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It took a little over 6 months of pondering, but I've finally bit the bullet and got me a new blue yak.
I was in New Orleans for Jazz Fest/Birthday/vacation and happened to come across a Blue Manta Ray 12 with my name on it at the local outdoor sports shop. Its now sitting in my basement in Columbia waiting for some attention. (Here's the part where I ask for advice)
I now need to start outfitting it with rod holders, anchor trolleys, leashes, etc. and outfitting myself with the requisite saftey gear. Oh, and I need a paddle. This is my first kayak so I'm gonna need some help with selection and maybe some installation.
Here's what I've picked up while I was in New Orleans:
SOSpenders manual inflate life jacket
Scotty Fly Rod holder (did I mention I fish the long rod?)
Scotty 3 rod system
3 & 1.5 pound grappling anchors (no rope yet)
I don't have a Fish Finder, and need to save some $$$ before I get one. I do have a Garmin GPSMAP60 so I need to get a bracket for that (RAM?). Thats probably all for electronics for now (except a handheld marine radio for heading out in bigger water).
What's a good place to get rod holders, fasteners, hardware, para-cord etc. in the Balt-Wash area.
Plus, suggestions for a kayak cart? I don't want to spend $100 on one so PVC and wheels is more what I had in mind.
And finally, a paddle. Is it worth it to spend a little extra dough and get a carbon fiber paddle? I've got a 20% off coupon for REI thats burning a whole in my pocket, dare I make a trip?
All thoughts and comments are appreciated.
I was in New Orleans for Jazz Fest/Birthday/vacation and happened to come across a Blue Manta Ray 12 with my name on it at the local outdoor sports shop. Its now sitting in my basement in Columbia waiting for some attention. (Here's the part where I ask for advice)
I now need to start outfitting it with rod holders, anchor trolleys, leashes, etc. and outfitting myself with the requisite saftey gear. Oh, and I need a paddle. This is my first kayak so I'm gonna need some help with selection and maybe some installation.
Here's what I've picked up while I was in New Orleans:
SOSpenders manual inflate life jacket
Scotty Fly Rod holder (did I mention I fish the long rod?)
Scotty 3 rod system
3 & 1.5 pound grappling anchors (no rope yet)
I don't have a Fish Finder, and need to save some $$$ before I get one. I do have a Garmin GPSMAP60 so I need to get a bracket for that (RAM?). Thats probably all for electronics for now (except a handheld marine radio for heading out in bigger water).
What's a good place to get rod holders, fasteners, hardware, para-cord etc. in the Balt-Wash area.
Plus, suggestions for a kayak cart? I don't want to spend $100 on one so PVC and wheels is more what I had in mind.
And finally, a paddle. Is it worth it to spend a little extra dough and get a carbon fiber paddle? I've got a 20% off coupon for REI thats burning a whole in my pocket, dare I make a trip?
All thoughts and comments are appreciated.