Wanting to get into this!

[Bert Vega]

I am considering trying this hobby out. Never really been kayaking. Few times here and there. Have not been fishing.
in over a decade. But enjoyed it when I did it. I was recently injured in a mountain bike crash and am looking to get into something else. Little less dangerous but gets me out the house a day here and there. I have been doing a ton of research online. Week in hospital lots of time to start research. I have narrowed my choice down to two kayaks right now. I am a looking at the PA 14 or a Jackson Big Tuna. I will be putting a motor on the tuna for sure. Since I don't have the best shoulders. Wanted to know what everyone is running. Or if anyone has opinion on either two boats. I will be fishing mostly in ocean with a few fresh water trips here and there. I like to option of the second seat on the tuna in case my son ever wanted to go or bring a buddy. I fighter 95% of the time I will be on my own. Any comments would be appreciated. Also I have no friends that currently do this. So all on my own for now.

[rieffer]

Give Hobie a good look, especially with the bad wings. I've got a PA12 and love it.

[DanaPT]

Give Hobie a good look, especially with the bad wings. I've got a PA12 and love it.

x2.

i say go for a single seater.

[svendawg]

If you have issues with your shoulders you might want to consider a PA-12. It's easier to load and move around, especially if you plan on transporting it on a rack,

[StinkyMatt]

Welcome.

No, you are not on your own. You have the entire BWE group to help you out.



Do not go buy a yak.


Go to any yak shop and test drive several.


Now buy a yak.

[Amish Ed]

Matt said it all really. But, Svendawg makes a good point too.

[kaya_one]

I've heard that you will fish on the tandem 5% of the time so then 5% of the time go RENT a tandem. The tandem's won't float a single person well in my opinion as they are not built right for one person.

After jumping in on a paddle-yak (not a hobie) and not test driving (take Matt's advice) I realized my lower back isn't liking it too much and after 6+ hours on the water I am stiff the next day. So now with Physical Therapy I am strengthening my back and been feeling pretty good lately. My friend says he just can't do the yaks cause of his back and bought a small skiff.

Lots of people to help here on BWE. Get well. PM me or post up again - plenty other questions you'll have.

[Bert Vega]

Think you all for the warm welcome. I went and looked at both boats yesterday. I like the PA better. The craftsmanship of the Hobie seems to be better. Also the hobie dealer here in Temecula. They have a 2012 in the shop that they will let go for 2100. So I plan on purchasing it today. Then I can start getting it dressed out. Still need to get all my other gear and rods and reels. Also if I buy from them they will give 10% off for life. So if everything goes according to plan. I will be ready to hit the water in 3-4 weeks. Hope my body is healed up enough to go. Had my last mountain bike accident on 12/8. Broke 3 ribs, punctured and partially collapsed it. Bruised my liver and right kidney. Then going to hit up a lake near the house to practice and get used to pedaling and paddling new yak. Have allot to learn. But when I get into something I go all in!

[skiptomyzoo]

One option you didn't mention (probably bc it just came out) is jackson's newest, 'The Big Rig'. From what I can gather it is very similar to the Big Tuna, but slightly scaled down for one person and with upgrades
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=937Nyb886hw

I would not get a tandem. All that means is you are going to have to peddle or paddle something built for 2 ppl, solo 95% of the time, although you did say you would also run a motor. Supposedly the Big Tuna still does well solo but I wouldn't.

Not sure if you saw either the PA or Big Tuna in person yet, I have. But they are much closer to boats then they are kayaks (not a bad thing, just they are large). Just mentioning bc you said your shoulders aren't the best loading/unloading.

[Bert Vega]

So went out today and pulled the trigger!! Still at their shop, waiting on parts to come in. I will have it in the garage next weekend. But it's mine I am so pumped!!!!

[MrPatrick]

"And lo, the sun shown down upon the 'Yak and it was good!"

[Hunter (The 80's Man)]

Aaaaand that's how it's done, just like that. I'm jealous!
CONGRATULATIONS :)

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

Welcome to the addiction! Merry Christmas!

