nearly 30 years of experience surfing winter waves and the thought of trying to negotiate small summer beachbreaks on a kayak makes me pucker. There are so many reefs and sea-stacks that I want to explore for Lings and Rockfish though.....

My fishing thus far has been mostly on the north coast rivers from the bank.  I've put in some time fishing for perch, rockfish and greenling from the rocks around the north coast and I'm really looking forward to being able to access the big boys that I know are lurking around the reefs.

Question: How do SOT's handle in whitewater?

Next step will be to practice surf launches and landings.

This is a really fun and crucial step if you're going to be doing surf launches. Go with an empty kayak and put on a good wetsuit and have a blast going in and out of the surf. If you do have a helmet it might be nice since a yak that's getting chucked by a wave can hurt. But it is fun and teaches you a lot about what your kayak can handle in such conditions. Your surfing experience will help you heaps!!
 

My fishing thus far has been mostly on the north coast rivers from the bank.  I've put in some time fishing for perch, rockfish and greenling from the rocks around the north coast and I'm really looking forward to being able to access the big boys that I know are lurking around the reefs.

Oh man.. the "madness" of yakfishing is sooo gonna get you! I'm a total victim!

Z

I appreciate the info. Zee!  Judging by your posts I've read, on this and other sites, you've got quite a bit of experience. 

I'm not sure if I'll make it to the point of fishing the ocean this summer but I'll definately be working on my safety, handling, rescue and rigging skills.

Maybe this fall I'll hook up with someone and venture out to one of the many reefs around here.

welcome..  I too have a fish and dive.  I use it often in the ocean off the coast near tillamook, netarts, ocean side and pacific city beaches.  My fish and dive is a dream in the surf and stable to fish from.  I use the web or the NOAA weather radio to check swells and wind waves and have been out on mirror flat days and some rough stuff it handled great.  Don't over think the ocean stuff.  A wetsuit a life jacket and a little practice in the surf zone and common sense (flares,vhf,cell,gps) and your there. This is my first summer doing the kayak thing (selling my 28ft sportfisher and got the yak to keep the salt in my blood) and have been out about 20 times, haven't dumped yet and have a blast every time.

selling my 28ft sportfisher and got the yak to keep the salt in my blood

Awesome! Glad to bring you away from the dark side

I appreciate the info. Zee!  Judging by your posts I've read, on this and other sites, you've got quite a bit of experience.

I've done my share of fishing on the yak and it just can't be beat. The madness... what can I say. Can't wait to head down to Oregon and check out some of the insane potential I've heard about. I believe fishesfromtupperware is in your neighborhood. See if you can hook up with him. He's got a schweeeet Hobie and knows about rigging!

Z

Pelagic, Thanks for the insight!  I’ve got everything except for the flares.  I’ll fix that shortly.  I’ll be fishing a little north of your stomping grounds but maybe we can hook up for a paddle out some time.

Zee, I appreciate the knowledge and stoke!  Maybe by the time you make up with way I’ll be competent enough to have a few spots to share.

I’ll be fishing a little north of your stomping grounds but maybe we can hook up for a paddle out some time.

Anytime. Let me know when you'll be in the neighborhood and we'll get on the fish!

Z