TexasKayakFisherman.com

I am new to saltwater kayaking
will doing my first time out this fall inshore
Want to over the next couple of years to BTB
reading a lot about having a radio
so question is what should I look for in a radio

Waterproof
Floats
Small and light
Has weather channel
Has automatic channel 16 switch
Burps/chirps if wet to clear microphone
Maybe that is colorful to be able to locate easy
Lithium battery would be good, so you don't have to recharge between uses (does not drain the same way)
Has lit screen if used at night *can read at night*
Has the ability to put a external microphone like you see police use. I have one and is the best thing to clip to PFD and don't have to mess much with holding VHF radio to talk. Just push button of mic on the side of my shoulder and speak away.
There are some differences on power and range, but I don't know too much about that. I think mine will be good enough though....

By the way, be VHF radio not like a walkie talkie type cuz that will not get you the Coast Guard (Channel 16 and Channel 11)

Kayakers use channel 69 to 70's for most part. I switch around 73 and 74 with fishing buddies if we hear too many people using the frequency...

Radio is not the most important thing to get started in this sport. A good kayak, life jacket, paddle and fishing gear is far more important. Not saying a radio isn't fun and even needed, at times.............but for inshore fishing it is way down the list of needed and essential gear.

Offshore a radio can be more important that inshore.

A radio won't find you a place holding fish, present your lure right, reel your fish in, land it in a net, paddle you home or keep you from drowning.

Spend your $$$ on the important things first.

Good luck!

I do have all the other equipment
This is the last thing on the list is why I am asking

I would recommend hitting up google and checking reviews. I can tell you I have killed 3 Cobras of various models, and 1 Standard Horizon HX290 (the HX290 I have now is used for backup or buddies). I am now using an Icom M24 which has been tough as nails and lasted longer than anything so far. It is light, floats, blinks, burps, has a long battery life, and lighted screen.

When in a sticky situation, a true VHF if used properly on 16, and kept on your PFD, on your person, may save your life inshore or offshore.