The kayak is now one of our most important pieces of equipment. When we first started we used other methods of bait deployment but often the wind and currents would not allow for good bait placements. We picked up a kayak to try and the results were amazing when compared to our previous efforts. By the end of our third trip we had hooked more and larger sharks than on all of our other trips combined. Obviously getting the baits out to where the sharks are at is one of the biggest factors in catching them.
	There are many styles of kayaks to choose from. The one we have is probably not the best suited for our application, but it works well as long as the surf is not too rough. This boat is 10 feet long and fairly wide which helps a lot in stability in water. It is self bailing which means that the water that washes up on it drains out through a hole in the bottom. There are places molded into it to put your feet in which helps you brace yourself while paddling out. It would be nice if it had a back brace on it because the larger waves can wash you right off of it. We also made up a bait carrier, a quick release wire tied to one of the handles (look at the pics and you will see why we came up with this). Overall though, this is a good boat and is user friendly in mild to average surf. Some tips for beginning users: 1) Always wear some type of flotation device. When the water is still chilly we use a 3/4 wet suit with flotation built into it. In warmer water a ski vest works well. 2) Don't put the bait in the boat with you. Sharp hooks don't know the difference between fish and flesh. 3) Use a spotter on the beach to direct the drop. I am very seldom end up paddling to the spot that I was intending to drop at, everything looks different from the kayak looking back in. 4) Learn how to "time" the waves. If you watch the surf you will notice that there is a flat spot from time to time at most places. If you can spot when these are coming you can get through the breaking part of the surf much easier. 5) Put your baits out before dusk. Enough said. 6) Always have a partner when doing this because you never know what might happen.