maybe use a leader just in case you do catch one.

Twice a week would be ideal but depends on the weekend weather, which is, shall we say, changeable, here in NZ. It is said that if we don't like the current weather, just wait 10 minutes and it'll be completely different. I do try to manage a day or 1/2 day mid-week if the forecast and work schedule allow. It's easier in daylight savings time to sneak a few trips in after work when there's daylight until 7:30pm/8pm.

This winter I'm going to try to get a mid-week, daybreak paddle or two in, to try and not lose too much fitness before spring and summer get here again. A kayak ergometer (a bit like an indoor rowing machine, but for kayaking) was going to cost almost $5k. So, instead I'll likely buy a cheap plastic kayak that I can throw around and not worry about, and use that as a training kayak at the local estuary which is about 10 minutes drive away. The erg would be ideal but just not affordable.

Anything you can do is use a leader and pray that they don’t bite