Advice for a Beginner - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Dnomyar · 06-10-2016, 02:33 PM

Any advice you can give for a beginner like me who haven't tried Kayak Fishing yet? I'm so eager to learn though. Kayak that I should buy (can I use the inflatable kind?), where I can launch (the nearest beach to me is the seal beach, the Alamitos Bay, and the area around it), place to avoid, place to start, etc.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

NICKWORN · 06-10-2016, 03:13 PM

I just started as well( 4 trips deep out at LJ SHORES) , and all I can say is spend the extra cash for a HOBIE, peddling is the only way to go.

Starsky · 06-10-2016, 03:50 PM

I would start by maybe renting a few different kayaks out, OEX does rent out many kayaks including Hobies. See if its something you will really enjoy before dropping some $$

Dave Legacy · 06-10-2016, 03:58 PM

I'm relatively new to fishing from a kayak as well. Safety first, so spend some money on a PFD that you like and a VHF radio to call in help if trouble occurs. I opted for a VHF radio that connects to my phone with Bluetooth so I can make and receive calls. Then there is the legally required stuff like a net w/a 20" minimum hoop. Lots of people don't carry one, but I always feel better having a folding net in my hull knowing I'm in compliance.

As far as the kayak goes you should really do your best to rent as many as you can to figure out what you like.

Alamitos bay makes for easy launches, plenty of parking, and a short swim to shore in any direction if you manage to find disaster. I think it's a good place to test out your stuff and get a feel for the sport.

Amish Ed · 06-10-2016, 04:02 PM

+2 on going to OEX in sunset beach. You can try before you buy and Andy will have lots of good advice.

Dnomyar · 06-14-2016, 11:36 AM

I appreciate your advice.

Mahigeer · 06-14-2016, 04:36 PM

See Andy at OEX and try different kayaks.

I have one for sale in the for sale board.

06-10-2016, 02:33 PM	#1
Dnomyar Junior Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 2	Advice for a Beginner Any advice you can give for a beginner like me who haven't tried Kayak Fishing yet? I'm so eager to learn though. Kayak that I should buy (can I use the inflatable kind?), where I can launch (the nearest beach to me is the seal beach, the Alamitos Bay, and the area around it), place to avoid, place to start, etc. Any advice would be highly appreciated.

06-10-2016, 03:13 PM	#2
NICKWORN Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: SANTUCKET Posts: 629	HOBIE HOBIE HOBIE I just started as well( 4 trips deep out at LJ SHORES) , and all I can say is spend the extra cash for a HOBIE, peddling is the only way to go.

06-10-2016, 03:50 PM	#3
Starsky Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Lancaster Posts: 187	I would start by maybe renting a few different kayaks out, OEX does rent out many kayaks including Hobies. See if its something you will really enjoy before dropping some $$ __________________ Sal

06-10-2016, 04:02 PM	#5
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	+2 on going to OEX in sunset beach. You can try before you buy and Andy will have lots of good advice. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

06-14-2016, 11:36 AM	#6
Dnomyar Junior Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 2	Thank you! I appreciate your advice.

06-10-2016, 03:58 PM	#4
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	I'm relatively new to fishing from a kayak as well. Safety first, so spend some money on a PFD that you like and a VHF radio to call in help if trouble occurs. I opted for a VHF radio that connects to my phone with Bluetooth so I can make and receive calls. Then there is the legally required stuff like a net w/a 20" minimum hoop. Lots of people don't carry one, but I always feel better having a folding net in my hull knowing I'm in compliance. As far as the kayak goes you should really do your best to rent as many as you can to figure out what you like. Alamitos bay makes for easy launches, plenty of parking, and a short swim to shore in any direction if you manage to find disaster. I think it's a good place to test out your stuff and get a feel for the sport.

06-14-2016, 04:36 PM	#7
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,897	See Andy at OEX and try different kayaks. I have one for sale in the for sale board.