Janine

[jorluivil]

I too did a lot of mountain biking back in the days; mt wilson, redbox, santa monica, turnbull, chileo(I think I spelled that wrong).........local stuff. I noticed after each ride I/we wanted more of a thrill and we would usually find it. However, one day I took a spill on a switchback and landed a few feet from the edge of the mountain, the only reason my bike didn't go over was because the spokes from the tire got caught in a shrub. Now I fish with the sharks but I don't carry a loaded weapon:D

Congrats on an awesome kayak, I might upgrade to one of those this year.

[ful-rac]

I too did a lot of mountain biking back in the days; mt wilson, redbox, santa monica, turnbull, chileo(I think I spelled that wrong).........local stuff. I noticed after each ride I/we wanted more of a thrill and we would usually find it. However, one day I took a spill on a switchback and landed a few feet from the edge of the mountain, the only reason my bike didn't go over was because the spokes from the tire got caught in a shrub. Now I fish with the sharks but I don't carry a loaded weapon:D

Congrats on an awesome kayak, I might upgrade to one of those this year.



Jorge buy a PA...?

NEVER!!!


Congrats on your new kayak purchase. Hopefully you'll find that you like kayak'n, if you stick with it you'll have some great experiences...and some bad ones....meet some characters and I guarantee you'll have a lot of laughs!

Don't forget to spend the money and get yourself a good set of wheels for your PA. Like the Wheeleez cart, it is expensive but worth every penny when your able to move that monster boat across almost any surface sidewalk or sand with relative ease.

[Bert Vega]

Thanks guys. I am real excited about this! jorluivil I hit most of the same trails. I spent most of the summer up at Snow Summit. Riding the bike park and a little racing at southridge. But after this last get off (worst since my mx racing days) the warden told me I needed something different to do. Always enjoyed fishing even though I haven't been in YEARS. Saw a video of some guys fishing off kayak. And thought it would be allot of fun to do. Gets me out of the house for a day here and there so its a win. Ordered my fish finder and gps combo. Ordered hobie bait tank, rod holders and the heavy duty wheel cart. They said that was the one everybody used for this beast.

[fishingfiend]

Glad to hear you're recovering, sounds like you stacked pretty bad. I had a blast with my Enduro, but a trip to ER had me reconsidering my choice of hobbies. Got back into fishing with a PA and have not looked back. Welcome to the retired mountain bikers club.

Congrats on your PA and hope to see you on the water. :cheers1:

[nacho66]

Bert, Glad your recovering, I had a similar incident. I was cut off while riding my Harley and had a plateau fracture to my right tibia. Basically, split my knee in half, I have been wanting to get a PA since they came out. To help with my therapy I began searching and when a 2013 PA14 showed up at a great price I jumped. I have been out a couple of times so far, in progress of getting a cheap trailer completed and will be out there soon

[Bert Vega]

I have about a month before I can start using it. Sucks but I have time to get some gear. So I can be ready once the ribs are healed. I do have a question. If someone can advise on the transducer placement. The stor said to mount it in the hull. Is that going to affect the way it works? Am I better off getting a mount or ?? Does it work thru the hull?

[jruiz]

I have about a month before I can start using it. Sucks but I have time to get some gear. So I can be ready once the ribs are healed. I do have a question. If someone can advise on the transducer placement. The stor said to mount it in the hull. Is that going to affect the way it works? Am I better off getting a mount or ?? Does it work thru the hull?

By any chance is yours lowrance ready?

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=20074&highlight=lowrance+ready

[Bert Vega]

No it is a 2012. Doesn't have that feature. I read the rudder would be good place. But wanted to ask the guys that fish the areas I want too.

[Bert Vega]

So it looks like I wont have my kayak in the garage this weekend. The parts have not come in yet and the shop still has to install them. I have the paddle hanging in my office until I can actually use it. I did want to ask what people would recommend for clothing. I seen some stuff online from Hobie and a few others. But was wondering what you guys wear this time of year. As it gets warmer the easier it will be to dress. But I want to start fishing the second my ribs can take it. I am also hunting for tackle like rods and reels. I really want to target Halibut, White Sea Bass, Yellow Tail, Calico Bass. I must say allot has changed since last I fished. Almost 20 years ago. I used to have a ton of gear but gave it away to friends here and there over the years. I got allot to learn and even more $$$ to spend. The warden is already in my ear and I not even close to being ready.

