Finally getting into the game!!

Sometime early last year I came across Rudy's news article (in ADN I think) and that got the gears in my head turning and led me to NWKA. In the following months I think I read nearly every post on the forum and was hooked. A couple weeks ago I took a short trip down to Seattle and picked up a motorhome and a 2013 Oasis. Both are still in storage down there waiting for me to bring them back up in may. I'll be off work most of the summer and fall and plan to spend as much of that time as possible bouncing around Alaskan coastal waters in my new tub toy. As you can imagine I have several questions and will likely have more as I go along. I'll preface my first list of questions by saying I can't wait to get out on the water and look forward to meeting so many of you whose adventures I've been following all this time!

Drysuit- I've been looking at the Kokatats since they seem to be the preferred brand by this group. Besides the absolutely necessary relief zipper what makes one better than another? How is the performance of the 3L material vs. the Goretex? I've been looking at the Hydrus primarily for the price point.

PFD- Going for the Bahia unless there's a better recommendation

Fish finder/GPS/chart plotter- Looking for something <$300 if possible. Also very interested in the external laptop battery setup I saw on some of the threads here.

Quality jigging/rod/reel combo <$200 if that can be found

And any recommendations on terminal tackle. Honestly, I just need someone to walk through Sportsman's and Cabelas with me and throw stuff into a basket.

This oughta get me started. I'm on the slope til late April, but wanted to start brainstorming between now and then.

Welcome!!!

I tend to be cheap on equipment outside of my kayaks. Most people tend to end up in a kokatat paddling suit.  I didn't get goretex, just didn't want to spend the cash.  I've switched out of the dry suit to bibs but my adventure island ends up being a pretty darn stable platform really. 

Just got the HighEndHippie a rod and reel at B&Js, 200.00 out the door and she likes it a lot.  Ugly Stick Tiger Lite jigging rod 6-10oz paired with a shamino charter special TR-2000LD.  I've got a used penn 320 gt on a penn torque jigging rod (my 113h blew up and I'm just making due).

Terminal tackle, eh, halibut I tied up some rigs with a hoochie using mono, worked so far.  Used with a spreader, the Hippie did well with 1lb of weight.  I was using Kodiak Custom 10oz jigs and those worked too.  Going to debarb the trailing hook on the self tied rigs I think. 

For batteries, you can't beat AkRiders battery box solution, but for starting out with one of the elite 4s you can use Hobies old mounting kit that runs off of 4 AA batteries if I remember right. 

Old boat I used a lowrance elite 4 for plotter/sounder and that worked pretty well.

Dan

Really for halibut all you need is a cheap halfway stiff rod a Penn gt series reel a curly tail jig or Kodiak etc and a couple lead and bait rigs . Salmon a couple flashers a few trolling sinkers and a rod holder maybe some spoons, or you can end up like me with 2,000 dollars worth of rods and reels and equipment lol but hey I'm an addict

Welcome!  Glad I could help in a small way.

I;ve caught kings and halibut with a barbie rod.  So anything will work.  Its a matter of what you are comfortable with and your fshing style.

I live in Anchorage, let me know if you want to make a Cabela's or any other sporting good store run.  I do it once a week whether I need anything or not.  lol. 

I do it once a week whether I need anything or not.  lol.

Spoken like a true addict!!! LOL

I want to say I'm not an addict, with my garage full of rods, reels, tackle, and not vehicles; my wife may tell you otherwise. Welcome to the madness...

Really for halibut all you need is a cheap halfway stiff rod a Penn gt series reel a curly tail jig or Kodiak etc and a couple lead and bait rigs . Salmon a couple flashers a few trolling sinkers and a rod holder maybe some spoons, or you can end up like me with 2,000 dollars worth of rods and reels and equipment lol but hey I'm an addict

Agreed with keeping it simple.....easy said until you get the addiction h

This was half my stash as of 5 years ago hahaha

Damn and I get the evil eye with only 7 poles 2 boats and one trailer 

Wow. I thought I was the only one that built rod holders to hold 17 rods.

Thanks for all the input fellas. Flying to Seattle in May to pick up the RV and kayak and meeting up with MoJo to start on some mods and hopefully do a little fishing. I ordered the Kokatat Hydrus 3L Meridian from REI at a swingin deal from their spring sale and have it waiting for me at the store in Tacoma. Getting pretty stoked. By the time I get off the slope on the 20th I'll have been up here all but 2 weeks since December. REALLY looking forward to warmer weather and lots of time on the water.

Since I'm likely to find equipment cheaper in the lower 48, what would you recommend I pick up down there instead of waiting to buy when I get up here?

Welcome!  Glad I could help in a small way.

I;ve caught kings and halibut with a barbie rod.  So anything will work.  Its a matter of what you are comfortable with and your fshing style.

I live in Anchorage, let me know if you want to make a Cabela's or any other sporting good store run.  I do it once a week whether I need anything or not.  lol.

Rudy, I'm the same way when I'm in town as well. Usually I find something I absolutely need right that minute. Whether or not I find a use for it within the next few months is a matter of question. I'll definitely drop you a line when I get back in town.

Thanks for all the input fellas. Flying to Seattle in May to pick up the RV and kayak and meeting up with MoJo to start on some mods and hopefully do a little fishing. I ordered the Kokatat Hydrus 3L Meridian from REI at a swingin deal from their spring sale and have it waiting for me at the store in Tacoma. Getting pretty stoked. By the time I get off the slope on the 20th I'll have been up here all but 2 weeks since December. REALLY looking forward to warmer weather and lots of time on the water.

Since I'm likely to find equipment cheaper in the lower 48, what would you recommend I pick up down there instead of waiting to buy when I get up here?

Welcome!  Glad I could help in a small way.

I;ve caught kings and halibut with a barbie rod.  So anything will work.  Its a matter of what you are comfortable with and your fshing style.

I live in Anchorage, let me know if you want to make a Cabela's or any other sporting good store run.  I do it once a week whether I need anything or not.  lol.

Rudy, I'm the same way when I'm in town as well. Usually I find something I absolutely need right that minute. Whether or not I find a use for it within the next few months is a matter of question. I'll definitely drop you a line when I get back in town.

Old Mill RV Park and Event Center (503) 322-0322 make a reservation ASAP so you got a spot let them know if you will be here for TBMD 2 on the 21st of May they might discount part of your stay, no guarantee.

Old Mill RV Park and Event Center (503) 322-0322 make a reservation ASAP so you got a spot let them know if you will be here for TBMD 2 on the 21st of May they might discount part of your stay, no guarantee.
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I'll give them a call. I plan on heading back up by the 15th, so I won't be there for TMBD.

Well, I'll still put you on some fish no guarantee they bite your hook but hey it's called fishing not catching right.

True enough. I'll just be happy to get out on the water.