Intro and Recommendations

[Mr. NiceGuy]

For the handheld marine radio this one seems to be popular around here:

Standard Horizon HX870 floating Handheld VHF with Internal GPS
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PM6XDNS...v_ov_lig_dp_it

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Coil leashes are expensive and there are lots of sizes and configurations that aren't particularly convenient. It's better to make a dozen or more yourself. Home made are better than name brands I've bought. Pull the strings out of standard 550 paracord, replace with a double strand of weed-whacker plastic, wrap them tight around a 1/2" wooden dowel and throw them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. Reverse the coil for a tighter spring. Tie about a 2" loop on both ends, then they are versatile for slipping on a snap hook or a strip of Velcro around the butt of your pole, paddle, etc.

I bought a pack of 24pc 3.5" 70# nickle plated steel swivel eye bolt snap hooks on Amazon for $20. 100' hanks of paracord on Amazon is $10. A coil of weed whacker plastic at Home Depot is what? Maybe $8? You will have all the coiled lanyards you want, plus backups. Can't beat paracord for being tough.

Use some of your left over paracord to make a gaff out of a shaved down piece of shovel handle, etc. Gaff hooks at Squidco are about $6. Burn it, wrap it, varnish it and you will have a formidable bad-ass piece of art. Sign them under the varnish and give them to your friends as Christmas gifts. With a coiled lanyard.

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You sound adventurous and ambitious. What's your specialty in the military?

Post #1. Welcome.

[FatAmy]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Hunters Pa: Thanks mate. I will have to check out Battle of the Bays. I plan on trying different models out. Just because I have had a print out of the Radar above my locker doesn't mean it is the one for me lol.

Tomol: I have been spilt on the paddle or peddle. I like the Radar because I could add it later, which to my knowledge is the only kayak out there right now that does that. But I am going to try a few and see how each paddles. Where have you been storing your gun? I was thinking fish bag, fins, and gun in the aft tank well. I do plan on diving reef structure and not just staying in the kelp. I have read here that anchoring is a bad idea on open water because it can sink your kayak in heavy swell. I was thinking a bit of bungee cord tied to a retractable line tied to an anchor could be the solution?

Mr. NiceGuy: Sweet recommendation. Is there a reason why you would opt for a more expensive GPS if I want a fishfinder with GPS? Backup to a primary GPS? I will definitely be trying out that leash idea. After giving my spear gear up to Poseidon, I plan on having everything tied down or stowed. I fly 60s. I sometimes fly near La Jolla so if there is a maritime channel that is common to monitor out there, let me know and I will tell y'all where the birds are.

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Originally Posted by FatAmy

I fly 60s.

Do you mean Pave Hawks?

Oh my. That's not a toy, is it?

You just gave me goose bumps.

[FatAmy]

I fly the naval variant, sea hawks. They are pretty fun.

[Tomol]

Originally Posted by FatAmy

Where have you been storing your gun?

Launching through surf it goes inside with everything else. Between dives the muzzle tucks under the bungees in the stern and the butt secures with the paddle keeper bungee. It’s also affixed with a lanyard to the butt as an extra precaution. When I get to the spot I just throw it in and let it hang and retrieve it once I’m in the water

[GregAndrew]

As far as kayaks go, the Trident in either 13 or 15 foot lengths would be good choices. The Scupper Pro and the Prowler 15 are out of production, but the Tridents are still available. You can literally store all of your gear inside the kayak for going out and coming back. Use the tankwell in the back for your cooler or your catch. And you won't be turned back at the beach when the swell is up a bit.

[sdyeti]

I have a Radar 135 stored at the MCRD Boathouse and if you are interested I'm happy to meet up and let you give it a ride. Heck, if you're real interested I might even sell it to you for a decent deal.

But for sure befire you go anywhere dropping money test ride a few kayaks...as many as you can.

[equyst]

sub'd to this thread

[SorryCharlie]

I guess I am the only diver using a peddle kayak! I know going with a peddle version is more expense but the biggest bonus to me is being able to cover more ground quicker.

The drive speeds things up getting to and from the dive spot, and I feel less drained when I get there. Also, when moving I tend to cruise the outer edge of the kelp and then pull everything up and head deeper in when I like what I see. So the drive doesn’t hinder me much there.

Drawback, storage is less available in the kayak, but I use the rear bungees to keep the large items down (fins, gun) and also leash them. Then I toss all of my smaller items in the front hatch, or in my lobster bag which is also leashed. Haven’t had any issues yet (I say while knocking on a massive piece of wood).

I started as a kayak fisherman, and then got into diving. I was tired of waiting for certain species (halibut) and figured shooting them would be easier and more satisfying. Only one of those turned out to be true...

Biggest bonus is being able to drink beer while heading back in

I’m in Carlsbad and always looking for dive buddies!

[FatAmy]

That makes sense. I will be bringing my gear with me to try out different boats to see what fits where.

Originally Posted by Tomol

Launching through surf it goes inside with everything else. Between dives the muzzle tucks under the bungees in the stern and the butt secures with the paddle keeper bungee. It’s also affixed with a lanyard to the butt as an extra precaution. When I get to the spot I just throw it in and let it hang and retrieve it once I’m in the water

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