Help! Newbie to Kayak Fishing...need advice!

Greetings all!

First, I love this site and forum...Lots of good stuff (and people) here...

I want to get started in Kayak fishing and crabbing but have got tons of questions.  Wasn't sure if this was an appropriate topic for this forum but will give it a try.  Also, I've done some reading about kayaking/kayak fishing but alas, my own experience is limited to Hawaii, going out to the Captain Cook memorial! :

1.  I've been looking at Ocean Kayaks, especially the Trident Series (Note:  If there are other/better options, I'm all ears!).  For fishing off the Oregon Coast, what size would be "appropriate"?  I'd plan on going after ling cod and bass...probably out of Newport or Alsea Bay since I live in Corvallis.
2.  Given this type of information, the following comes to mind:
   a.  I don't think I'd be paddling long distances (where a 15' might be beneficial)
   b.  I'd need enough room for fishing and/or crabbing gear
   c.  I'd like to feel "comfortable" coming in and out of the surf
   d.  I'm not sure how long I'll need to carry the kayak...I'd imagine lugging a 15' would be a pain somewhere 
   e.  I eventually plan on getting a depth finder/fish finder, and the 13' and 15' versions have the "pod" for that.
3.  What are your folks' thoughts on rudders?  I've heard they're helpful...but are they necessary?

Okay, that's probably enough to start off!  I realize that this is akin to asking "What's your favorite fly rod for Steelhead?" but I'm willing to take the risk!  Thanks in advance!

 I have never missed a rudder on my Trident 15,,, tracks well and is also very maneuverable, Check out the classifieds here, have some pictures there,, They are all hard to carry., a good cart handles that well.

I know there are only a few of us cobra guys here but for oregon coast crabbing and fishing etc.  I think a Fish n Dive is hard to beat.  They are a little on the slow side but are stable as hell and have tons of room.  I think of them as the farm truck of kayaks... not fast or flashy etc. but built to get the job done. 

I think the trident line is a good one, but there are plenty of kayaks that would work well.  As for length, a good all around length of 12-13' is a pretty good choice.  I paddled an 11' OK Caper of years and it was a bit short, but I survived.

I wouldn't worry about the sonar shield, you can mount a fish finder on any kayak.

Rudders are over rated.  Learn to paddle properly and you won't need one.

Brian

I know there are only a few of us cobra guys here but for oregon coast crabbing and fishing etc.  I think a Fish n Dive is hard to beat.  They are a little on the slow side but are stable as hell and have tons of room.  I think of them as the farm truck of kayaks... not fast or flashy etc. but built to get the job done. 

I totally agree

I know there are only a few of us cobra guys here but for oregon coast crabbing and fishing etc.  I think a Fish n Dive is hard to beat.  They are a little on the slow side but are stable as hell and have tons of room.  I think of them as the farm truck of kayaks... not fast or flashy etc. but built to get the job done. 

I agree with Pelagic.  The Fish n Dive is a great starter boat and one heck of a workhorse.  Not very pretty but plenty stable and able to handle loads up to 600lbs.

Welcome D-wood. All the boyz had great advice and all those yaks would be great for starting out on. Once you do get some gear and need help or so, feel free to call on us. And post a hookup when the time comes and I'm sure someone will be happy to give you a few pointers.
Welcome to the cure!!!

Z

I have never missed a rudder on my Trident 15,,, tracks well and is also very maneuverable, Check out the classifieds here, have some pictures there,, They are all hard to carry., a good cart handles that well.

Roy, did you sell that trident yet? (DW - this one's tricked out for fishing & a good deal, but I have a friend that might buy it)

Folks...thanks much for the welcome for the great information....I'm looking forward to getting started!

 Driftwood,, If you get down to the Coos Bay area give us a call, lots of different kayaks here to try out. Local lake close and sheltered easy access. Bunch of us live close to it so no problem to get 4 or 5 different boats there.. royg

Driftwood,, If you get down to the Coos Bay area give us a call, lots of different kayaks here to try out. Local lake close and sheltered easy access. Bunch of us live close to it so no problem to get 4 or 5 different boats there.. royg

Don't forget to let DW get a spin in that shiny new Revo of yours! Gotta love that yak!!

Z

 Right on Z,,  PNW's friend Bret did all three of my boats saturday,, had a blast.
   The large rudder on Revo quick hard over at battle speed was interesting!  That thing really gets a bite!
    Bret will be getting a boat soon,, still trying to decide...... The fleet is growing!!

I haven't met brett yet. I wonder if he wants to go fishing tomorrow? Paul, you can give Brett my number if you want. Tell him if he wants to go fishing anytime to call me...

Greetings all!

Thanks again for all the information and the offers...I'd definitely like to hook up with some of you these days....if you're ever in Corvallis, give a shout and we can hook up for a beverage!

Wanted to thank NWPaddler, INSAYN and Merlin for helping me out in getting my Kayak down here.  I ended up with the Trident 15 for fishing and crabbing.

Looking forward to meeting some of you....and getting on the water!

Driftwood