What do I need?

Hi all -

My wife just surprised me with a brand new Malibu Kayak X-13 for my birthday.  (She was taking pity on my because my job has been requiring lots of hours and generating lots of stress -- either that -- or she was getty really tired of hearing me talk about wanting a fishinging kayak for the past 3 years.)

Unfortunately, the day before she gave it to me, I blew out my back so I'm going to have to wait another couple of weeks before I will be able to get on the water. 

In the mean time, I figure I should get all my necessary gear  (or at least a few basics.)  As of now, I have some fishing gear, a paddle, and the kayak came with rod holders installed.

The things I think I need are:
   * Paddle leash
   * Paddle clips?
   * scupper hole plugs? (are these necessary)
   * wet suit or dry pants/shirt (any suggestions)
   * Ropes
   * Anchor
   * Safety equipment
   * Roof rack carrier method?
   * any other recommendations?

Where is a good place to get these items in the Portland area?

Thanks!!
-- Scott

Wow, I'm seeing a lot of new guys here with Malibu X-13s.  I wasn't aware that anyone up here sold them.

As for gear.. I'm going to recommend the following in the following order of importance.
1.) comfortable PFD
2.) wet suit/dry suit/etc..  Do you own any chest waders already?  If so match that with a dry top and you're set.  If you plan to spend a lot of time on the ocean/surf I'd recommend a wetsuit (or dry suit if you can afford it.)
3.) does your kayak come with a seat?  you'll want one
4.) get a paddle leash
5.) some safety equipment is good (whistle, vhf, flares, first aid kit, etc..)
6.) A cart is nice to have, I recommend the Rolleez brand.
7.) Get a roof rack.  Until then you can get foam pads and straps that will do the job for about $50.
8.) Anchors are nice for certain types of fishing.  Don't worry about it for now.
9.) Skip the scupper plugs unless you find the X-13 to be a really wet ride.

Other tips..

Start out slow... paddle first without bothering to fish, then try something simple like fishing for trout in a lake.  Eventually you can add river and ocean fishing.

Practice safety things like self-rescue (i.e. getting back in if you fall out).

 

Welcome Hikeon.  You should enjoy the forum and the new kayak.  Lots of good advice here, and Brian is right on.  I'm learning too and this forum has helped a lot.  Good luck with the back (been there), and congrats on the boat.  Have fun -

Alan

Welcome aboard Hikeon!

1st off, like Brian said, pick up a PFD.
I'd say that at a bare minimum, you'll also need:
- A way to transport your yak to and from the water
- The paddle leash
and
- Some kind of cold water immersion wear (ie waders with a wading belt, wetsuit or drysuit)

Don't worry about "pimping" your yak until you've gotten to know it a little better.  Then, search this site and our sister site NCKA.org for ideas on adding things like an anchor trolley, extra rod holders, fish finders, beer coolers and mobile internet feeds.    Feel free to post your questions as well.

When you're ready to fish, post a notice that you'd like some company and there's a good chance someone will join you.

If you have back problems, then you need a good seat. I too have had back problems, and I totally recommend this seat.

http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=132

I LOVE this seat, and can't imagine sitting on the water for hours without it!

Dave

Thanks for the tips everyone!!  Very helpful.

Hope to meet some/all of you out on the water someday!!

Cheers!!

Hikeon,

How is it going with your X-13?  I have one as well and love it.  I also just picked up a mini-x to mess around with.

Hey ryobi1 -

Well, the sad truth is... my X-13 is still hanging in my garage.  Has not even seen the water yet.  My back is healed up, but everytime I get ready to hit the water, something gets in the way.

I am hoping to get out tomorrow.  If nothing else, a short cruise on the Willamette off the 10th street ramp.

How is the mini-X?

My Mini just came in today.  I have not been able to get out that much lately.  Let me know if you ever want to go out on the Tualatin or Willamette.  I live off 205 in the Stafford area. 

Will be interested in how the Mini works.  I live just around the corner - up by Safeways in West Linn. 

I finally got the X-13 wet the past two weekends.  Went up to Lost Lake out of Hood River.  Not much action on the fish, but had a blast playing with the yak.

I might be up for a Tualatin or Willamette excursion later this week.  Sort of depends on if the job gets in the way of fun.  (possible Wed, Thurs, or Friday)

It looks like a few folks are going to hit the Willy for smallies on Thursday afternoon/evening.   I'm sure it isn't an exclusive club or anything.

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,3403.html

All are welcome.  Even bsteves    The more the better.