Need a Buddy for tomorrow.

[Endlers]

My first launch EVER is going to be around noon tomorrow from Spanish Landing in san diego. It would be nice to not go alone.

[joezee1986]

Good luck dude just keep your balance you'll be fine solo!

[Endlers]

Bump, just figured id try once more.

[kauaiboy04]

if i didn't have to work, i'd gladly go with you...

also, theres a guy on scsf who's planning on hitting spanish landing today as well. meet up with them?

[Endlers]

So i went, i saw, and got owned. I launched for a whole 20 minutes out of Spanish landing. I paddled a little bit, and then tipped my self over. Which was really really easy to do. i thought it would have been at least a little harder to tip but nope really easy.

Then i was only able to get back into the kayak once. Lucky i didn't paddle to far off shore before dumping my self. I dont know if the kayak was too small? if i was too dumb? But it felt like i was not only doing everything wrong. But that it wouldn't get any better either.

So being all of that said i loaded it back on to the car and returned the kayak to Walmart. I gave it a shot. But i dont know if kayak fishing is for me, at least right now.

[ful-rac]

So i went, i saw, and got owned. I launched for a whole 20 minutes out of Spanish landing. I paddled a little bit, and then tipped my self over. Which was really really easy to do. i thought it would have been at least a little harder to tip but nope really easy.

Then i was only able to get back into the kayak once. Lucky i didn't paddle to far off shore before dumping my self. I dont know if the kayak was too small? if i was too dumb? But it felt like i was not only doing everything wrong. But that it wouldn't get any better either.

So being all of that said i loaded it back on to the car and returned the kayak to Walmart. I gave it a shot. But i dont know if kayak fishing is for me, at least right now.



See not as easy as you thought huh? Good thing you didnt go out in the surf and really hurt yourself. Don't give up just yet, regroup, go check out some better kayaks, try them out then buy the right one for you.

[William Novotny]

So i went, i saw, and got owned. I launched for a whole 20 minutes out of Spanish landing. I paddled a little bit, and then tipped my self over. Which was really really easy to do. i thought it would have been at least a little harder to tip but nope really easy.

Then i was only able to get back into the kayak once. Lucky i didn't paddle to far off shore before dumping my self. I dont know if the kayak was too small? if i was too dumb? But it felt like i was not only doing everything wrong. But that it wouldn't get any better either.

So being all of that said i loaded it back on to the car and returned the kayak to Walmart. I gave it a shot. But i dont know if kayak fishing is for me, at least right now.

Dude its the shitty Walmart kayak, not you. And this is why we made a big deal of it concerning lj. I'm glad you practiced in a safe setting. Save your chedda and you can get something decent for cheap. If you wanna come up and fish Newport I've got a yak I know you won't fall off of

[tamddo714]

perhaps you can be more elaborate on what you were doing while you spilled overboard. Where you unaware of oncoming wake waves while you were leaning over and looking over the side? Sorry your experience has caused a damper on your kayak fishing experience. But as mentioned by William, perhaps it was the kayak you bought at walmart itself. Good thing you weren't launching from the surf.

[Endlers]

I think i am going to buy the 12 footer from walmart and give that a shot.. I am going to return my fish finder my kayak cart my J roof racks that dont work and buy the bigger one. With the bigger yak I might be ok. at least with the bigger yak, maybe i can buy or build some trainer floats for it. But after looking at everyones kayaks its like why should ie ven bother.. if i can only spend a little bit.

[Maxfli123]

Well that's the spirit!!!! If I gave up on everything the first try I'd be In a gutter somewhere. If you really want to get into kayak fishing it is doable on a lowend budget, 500 got me a decent older yak with all the fixings...granted I added a FF later on but its better than the Walmart one...Good luck if you try again

[FISH11]

