Hey Garrett, there are several forums that have a ton of info and also there are other yakers in your area that you can meet up with.
http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/Forum44.aspx As far as starting out in the gulf, pick a day that is calm, a North wind will push the surf down. You want to have everything tied down.There are several close in wrecks from 1/2-2 miles but you need to find someone with electronics to locate them. I have been going out with a fellow yaker that has some private #s close in, which is how we've been getting our snapper. KW snapper points is short for Kayak Wars an online year long kayak tournament. Each fish is worth a certain amount of points. This is my first year doing it and it's a lot of fun
http://www.extremecoast.com/KW10/index.php.
If you ever want to make the drive over to PCB to fish let me know ...