First Kayak purchased with questions.

[PudgyPrawn]

Hi,
After a year of yearning I made the jump and bought my 1st kayak ever. Of course I got it for fishing. I got an Ascend FS10, entry level Im sure, I dream of one day sporting around in a Hobie Pro Angler.

Would you all be kind and offer the new guy some hints and suggestions?
About Me:
I'm 44 and in mediocre shape; that means I'm fat and out of shape ). I have been in touring Kayaks 3-4 times in the last year, did very well, and was secure in thinking a Kayak would work for me. I have canoed many times since I was 10.
I plan to earn my aches and stiffness on the still waters of Tridelphia and Rocky Gorge and the crowded lake at Centennial.
I fish with a spinning reel and mostly go after small mouth and large mouth Bass.

I have purchased so far:
PFD red
1st aid kit
whistle
dry bag
tie downs and foam to strap my yak to the truck or Mini Van.


Let me know what I have gotten myself into...

Thanks,
PudgyPrawn

[chimo]

PP,

The FS10 is the yak I started off with as well and it should more than meet your needs! I would add an achor trolley + anchor and when you decide the time is right a fish finder and you should be all set. I fish Rocky Gorge now and then along with some of the other people on this site so maybe I will see you there.

Chimo

[Devildog4329]

Chimo gave good advice. I would recommend hitting the water and paddeling it around a few times before doing any mods that way you can figure out where you want to mount things. The worst thing is to add something like a clam or zig-zag cleet only to find out you bust your knuckels on it when you paddle.

[archeryrob]

The worst thing is to add something like a clam or zig-zag cleet only to find out you bust your knuckels on it when you paddle.

+1 been there and done that and plastic welded the holes shut.

[Striper_MIKE]

I'm in the same position ... had my first yak for a little over a week now ... this thread is a good reminder of what I need to do as well. By the way, I live really close to Rocky Gorge (Scott's Cove is the closest launch) and am looking to get out there as well. Let me know if you guys are going!

[BassMoore]

i bought the fs10 about 3 weeks ago, and i love it. Im looking into modding it up a little. Depth finder and such. I fish for large mouth around the area, i used all baitcasters before but im making a slow switch to all light tackle spinning gear.

I bought a paddle leash, a small trout net which has handled a few 5lbs already, and a small pad for the seat, which isnt that great. The rod holder ontop will need to be replaced, its not very good and wears out fast.

[Shady]

My first kayak was also the FS10 and I still have it for splashing around in skinnier or calmer water. Its a nice little kayak. My anchor trolley on the FS 10 consists of a length of rope with caribiner clips on each end clipped to the handles at each end of the kayak. The rope is run in a loop through each caribiner and both ends of the rope are tied to another carabiner clip in the middle that I run the anchor line through. Simple, cheap and no holes in the kayak. Another easy thing to add to the kayak is a crate. The great thing about the FS 10 is that the Stern well is molded perfectly to hold a crate. Once you get the crate you can easily screw som lengths of PVC pipe to it for extra rod holders.

[Memory Maker]

You have gotten yourself in to the worse addiction known to man ............ crack would have been kinder .......... welcome to the Yak Addict Crack House ...