[alanw]

I did want to ask what people would recommend for clothing. I seen some stuff online from Hobie and a few others. But was wondering what you guys wear this time of year.

It really depends on what you are comfortable with. Some guys will be out with board shorts and a t-shirt while others will feel the need to wear waders and a splash jacket. I myself prefer to stay warm and dry, because being cold makes me miserable.

This might help, it's from another thread:
It's cold around here much of the time and conditions change quickly so I have quite the kayaking wardrobe:

http://www.watermanatwork.com/KayakFishing/KayakFishingWear/KayakFishingWear.html

The only thing not covered there is for extreme cold, especially in the ocean or large rivers, is a dry suit.

[Bert Vega]

Thank you for the link. I am like you I don't like being cold. That is very helpful. Since I have to wait a little longer for FF to come in. I had them add trolley anchor line, anchor and a drift chute. I need a radio and one of those fancy fishing life jackets. Then my fishing tackle. I will have a gang of questions when it comes time for that. Anyone in Temecula area that fishes our coasts? I could use some help picking tackle. I don't want to waste money buying equipment. To find out I got all the wrong stuff. Also it would be great to meet a few of you. I appreciate all the advise this board has given me.

[Lipripper92592]

I'm here in South Temecula and have pretty much the same setup that you purchased. What shop carries Hobie gear here in town? If you needs some help installing the FF or transducer, I can help. Check out the transducer mounting methods on here, I'd go with the plumbers putty/wetmount or create some type of bracket that would allow you to attach it to the back handle.
Good luck with healing up, remember what the old geezers say...."with age comes rollcage".....I think their on to something there.....

[BrokeLoser]

So it looks like I wont have my kayak in the garage this weekend. The parts have not come in yet and the shop still has to install them. I have the paddle hanging in my office until I can actually use it. I did want to ask what people would recommend for clothing. I seen some stuff online from Hobie and a few others. But was wondering what you guys wear this time of year. As it gets warmer the easier it will be to dress. But I want to start fishing the second my ribs can take it. I am also hunting for tackle like rods and reels. I really want to target Halibut, White Sea Bass, Yellow Tail, Calico Bass. I must say allot has changed since last I fished. Almost 20 years ago. I used to have a ton of gear but gave it away to friends here and there over the years. I got allot to learn and even more $$$ to spend. The warden is already in my ear and I not even close to being ready.

Hey man, welcome to the show...you're gonna love this sh!t.
I come from a motoX background, I still ride a good bit but not like I use to. I use to practice atleast once a week and race every weekend. I've broken many bones...after breaking my wrists six times between the two I finally decided to back it down a couple of notches. I bought a kayak and even a sideXside to compliment my crf450 for off-road. Anyhoo...as far as gear / tackle goes; you've started out with the baddest kayak on the water, (I ride a PA 14) I'd suggest you try and start out with gear in the middle to upper range as far as quality goes. I've found that if you don't you will just throw good money after bad re-buying sh!t atleast twice. Also, not to sound like a follower or anything but you'll be around guys with all the badass sh!t and gear envy sucks...plus, when you do get skunked and you have Walmart gear the first thing you'll think is; "I would have killed it if I had better gear." (not true at all but that's still what you'll think).
To get a little specific gear wise; I really like fishing 'light', I always have. I don't find it all that fun to winch fish in, meaning I would never take 20# gear out to target and catch 3# fish. In fact, I'll usually haul out 15# gear to target the 25# class. I really like the Shimano Teramar series rods and the Daiwa Lexa and Daiwa Luna reels. You're gonna get a lot of help from people here on this site...you have definitely found the right place. Good luck...see ya on the water someday!

[salty pirate]

I'm here in South Temecula and have pretty much the same setup that you purchased. What shop carries Hobie gear here in town? If you needs some help installing the FF or transducer, I can help. Check out the transducer mounting methods on here, I'd go with the plumbers putty/wetmount or create some type of bracket that would allow you to attach it to the back handle.
Good luck with healing up, remember what the old geezers say...."with age comes rollcage".....I think their on to something there.....

