What to add

[MattRC]

G,day all. Will be picking up my PA 12 next week. It already has a Lowrance Elite 4x DSI, Visicarbon Light/Flag combo, Couple rod holders.

What else would you consider a must have?

Thanks
Matt

[greenhorn]

Welcome Matt

A good fitting life jacket is must, there are 2 main types - traditional or inflatable. Traditional is good because you don't have to think about pulling a cord to inflate it but they can get in the way a bit (make sure you get a kayak/fishing style rather than a boat style as it will give you a lot more movement) an inflatable is good because they are unobtrusive but if you fall in you need to manually pull the cord so can be a bit dangerous in the case that you get knocked out or tangled up in ropes etc.

You will likely need a trolley as well if it is not included in your purchase as the PA is a hefty yak - a bit too big to manhandle to the water.

Otherwise looks like you have the basics covered - just practice falling out and getting back in a few times before taking any fishing rods to get comfortable incase you do end up in the drink unexpectedly. Do a bit of reading of the safety section of the forum too, plenty of good info there.

Most important thing is to have some fun and get onto a few fish

[MattRC]

Welcome Matt

A good fitting life jacket is must, there are 2 main types - traditional or inflatable. Traditional is good because you don't have to think about pulling a cord to inflate it but they can get in the way a bit (make sure you get a kayak/fishing style rather than a boat style as it will give you a lot more movement) an inflatable is good because they are unobtrusive but if you fall in you need to manually pull the cord so can be a bit dangerous in the case that you get knocked out or tangled up in ropes etc.

You will likely need a trolley as well if it is not included in your purchase as the PA is a hefty yak - a bit too big to manhandle to the water.

Otherwise looks like you have the basics covered - just practice falling out and getting back in a few times before taking any fishing rods to get comfortable incase you do end up in the drink unexpectedly. Do a bit of reading of the safety section of the forum too, plenty of good info there.

Most important thing is to have some fun and get onto a few fish

Thanks mate. Got the life jackets covered as I have a heap of inflatables that I wear in my boat. Have a trolley that comes with the Yak. Anything else? Was thinking of looking at a few things at the boat show coming up.

[isportfish]

Also think about an anchor trolley if you plan on bait fishing. Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions is also a must. Protection from the sun and cold now it is winter.

[MattRC]

Also think about an anchor trolley if you plan on bait fishing. Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions is also a must. Protection from the sun and cold now it is winter.

Cheers mate, Anchor trolley is already on the Yak.

[HaTTerS]

Good thing about the PA's is they really don't need much pimping. Probably best to put money towards things that will make you comfortable and safe such as clothing, kokatat pants, hand bilge pump, VHF radio, GPS (if the sounder isn't a combo), PLB etc. or more fishing gear... Can never have enough fishing gear

[laneends]

Start wiyh the safety gear and work out the rest on a needs basis, otherwise you will spend money (and possible drill holes) that you dont need to.

A drift chute is pretty handy

[MattRC]

Good thing about the PA's is they really don't need much pimping. Probably best to put money towards things that will make you comfortable and safe such as clothing, kokatat pants, hand bilge pump, VHF radio, GPS (if the sounder isn't a combo), PLB etc. or more fishing gear... Can never have enough fishing gear

VHF is a good idea. Already have a Garmin 62s and PLB that meets on water requirements. Hand bilge will be added to list.

[MattRC]

Start wiyh the safety gear and work out the rest on a needs basis, otherwise you will spend money (and possible drill holes) that you dont need to.

A drift chute is pretty handy

Good idea. Drift chute added to my list

[cruiser]

A recent addition to my yak is a small first aid kit