New to the Kayaking World "NEWBIE"

 

Hello All,

My Name is Roger Brown and I am new to the fishing kayak world - 50 years old - the mind is young the body feels old.

I used to fish years back but for some reason (work, work, work - being lazy) has just plain got in the way of living life to the fullest.  In that time I took up golf and BBQ - "smoking meat".  Why did I give up fishing?? I just don't know...

BUT, I have found that I like to paddle around and decided to get into kayaking to explore, rivers, lakes and do some camping excursions (hammock camping) and just paddle around and fish.

I have been doing some research on kayaks and decided that the Jackson Kraken was best suited for me so I pulled the trigger and bought one.

I am going to take some classes on safety and learn to use this thing instead of making it into a garage ornament like the wife says will happen.

So with all that said, I would like to meet new folks who can teach me the in's and out's of kayaking and just plan have some fun fishing and exploring the great N.W.

Your input - friendship would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Roger Brown

Welcome to the group. You came to the right spot for answers.

 I came to this site for the same reasons as you and have not been disappointed. Many knowledgeable folks here about who are ready to share experiences and advice.

Never seen the Kracken so I had to visit the Jackson site to get an idea of what you own.
From what I see it looks like she may take a couple of hard strokes to get her going and then becomes a rocket. Good looking dimensions on the hull; stability to stand should you like sight fishing and be able to travel long distances pretty effortlessly with good glide between strokes. Please give us a review after you've paddled her for a while.

You are probably already aware of this and maybe already own a great paddle. Seems the consensus of the group says the second most important purchase should be a fairly light and strong paddle. For instance; I started with the Bending Branches angler 240CM (fiberglass $130.00) which is quite heavy for us old guys (you're still young) waiting to get back into shape.
When I purchased a 230CM Werner Camano ($275.00 carbon fiber) I really started to like kayaking; the group was instrumental in convincing me a paddle would make a difference and it sure did. Tell the wife it's required LOL.

Take a few shots of the boat so we can associate a boat to a name.

See you on the water

William

Welcome, Roger!  I'm not-so-new to kayaks but a complete stranger to fishing from them, and if you want to learn, this is a great place to find answers.

I might suggest a fiberglass handle on the first paddle - assuming you haven't purchased a paddle, yet.  They tend to be lighter than aluminum but a bit heavier than carbon fiber, and they split the price between aluminum and carbon, too.

If you're like many of us, you're going to beat the bejeebers out of your first paddle and it's less of a deep sigh when you bung-up a reasonably priced first paddle.

Glad you're here!

- Kevin

No Paddle as of yet...

It is kinda of funny though, I bought a boat without a paddle... Does this mean I am up the creek without a paddle??? LOL!

On a serious note:  They did not have the paddle that would fit me - 6'1" 250# - But they did tell me about the carbon fiber paddles, carbon fiber handle - fiberglass ends and the aluminum paddles.  $400 - $100.  I believe I am going to get the carbon fiber with the fiberglass ends with the not so straight pole, around the 275 range...

Not sure if I should go with the straight handle or the curvatures handle???  any ideas on that???

I do not have the boat as of yet because I am having a few thing installed.  Its paid for though 

Yesterday I purchased:

Kraken - GI Jackson
Life Jacket
Tow Rope
Rain Gear - Not the $1000 (Good Lord!!!!!!!)
Wheels
Rudder

Things to buy: (Any Ideas)

Fish Finder
Battery
Anything else you think I will need???

Thanks for all the help..

Roger

  If you will be doing any trolling --- a pole holder is handy.

  There is probably a "millk crate" in your future;

  Add other stuff as needed......

Roger, newbie here but I can say I like the straight Bending Branches 230cm 250cm carbons.  Found a couple for a good price on a large internet site...

I'm 6' and 240lbs using a Jackson Big Tuna.

[fixed: I realized today I'd written the wrong size!]

Just a suggestion, Roger - Don't buy a paddle until you can test it in your kayak or in a demo of the same kayak.  There are sizing charts all over the place and I bought my first paddle using the charts - and it was too short.  For my height, the kayak width, and how I had used paddles in the past (mid-high stroke), I went with a 230cm paddle and on the first trip, knew right away that I needed a 240cm paddle.  Do a demo on the paddle first!

I'm a minimalist when it comes to extra gear, and others may suggest more or different items, but here's what you haven't put on your list:

I don't know how you're set up in fishing gear, but the things I found that we needed to add were landing nets (salmon-sized net, handles not too long - I cut our handles down a bit), and a set of fish grippers.

You'll want a tube of GOOP marine sealant/adhesive around the house.

You need an invasive species permit if the dealer doesn't supply one for you.

You'll want dry storage - 10 liter dry bags work for us - to carry extra dry clothes, or to stuff extra clothes into if we get too warm and start shedding garments.

Plano makes some small waterproof cases that actually work and are a great size for carrying licenses and car keys.

Depending on where you intend to use the Jackson, you might need a UHF radio and you should always carry an emergency knife.

You need a paddle leash so that carbon-fiber jewel doesn't abandon you.  You'll want a hand paddle - we use some fiberglass-plastic Ping-Pong paddles I found in a garage sale - in case that fragile carbon-fiber jewel breaks apart on you.

You'll probably want a waterproof camera or camcorder.

If you're completely new to kayak fishing, rod leashes - store-bought or home made - will be very handy.  For a while, you'll probably wish you had leashes or tethers for just about every sinkable thing you carry.  The first (and, so far, only) fish I've caught from the kayak left me wondering what to do with all the crap that was in my lap while I tried to land my fish.  Having things securely lashed to the boat would have made that moment a bit less hectic.