Over by the car dealership's is Nomad Adventures they are a hobie dealer and stock parts.

[salty pirate]

Thank you for the link. I am like you I don't like being cold. That is very helpful. Since I have to wait a little longer for FF to come in. I had them add trolley anchor line, anchor and a drift chute. I need a radio and one of those fancy fishing life jackets. Then my fishing tackle. I will have a gang of questions when it comes time for that. Anyone in Temecula area that fishes our coasts? I could use some help picking tackle. I don't want to waste money buying equipment. To find out I got all the wrong stuff. Also it would be great to meet a few of you. I appreciate all the advise this board has given me.

Welcome and congrats on buying a bad ass kayak! if you need help picking gear or if you want to stop by check out some proven gear let me know.

Eli

[Bert Vega]

East side of Ynez between Rancho Cali and Overland. I going to take you both up on the offers. Thank you. The guy at shop said you just mount transducer to floor of hull. They are supposed to install all the parts on my yak. I read about a few different locations and system for transducer placement. But dude assures me that it is supposed to work. I been thinking of just bringing it home. And doing it myself in the garage. Help pass the time and giving me something to do while I finish healing.

[StinkyMatt]

Do a search on this site. There are several ways.....all of them can be done by you. When you do it yourself you also learn about your gear.

[Bert Vega]

Do a search on this site. There are several ways.....all of them can be done by you. When you do it yourself you also learn about your gear.

I think I am going to do just that. Thank you. Going to go pick it up tomorrow or Friday and get to work.

[Bert Vega]

So I going to cancel the hobie fish finder install kit. Just getting the battery mount and doing to do the wet cap install inside of haul. That seems to be the easiest most popular way of doing it. Once I start I will post pictures of rigging process and the questions I will have during install. So excited!!

[Mongo Johnson]

Check in with Andy at the Sunset Beach OEX store. Great and experienced resource for installs and options. "Iceman" is the forum handle and there are some mod' threads on this forum with photos. He has lots of genuine yak fishing cred'.

[COLDCUT]

Hey guys, not to jack the thread or anything but I'm a noob and up here in Temecula too. I just recently bought my son and I a couple of OK Ultras from OEX Mission Bay. We've busy planning and rigging and we've also arrived at the FF phase. On that note, I purchased a Lowrance Elite-4 DSI but I'm thinking about returning it and going with regular 2D sonar. I'm afraid the DSI won't workout real well if I find myself in deeper waters. Any suggestions on finders? Also, if you guys end up meeting up for an impromptu "tech day", I'd love to take part. I'm still a noob but i know about good beer :cheers1:

[WildernessWanker]

Quick comment on fishing gear to get you started. Personally I wouldn't go out and spend money on higher end gear if you're new to kayaking and semi-new to fishing again. I can't speak for everyone else on here but I think it takes some time to get acclimated to kayaking and then kayak fishing. There is a lot that can go wrong and you'll run the risk of losing gear, better less-expensive gear than top-end. Everyone takes a spill or two, some lose gear that way. Others have lost it by it sliding off the yak into the drink following a distraction. Leashes are a must but there's always those small moments when gear is not leashed and it only takes a moment. Also, if it's not lost then it's mildly abused initially. My first year out resulted in a submerged reel about a dozen times as a result of unhooking a fish and it slipping or just falling out of the holder during an attempted roll. I'm not saying never buy good gear, I just think there's nothing wrong starting with an Ugly Stik and Penn Jigmaster while mastering the basics. A lot of nice fish are landed on worse! Plus when you do upgrade you appreciate good gear and spending the money doesn't sting as much. Just my 2¢

[Bert Vega]

I have been going back and forth with the rod and reel stuff. Some say get good stuff and some say wait on it. I going to keep looking around. Going to try to go mid grade. But try to get low level costing for it.

It is pretty cool to see we have a handful of guys here in Temecula area. We should get a meet and greet (beers) setup. With the others in this area. We could all start going fishing together.

[rieffer]

Congrats on the PA. It's a lot easier on the bod than the mountain biking.
Check with your dealer about the transducer install, if it's a Lowrance, everything is set up to hook up in about an hour.

