I fished all the time as a kid with my grandfather in the midwest, but didn't fish much in Texas until about a month ago. It had been about 20 years since I held a fishing pole, but one trip and I am ready to get started again.

Problem is, I was a child at the time. Had my grandfather monitoring my moves and helping with the decisions on where to fish and what bait to use. We mostly ran trot lines, threw jugs, and fished for Crappie and Bluegill.

I'd love to get back on the water again, but I understand that I am at the most novice level.

I've been watching videos like crazy and reading forums and feel like I'm starting to learn bits and pieces...


With all of that being said... I have two questions--

1) How can I continue learning the basics without making a fool of myself?

2) As a beginner, do you have any recommendations on the easiest boat to launch with-- Kayak, Canoe, or a Jon boat? I want to paddle for now.

(I live in Arlington, TX if location helps with the decision on the boat...)

#1) Don't worry about it IDM. Everybody makes mistakes even those who think they are perfect.

#2) Try before you buy. Plenty of dealers around here offer demo days or rentals (if you think you are close to a decision) etc. No doubt you will get a dealer invitation in this thread before the day is out. Don't get in too big of a hurry and you will be able to make a better decision.

This is a good time of year for Crappie. Caught ~20 last Tuesday, kept 8 nice ones.

My father who taught me thought everyone should learn canoe first. I also wouldn't worrie about making mistakes. Just learn from them. No one will make fun or anything like that. We all want to help. I have several boats, 4 kayaks and a canoe. You are welcome to join our group anytime. Make sure if this is the season you want to learn get the proper clothing and waiders etc pfd. Catfish are on in the winter. Kayaks nowadays are pretty stable at least the fishing type. I hope this helps.

To become a better fisherman my advice would be to take some trips with guys that catch fish. You can learn a great deal from an experienced angler rather then going at it alone. You will find lots of invites on the forum for trips involving a multitude of species.
As far as what boat to use, try several before you buy. Where and how you prefer to fish plus the weight you carry will be the determining factors on this. Im sure there are several on the forum with access to multiple kayaks who would welcome you along on a trip to use their gear including myself.
My biggest advice would be to start off on smaller bodies of water so as that you don't feel so overwhelmed being in a little plastic boat on a huge body of water until you get use to things. I have a trip planned as soon as the weather warms up that will be a short paddle with lots of fish. Shoot me a PM if you are interested.

Easiest boat to launch = Kayak.

I would look into hireling a guide for a day trip. You can learn a lot from just going out with friends but a licensed professional guide will really be focused on helping you learn. As for which kayak just keep doing your research and try out as many as you can. APT is just up the road from you so go by and see all the stuff they have to offer. The owners Rick and Patty will be happy to help you with any questions.

Thanks for all of the feedback!

Great thoughts. Much appreciated!

+1. Since you said you want to paddle, I would rule out the jon boat for anything but the smallest of waters. Between a kayak and a canoe, I struggle to say what a canoe has over a yak other than storage and capacity (usually). I paddled many miles in canoes and while they have their place, I think a properly selected yak is a much better overall choice.

I'm around the corner from ya and you are more than welcome to tag along and I've got a kayak or two you can try out. Most trips are last minute, but at least every other weekend we are hitting the water. I can't promise fish, but you will learn a thing or two and have some fun.

He says he can't promise fish...ha! I call BS. Bigred catches all the fish. Bill dance could learn a lot hing or two from him.

+1

Go get this!
http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...011#Post9524768

great boat at a great price from a good guy.

My answer would be a hybrid and keep the seat low.
Way more efficient and easier to deal with than a canoe.
I personally feel you can get away with a little less concern about what you're doing without fear of turtling than a regular yak. A jon boat with a paddle is more work off and on the water.
JMHO!

Trigger I'm in Arlington too far north Arlington almost Euless. Have an extra boat you could fish out of. Big Redneck already chimed in when he says he can't promise you fish he means if your sitting at home! I also have a canoe if you like to try that but to be honest my canoe has sat since getting my kayaks.

Trigger, once the weather reaches a point you are comfortable getting on the water follow up on some of these offers. These are great guys on here and I wish I had asked more questions before purchasing my first kayak. Caused me to collect a fleet of 3 this year. I've read the kayak section almost daily for the last year and I can say "It's like drinking from a fire hose". Tons of information just in the kayak section.

Look forward to seeing you out fishing with the plastic navy in 2014. Also check out the Mariner Sails Kayak Fishing Club. We are planning several outings with the goal of sharing our (more them than me) techniques and experiences.

Rick

I can't thank everyone enough for all of the support and offers to join. What a great group!

I was hoping to learn to self-rescue before I started hitting any major waterways, so maybe December wasn't the time to jump the gun, but my interest in 'yak fishing has been growing for about a year.

I think I'll start fishing immediately, and add a kayak in early in the Spring. Now that I know about what I need to budget, I know that is feasible.

*
The Nucanoe looks awesome. Stable, holds 2, etc. Looks like I will be heading to Anglers Pro Tackle pretty soon to check it out.