Just like everyone on this site will tell you. Don't buy a Kayak from walmart! The Kayaks you see at Walmart, Costco, etc. are not very good. As other members have said you can find a much better quality and more sea worthy Kayak on Craigslist, or the for sale forum on this sight. You are not the only one going through the learning process. A very short time ago someone else on this site (won't use his name) went through the same thing about budget. He ignored all advice the was posted, even a members offer, went out and bought a poor quality Kayak and in like 1 week he was trying to sell it so he could buy a different used Kayak. The lesson is all member on this site will freely give you advise from all they have learned. If you listen and put it all together it will save you money and shorten your learning curve. In the end you will be able to enjoy the sport we all love. When looking at Kayaks only consider Sit On Top and brands such as Malibu, Ocean Kayak, Wilderness Systems, Jackson, Native Watercraft and Hobie. Hobie will be the most expensive and not alway the best, but you don't need to over buy. If you look and take a little time you should be able to find a good one for $500 and some times less. The used one will often include seat and paddle at least. I got one with fishfinder too. Don't give up ask if anyone on this site has a good starter deal and you'll get some responses. Good Luck

[buddha]

I had a friend that did the same thing as you did. He bought a kayak that was not really a good brand and he was constantly falling in the water. When he tried my kayak he could not believe how stable and comfortable he was.

A used kayak or a blem will cost you the same as the 12 ft kayak from walmart but will be a much better kayak for you.

Believe me when I say that is wasn't you it was the kayak that was the issue.

I am glad that you are not giving up as this is truly a great sport.

If I could give you some simple advice it would be to take the kayak that you are going to buy out on the water first.

When you try out some good kayaks you are going to be surprised at how good and stable they will feel and then you will be on your way.

[ful-rac]

I have another bit of advice. Just depending on how serious you are about this kayaking thing.....if you are serious...skip the 12' and get something that's 14' or better. When I started I started with a 12' and soon after wanted to upgrade to the larger model. A 12' model will generally be cheaper but not in the long run if you eventually want to upgrade.

The reason the bigger and longer kayak is better is that it can carry more weight, tracks better, more deck space for your gear and fish, better in open water, more visible to others, more internal storage...etc...

You want that extra capacity especially when you add a full bait tank, yourself, all your gear and a limit of WSB...



Oh like everyone else said..."stay away from Walmart kayaks".

[wiredantz]

Another tip:

Make sure you get a kayak with enough weight capacity.
you are going to be top heavy and the kayak is going to flip if the kayak is too small.



Kayak manufacture's do not usually tell you how much weight you can have,
it is simply that your kayak is too small. Legally, Kayak manufacturers do not have to rate their vessels on any type of "stability" factors - only capacity weight. So "technically" you could fill the inside of your kayak with 600lbs of lead (all down in the hull) and all would be fine. But add half that weight to the top of the kayak (rather then the inside) and it will capsize every time.

you are are pushing the very limit of the kayak if its too small.

If you weigh all your gear, equipment, beverage & beverage cooler, etc. you will probably find you are within 10% of the maximum load limit. If you are both broad in the shoulders, your weight is high, and the boat is low in the water. This of course makes it extremely unstable.

Loaded to within 10% of capacity, a lot of vessels (not just kayaks) would capsize if a few people more then half walked over to starboard. In fact, a houseboat with the exact number of people stated on it's mfg's capacity plate recently capsized because too many of them were on the upper deck.

I suggest you get a kayak made for "Tall & Large" kayakers...

[Bert Vega]

I am a beginner myself. Got a wapping 3-4 months under my belt. The best advise I could give is. Listen to what these guys are suggesting. They have years of experience kayak fishing. Their advise has helped myself and many others getting into this hobby.

[Endlers]

I cant even fit a 14 foot kayak on my car. At least i don't think it would fit.

I recently lost my job so i was working with the budget walmart alloted me and since thats the only money i had tow ork with .. looks like i wotn be able to do this.

[FISH11]

This is a perfect example of a great Kayak that has a huge weight capacity and is super stable. It large so if your not a bigger guy, it will be a little slow paddling. Check out the price you won't find a better deal for the quality. Jump on it and call to see if it's still available. It won't last someone will pick it up for a back up. Don't wait call now. http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=21551

[ful-rac]

I cant even fit a 14 foot kayak on my car. At least i don't think it would fit.

I recently lost my job so i was working with the budget walmart alloted me and since thats the only money i had tow ork with .. looks like i wotn be able to do this.

