New Guy

[rockdawg]

Hello all, I'm a newbie at kayaking and just got me a new Ride 135 last week. I love it so far and I'm headed down to the coast next week to try it out. Can't wait!!!

[Shorewalker]

Welcome aboard. Put a post in gooing fishing if you haven't already and you may find someone who can give some great pointer. You will love your Ride 135. The newest version looks like the best yet.

[rockdawg]

I love my Ride so far. I tried it out last Friday on a local lake in some pretty good wind. Handled great from what I know about kayaks.
I'm almost done rigging it out (I think). I made me an anchor trolly, got me a 3 lb anchor and a stake out rod. Made me a milk crate rod holder/tackle box with rod leashes. Got a softside cooler, couple of dry bags, Scotty rod holder. No fish finder YET. Anything else I'm forgetting?

[LCallaghan]

Fishfinder for the salt wont do you much good around here. Most of your fishing will be done in 1-2 feet of water. Get some Fish Grips, decent set of pliers, a couple gold spoons and throw till your arm hurts! This time of the year starts to get real good for redfish so pick a spot on the maps section of the forum and let er' rip!

[Shorewalker]

A couple of things come to mind.

PFD (aka life jacket) required by law and just common sense

whistle - also required by law

flashlight required if paddling in dark conditions just common sense all of the time

rain suit can be useful

fish measuring device

cell phone or vfw radio (should be on the list before a fishfinder IMHO)

take plenty of liquids, sunscreen/buff/gloves/hat, bugspray

emergency paddle (depends on the brand / quality of current paddle but pushing off of oyster bars can be rough on less expensive paddles)

some people like rod floats over leashes and some people don't bother with either

waterproof camera is nice

read the Forgotten Coast Essentials Link (first post in the newbie section)if you didn't already read it http://www.fcka.net/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=1620.

Find the kayak launches map and read through the various launch locations.

[bk]

not much to add that hasn't already been stated.. except... you'll want to go to kevin's and buy a xcalibur popper lure. oh, and a bone one-knocker.

[Shorewalker]

buy a xcalibur popper lure. oh, and a bone one-knocker

.

If you go get these lures, make sure you get upgraded split rings and hooks while you are there. Redfish will pretzel the stock one knocker hooks.

[rockdawg]

Thanks for the help and advise. Where is this Kevins place at? I have some spooks and I already got me a bone one knocker but I'll look for the excaliber and does Kevins have the better split rings and hooks. We will be fishing in the Alligator Bay area.

Thanks again.

[BigIrish]

Wear your PFD! Even when you fish with someone you are usually alone, so put it on, First. Oh and get a second set of keys.
Welcome to the simple life! FISH ON!

[bk]

kevins is in tallahassee, on capital circle northeast near i-10.

[JT]

Rigging the yak is always fun. Get a few trips in before you make to many modifications.
What may seem like a good idea at home may not work out the way on the water.

[rockdawg]

Oh Yea, the PFD is a must. It was the first thing I bought before I got my yak. Had a blast so far rigging my yak and making the crate and cart. I'll have this thing weighing 150 lbs before I get in it if I aint careful. I will take your advise JT.

Thanks for all the info guys.

[Seminole]

Welcome to the site!

[WannaDoDat]

Sounds like you're having a blast already! Glad you joined up. Bring that pretty kayak to the next tourney!

[jeeper50]

Can't wait to try out your new ride next week, I've been green with envy since you bought it!!!