welcome aboard!!!
for a bigger guy with a budget, i'd have to say the malibu kayaks are a real good choice. (mainly the malibu x-factor)
for la jolla.. you'll need at least 2 different types of setups. 1 can be from your freshwater bass arsenel (something to use a sabiki and catch lots of bait)
for yt, wsb, calicos, cudas, and (if you are very lucky to not get broken off) sharks.... i'd stick with a 6'0" - 7'6" rod. something that would cover 15-30#
reels... daiwa sealine is a very cash-friendly option. spooled with lots of spectra and some mono/fluoro topshot. fluoro is my go-to for most fish (except sharks) because of its invisibility factor and low-stretch.
hooks: you'll need lots of hooks. from size 1 to 3/0. live bait hooks and ringed hooks
plastics: i know the freshwater bass guys love using plastics. and BIG HAMMER is my go-to plastic i have 4" and 5" plastics in lots of colors. for la jolla kelp.. use weedless heads by War Baits (1/2oz to 1oz).
travel light on your first few trips and always "assume" you'll flip so tie your stuff down or store it in the hatches. it's a hassle at first because leashes are all over the place but its a safety measure. once you get used to wind, waves, and boat wakes.. you can pack more gear. goodluck!
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