RE: Kayak newbie checking in
Adam, welcome! Why not check the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association site and post some of your questions there - we have all been newbies at one time or another and we will make sure you get the best advice...
We do want to make sure you are safe out there. You will need at a minimum a PFD, preferably worn and not stowed in a hatch, a sound producing device (whistle) and a fishing license. If you are going to be out during hours of darkness, you should have a 360 degree white light -preferably mounted above the deck - and three visible distress signals. These could include a good flashlight, strobe light, flares, etc. A flashlight is probably a good idea even in daylight, in case you get caught in a low light - fog, rain, etc. I throw some lightweight rain gear in a hatch in case of a squall.
Keep in mind the Castaway is probably green and can not be seen well by other boaters - make yourself visible - bright clothes, paddle with yellow or orange blades, reflective tape, dive flag, etc. Bring your cell phone or buy a handheld waterproof VHF.
Not to soundlike your mom or anything, but safety on the water is something we takeseriously...
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