[PerryC]

Welcome to the forum and possibly the sport What I usually recommend is that if you're going to see if you would like to kayak and kayakfish for fun and health, you may want to go to your doc and get the ticker checked and let him/her know what activity you're considering participating in. Some folks that have joint or shoulder problems sometimes run into problems paddling a kayak. Along those lines, most kayaks weight about 50-75lbs that usually have to be loaded and unloaded, often to and from the top of a vehicle.

Alot of guys just get the kayak and learn how to paddle one after they get it, and others like myself took some classes that I think were a good idea in retrospect. I took a basic Sit-On-Top class from Paddle power Kayaks located in Balboa, two traditional kayak touring classes and my surf-zones class from Southwind Kayaks located in Irvine. All were good stuff and very informative. Other people give classes, but these were the ones I took and can recommend them to others.

Local kayak shops I can think off off the top of my head might be Extremeline Sports I believe (?) it's called in San Pedro, Sunset Rentals (Cobra dealer) in Sunset Beach, Malibu Kayaks (Malibu Kayaks dealer) right across the cove from Sunset Rentals also in Sunset Beach, Paddle Power Kayaks in Balboa(Hobie Kayaks, Ocean Kayak, Necky dealer), Southwind Kayaks in Irvine (hobie, wilderness systems, perception and other traditional kayaks dealer) UP Sports in Dana Point (cobra dealer) and another Hobie dealer at Dana Point Harbor that I can never remember the name of. Advice? Try as many brands and models to see what feel right for you. Just as the same pair of shoes will not be for everyone, kayaks are also the same way.

For locations to fish, there’s alot. Kings Harbor and the surrounding area, Cabrillo Beach, Cherry Beach area, Naples, Newport Harbor and surrounding areas, Dana Point Harbor and surrounding areas, Oceanside and a few more. These are all locations with easy launches. Most will hold some bass like calico, sandies and spotties. Halibuts are also pretty good. Outside cudas are a good bet, but the bonies are a scratch. The warm water discharge from the power plant is no more, so Kings Harbor isn't like it used to be in it's hay-day.

For kayaks, you can rent them at the waters edge with out needing to transport them at Paddlepower kayaks in Balboa, Sunset Rentals & Malibu Kayaks in Sunset Beach, and Southwind Kayaks rental locations, which are in Newport Harbor and Dana Point part of the year. There are probably others I missed, but these should be able to get you going. Hope this helps,
Perry