Hi, new to seattle/nw, need info

i'm Paul, nice to (eventually) meet you all.
new guy here looking for tips. Just moved from San Diego to Seattle and am looking to start fishing from a kayak around July. have been researching extensively on gear. a lot of great information on here, but I figure it's time to get direct answers... before I ask, here is some backround info; I'm mainly going to fish and paddle around Seattle. I guess it's north puget sound, lake Washington and whatever other nearby spots I discover for the first couple of seasons until I'm more comfortable.. not very experienced but have fished San Diego bay in a kayak several times.
have a pfd picked out thank to you guys. and am pretty set on an OK trident 13, my compliments as well. but am open I suggestion on whether I should get an angler model, or a different kayak all together that better suits my zones. as I will probably upgrade/get another in a few years.

I grew up surfing in 55-60 degree water and would wear 3/2 spring suits pretty much year round even if air temp was in low 50s winter mornings.. haha. so I was considering the "Farmer john wetsuit" with booties,  and pretty much just layers/jackets. but after reading through hundreds of post it seems like you all strongly recommend drysuits, which I think is somewhat overkill(I'm new, be nice.) and a little out of my price range. so cheaper alternatives would be nice.

I have never fished salmon. or sturgeon. or steelhead. but I'm super ***king excited to!! but the regulations are crazy retarded and I can't really make sense, or find a solid, "up to date" website for the "ever changing rules and regs" that the state has. so a link would be awesome.

if anyone in Seattle (i live in ballard) can tell me a tackle/fishin shop in the area and for Christ sake not big 5 and the likes. a real shop. I'll buy you a beer.

also I'm 6' 200lbs, but can't figure out which paddle length suits me. 240 seems long if I'm paddling hard but 230 seems short for a cruising or flatter stroke. what should be a deciding factor?

First off, welcome!

I'm not too far ahead of you as I just bought my yak in December, and am getting ready for my 4th trip (second time fishing) on Thursday.

Regarding wetsuit vs drysuit.  Water temps up here are commonly in the mid-40's to low 50's.  If you're comfortable in a wetsuit then go for it.  There's folks on here that do so regularly.  For me I chose a drysuit (Kokatat SuperNova Angler).  But I didn't grow up surfing, and am something of a pansy when it comes to cold water.

You are basically my size.  I have a 240mm paddle for an OK Prowler 13.  For all practical purposes that's the same as a T13 in terms of paddling.  It does not seem too long to me.  But I am still a newbie so take that with a grain of salt.

Regs.  Ugh.  Go here to download the current regulation booklet.  Go over here to check up on in-season changes to the regs.

If you're into fly fishing I've had good experiences at Avid Angler.   They're not toooo far from you.  Beyond that I can't help much with tackle shops down there.  There is a Cabelas that just opened in Marysville.  It's at exit 200 on I-5.

ETA: If you get up to Skagit County let me know.  I'll let you paddle around in my Prowler.  It will be very similar in terms of how it behaves in the water to the T13.  The T13 should be an improvement in handling, but you'd get a rough idea.  That will also give you a chance to try a 240mm paddle with that kind of yak.

I work right around the corner from you in Interbay. PM your schedule and Lets see if we can meet up. I have both a Prowler 13 and a Trident 13 if you want to paddle one. I am 6'3" and run a 240 paddle. Outdoor Emporium is THE place for tackle in Seattle. Drysuits are great but waders and a paddle jacket will get you started....
Welcome!