Wannabe needs advice

[Trophycatch]

Hello All,
I just joined and must say that I'm impressed with your "Yak Community". I live in Charles County and have been thinking of getting into kayak fishing for almost 2 years. Funny thing is I haven't fished much since I was a kid and I've never gone kayaking. In my gut however, I just know this would be great for me at this time in my life (read: could use the peace and solitude.)

I've always liked the outdoors and used to be an avid hunter. I used to get my recreation from weekend flying but my budget and family pressure has kept me grounded for the last several years.

Anyway, I'm looking for some guidance and advice on getting started. Should I hire a local guide, rent some different kayaks, or maybe just hang out at a popular put-in spot with a lonely & pitiful look on my face?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[new2yaks11]

First of all, welcome to a great site. I am fairly new to kayaking myself. Just started last year. It is incredibly peaceful for me. Even on days when the fish aren't so cooperative, it's still so nice to be outside paddling and enjoying the outdoors.

I would certainly recommend renting a few different types of kayaks to try and get an idea of what you might like. I started in a sit-in style and really didn't like that one. I have since moved onto two different Sit-on-tops. I love their stabilty and the rigging options are endless. I am still in the "paddle" yaks but will say this, the "pedal" driven ones are SWEET!!!

Only advice I can give is safety first always. Especially if you get out in cold water.

If you give it a try, I'd be surprised if you didn't like it.

Good luck to you, perhaps I'll see you on the water someplace.

[On the fly]

Welcome to the forum!

You can get a kayak fishing guide like c.d. Dollar at Kent Island kayaks (on the web). Where you can rent kayak and associated equipment to go out for half or whole day to see what you like.

Again, welcome.

[Yak Fish]

The rigs that people have on this board range from very simple to very sophisticated. I started simple and have gone more sophisticated over the 3 or 4 years I've been doing this. This of course will depend on your budget, but I'd encourage you to meet some of the folks (swap meet is next weekend) and see how they use their kayaks and compare it to the type of fishing you wish to do and where you wish to do it. There was one post where everyone was posting pics of their yak. It's really cool what you learn from seeing what others do.

I started with a sit inside kayak, but I bought a pedal driven hobie the next season because I could see this was something I was going to be in for the long haul. I wanted to do several things so I needed a pedal driven kayak.

I wanted to:
troll for rockfish
run a trotline for crabbing
Explore longer distances
Fish hands free
Sail

If those things aren't important to you or you can do without, a paddle version may suit you just fine, and is much cheaper.

If you just want to get out there in the solitude and fish with worms, anchor up and fish for carp/catfish, or cast around the docks, a paddle kayak may just be fine. Although the wind and current tends to move the kayak around so you'll have to put your rod down and reset your position.

In the end, decide what you want to fish for and the guys here will have lots of things to say. Welcome aboard!

[nay_sayer]

Hello All,
I just joined and must say that I'm impressed with your "Yak Community". I live in Charles County and have been thinking of getting into kayak fishing for almost 2 years. Funny thing is I haven't fished much since I was a kid and I've never gone kayaking. In my gut however, I just know this would be great for me at this time in my life (read: could use the peace and solitude.)

I've always liked the outdoors and used to be an avid hunter. I used to get my recreation from weekend flying but my budget and family pressure has kept me grounded for the last several years.

Anyway, I'm looking for some guidance and advice on getting started. Should I hire a local guide, rent some different kayaks, or maybe just hang out at a popular put-in spot with a lonely & pitiful look on my face?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Welcome to MKF! When it gets warmer out some of the kayyak shops will let you demo the yaks they sell. You could also ask if anyone here on MKF will bring one of their spare/second kayaks for you to try at one of the monthly meet and greets.

[chex]

I was exactly in your shoes just 5 months ago. Hadn't fished since I was a kid, and only kayaked once.

I found MKF (this site) and got a lot of great advice and help. I don't think you need a guide, just tag along with some of us and you'll be catching fish in no time. And come to the meet & greets. Good people, good fishin.

I recommend a pedal yak, just because it's what I have and I love it and I can't imagine having to hold something other than my rod.

Trust me... you're gonna have a lot of fun.

[ronaultmtd]

Welcome, fellow Charles County resident- I started out about a year ago with a paddle SOT and then bought a Hobie Outback so I could have my hands free to fish- and I use it trolling in heavy currents- I kept my OC Prowler 13 because it comes in handy to have a paddle yak for fishing different waters- especially very shallow waters with lots of vegetation- and surf launches off beaches- if you want to take a look at my rigs, to get an idea of what you are looking for, give me a PM and we can set it up- I live on the by-pass right on the Charles/PG line-

[ictalurus]

Welcome aboard. In addition to Ron's offer, you're welcome to check out mine, which are minimally rigged but work well for me. I live in St. Mary's, and we could meet somewhere to take them for a spin.

[chimo]

Welcome aboard! Lots of good advice on here

Chimo

[CB kayak 02]

Welcome Aboard! Great place here and lots of good people.

I'd say go for a Hobie and you won't be dissapointed!!

[OBX_RAT]

Welcome aboard. In addition to Ron's offer, you're welcome to check out mine, which are minimally rigged but work well for me. I live in St. Mary's, and we could meet somewhere to take them for a spin.

I also live in St. Mary's and your more than welcome to check mine out anytime or Bill and I could both meet up with you for a real treat

[MetroMan]

Hey welcome aboard. I'm a pilot as well...fly a piper Cherokee out of college Park Airport.

[Yak Fish]

Hey welcome aboard. I'm a pilot as well...fly a piper Cherokee out of college Park Airport.

The funny thing is, Metro's yak is probably more pimped out than his plane

[kevinfry]

I also live in St. Mary's and your more than welcome to check mine out anytime or Bill and I could both meet up with you for a real treat

Looks like we all need to get together for a So. MD Rendezvous! Lex Park here

[MetroMan]

The funny thing is, Metro's yak is probably more pimped out than his plane

It is. The plane has a bigger propeller though lol