Okay, so I finally got my yak...now what?

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

I need to 'outfit' my Malibu Stealth 14
I've read a bunch of tips and tricks on here all over the place. Looking for specific opinions on equipment in this thread?

Here's what I've already got:
Seat
Bait tank pump kit
Paddle

Okay, so here's what I'm thinking I need or pretty much have to have. Tell me what brand, model or type I should get specifically...please. See, I'm kind of a simple guy and I don't want to try and re-invent the wheel; I'd rather just copy what you guys are already doing as far as set-up goes. Keep in mind I'm on a bit of a budget so throw 'realistic' suggestions at me please. Thanks in advance!

Life jacket
Fish Finder
Fish Finder mount (besides X-wing)
Battery(s) - (1 for fish finder and 1 for bait tank) (do I need 2?)
Ice chest - (which one fits perfectly in the molded space at rear?)
Storage crate - (which one fits perfectly in the molded space at rear?)
Anchor
Net
Gaff
Measuring instrument that rivets or screws to the boat

Is their anything I'm missing that you think I should have or have to have?

Thanks again!

Let's have fun:

Life jacket: Go to OEX and try them on, it's fun and you can see what you like.

Fish Finder: I recommend the Cuda 350 it has GPS and FF very nice for the money and you can get them for less than $200

Fish Finder mount: Somewhere easy for you to work it

Battery(s) - (1 for fish finder and 1 for bait tank) (do I need 2?) Yes you need 2. The one working the FF will last all day, the bait tank one will drain faster.

Ice chest - (which one fits perfectly in the molded space at rear?) Not sure you will need this and a crate, but you can use the chest for a Bait tank on La Jolla lanches, and cooler for fishing the bays and lakes. I'm thinking of making one for this reason also.

Storage crate - (which one fits perfectly in the molded space at rear?) The Container Store has some that will fit any Kayak, you can find them online or at some malls.
Anchor: Use a 5lbs. Dumbell with rope on it.
Net: Get one that will not hurt the tails of the fish you catch.
Gaff: You can buy one or make one really cheap. OEX, Dana Landing, or any Tackle shop should have them.

Measuring instrument that rivets or screws to the boat: I marked the sides of my Yak with Sharpe

Is their anything I'm missing that you think I should have or have to have? Check out the Share you Innovations thread, there are a lot of things you'll see there that I have forgotten. You'll need a paddle leash, rod leashes, dry storage for phones, tackle, and other items. Boga grippers, or something similar. Best thing is, make the boat comfortable for you when you are on the water. Make it so that you can get to what you need and know how your boat handles.

[BrokeLoser]

Is their a specific lighter weight life jacket that many use?
Are there specific batteries and battery boxes that people are using?
Who makes those fishfinder mounts that look like a cross bar that runs above the feet area?

Thanks for the advice guys!

[taggermike]

I'll toss in my 2 cents. You don't have to be a huge hurry to get every thing on the kayak. For sure life jacket is essential. You might want to fish your kayak a few times and find out how and where you want things, and if you need them at all. If you're super new to kayak fishing you might want to start in the bay with one rod and one plano box and move up from there as you get more confident and experienced. Just a thought. Mike

[maui jim]

you will need More money more tackle, more time to fish.

[bus kid]

if the stealth has the pluming installed, you are best off to get a bait tank timer
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...-switch/Detail

you will need only one battery all day.

[wiredantz]

Originally Posted by maui jim

you will need More money more tackle, more time to fish.

i agree

[old_rookie]

Originally Posted by taggermike

I'll toss in my 2 cents. You don't have to be a huge hurry to get every thing on the kayak. For sure life jacket is essential. You might want to fish your kayak a few times and find out how and where you want things, and if you need them at all. If you're super new to kayak fishing you might want to start in the bay with one rod and one plano box and move up from there as you get more confident and experienced. Just a thought. Mike

I agree. You really won't know what works or doesn't work for you until you are on the water.

Originally Posted by maui jim

you will need More money more tackle, more time to fish.

That's one thing that no money or no one here can provide.... MORE time to fish!!!

[jorluivil]

-You're going to need a second job.
-If you're married you will need a third job: one to pay for your kayak accessories and the other to pay for the gifts you'll need to buy your wife so she can leave you alone while you work on your yak.
-There are only 24hrs in a day, you need to find a way to stretch that to 35hrs a day.
-Almost forgot the most important one: patience you'll need lots and lots of patience.

P.S.
welcome aboard