New Michigan kayaker

[BadFish]

Hello everyone my name is Nolan and I'm 24 soon to be 25 and this is my first ear kayaking. Little info about me... I recently aquired an older ot otter and an ot adventure xl 135 for 150$ it was a he'll of a deal so I couldn't pass it up. This is the first year I ever got in a kayak and I've been out on lakeichigsn already about 14 times and it's amazing the serenity I find on the lake. I've always been advid outdoorsmen so this is great except they aren't the best kayaks to fish from. I'm not rich rather don't have a lot of money so all the fancy stuff you guys have I'm making myself. Okay I'm rambling on if anyone has any tips drop me a line thanks!

[SteveH]

I'm a long way from you, BadFish, and can't plan any trips up there, but just wanted to say welcome to the forum, and I know you will enjoy kayaking.

[able]

Welcome,welcome ... Badfish I think you will find we are all common "joes" and there is a lot of great information here.

[kayakmag]

Welcome to the community BadFish, we would love to hear about the things you come up with and the paddling you do in your area!

[rcurry]

... I'm not rich rather don't have a lot of money so all the fancy stuff you guys have I'm making myself...

How refreshing, an outdoorsman after my own heart. It’s really not about how much money you spend on your new found hobby but how much enjoyment and happiness you can get from being out in nature in your new toy.

I’m like you in that I love to hear others’ tips! Here are a few of my successful tips for your consideration.
1. Always take at least a couple of feet of that wonderful duct tape. (repairs, personal injuries, the list is endless) Pull it off the roll and just fold it neatly sticky to non-sticky side for easy flat storage in a dry bag.

2. If you haven’t been able to purchase dry bags / dry storage yet, think outside the box by using things you may already have. Plastic screw on lid jars / jugs. Off brand Tupperware containers with rubber gaskets – think Wal-mart $5.00.

3. Front deck bags are handy and a little pricey. Pick up a low dollar hiking waist pack with zippers and pouches to attach to your kayak for the items you need at your fingertips.

4. Always, always carry a flash light and matches/lighter/firestarter, even if they are cheap disposables, in a dry bag. I’ve never had to use them but I always think how it would feel to be out on a paddle and need them and not have them.

Welcome to the forum!:)

[bobjack]

Welcome as well, I'm also new to the forum. Nice to hear the comment about the serenity on the water. Most people get on the water with power boats and have no idea what they are missing. Since funds are tight, keep your eye open for a used sea kayak longer than 16 feet, you will really enjoy Lake Michigan much more and paddling in general in my opinion. There are also kayaks specifically designed for fishing, might find a used one of those also. Good luck and keep us posted.