First Blood...

Ok - so I'm probably putting this is the wring place but there are a number of this to note/ask/ celebrate.

First, I took my new OK Trident 13 out and got its first fish!!!  Had a great day in the fish.  Lots of black bass - kept 3.  4 lings that were keeper size - kept 2.

Second, this was my fist time out in this yak and I felt pretty good in it. The conditions started off ok - pretty windy, felt like I was paddling just to hold my place. it calmed down briefly - 1.5 hrs - and then the swells started getting bigger and bigger. I only felt a bit concerned a couple of times, and both were when I was looking another direction when I dropped off the back side of a big swell. Then they started get closer together and I decided to call it a day for me... Felt like I was in a washing machine.

About 1/3 of the way into the trip one of the rudder cables broke. I tell you what... I missed it when it was not useable. I have to figure out how to rethread it and hook it back up.

My shoulders and my elbows - which I didn't expect - are very sore.

I have also come to the conclusion that I NEED a dry suit. The waders dont cut it. I also need to practice in a safe place moving around on it so I can know how stable it truly is.

All in all - a great yak and a great trip.

Congrats on your first fish. It's addicting
You might want to look into some YouTube videos or prior posts here for proper paddling techniques. You want to learn how to paddle with your torso and not your arms as it will help you be more efficient with your strokes and keep you from getting as tired/sore. 


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Congrats and good move coming in as you saw conditions changing and your comfort level going along with it. Smart man. Now for the eating

Nice!

If you can't find a good deal locally, try Outdoorplay.com.  When you register as a new customer you should get a 20% coupon code for your first order (or at least I did).  I used that for my drysuit (Kokatat SuperNova Angler), 1-piece liner (Kokatat union) and booties (NRS Cross 4's).  All told it took the total order from about $800 down to $640.   Effectively that was like getting the union suit free plus a few more dollars off.

Where did you fish? With whom? And finally, where are the pics? No pics = didn't happen. 😉

Westport jetty - no yakers... I have a buddy on the rocks (a rock maggot)... I will try again to put in the pics and a video.

 pics

Video... hopefully...

Post

Great job! That's pretty good for your first time out!

Did you try reentry? Would that Pfd go over your head?

reenty - no I did not.  It is on my list to do.  :embarrassed:  The pfd would not... it had straps that go between the legs.  However, that is the last time that one will be used in the kayak... Cabela's is supposed to have a big sale next week on pfd's and I am going to get a new one from them. 

Good catch rev! I'm glad your getting a better fitting PFD.
How about your top? Will that in the photo keep out this cold northern water?

Definitely not.  I mentioned in the OP that that I NEED a dry suit.  Even I had a dry top, the wader still ended up with water in them after sitting in water all day.  When I find someone to buy my aluminum boat and trailer I am hoping for enough money for a dry suit.

Yah. I seen that about the drysuit. I guess this was my beat around the bush way of saying I hate seeing people go out before the minimum safety gear is in place.

Sounds like you're heading in the right direction! You might want to give next adventure in Portland a call. Last time I was there they had sweet dry suit in xxl for less than 400 bucks.

Congrats!

There are a couple of old threads you may want to look at before deciding on a PFD:

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=4947.msg51665#msg51665
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=562.msg4570#msg4570
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=7353.msg77335#msg77335