Able to track straight and yet remain stable is the key to a great fishing kayak. Look for adequate storage both on-top and below deck. The ability to stand is definitely a plus.

• Heritage
• Wilderness systems
• Hobie
• Perception
• Liquid logic
• native watercraft
• Ocean kayaks
• Malibu Kayaks

Sure you can paddle on the water with a $40 paddle and $400 may be over kill. On a personal basis I have owned a Onno for years and I would not go without. Custom made by a guy in San Diego who very patiently guided me over my decision by phone. I received it promptly. Made out of lightweight Carbon fiber (22oz!) it is a dream. It also breaks apart in two and can be feathered with an innovative sliding lock.

• OnnO
• Werner
• Bending Branches
• Carlisle
• AT paddle
• Aqua-Bound

Many new anglers feel compelled to use bait and don’t trust artificial lures. However, being in a kayak it’s difficult to keep bait alive. Another issue about live bait is that it’s one more stop before you get on the water either at the bait shop or chasing pilchards or mullet with a cast net at sunlight. (more....)

• MirrOlure
• Exudes
• D.O.A.
• RipTide

You'll hear many opinions on this subject. If I had the money, the St. Croix & Loomis just feel absolutely fantastic.

I deferred to the Hurricane from Redbone. A solid workhorse with a good amount of backbone where it counts. $89 bucks with a lifetime warrantee. Just send it back to the manufacture if it breaks!

• G. Loomis
• St. Croix
• Redbone

Fishing for reds in a yak, then look for a 2500 series. Lightweight easy to cast sitting down.

I have two Shimano Stradics that I enjoy but Jim and Kirk are fans of Pflueger for the quality vs. value. Look for waterproof drags. Make sure you maintain them well each time for a long life.

• Shimano
• Pflueger
• Daiwa
• Penn
• Okuma

Nothing beats Braid on the flats. Most of us use powerpro but i think they are all about the same.

We usually work with a 10-15 Lb line with a 20 Lb 100% FlouroCarbon leader. Colors vary from Moss green, Hi-vis yellow to invisible red. theorectically the fish don't see the red. I find that I catch just as much on the yellow but at least I can see where my line is. Remember that you have 2 feet of really invisible Flouro between the lure and the line.

• Power Pro
• Stren
• Spider wire

Essentials on the water. As we believe and preach safe catch & release using the proper tools gives our game fish another chance to be caught again. A proper lip gripper and the correct use of the Dehooker then taking the time to revive the fish prior to release. Especially in the hotter weather of summer.

To safeguard loosing them in the water tie on a small piece of a pool worm to make sure they float.

• Lip Gripper
• Arc dehooker
• Rapala Carbide Pro pliers
• Xtools
• Scotty Rod Holders