You can still do it...just not now. When things start to turn around for you, come back buy a decent kayak (not Walmart) and pick up where you left off.

[Endlers]

I sent a message to the guy with the xfactor 14. I have 400$ available and have no problem paying the xtra 100$ when i can.


I recently lost my job.. So i am currently struggling to find money, I am looking for any type of work as well.

[buddha]

I cant even fit a 14 foot kayak on my car. At least i don't think it would fit.

I recently lost my job so i was working with the budget walmart alloted me and since thats the only money i had tow ork with .. looks like i wotn be able to do this.

Don't give up that easily. You should actually start in the bay. Start with a 12 foot kayak and then later on work your way up.

You can also rent a kayak first when you want to go out so this way you don't have to shell out all your money first.

This is also a good way to try out different kayaks.

There are several places in San Diego that will rent you a kayak in the bay.

Don't give up just get out on the water in a good kayak and get the experience.

If you want to come to Chula Vista after my baja trip there is a rental service here that I think is like 25 bucks to rent.

I will help you get started.

[FISH11]

Sounds good. Hope a deal can be worked out. You won't regret it. It already has all you need to get started and then some. Good Luck

[Endlers]

I need people willing to help me figure out whats best for me. I was tempted to buy the 12" kayak and maybe make some pontoon floats for it to help it become more stable. Is this an option? that might be dooable for cheap?

[DanaPT]

I bet you can track down something for $300-$400 that is fish ready.

this is a great board (good advice, info and sometimes good people :D).


Try this... offer to bring beer and buy lunch if someone would meet you at a launch of their choice w/ their extra kayak.

Who knows what happens?

Don't give up that easily.

[buddha]

I need people willing to help me figure out whats best for me. I was tempted to buy the 12" kayak and maybe make some pontoon floats for it to help it become more stable. Is this an option? that might be dooable for cheap?

That won't be a good option. Get the malibu for 400 bucks if you can. Or rent like I suggested earlier. Don't buy anything until you have tried it out on the water.

[FISH11]

You won't need any pontoons with the X Factor it is a Fish and Dive model. It has a weight capacity of 600 pound, has 3 different hatches. The front is a large one, you could put you fishing poles inside for surf launching if you need (good idea when still learning how to launch and land through the surf). The other 2 are rectangular and have removable lids that latch with 4 rotating handles to secure them. The hull bottom has a camber to the edge that makes it more stable and less prone to rolling over. It is 33" wide and 14' 4" long. If you look at a lot of the pictures on this site from a few years back, most of the guys catching Yellowtail and White Sea Bass and riding an X Factor. It would be more Kayak than you could expect to start out with. Good Luck P.S. you could carry it on top of your car, just look at the listing for guys carrying a Hobie PA on top. You will see a lot. Those thing weigh 120+ pounds and the X Factor is like 64 pounds.

[Endlers]

Hopefully i can make it happen.. Id sell my soul for a kayak fishing experience

[FISH11]

Just sell your Wife or Girlfriend than you can fish when you want as long as you want. Tight Lines

[ChristLike]

come to Oceanside with your soul lol. ill teach you all I know as a beginner, and then you can go and learn from the pro's. ill even let you drive the caddiyak

[Endlers]

wife or girlfriend was sold years ago.

[urbanforest92]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/spo/4404330167.html

This ad on craigslist for a Wilderness Systems tarpon 120 for 300$
I own a tarpon 160 (pre-2009 model) and absolutely love the thing!
I'm a light weight guy so it's difficult to paddle fast and cover ground quickly but for the most part it is extremely stable and these kayaks are great for converting into a fish slayers!

[urbanforest92]

There's also another WS tarpon 140 for 395$ which is a great price! I always haggle with the prices so shoot them an offer of 300$ then see what they say just remember you can always go up when negotiating prices. Heck, i'd even offer a measley 250$ You never know how quick they need the cash. Just get a feel for the seller and then you can see if they're going to budge with the price. You alwyas want to wait for the right buy rather than to spend your hard earned cash on something you might want to replace later on. My kayak had a repair in the lower part of the stern(back) so i haggeled the price to 250$. The owner was ready to part with it since he was getting old and saving up for a boat. The tarpon 140 would be the best bet for getting an affordable kayak off of craigslist. Just my 2cents.

