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

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.

12-24-2011, 08:34 PM	#1
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	#2
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!