kayak fishing FAQ

Is there a kayak fishing FAQ?  It would be helpful if there was a FAQ that was sticky. 

Just sold my boat.  I found that I couldn't take it to many lakes because of the gas motor restriction.  Wished I would have known that problem prior to purchase.   

Anyways, I'm thinking of replacing it with either a kayak or canoe?  Never been in either.  I hope to use it for 70% fishing small lakes for trout, 20% to fish pinks in September over by Redondo, 10% non fishing.

I know nothing about kayak fishing.  One question I do have is how do you get all your gear out to launch at once?  It would s*** to leave the kayak at the launch, run back to grab the rest of the gear to find the kayak missing.   

Thanks in advance for the help!

First, I'd start by spending a few hours or days on this site.  There is a lot of information.  There are some sticky articles on the home page, and many of the sub-forums have sticky articles. 

I've not had any problems between launch and truck.  Generally, I pull the yak off the truck and onto the Wheelez, then load up the yak and roll to the launch.   The Wheelez goes in the front hatch, or I stash it in the bushes, or I walk it back to the truck.  You can't beat a full-size Wheelez as a cart.

Read in particular about proper clothing and safety.  Cold water will suck the life out of you in minutes. 

Nothing will beat a demo paddle/pedal.  You don't mention where you are located except "eastside", but you also mention Redondo (WA?).  What state/province are you in?  Knowing your location will help give you suggestions on where to go to demo boats. 

I'm down by Renton.  Redondo beach is over by Burien, Fedway. 

I can search, but a good forum usually have a FAQ sticky.  Else, you would have hundreds of "Newbie looking for first kayak" threads.  I guess its ok, as this site seems to have fewer threads than other forums I've been to.  I'll just look around, I figure I'd ask if there was one and just didn't see it. 

I do as Demonick does and I load everything on the yak after it's on the Wheelez (or other brand) cart.  This eliminates trips back and forth.  I keep my Wheelez cart with me secured under the shock cord webbing in my tank well.

Also, since I started kayak fishing, I only bring the tackle I need for the targeted fish of  the day, and maybe a small amount for another common species that may be found where I am fishing.  For example: barbless hooks, bait, and heavy lead for sturgeon and maybe a few smaller jig heads with soft plastics and a couple plugs for bass and walleye.  I store this stuff in Plano tackle trays which fit in the hatch between my legs.  This eliminates the need for a large tackle box and reduces the risk of loosing a large quantity of expensive tackle should I flip the kayak.

Another nice thing is that you don't have to launch at crowded launch sites which may reduce the chance of theft.   Most of my freshwater launches have been from the public floating docks in the parks on the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers, or from beaches at lakes. 

As Demonick said, take some out for a test drive before you buy.  Also, if it is a brand that you paddle rather than pedal, ask to test a few paddles in your price range at the same time. 

Enjoy your hunt for a new kaykak.

-Craig

I can search, but a good forum usually have a FAQ sticky.  Else, you would have hundreds of "Newbie looking for first kayak" threads. 

Ummm, we do get a lot of newbie questions about various aspects of kayakfishing.   

One section just with tips for beginners is a good idea. I'm not an admin, so I don't know how hard it would be to start it.

As it is, if you use search it should help to find info. "For Safety's Sake" will cover immersion protection; "Kayak Shed" will help on the different types of boats.

It's volunteering others,    but the "South Sound Meetup", under the Washington section, has recently included a discussion of a get-together at Tanwax Lake on May 14. Even if you don't have any gear, it'll be a good chance to see how others are set up, and maybe try paddling a boat or two.           

seattle area is over due for a meet up too... would save him a lot of frustration driving south, then back north thru the mess called I5.

there's the safety class Zee is setting up in that neck of the woods, too; http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,6095.msg63766.html#new

but yeah, maybe it is time for the admin crew to arrange a small newbie wiki or f a q ,becuase he's right we do get a ton of the " I'm a newbie and i have a question" posts... heck even i did that when i joined.