I'm really new to the game as well. I pack heavy. I'm slowly narrowing it down with each outing though. You may need to add a sledgehammer to the mix if you keep hooking up with cats like the ones in your pictures!

The gear doesn't change much, but the methods do. I pack two rods in freshwater. A 7ft medium/heavy (12 lb mono) for bass, catfish, etc.. and a 5 1/2 light spincast (6lb mono)for crappie/assorted panfish or for the challenge of playing bass on light tackle. As far as gear protection goes, I don't use rod floats, but I have rod leashes tied to both of them as well as a paddle leash. I bought a 5 dollar spool of paracord and tied EVERYTHING down. Milk crate, tackleboxes, measuring stick, cooler, fillet knife you name it. Also, this isn't really what you asked for, but I learned the hard way, have an anchor larger than you think you need. You know you'll be fine with X weight? Nope, go up a size. When on moving water or fishing open salt, you will be pushed out of position by wind or dragged out by water of you're not firmly anchored. Best of luck!

Yak Hack. i think I want to get into one like those in my Kayak. But i am not 100% sure on how to land it. LOL. but I will be drifting and hoping to find out. been fishing my whole life and i am excited about this new endeavor.