First go at surf perch recently, nothing. Wasn't in the best zone, but surf was good, so that was the deciding factor as to where I was fishing.
Trout and bass in the lakes and streams!
Not to hijack, but what kinds of kayaks do any of you all use in the ocean? Is 10' too short (that size is better for transporting/handling)?
Surf perch fishing can be super fun if the bite is on. I like to go with a lighter set up that can still take some abuse. My go to set up is a 7foot ugly stick and cheap saltwater reel. 15 lb mono. Tie on a barrel swivel, tie on 6"-8" inches mono, tie on a 3 way swivel, tie on 6" mono to the 90 degree swivel of the 3 way, tie on a #4 hook. Tie on 18" more mono on the straight end of the 3 way swivel, repeat the set up with another 3 way swivel. For a weight, I like the flat disc 1.5oz. You'll get a better feel for the "roll" of the weight versus the feel of a bite. Move up an oz or so of weight if the surf bigger. For bait, the Berkley Gulp Sandworm is undefeated. Sand crabs and sand shrimp good to but a pain to keep on the hook without an egg loop and calmer seas. I like to save razor clam necks after digging a limit specifically for perch fishing too. They're tough and a preferred food for the perchies.
If fishing open stretches of beaches, you only need cast out 20 yards or so. Steeper sections better. They move in schools so if you're not having luck, move up and down the beach 10 yards at a time after a couple casts. If you do get a bite, land your fish and chuck it right back in the same spot. I'll usually cast, let it lie a minute or two and then slow retrieve taking some breaks in increments to let the bait soak.
As for kayaks, I'm stocked on my sit on top 11ft. You can buy rod holders and cut out where you want to sink em in. Since it's almost never flat here, I just assume I'm going over at some point. Always wear a wetsuit and keep everything tied down to the boat. For the most part I'm wearing a backpack with pre tied tackle (flashers and mooching rigs for salmon, shrimp flies and jigs for rockfish and lings.) Also get some crabbing rings for that kayak. They don't have to soak as long as crab pots and you can just hop scotch around bays and estuaries with 3 at a time working zones to find dinner.