In addition to a "tow rope" The Boss and I each carry 30 yards of 3/8ths double-braided line.  The Boss could build a comfy cabin in the woods with 30 yards of cord if we needed one.

And finally (for now, at least) get a sponge.  One of those grout sponges from a big box store works fine.  Use it to swab out the puddles that can't drain out the scuppers - like when the cup-holder fills up.

And Roger, I hope when you said "rain gear" you meant waterproof kayaking (or sailing) outerwear...

What did you mean by not the $1000 rain gear?

Not sure if I should go with the straight handle or the curvatures handle???  any ideas on that???

I do not have the boat as of yet because I am having a few thing installed.  Its paid for though 

Yesterday I purchased:

Kraken - GI Jackson
Life Jacket
Tow Rope
Rain Gear - Not the $1000 (Good Lord!!!!!!!)
Wheels
Rudder

Things to buy: (Any Ideas)

Fish Finder
Battery
Anything else you think I will need???

Thanks for all the help..

Roger

I would look at the Werner Camano paddle in a 240 cm length. As long as you don't step on it or slam it in the tailgate, it should be the last paddle you buy. The fiberglass blades make it lightweight and you won't lose energy to paddle flutter. I'd also recommend sticking with a straight shaft paddle rather than a bent shaft.

There are a ton of options out there for fish finders. It is really going to come down to what you need and are willing to spend on it. If you are going out on the ocean GPS is a very nice feature to have as it will help you get back to your launch if the fog rolls in. Just make sure that whatever unit you go with you have a battery that has the capacity to last all day. I recently picked up a Lowrance Elite-5 HDI. That thing sucks down juice pretty quickly. I was using a 12V 7AH, as I recall, GSLA battery and it only lasted about 4 hours. 

+1 on the Camano. Hooked version is a little cheaper. You can't ask for much more in/out of a paddle. If I was just going to fish lakes I might consider a bent shaft. If you need to sprint straight is better.

safety gear first after purchase of yak and paddle.

What did you mean by not the $1000 rain gear?

What I meant was the dry suit - I cannot afford to purchase that one yet for I have spent to much already on the kayak - wheels - life vest - rudder - tow rope - Werner paddle (ordering) fish finder (soon).

I purchased the dry rain gear coat and pants - not sure what brand it was but I think it was around $150 from alder creek.

I am not saying that a dry suit will not be in my future just have to watch the spending or the wife is going to kill me. 

I apologize for not knowing the lingo on all the gear BUT, I am a quick study...

I hope I answered your question - if not just let me know and I will try again.

Thanks

Roger

Just a suggestion, Roger - Don't buy a paddle until you can test it in your kayak or in a demo of the same kayak.  There are sizing charts all over the place and I bought my first paddle using the charts - and it was too short.  For my height, the kayak width, and how I had used paddles in the past (mid-high stroke), I went with a 230cm paddle and on the first trip, knew right away that I needed a 240cm paddle.  Do a demo on the paddle first!

I'm a minimalist when it comes to extra gear, and others may suggest more or different items, but here's what you haven't put on your list:

I don't know how you're set up in fishing gear, but the things I found that we needed to add were landing nets (salmon-sized net, handles not too long - I cut our handles down a bit), and a set of fish grippers.

You'll want a tube of GOOP marine sealant/adhesive around the house.

You need an invasive species permit if the dealer doesn't supply one for you.

You'll want dry storage - 10 liter dry bags work for us - to carry extra dry clothes, or to stuff extra clothes into if we get too warm and start shedding garments.

Plano makes some small waterproof cases that actually work and are a great size for carrying licenses and car keys.

Depending on where you intend to use the Jackson, you might need a UHF radio and you should always carry an emergency knife.

You need a paddle leash so that carbon-fiber jewel doesn't abandon you.  You'll want a hand paddle - we use some fiberglass-plastic Ping-Pong paddles I found in a garage sale - in case that fragile carbon-fiber jewel breaks apart on you.

You'll probably want a waterproof camera or camcorder.

If you're completely new to kayak fishing, rod leashes - store-bought or home made - will be very handy.  For a while, you'll probably wish you had leashes or tethers for just about every sinkable thing you carry.  The first (and, so far, only) fish I've caught from the kayak left me wondering what to do with all the crap that was in my lap while I tried to land my fish.  Having things securely lashed to the boat would have made that moment a bit less hectic.

In addition to a "tow rope" The Boss and I each carry 30 yards of 3/8ths double-braided line.  The Boss could build a comfy cabin in the woods with 30 yards of cord if we needed one.

And finally (for now, at least) get a sponge.  One of those grout sponges from a big box store works fine.  Use it to swab out the puddles that can't drain out the scuppers - like when the cup-holder fills up.

And Roger, I hope when you said "rain gear" you meant waterproof kayaking (or sailing) outerwear...

I have a few different types of rain gear "Viking Rain Gear" (Good rain gear) mostly land locked rain gear...  I did buy some from "AC" (No sure if I can say company names)(may have already broke the golden rule) and I am sure it is  good rain - splash - dry - gear.  They said if I fall in I would be dry except the feet and around the wrist - It is not the $700-$1000 dollar sea worthy gear, but I am not ready for that as of yet "soon though"...  I do see (sea) that suite in my future...

All the info you have given me is a "wealth" of information and is greatly appreciated. 

What I am going to do tomorrow is head down to "AC" and take a picture of the gear I have bought so far and post it for all to see and let me know if it is crap or I am on the right track.

Again, Thank you!

Roger

  If you will be doing any trolling --- a pole holder is handy.

  There is probably a "millk crate" in your future;

  Add other stuff as needed......

One Milk crate is ordered - Thank you kind Sir-

Roger