Hi everyone i am going on a kayaking trip this spring below possum kingdom dam. i am starting at highway 16 and finishing at highway 4 in palo pinto. i was looking to see if y'all could give me and my buddies some advice on this trip. what all do we need to bring what are the essentials where we should camp the best route for a shuttle service all that good stuff. i am asking because we have never done anything like this and I'm looking for as much advice as i can get.

Use these guys. http://www.rochellescanoeandkayakrental.com/

The thing I found most useful on subsequent trips after the first one is a GPS. There is some comfort in knowing where you are in the trip and allows you to mark your camping options from Google Earth. After that, its all about creature comforts and your vessel's capacity to carry them. Doesn't look like there is going to be much water in the upper Brazos watershed this spring so if you prefer floating to dragging at the pool drops, pack lightly.

My wife and I are doing this trip again the weekend of 20-21. We've done it several time sand it's always fun. Lots of fish and water should still be good for now I would think.

From 16 to 4 is nice. Plenty of camping along the way, water flow not bad usually, and very nice scenery. Fishing is good too. For kayak camping trips think like a back packer. Don't take the family 8 man tent. Don't load your 72 quart cooler and take it but a small cooler is fine and should last the trip cold. Pack small and light. I like MRE's you can get from camping stores or Walmart because they are small and easy to make. They only need 3/4 cup of water to make and you'll already have that. You might have to drag some so packing light is smart and have some rope to tie to your bow handle so you can pull your kayak over these spots. Also have decent water shoes for this. It's a short trip so no need to over think it. It's not like a Buffalo River trip where you are really remote and long stretches between civilization. Phone service can be spotty but you'll have it most of the way. Look at a map and you'll see roads all along the river. If a real emergency happens you can walk out. Rochelles will give you a map and tell you land marks so you'll know where you're at. Have fun and make memories!

Another thing we do is to crack our eggs at home, scramble with salt and pepper, and then freeze. That way it's overall less to carry, they freeze flat, they help to act as ice and are usually ready to go the next morning.

I usually paddle/fish in the am and evenings then set up camp b4 dark. I like to Cover up good. Sunburn will ruin a great trip. Freeze all your drinks so ur not carring ice n take dried foods like tuna/ jerky maybe a few fruits. I eat what I catch and nap in the heat of the day n cool off in the river whenever. Cat & gar fish thru the night. A small shovel & paper is nice. Bio soap n a toothbrush. Leave the river better than u found it. Approx 6 miles a day is easy for me if am fishing. 10-12 miles is easy if your just floating/ taking in nature and not having to paddle against the wind.