[Bert Vega]

Thank you. I am very happy with my selection. I picked it up from the shop today. Still waiting on FF from Hobie and my two front rod holders. But I went and grabbed it anyway. Brought it home and put in the garage. I should have cleaned it out first but it's in. I know Hobie says to lay upside down or on side for storage. My question is how long can I leave laying on hull. I put it on two plastic tables so I can start working on it. Also the foam blocks that are inside the hull. They are zip tied in place. Should I remove them or leave them?

[ful-rac]

leave the foam blocks. They look like they're not supposed to be there but they are. If you remove them you will have problems.

[Bert Vega]

leave the foam blocks. They look like they're not supposed to be there but they are. If you remove them you will have problems.

Thank you. I will not be touching them.

[salty pirate]

Thank you. I am very happy with my selection. I picked it up from the shop today. Still waiting on FF from Hobie and my two front rod holders. But I went and grabbed it anyway. Brought it home and put in the garage. I should have cleaned it out first but it's in. I know Hobie says to lay upside down or on side for storage. My question is how long can I leave laying on hull. I put it on two plastic tables so I can start working on it. Also the foam blocks that are inside the hull. They are zip tied in place. Should I remove them or leave them?

pa has a flat bottom it is just fine to store it on the bottom.

As far as saltwater gear goes get stuff that has high saltwater tolerance.

reels that I use and abuse are the daiwa saltist 40h. saltist is considered mid range as far as pricing goes.

shimano tld star 15/30s is a less expensive reel that will handle being doused in saltwater.

I have brought in many fish on the ugly stik tiger 7' 20-50lb line rating. you cant beat it for 60 bucks. another nice rod is kencor graf ocean series same size and line rating as the ugly stik more like 100 bucks.

have fun shoping for all your gear. maybe stop buy turners or sport chalet they a good selection of fishing gear. blue water tackle is a bit overpriced but they do have a used selection of gear.

Eli

[salty pirate]

Hey guys, not to jack the thread or anything but I'm a noob and up here in Temecula too. I just recently bought my son and I a couple of OK Ultras from OEX Mission Bay. We've busy planning and rigging and we've also arrived at the FF phase. On that note, I purchased a Lowrance Elite-4 DSI but I'm thinking about returning it and going with regular 2D sonar. I'm afraid the DSI won't workout real well if I find myself in deeper waters. Any suggestions on finders? Also, if you guys end up meeting up for an impromptu "tech day", I'd love to take part. I'm still a noob but i know about good beer :cheers1:

I say send it back and get a traditional color ff.

if either of you guys need help setting up your ff let me know. good beer motivates me:D

[COLDCUT]

I say send it back and get a traditional color ff.

if either of you guys need help setting up your ff let me know. good beer motivates me:D

I sent the DSI back and opted for the regular Elite-4. It should be here by the tenth. I'll take a look at it once it arrives and try to decide how many beers it will take to complete an install.

[svendawg]

I have been going back and forth with the rod and reel stuff. Some say get good stuff and some say wait on it. I going to keep looking around. Going to try to go mid grade. But try to get low level costing for it.

It is pretty cool to see we have a handful of guys here in Temecula area. We should get a meet and greet (beers) setup. With the others in this area. We could all start going fishing together.

If you do get a meet & greet together for the guys & gals in the Temecula area, count me in, I live in Wildomar.
Welcome to the Kayak fishing community

[Bert Vega]

If you do get a meet & greet together for the guys & gals in the Temecula area, count me in, I live in Wildomar.
Welcome to the Kayak fishing community

We should start another thread for getting the south end of the IE together. I will post up something later. And we can work out time and location. :cheers1:

[Bert Vega]

So I get a call today from the shop I bought my yak from. They call and say hobie is not carrying the unit I ordered any longer. That there is a new and improved unit being released. That unit won't be in my hands until mid February. All my other parts are in. Which sucks cause I want to be fishing by then. At least I still have time to get everything else. Also the price of unit is to be going up. And since hobie and them made the mistake. I don't need to pay the difference. So I guess that is my silver lining. All my other parts came in. So I guess I can get those picked up and start installing. I just wanted to mount FF first. Then install everything else around it. I did want to ask if any of you can post a picture of your PA? Looking for some ideas on placement of parts. Also if you have a DIY storage rack or stand for storing in garage. The warden is already crying about the tables.

