How do I learn to enjoy the sea?A friend got injured and basically handed me two pedal kayaks (similar to pic, a bit larger).>Took it out and pedaled.>enjoyed just going around but found that unlike hiking I can't really bring all that much with me.>Not like I'm cooking over a fire sitting on a kayak.>Got bored of baking in the sun j>just paddled around for exercise.I've never fished before in my life, the whole pole-fishing thing seems like a moneyhole but idk. I think the kayak has a fishingpole stand.I definitely need to figure out some kind of shade for itNot sure what else is out there, would appreciate some thoughts from sea-faring anons
I'm scared of the sea and currents and giant squids. I wouldn't use them
>>2868440>fishing thing seems like a moneyholeIt doesn't have to be. You can get a perfectly serviceable rod and reel combo for under 100 dollars with basic tackle for bait fishingIt is only if you get into a lot of lures where it gets expensive.
>>2868440When I was a youngster, I would kayak and fish on family vacations. My parents are not /out/ people, so that was the only time I'd ever do those things. I'm now a huge fisherman and sell fishing gear for (not much of a) living. I got a kayak last year, and I highly recommend getting a trailer if it's a fishing kayak, since hauling them by yourself is a pain. It deterred me from kayaking. When I did go kayaking, I was too tired and overwhelmed to do any meaningful fishing most of the time. Thus, I just paddled around, and I really enjoyed that. If I ever got a motorized boat, you'd never see me joy riding in it. For me, boats are a tool to fish. Except for kayaks. Kayaks (and maybe canoes) don't have to be a means to an end. They are fun just by themselves.Fishing does not have to be a money pit. Since you're on salt, you will want to get some salt-grade fishing gear, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Like another anon said, you can get into the sport for $100. I would suggest getting a paddle if you don't already have one.
>>2868440>unlike hiking I can't really bring all that much with me.Just tie a pack to the front or back of the boat. You should be able to carry more not less
>>2868440I have this exact kayak and fish from it. you can get a simple rod and reel for like $60. just buy some shrimp, throw some circle hooks on a leader, and you're good to go.
>>2868440If you don't enjoy being cooked alive by the sun like a rational person, I'd get one of those cheap polyester UV hoodies, a pair of polarized sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat. If you're in swim trunks lather on your knees and shins some 60 spf sunscreen or get a pair of polyester leg sleeves. I also keep my socks on to protect my feet from burning.
>>2868440If they're larger than your pic you can carry significantly more than hiking. I have no experience with pedal kayaks, just regular paddle ones and taking them on multi-day camping trips where you move from spot to spot to overnight is a lot of fun. And like this >>2868990 anon said, get yourself a hat and wear long sleeves.What rough area are you based in?
>>2868990>polyestermelanoma machine
>>2868440paddle through narrow rivers and lakesif you're just paddle in open waters, everything feels monotonous and boring
>>2873211this is gonna sound odd but there's no real rivers/lakes around where I'm from, just sea
>>2873279which sea?
>>2868440For me, the fun of a small boat is the access it gives you. You can go all sorts of places a bigger boat would struggle with. Plan adventures centered around bodies of water with plenty of research beforehand. I had lots of fun with an inflatable packraft and a cordless drill motor setup that fit into a backpack. Going on deli runs, exploring drainage canals, and even crossing the San Francisco Bay with a bag full of batteries. I went to Monterey Bay and saw sea animals. Theres enough detail to dox my YouTube, see for yourself how fun it can be.
>>2868440>>2868444>>2868482Fishing is like a lot of hobbies where you can spend as little or much as you want. See if you can get some decent stuff secondhand. A lit of people buy nice gear, never use it, the sell it for pennies on the dollar when they clean out the garage.
>>2873211Sea kayaking is quite exhilarating if the water's wavy enough
>>2868444>You can get a perfectly serviceable rod and reel combo for under 100 dollarsYou can find perfectly serviceable food and reel combos in thrift stores for $5-10.
You don’t. The sea sucks
Get in the sea - use a wetsuit, mask/snorkel and fins and put your head under water and get familiar with this magical place. The wetsuit will give you both buoyancy and warmth, and increase your confidence with the environment. At the outset, you need to get familiar with your tides, because high and low tides ('slack-water') are when the currents are mildest. It depends on the total tidal reach of the region you are in, of course - some places might have a 10m inter-tidal variance, while others might be only a meter or two. Obviously, you need to know areas to stay away from due to hazardous currents, wildlife, surface vessel traffic, industry etc.
