Things I have learned on my maiden voyage

[Greg SS396]

The first thing I learned when loading the kayak in the driveway, that sucker is slippery.

Turbo fins are not as hard to peddle as I thought they would be.

I like the trays on the sides of the Outback, real handy.

This one is embarrassing but I will tell it anyway. About an hour into my voyage, my back starting hurting, I started thinking maybe I made a mistake buying this kayak. About a half hour later I realized that I forgot to adjust the backrest. I tightened the straps and it felt much better.

I got a few snags but unlike shore fishing, I was able to get right over the snags and pull up. I did not lose one hook all day.

I lost 2 water bottles somewhere inside the hull. After I got home I found them around the scuppers.

I did not catch any fish today but I had a great day on the water.

[daddyg]

Sounds like a great day overall. Adjusting the seat would be easy to overlook on your maiden voyage. You do need a basket to keep things handy, like your water bottles...

[ronaultmtd]

The more you go and the more you use your Outback, the more ways you will want to add or modify the gear you use and carry- I have found that rigging (at home) at least two outfits you intend to fish with before you pull out of the driveway helps eliminate a lot of gear in the cockpit- I carry a minimal amount of tackle up front- everything else is in my crate- I try to anticipate how much water I need and put that in the bottle holder on my right side...same with snacks- a couple of power bars in my pockets usually holds me until early afternoon...I carry my little waterproof digital camera in my pocket that I use to show folks my catch so they don't think I am making up a whopper story- sometimes our fishing trips sound like fiction to the uneducated- went out in the Bay in a tiny plastic 12 foot kayak and caught a big fish...sure you did...

Mainly, just go and find out what works for you- we all do things differently- that is what makes the forum so important- seeing how others are doing what you are doing- also you find someone to go fishing with that shares your interests- this isn't for everyone- congratulations on your successful maiden voyage-

[MetroMan]

Congrats on the maiden voyage! It takes a couple of trips to develop a good idea of what works best for you. It gets better and better as you get more comfortable.

[Shady]

Even when adjusted properly, the hobie seat is not quite as comfortable as it could be. I got one of these to put on top of my hobie seat, it makes a world of difference:

http://www.skwoosh.com/product/kayaking/A3104.html

[HokieDJ]

One time I forgot both my seat and mirage drive. I still fished the BB but it sucked paddling and sitting in that reclined position.

The more you use your kayak, the more comfortable and less clumsy you'll be with it.

[Yak Fish]

One time I forgot both my seat and mirage drive. I still fished the BB but it sucked paddling and sitting in that reclined position.

The more you use your kayak, the more comfortable and less clumsy you'll be with it.

As a result of stuff like that, I now always keep my mirage drive in the truck. I won't forget the yak, but I will forget the drive.

[tufnik]

Even when adjusted properly, the hobie seat is not quite as comfortable as it could be. I got one of these to put on top of my hobie seat, it makes a world of difference:

http://www.skwoosh.com/product/kayaking/A3104.html

I use a 3/4" thick foam piece on top of my Hobie stock seat. It's better, but I want max comfort. If it's really that great, I'll try your Angler II suggestion, Ryan.

I used my Trident 13 almost two years before getting my Outback. On my maiden Outback trip, I learned I really liked it

[J.A. Veil]

Even when adjusted properly, the hobie seat is not quite as comfortable as it could be. I got one of these to put on top of my hobie seat, it makes a world of difference:

http://www.skwoosh.com/product/kayaking/A3104.html

I use a similar Skwoosh pad (the all-black one). It makes a great difference on the seats of both of my kayaks. When not in the kayak, I use it as a pad on the oak chair where I sit to use the computer.