[COLDCUT]

Also if you have a DIY storage rack or stand for storing in garage. The warden is already crying about the tables.

Bert, I built this DIY PVC stand for when I need to work on the yak. It was cheap and is more than sturdy enough. Best of all, it folds up and tucks neatly away when not in use. As far as permanent storage, I use the Surf To Summit nylon wall hanger. It works well and was a cheap option. The only downside is it's a bear hanging the kayak in the straps by yourself. I'm also not sure how the PA would fit in the straps. Let me know if you need pictures. http://yakfish.isaac-online.com/diy-folding-pvc-kayak-stand/

[salty pirate]

I built that same stand but used 1.5" and put wheels on it.

What parts do you plan on installing?

[kobra]

Hey Bert, not getting your ff right away might not be a bad thing. The best suggestion I have is to check out other rigs. See where and how other ffs are set up to get an idea of where you would like yours. Go fishing and visualize if it might be in the way for your style of fishing. Like if it might get in the way of your rod while fishing, or when netting or gaffing a fish, or entering or exiting your yak. Better to be sure before you mount it than having to move it later.

[Bert Vega]

That stand will work perfect. Especially with putting wheels on it. Salty pirate can you post a pic of yours? With the wheel attachment. And thank you for the advise Kobra. Point well taken. I know I want FF as close to me as possible. Going to put it on ram ball so I can push it down if I need too. I see allot of people mounting it on the sail mast. I like it there out of the way. Just concerned on how far away that is. And being able to read the screen. Don't have the best eye site either. As far as parts I am putting on. Installing 2 rocket launchers at the front,Trolly line, rear rod extenders, and FF stuff when that gets in.

[ful-rac]

I have mine attached to the yak attack gear track works very well, and it is in reach. You should consider mounting on the gear track.

The plus with the gear track is that you can mount your accessories to them cleanly, and remove them and switch them depending upon what kind of fishing you are doing at the time.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/FC966B4B-3177-4835-9158-31AF31F2ABC5-7607-000006B5AEEE7099_zps989e0ce2.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/FC966B4B-3177-4835-9158-31AF31F2ABC5-7607-000006B5AEEE7099_zps989e0ce2.jpg.html)

[Bert Vega]

Thank you. That is a great idea and a sweet picture.

[WildernessWanker]

So is the pic really to show the FF, or just another reminder of how the Team Sewer boys play?! Either way pretty awesome.

[StinkyMatt]

Tony has no shame!



:D





Nice little stocker trout!

[ful-rac]

Tony has no shame!



:D





Nice little stocker trout!


Yep gottem on my downrigger. That's how we roll at Irvine lake!

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u217/pksbshp/0FD2184A-0A74-4057-AA18-25A21625190C-454-0000003D9DE8FA94.jpg (http://s169.photobucket.com/user/pksbshp/media/0FD2184A-0A74-4057-AA18-25A21625190C-454-0000003D9DE8FA94.jpg.html)

[Lipripper92592]

I have two strips of angle iron bolted to the ceiling trusses in my garage. Holes drilled, hooks or loops, for tie down straps. The first few times I had a flat head lifting that PA, but it's pretty simple, slip the nose in the first loop, then tail in the second loop. Tighten the front a bit, then the back, switching back and forth until it is flat against the ceiling.

[Bert Vega]

That is a slick way to store your yak. Did you just lag them into beams?

[Lipripper92592]

That is a slick way to store your yak. Did you just lag them into beams?

Yup....lagged in, if I remember correctly it was 7 3" lag bolts for each strip.

[Bert Vega]

So I whipped this up with scrap pieces I found in my company yard. 2 pieces of 3" sch 80 PVC. Going to add wheels and deck the bottom. Took me all of 30 min before PA was sitting on top of it. Going to take PA out for a shake down run this morning some where by the house. Probably go to Elsinore. Can't wait to try this thing out!

[kobra]

Good job Bert. Enjoy your shake down run.

