Wanting to get into this!
 

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.

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.

PA-12
 

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,

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!!!!

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

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

adict
 

Welcome to the addiction! Merry Christmas!

Janine

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.

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.

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:

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

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/s...lowrance+ready

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.....

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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!!

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'.

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:

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¢

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.

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.

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?

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.