Introduction - Beer Me - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Beer Me · 11-10-2013, 07:01 PM

I guess I've lurked long enough...

My name is Lance and have recently moved up to Oxnard, Ca from Riverside. I'm looking to get into yak fishing, as I'm tired of the leers and jeers from renting a spot on the local 3/4 day cattle boats and look forward to the independence and physicality required of a kayak. I have no ocean gear or even a kayak at this time, so I'm biding my time reading this forum and bugging the local kayakers when I see them around the launches. My wife and I are adopting a newborn that is due around the 2nd week of December, so money is a little short right now. I'm fortunate to be real close to the water, so I'll live vicariously through you folks until I'm able to afford the gear needed to get out there.

When I do get started, I'm going to need something to keep my 6'1, 240# svelte self on this side of the water. I'm open to suggestions for starter equipment. Per my username, I like beer. I was fortunate to be stationed in Germany for a bit, and that didn't help the situation.

If anyone is close and ever needs a hand with anything or wouldn't mind letting me pick your brain, feel free to send me a message.

See you around...

Carp · 11-11-2013, 07:46 AM

Welcome,

I'm similar height and weight 6'2" 230# and I fish off a 3rd hand x-factor. It's not speedy but I feel super comfortable on it. I had no kayak experience 6 months ago but with visiting OEX and picking the brains of the fellas here. I progressed fast landing 3 YT and a 30" butt before winter.

The cool thing about my x-factor is the little gator hatch I can put my boys on next year for some bay fishing.

OEX will let you demo the kayaks to see what fits you and they have blem sales on malibu kayaks that will help on the budget part if you decide to go with an x-factor or stealth.

Welcome and thanks for your service

Happy Veterans Day

Jeff

Beer Me · 11-11-2013, 08:49 AM

Thanks Jeff for the reply. I keep an eye on the max weight allowed on the kayaks as well as the width. Speed isn't the highest on my list of priorities, stability is what takes that spot. So many kayaks to pick and choose from, but the weight max sure does help slim the pickens.

Great looking fish in your pictures, hopefully next year at this time I'll be in the same boat (pun intended)

Thanks again

ful-rac · 11-11-2013, 09:10 AM

Yes, welcome Lance!

A good starter kayak is going to depend on the person and what kind of fishing you want to do...eventually. For example, you don't want to buy something that's small and ok for fishing the bays...and then someday have to buy another kayak just so you can go into open water safely.

Personally I would spend a little more money and get something larger at least 14' and more stable like the x-factor.

Which ever route that you decide to go, it's going to be a great experience. You'll have a lot of fun, see some amazing things and meet some interesting characters along the way.

Welcome again!

Beer Me · 11-11-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Yes, welcome Lance!

A good starter kayak is going to depend on the person and what kind of fishing you want to do...eventually. For example, you don't want to buy something that's small and ok for fishing the bays...and then someday have to buy another kayak just so you can go into open water safely.

Personally I would spend a little more money and get something larger at least 14' and more stable like the x-factor.

Which ever route that you decide to go, it's going to be a great experience. You'll have a lot of fun, see some amazing things and meet some interesting characters along the way.

Welcome again!

Thanks for the welcome. I watched the updates on the recent blem sale they just had, but had to sit it out and hope for another one next year. The prices were epic and don't mind misspellings or other types of defects as long as they float. I didn't get much help/info from the one place closest to me, especially when it came to yak fishing. I might just take the bike out and see what they have over at OEX, they seem to be good people. I'm constantly checking craigslist for deals, but it is for not. With my job situation and baby on the way, I'll just watch from the bleachers, cheer you folks on, and glean what ever information I can.

As for the areas I wish to fish, I want it all! I live about a mile from Channel Islands Harbor and want to venture outside the walls as well. The recent Santa Cruz fish camping really got my attention. The video replaced Saluki's pictures as my internet porn. I really look forward to meeting the lot of you. Thanks again.

kobra · 11-11-2013, 12:20 PM

Welcome to the site and the sport. The best thing for you to do is research and narrow down your choices to maybe 3 or 4 yaks then demo them. Remember, a kayak can be perfect for one guy but be terrible for someone else so as important as reviews are, just keep that in mind. Very important to demo so you don't end up with a boat that isn't right for you.
As far as internet porn, that says a lot.

Good luck with your search and congrats on your new addition.

11-10-2013, 07:01 PM	#1
Beer Me Take two Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 66	Introduction - Beer Me I guess I've lurked long enough... My name is Lance and have recently moved up to Oxnard, Ca from Riverside. I'm looking to get into yak fishing, as I'm tired of the leers and jeers from renting a spot on the local 3/4 day cattle boats and look forward to the independence and physicality required of a kayak. I have no ocean gear or even a kayak at this time, so I'm biding my time reading this forum and bugging the local kayakers when I see them around the launches. My wife and I are adopting a newborn that is due around the 2nd week of December, so money is a little short right now. I'm fortunate to be real close to the water, so I'll live vicariously through you folks until I'm able to afford the gear needed to get out there. When I do get started, I'm going to need something to keep my 6'1, 240# svelte self on this side of the water. I'm open to suggestions for starter equipment. Per my username, I like beer. I was fortunate to be stationed in Germany for a bit, and that didn't help the situation. If anyone is close and ever needs a hand with anything or wouldn't mind letting me pick your brain, feel free to send me a message. See you around...

11-11-2013, 07:46 AM	#2
Carp (⌐■_■)--︻╦╤─ - - - Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sandy Eggo Posts: 166	Welcome, I'm similar height and weight 6'2" 230# and I fish off a 3rd hand x-factor. It's not speedy but I feel super comfortable on it. I had no kayak experience 6 months ago but with visiting OEX and picking the brains of the fellas here. I progressed fast landing 3 YT and a 30" butt before winter. The cool thing about my x-factor is the little gator hatch I can put my boys on next year for some bay fishing. OEX will let you demo the kayaks to see what fits you and they have blem sales on malibu kayaks that will help on the budget part if you decide to go with an x-factor or stealth. Welcome and thanks for your service Happy Veterans Day Jeff __________________ "California.. If it's not illegal it's going to cost ya" -Bob Munden

11-11-2013, 09:10 AM	#4
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	Yes, welcome Lance! A good starter kayak is going to depend on the person and what kind of fishing you want to do...eventually. For example, you don't want to buy something that's small and ok for fishing the bays...and then someday have to buy another kayak just so you can go into open water safely. Personally I would spend a little more money and get something larger at least 14' and more stable like the x-factor. Which ever route that you decide to go, it's going to be a great experience. You'll have a lot of fun, see some amazing things and meet some interesting characters along the way. Welcome again! __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

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11-11-2013, 08:49 AM	#3
Beer Me Take two Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 66	Thanks Jeff for the reply. I keep an eye on the max weight allowed on the kayaks as well as the width. Speed isn't the highest on my list of priorities, stability is what takes that spot. So many kayaks to pick and choose from, but the weight max sure does help slim the pickens. Great looking fish in your pictures, hopefully next year at this time I'll be in the same boat (pun intended) Thanks again

11-11-2013, 12:20 PM	#6
kobra Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: oceanside Posts: 880	Welcome to the site and the sport. The best thing for you to do is research and narrow down your choices to maybe 3 or 4 yaks then demo them. Remember, a kayak can be perfect for one guy but be terrible for someone else so as important as reviews are, just keep that in mind. Very important to demo so you don't end up with a boat that isn't right for you. As far as internet porn, that says a lot. Good luck with your search and congrats on your new addition.