[Bert Vega]

Thanks! Had a blast just cruised to one end of lake and back. Need to adjust my rudder. Likes right more then left. Other then that all went perfect. Think I going to take it out again tomorrow morning somewhere. I can't wait to get well enough to start fishing. When the sun came up I saw people fishing off the banks and two other kayaks. What is there to fish there other then carp? I wouldn't eat anything from there.

[kobra]

Lake Elsinore has large mouth bass, crappie, wipers, catfish, and I'm sure bluegill.

[Bert Vega]

Thanks. I tried and tried to catch a fish yesterday. Didn't catch anything other then a balloon that few into the water. I still had a ton of fun. Cant wait to get my stuff and really get started. Best news is my ribs held up. That seat in the PA is great.

[Bert Vega]

Finally put on my parts last night. Still waiting for FF but every thing else. Is installed and ready for fishing. Took it out to the lake again this weekend. Next weekend I thinking of taking it to the ocean and practice launching and landing.

[easyday]

Lake Elsinore has large mouth bass, crappie, wipers, catfish, and I'm sure bluegill.

The bluegill at elsinore can be lots of fun in the spring

[Bert Vega]

Got the yak ready minus FF. It will be in mid February. I now need to get the rest of my gear. This is what I need to get. At least what I think I need to get. If I missing something please let me know. Also if I don't need it right away let me know that too :). Pulled most of these off OEX website.

1. NRS Chinook vest. I have a vest now. But it's just a wakeboard vest. Doesn't float me that well. But allot of the pics and video I see. You guys aren't wearing them anyway.
2. Kayak angler fish landing package (gaff, net, fish grip, pliers)
3. Dry top
4. Breathable waders
5. Marine radio ( on the fence about getting this right away) cost is $170.
6. Kelp clip ( I can probably make one)
7. Rod leashes and paddle leash (I am making these)
8. Game clip
9. 1 casting setup ( for lures and such)
10. 2 conventional setups for bottom and trolling
11. 1 freshwater setup ( for the non salty days)
12. 1 Bait setup
13. Hooks, weights, jigs, swim baits, leader, etc.

Am I missing anything? And again thanks for all the advise.

[Smthtnnr]

You're right on with what you need, much more prepared than most when they start. Those breathable waders are really amazing, just makes everything more comfortable.

[Bert Vega]

Thank you. Now can I buy everything with the 2k I have left in my budget?

[MrPatrick]

Get the radio
Safety doesn't have a price.

[Bert Vega]

Get the radio
Safety doesn't have a price.

That is so true. I will be picking one up. Don't tell the warden but I got the rest of my $$$ and budget has been increased by $800. It's on now!

[alanw]

You don't need to spend $170 on a radio, I got mine at West Marine (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=97166&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50157&subdeptNum=50158&classNum=50160#.Ut8yo_vTmHs) on sale for around $85 I think.

[rhyak]

1. NRS Chinook vest. I have a vest now. But it's just a wakeboard vest. Doesn't float me that well. But allot of the pics and video I see. You guys aren't wearing them anyway.


Do not follow what you see all the time. :D:D:D

[StinkyMatt]

Wear your life jacket all the time.


This means all the time.





Some of my friends do not, I wish they did.











By the way, p,ease wear your life jacket all the time. No excuses.




I say this from a selfish perspective. As soon as our sport of ocean kayak fishing is seen by some ahole as a dangerous sport, it will get "regulated" like hell.


One drowned kayaker may bring a lot more scrutiny and restriction to the sport then we may want.





Wear your life jacket.

[MrPatrick]

^^^^^^^ x 2!!!!!

I never have it off while on the water. I paddled someone else's kayak in the very shallow water at the Tidelands launch without mine and I felt so uncomfortable. Almost like driving a car without a seatbelt.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bert Vega]

Point taken. I purchased the hobie angler vest. I have worn my wakeboard vest every second I have been in my yak. I will do the same with this. Purchased the vest, waders and 4 rod and reel combos tonight. I should be dialed with remaining items on my list by Sunday.

[COLDCUT]

I purchased 4 rod and reel combos tonight. I should be dialed with remaining items on my list by Sunday.

Bert, what rod/reel setups did you decide on?