Edit* I own a tarpon 140 (not160). Awesome kayak!

[Endlers]

I have made a deal with Chad for his, Will take me a few weeks to get it .. but he said he is in no rush to sell and will hold for me! SCORE!

[kaya_one]

I sent a message to the guy with the xfactor 14. I have 400$ available and have no problem paying the xtra 100$ when i can.


I recently lost my job.. So i am currently struggling to find money, I am looking for any type of work as well.

$400 or $500 is plenty dough to buy a great kayak. Should I repeat...don't buy from Walmart. You can get a sweet ocean-ready kayak used or a new blem from OEX.

Call OEX Sunset Beach to pick their brains (562) 592-0800....please...and get a free test drive!

[buddha]

I have made a deal with Chad for his, Will take me a few weeks to get it .. but he said he is in no rush to sell and will hold for me! SCORE!

So you are getting the X Factor? Great deal!

You are going to love kayak fishing my friend.

[alanw]

Good deal, you learnt the hard way. You can tip over any yak but you should be surprised how stable a decent yak is.

[Cadillyak]

Definitely a good move!

[FISH11]

Great to hear it's going to work out for you. The X Factor had everything extra rod holders, seat , paddle and I believe a Mark 4 fish finder. Hell that means it's got GPS as well as the sounder. A lot of guys don't have GPS. It'll help you re-locate the exact spot you mark when you find a fishing honey hole. You are going to be all set. Remember all the members on this board are always here to help, all you need to do is ask. Tight Lines. Mark

[ful-rac]

I have made a deal with Chad for his, Will take me a few weeks to get it .. but he said he is in no rush to sell and will hold for me! SCORE!

Excellent! X-factor is a great kayak! Much better than that Walmart kayak! Good luck with it!

[Endlers]

I learned today that i have a sponsor for fishing gear. Norcrossmarine products. They are sending me their new hand held sonar system. I am sure i will also get much more gear in the future as patrick the owner sent me the mail directly.

[octico]

I cant even fit a 14 foot kayak on my car. At least i don't think it would fit.

I recently lost my job so i was working with the budget walmart alloted me and since thats the only money i had tow ork with .. looks like i wotn be able to do this.

I put a 14 foot revo on my son's 2001 Honda accord last weekend. Unless you drive a mini you should be fine.

[VGB]

Just quit bro. It's all bad.

[Bert Vega]

Congrats on X Factor. It is night and day different then Walmart kayak.

[easyday]

Still dont understand why you were so ready to give up after one bad day?

[WildernessWanker]

My first day was horrible! Took my used Tarpon to Carpinteria camping with my family. Had only been in a kayak one time approximately 10 years prior so "I knew what I was doing." I arrived to 4' surf and dragged my kayak down the beach to launch without pausing to look at the surf. I'd watched numerous YouTube clips of launching and landing in bigger surf so I figured I had it in the bag. After about 30 minutes of fighting in the surf, rolling my yak multiple times and getting nowhere near past the breakers I called it quits. Lost my sunglasses, hat, sandals, and swallowed more water than I wanted to. I waited an hour and attempted again, only to spend another 30 minutes wrestling in the surf before finally getting out. Once past the breakers I was absolutely soaked and beyond tired so I only spent a short time out before calling it and heading in. Landing was another cluster as I was rolled and again got my ass handed to me. It was at this point I decided to call it quits with kayaking and was ready to give my stuff away. After spending time on this forum as a lurker at the advice of my wife, I gave it one more shot in the safety of the harbor just getting to know the kayak and I was hooked from then on. My two pieces of advice would be to mind the words spoken by members on here, they know their stuff and have your best interest at heart. Also, you have to crawl before you run so start simple by launching in the harbor or marina, or even some of the nicer freshwater lakes. I'm glad I stuck with it and learned as much from experience as from the other members on here.

[WildernessWanker]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=21649

From what I understand you're still looking for a decent kayak and aren't lined up with Chad anymore. Thought this wasn't a bad way to go.

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