First kayak suggestion

[Curmudgeon]

Yep. Search TKF for yaks. Good deals abound and most are for fishing. A 300-400 yak is one that you'll want to replace almost immediately.
For Launching into Chocolate, If you don't go up to Lute's, the 2004 ramp is fine. Even if you could make it from SLP to Chocolate, you'd be too tired to fish and way to tired to paddle back.
Jhua is absolutely right about the need for a good PFD. Wear one.
Feel free to ask FWE members for help. That's how most of us learned too. And once you get your's, ask one of us to take you out for a shake-down trip. I bet you'll be surprised at the response.

[Big Game 57]

First Yak 2012

Texfish is right. Spend your money on a quality used yak that will last you for years. TKF and Craig List can find you a Nice used yak. Please do not yak by yourself, fish with a yak buddy. The bay can change on a instant. Wear a PFD my friend.

[Texfish]

Really good advice above, I would not buy the Pelican if you can wait keep an eye on classified section of TKF and some good deals pop up for the same amount you would spend for the Pelican.

Good luck in your search.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Let me try that again.....

Just looking for suggestions on a first kayak. I'm leaning toward the heritage 12' they sell at Academy. I'm open to reviews on that one as well as the pelicans or any around the $350-450 range.

If you aren't familiar with texaskayakfisherman.com, you might look through the 'for sale' section. From time to time, I have seen some good deals come through there on used boats. There are also reviews of the Pelican and Heritage. I've paddled both, I think the Heritage is the better boat but I haven't been in it enough to give it a proper review. Save enough to buy a good PFD and safety gear (running light, whistle, etc.)

I purchased the Hook-N-Line wade, shore, & kayak fishing map in hopes to find some good launch points.

That's a very good resource. Ray Crawford's book is very good too. The older posts on TKF have a good deal of information in them about launch spots, fishing spots, etc. The last couple of years it has evolved more to kayak gear and fishing chatter. Still a good resource but FWE is much better.

so wondering if it is realistic to kayak chocolate bay and the area launching from San Luis Pass area or is there other launch points that may work better.

You can kayak Chocolate Bayou from Lute's (where they sell bionic shrimp). You can fish the end of Chocolate Bayou and the northern part of the bay from the boat ramp at the 2004 bridge. If you want to fish the bay proper, get your paddle ready - it's a long haul. I wouldn't think of doing it from SLP unless the wind is blowing 30 from the S and you have a sail.

This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to kayak across the ICW?

Quickly.....seriously.

Make sure you are clear of any oncoming boats. Wait until you have a very clear shot with 2x the room you need to spare. Cross perpendicularly to the channel. Give the tow boats and barges the respect they deserve. They put out a big bow wave and the water level will raise in front of them and lower behind them. It creates some exciting turbulence and you could easily turtle. The safest thing to do in the ICW or otherwise is keep yourself well away from boat traffic.

Again new to kayaking and don't know much about it. If anyone could help answer some of these questions It'd be much appreciated.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. There are quite a few kayak guys on FWE. I get out as much as life allows and have probably made most of the mistakes you are about to. I enjoy it quite a bit.

[Jhua]

Do not get a pelican. They're fine for recreational purposes but lack when fishing. X2 on TKF. I bought my Tarpon 160i's from TKF for a great deal. They have put me on some great fish. Get a good PFD too and always wear it while on the water.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Just looking for suggestions on a first kayak. I'm leaning toward the heritage 12' they sell at Academy. I'm open to reviews on that one as well as the pelicans or any around the $350-450 range.

If you aren't familiar with texaskayakfisherman.com, you might look through the 'for sale' section. From time to time, I have seen some good deals come through there on used boats. There are also reviews of the Pelican and Heritage. I've paddled both, I think the Heritage is the better boat but I haven't been in it enough to give it a proper review.

[QUOTE=twdecock;180683]I purchased the Hook-N-Line wade, shore, & kayak fishing map in hopes to find some good launch points.

so wondering if it is realistic to kayak chocolate bay and the area launching from San Luis Pass area or is there other launch points that may work better. This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to kayak across the ICW? Again new to kayaking and don't know much about it. If anyone could help answer some of these questions It'd be much appreciated.

[twdecock]

Just looking for suggestions on a first kayak. I'm leaning toward the heritage 12' they sell at Academy. I'm open to reviews on that one as well as the pelicans or any around the $350-450 range. I've been wading west bay since I moved to Houston 3 yrs ago and I want to expand my fishing holes so a kayak seemed like a good start. I purchased the Hook-N-Line wade, shore, & kayak fishing map in hopes to find some good launch points. I'm also wondering if it is realistic to kayak chocolate bay and the area launching from San Luis Pass area or is there other launch points that may work better. This might be a dumb question but what is the best way to kayak across the ICW? Again new to kayaking and don't know much about it. If anyone could help answer some of these questions It'd be much appreciated.