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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

You don't need to spend $170 on a radio, I got mine at West Marine on sale for around $85 I think.

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

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.

Wanting to get into this!
 

^^^^^^^ 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.


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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.

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

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!

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.

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