[Bert Vega]

Went with

1 penn senator 113 with a triburon kit on a cal star rod
1 daiwa saltist 40 with a cal star rod
1 diawa Luna with a saber rod
1 penn international 975 on a cal star rod

I may get one or two more rod/reel combo. But it's going to after I get the rest of my stuff. I am filling all reels with full braid and going to use flora carbon leaders. Also picked up my radio. All I need now is landing kit, splash top, leashes and tackle. I will have everything but that freakin FF by Sunday.

Thanks for the west marine tip alanw $99.99!

[Bert Vega]

wanted to ask you guys another question. I purchased a Lowrance 4 HDI. Which I am still waiting for. Supposed to be in mid feb. I was at West Marine today and noticed they had a few FF for sale. My question is should I cancell and get refunded and get a Lowrance 5 HDI or something else along those lines? Or just wait for the 4 to show up. There seems to be a $100 dollar price difference for the 5 or raymarine and so on.

[ful-rac]

wanted to ask you guys another question. I purchased a Lowrance 4 HDI. Which I am still waiting for. Supposed to be in mid feb. I was at West Marine today and noticed they had a few FF for sale. My question is should I cancell and get refunded and get a Lowrance 5 HDI or something else along those lines? Or just wait for the 4 to show up. There seems to be a $100 dollar price difference for the 5 or raymarine and so on.


Don't wait, get the fishfinder now!!!! Consider the HDS models too, you can use a airmar thru hull transducer. Just buy it from west marine with the warranty...you will be needing it.

[Bert Vega]

:you_rock:Don't wait, get the fishfinder now!!!! Consider the HDS models too, you can use a airmar thru hull transducer. Just buy it from west marine with the warranty...you will be needing it.

Just left my office on my way. I hope Nomad doesn't give me any grief. On getting my money back.

[Bert Vega]

Went down and ordered it. Will be at riverside store tomorrow or Friday at latest. Which is way better then a month from now.

[fishingfiend]

Instant gratification wins everytime! The larger display is totally worth it, in fact you can't have a display large enough on the PA.

Now that you're setup, cruise down and fish the Rady Tournament this Saturday at Tidelands. Entering would be a good for the kids, otherwise just cruise down and meet/fish with a bunch of fellow yakers and ask questions in person.

[Bert Vega]

I got my FF this morning. Even better then Friday. I would really like to go to Rady this Saturday. But I have family plans that prevent me from going. I may (long shot) go out Sunday somewhere.

[Bert Vega]

Just wanted to give BIG thanks to everyone here! And props to OEX (Grant) mission bay. I have everything checked off on my list! I need a little more tackle. But I have enough to get out on the water. I can't wait to do some fishing! Again thanks to everyone for the help/advise. Bought my PA one month ago today. :cheers1:

[Bert Vega]

Done and took it fishing. It was awesome.

[buddha]

I am glad I introduced you to the south bay.

It was great seeing you have fun on the water like a little kid again.

Cheers.

[Bert Vega]

Thanks for showing me around Jeff. Had a blast for sure!

[Bert Vega]

Well it been a year since I decided to take the plunge and get into this. Man what a year it has been. Made some good friends and enjoyed a excellent year for fishing. Wanted to say thank you to all the people that gave me advise and instruction this year. I know I would not have had the year I have had without your help. Looking forward to getting into my 2nd year of fishing. I have learned so much this year and caught more fish then I ever dreamed of laying in that hospital bed. I am truly thankful and proud to be a part of this forum. My only regret is that I did not try this out sooner.

See you on the water! :D

[Caseym]

Add me to the list.
I'm new too. Same problems as you, mtn biker, thrills, always go all in, stuck in Temecula! Bought my OK Prowler 13 few months ago, been out handful of times, enjoying the hell out of it....other than that frightful moment at San O on Thanksgiving!:eek:
If u do a Temecula area roundup...lemme know, I'll sack up and join you guys!
Maybe we can start a petition to pave a road straight across that mtn....26 miles to the beach sounds pretty nice!!
Out

[octico]

Ran across while searching for waders .... very good read Bert. Nice to see how all the community came through with giving you advice.