Newbie Help - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

-scallywag- · 12-20-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enceladus

Questions:
1. Is there much difference from a 2012 vs 2010 Outback?
2. What are some other options you'd recommend?
3. How much $$ would you consider is necessary for an initial investment.

1. 2012 vs. 2010 Hobies....YES there is a HUGE difference. While the hulls are still almost identical to the 2010's, all of Hobie's 2012 hulls have significant structural upgrades to the drivewell area, and the mirage drive itself.
Also, its nice to buy new for the awesome factory warranty and support you'll receive from your local hobie dealer (even though you'd get that if you bought used).
2. PFD, breathable waders, bait tank... buy a "reconditioned" bait tank from hobie or make one your self...really easy and cheap, but if you are gonna fish alot the hobie tanks are nice.
3. for the basics, new hobie 1900, pfd 100, waders 200, do it your self bait tank 80-120, hobie super bad ass bait tank 250....electronics are a how other animal but I always liked the black and white single beam's with GPS...usually run around 170-200...dual beam color with gps=500-750.

of course once you have the seaworthy boat, pfd, fishing permit and a rod your golden....everything else can be aquired slowly as you learn exactly what YOU need for you style fishing....which reminds me of three more required items, a soft 12pack cooler, ice and beer!

TCS · 12-20-2011, 05:03 PM

For about a 5% increase in the stuff scally listed above, you could also hire a guide for a day and save yourself a couple of years on the learning curve. Easy for us to say you should go all-in, but a lot of us, including myself would start with all the right stuff and coaching if we had the chance to do it over again.

Enceladus · 12-24-2011, 03:11 PM

Good info! Thanks! I'll post when I finally get something. Once I get the kayak, I'll be asking for gear advice since all I have is ultralight freshwater gear.

Willy · 12-24-2011, 08:34 PM

You don't need to go baller status on your first yak.
I started on a piece of crap, and worked my way up. What good is a Caddie if you didn't drive a Monte Carlo first to learn to appreciate it?

If and when you do go get a yak (whatever type you choose), take the time to get the feel of it.
Trust me I know, you'll want to paddle out to La Jolla right away, but go down to Mission Bay first.
Drop it in at the boat launch or a calm beach (Mariners Point) and get used to it with no gear. Spend a whole day on it, just you the boat and a paddle (and a PFD).

Make turns.
Go to a shallow calm spot and tip it on purpose.
Go a little deeper and try to get on it in water where you cant touch the bottom.
This seems stupid and remedial, but in a tight spot this stuff should be second nature, especially if you're not a sprite, quick youth.
Could be life or death, or it could just mean saving some gear in a tight spot.
Then take it to LA Jolla, with no gear, and get your ass kicked in the waves for a bit. Fall off. Learn to steer it in a wave. Learn to get embarrassed by the sea. Then go back to the truck and get your stuff.

Then go out and slay 'em.
Welcome to the club.

Willy

Enceladus · 12-31-2011, 10:19 PM

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm picking up a 2010 outback tomorrow with a ton of extras (FF, outriggers, turbofins, bait tank, tackleboxes, etc). I was thinking about getting a brand spanking new one, but I'm okay with this one for now. I'll start with the private lakes to get used to it, but I'll be seeing you guys in LJ by spring!

bigbarrels · 01-11-2012, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enceladus

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm picking up a 2010 outback tomorrow with a ton of extras (FF, outriggers, turbofins, bait tank, tackleboxes, etc). I was thinking about getting a brand spanking new one, but I'm okay with this one for now. I'll start with the private lakes to get used to it, but I'll be seeing you guys in LJ by spring!

Just saw your post, congrats on the new yak......see you at Irvine lake on the 30th

Enceladus · 01-12-2012, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbarrels

Just saw your post, congrats on the new yak......see you at Irvine lake on the 30th

Heck yeah, Tom! Getting in kayak shape to get some WSB this spring. Thanks for getting me into this.

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12-20-2011, 05:03 PM	#2
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	For about a 5% increase in the stuff scally listed above, you could also hire a guide for a day and save yourself a couple of years on the learning curve. Easy for us to say you should go all-in, but a lot of us, including myself would start with all the right stuff and coaching if we had the chance to do it over again.

12-24-2011, 03:11 PM	#3
Enceladus Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 70	Good info! Thanks! I'll post when I finally get something. Once I get the kayak, I'll be asking for gear advice since all I have is ultralight freshwater gear.

12-24-2011, 08:34 PM	#4
Willy Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: La Jolla Posts: 189	You don't need to go baller status on your first yak. I started on a piece of crap, and worked my way up. What good is a Caddie if you didn't drive a Monte Carlo first to learn to appreciate it? If and when you do go get a yak (whatever type you choose), take the time to get the feel of it. Trust me I know, you'll want to paddle out to La Jolla right away, but go down to Mission Bay first. Drop it in at the boat launch or a calm beach (Mariners Point) and get used to it with no gear. Spend a whole day on it, just you the boat and a paddle (and a PFD). Make turns. Go to a shallow calm spot and tip it on purpose. Go a little deeper and try to get on it in water where you cant touch the bottom. This seems stupid and remedial, but in a tight spot this stuff should be second nature, especially if you're not a sprite, quick youth. Could be life or death, or it could just mean saving some gear in a tight spot. Then take it to LA Jolla, with no gear, and get your ass kicked in the waves for a bit. Fall off. Learn to steer it in a wave. Learn to get embarrassed by the sea. Then go back to the truck and get your stuff. Then go out and slay 'em. Welcome to the club. Willy

12-31-2011, 10:19 PM	#5
Enceladus Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 70	Thanks for all the great advice. I'm picking up a 2010 outback tomorrow with a ton of extras (FF, outriggers, turbofins, bait tank, tackleboxes, etc). I was thinking about getting a brand spanking new one, but I'm okay with this one for now. I'll start with the private lakes to get used to it, but I'll be seeing you guys in LJ by spring!