I went down to Galveston over the weekend, and I bought a Perception Pescador 12 at Academy. I had been eying them for a while, and finally took the plunge. So far, I have used in the canals fishing the underwater lights, and in the surf to paddle out shark bait. It seems to be a very good kayak, although I don't have a lot of experience to compare it to. I had a crate laying in the garage and I am using an old window weight for an anchor. After I take it to the lake a few times, I am planning to add a FF and Scotty type rod holder. I borrowed a paddle and a life vest from my cousin, so those will be my next purchases. Any suggestions on which ones, or how to choose a paddle?

Never skimp on the paddle and life vest IMO, if you buy a cheap life vest and don't wear it what good is it. I use the MTI dorado and it is pricey, academy has some good ones that have the mesh backs for a lot less than that. Paddles, the more you spend the more energy you can transfer to the water with each stroke. My good paddle is $250+ and is all carbon fiber but you can make do with a 50$ paddle if you so choose, you just have to decide what you want to get out of the paddle and we can steer you in the right direction.

Welcome to the addiction. I bought the same kayak and I am happy with my investment. I am jealous you get to use yours in salt water though!!

Thanks for the advice Bert. As far as the life vest, I saw some MTI ones at Academy that were not too expensive. I will most likely be wearing mine all the time. So, I guess I should just go try them on. Do you know anything about the Carlisle Magic Plus paddles that are around $69 at Academy? I'd like a decent one, but I need to keep my budget low for now.

JJ4MEL, it was a blast in the salt water. The surf was extremely rough last weekend, and the Pescador did pretty well. I did roll it over a few times, but that was my own fault. I wish I was still down there. Mine won't see salt water again for a while now. I usually fish Eagle Mountain, so that's probably where she will get used the most.

Well, you will have plenty of friends that will join ya!! I bought a confy life jacket at Cabellas in the bargain barn. I spent $20 on it. All mesh at the top and was real soft at the back of the neck. Unfortunately, I do not wear mine as often as I should when I am out. For paddles, I went cheap. I got the Marine Raider. $25 at Academy. That was because I was just starting out and didn't want to spend the money. I will probably go get a Carlisle (orange) in the next few weeks. The other paddle will fit down in the tank and will be a good back up. Buy a good paddle, but you don't have to do it now. If you have the money, go for it. If not, it can wait. I installed a FF on mine the first week I had it. Very simple to do. I run mine on the 8 AA battery set up. No extra weight to it at all. I plan to install an additional flush mount so I can build a rocket launcher to hold more rods. However, that will wait for a little bit as I am too nervous to drill a big hole.

Just make sure you get a life jacket that has a high back so the seat doesn't interfere with the jacket. I think Academy has some life jackets made for kayaking that wont break the bank. The Carlisle Magic Plus paddle should do you just fine until you decide this sport is good for you. I think I spent around $100 on each so you can see how it starts to add up in the beginning.

JJ, which FF did you choose? I am planning on getting one of the cheap Humminbird piranha max ones. I think they were $79 or something like that at Academy. I was contemplating another flush mount for a rocket launcher, but I am not sure if it is necessary for me. I have not used my yak much yet, so I dont really know what all I will want/need. I have a crate, and a PVC rod holder in it for now. I may have to go check the bargain cave this week and see what they've got.

From my understanding the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 is the best of the bunch in that line. I went crazy and spent to much money but love my until

Milk crate and PVC is plenty for this yak starting out. I put 2 in the crate and I put 2 outside the crate so the rods would extend towards the back of the yak. I went with the Hummingbird Piranha Max for $79. I got mine at Bass Pro just because I had a gift card.

What about anchors and anchor trolleys? I made a make-shift anchor trolley with carabeaners and some parachute cord. I tested it out in the canal with a decent current. Seemed to work good. I have about a 5 lb window weight for an anchor. It seems to hold me well. Any advice in this area?

If it works for you then I would use what you have and put that money into what you need right now. I still don't have a anchor trolley and not for sure if I'll get one.

Sounds like you got it already. My first anchor trolley was homemade. The one I use now I got from Cabellas. Spent too much on it, but I was lazy. The anchor should work well, but you may change your mind down the road when you start to seriously fish on a windy point. I use the small kayak claw anchor. I prefer it over the bell anchor.

I tried my cousins kayak claw in Galveston, and I had issues getting it to catch well. But, it probably depends on what type of bottom you are fishing. I agree with Robbie, I am not going to spend an money I don't have to right now. Part of me would like to just but the anchor through a pulley off the back, so that it is always out of the way, but I am not sure if I would always want to anchor from the back.

I guess I really just need to get out there and try everything out some more, and I can probably answer most of my questions. lol.

Finding time to get on the water is the hardest part of fishing!

Finding the time is right. It is much easier now with the cooler temps!!

congrats on the yak. I think you'll enjoy the pescador. I have enjoyed mine.