Ben, I like that idea of large PVC run through as a guide for your rods. Especially if your stuffed full of pool noodles, how much does 10 pool noodles weigh?

There's some great info in the thread. Has anyone tried to use thier phone (android) gps off shore? does it lock on? I know they use wifi or something some times?

Has anyone tried the Garmin etrex?
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Worldwide-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B00542NV32/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335385368&sr=1-9
I think I'm going to order this one and mount it to my slide trax. It it IPX7 "water proof" and its pretty affordable. Its a basic unit. I'm not sure if it will do waypoints or not but I would want that too. I'm also gonna get a small compass and tie it to my life vest with my whistle.

When we beach launched last week I got some (maybe 2cups) of water in my kayak. Probably because I turned over (*cough* 4 times). Is that normal for a new yak? This makes the pool noodle idea sound pretty good.

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-Jon
GOGITUSOMEGROCERIES.com founder and CEO

Yep



Very good idea!

A pump's not a bad idea either.
Most trapped inside kayakers carry a pump. I always have one when I play in the surf and I wished I'd had it that time I sank that boat (without any pool noodles)

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"For when sleeping I dream of big fish and strong fights."

Chip, the weight is not noticeable. My only problem was getting enough in the hull to make a difference since I only have access through the front hatch. The only time you would actually notice a difference because of the noodles would be if your hull is breached and the noodles become the most buoyant object. Hope it doesn't ever come to that tho...

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OK Trident 13
OK Drifter 12
Northeast Outfitters Canoe 14

My rods fit into my front hatch, but where my scupperholes are located I don't think ill have much room for my rods and noodles. The bad news is when I was testing it out with my rod I noticed there was sand inside of the bail, same rod that I brought with me on my first beach kayak launch. I had sprayed them down good too, that was that fine sand yall were talking about. It wasn't a high dollar rod, but it was a reliable one, it will be missed. This topic has been very helpful, ordered compasses, FF, and I'm still researching which marine radio and GPS to get, also looking at a survival kit with mre enclosed just in case

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"Hell, if I'd jumped on all the dames I'm supposed to have jumped on, I'd have had no time to go fishing."
Clark Gable

It wouldn't hurt to have a couple of space blankets in your survival kit in case you ended up spending the night for some unforseen reason.

Id agree with a few ppl that said start simple. I wouldn't bring your $400 setup on the the first trip, basic gear and a cheap compass in case you lose sight of shore. The more you go and the farther you venture out you can add necesarry gear as needed. I can't imagine taking an extra 40 lbs of gear especially if you are within sight of shore and with a friend or 2. Eventually id like to get mothershipped farther offshore in which case a FF, radio and GPS would be no brainers. Common sense is key but overkill on the gear isn't always a good thing.