Kayaks and fishing

kvaughn said:
I use an old net off a basketball hoop and put a large flat rock in it when I get where Im going. Leave the rock when Im through. Doesnt have to be too big. If it gets stuck, cut the line. Minimal loss.--
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I had a fishing guide show me that once before. I think he had a cavas sack of some kind.
 


I built a utility deck, and actually attached a rod holder to it for trolling. Worked great and gave me a flat spot to set tackle on while changing lures.
I tied it in with the bungee cord that was on the boat already.
 
welcome to the great world of yaking! My wife & I are avid sea kayakers (25years for me). I fish & hunt out of my 18' 6" sea kayak regularly.

There have been lots of great ideas offered in this thread. I'd suggest that you might consider adding even more webbing to your new yak. Buy some more eyelets and shock cord (cheap) and toss it all on bow to stern. You can then quickly mount rod holders, nets, your own custom deck plates etc.

(fyi for duck & moose hunting, I wrap my yak in burlap & wear a burlap "poncho"--very stealthy and also works well for photography)

>>wear your life jacket too!<<
 
That rock-in-a-net is a great idea for an anchor you don't have to tote home. I believe our original people, the Maori, used this system for canoe anchors...and I've used it when I've needed a heavy counterweight for some of the spring-up snares that I've made.

Dang Burnsy...your burlap wrap and poncho idea has really caught my imagination. Sounds like a lot of fun.
 
Another nice anchoring idea is a stakeout pole. About 5 or 6 feet long, it allows you to simply "stake" your kayak in place without having to fool with anchor, rope, etc. Very useful in shallow water in a lake or in slow moving current. Some folks buy fancy poles; others make their own.
 
I found a slightly used Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120L yesterday (sand color) and just bought it. I live very close to several TVA lakes, so there is lots of water around. I am totally new to this and will give it a try, probably today or tomorrow. Fishing will come a bit later. I have to say I'm a little nervous and excited! Feel like a kid again.
 
Hey 22-rimfire, what part of Tennesse are you in? Down in the south part of the state?

I just dug out my yak yesterday and gave it a good coat of 303 Protectant. I plan to start going more often in the coming weeks.

Those WS Tarpons are nice boats. Congrats.

You might have a look at the TWRA family lakes too. Many of them are trolling-motor only (so no big motor boats), and the TWRA stocks them.

http://www.state.tn.us/twra/fish/pond/TWRAfamlake.html
 
New magazine.

Only to be published yearly at present, I think.

https://www.rapidmedia.com/web_site_pages/kayak_angler.php

kayakangler07cover.jpg
 
I'm in Chattanooga. So, Lake Chickamauga and the Tennessee River is real close. Public boat ramp is within 5 minute drive of the house. I do think I'll head for some of the smaller lakes. Everyone I know who live away from here always ask why I don't own a "real boat".... always felt I would use it only ocasionally and not worth all the money.
 
Tarpon 120 is a good looking boat.

You should hit some of the kayak forums I listed, key in on the Do It Yourself and/or Rigging forums and then pimp that bad boy out!

A rod holder is a big plus; either the Scotty mount or the Ram mounts work well. Also essential is some kind of anchoring system.

And get yourself a decent paddle. Makes a huge difference in terms of comfort and propulsion.

Gallery of some rigged Tarpons: http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2276050875/m/8911099512

You might have to register. Not sure.

More rigged yaks. You don't have to register to view these: http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/gallery_kayak_fishing.php?menu=2
 
It has the angler package on it already. I want to add a few things once I get comfortable with it. It has one rod holder in the front and two directly behind the seat. Normally, I won't have more than one rod with me although I can see taking a ultra light and a medium action rig with me. I don't forsee a fish finder in my future like you have. Your Ocean Kakak is set up real nice.

The lower profile seems to help reduce the wind resistance like you have with a canoe and it is faster than a one man canoe. I will be checking out the forums.

I have a new 230cm fiberglass Carlisle paddle now. That is about all my budget would allow.

I'm planning on playing around with it again tomorrow and will take a rod with me to do some casting for probably brim (bluegills etc.) or whatever I can catch. I picked up a waterproof case for my cell phone. I know that sounds stupid, but I want to continue to get my business calls. Pays the bills.
 
22-rimfire said:
It has the angler package on it already. I want to add a few things once I get comfortable with it. It has one rod holder in the front and two directly behind the seat. Normally, I won't have more than one rod with me although I can see taking a ultra light and a medium action rig with me. I don't forsee a fish finder in my future like you have. Your Ocean Kakak is set up real nice.

The lower profile seems to help reduce the wind resistance like you have with a canoe and it is faster than a one man canoe. I will be checking out the forums.

I have a new 230cm fiberglass Carlisle paddle now. That is about all my budget would allow.

I'm planning on playing around with it again tomorrow and will take a rod with me to do some casting for probably brim (bluegills etc.) or whatever I can catch. I picked up a waterproof case for my cell phone. I know that sounds stupid, but I want to continue to get my business calls. Pays the bills.
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Sounds good. The extra rod holders will come in handy for multiple rods, but they're also particularly good for trolling bait. One of the most common methods for getting on striped bass is to troll shiners, blueback herring, trout, etc. over areas where the fish are holding.

That's the main reason I put on the fish finder--to gauge depth and locate larger suspended fish.

A fiberglass Carlisle is a good paddle. That's what I'm using, and I find it far superior to an aluminum paddle.

Waterproof is important. That sport utility box on the back of mine has a waterproof gasket, and I use the Plano tackle boxes with gaskets as well. Speaking of waterproof, I've been looking at the Olympus 770SW digital for pictures. Supposed to be waterproof to about 30 feet.

It's not a bad idea to either (a) tether everything (paddle, rods, tools, etc.) (b) attach floats to everything that might sink, or (c) both. You never know when you might flip it, and it's never pleasant to lose gear. I've done a better job of securing gear since those pics, but you can see the red rod tethers (bungee cords) in this pic.

Kayak4.JPG
 
Well early Saturday morning was the day I took my new kayak to the water for the first time. Conditions were good, calm at first but the wind built to about 15-20 mph later. Everything worked out great and I learned a number of things:

*Launching was easy, I cheated and did it from the dock (no wading). That first step down into the boat was a little unsettling but only for a second.

*You will get wet, at least a little. Paddle drip is unavoidable, especially with the big cockpit of the Pungo. A half skirt would be very handy for this and also to block the sun, which got a little intense on my legs at times.

*The big cockpit was great for finding and handling all the gear, as it was mostly in the open and easy to see and grab.

*Fishing was different, being so low to the water it was hard to see like I was used to in the old bow seat. Took a little adjustment that's all.

*I have a whole new perspective about what my fishing should be and what to take along.

*Jet skis suck to be around. Party barges too.

*The boat tracked and handled great. Once I got the hang of the paddle I could move along quite well, even when it got windy. As I drifted it was easy to dip one blade in here and there to correct my line. I didn't get a chance to try the drift sock (forgot it) but I think it would have been very handy.

*You can get very close to herons before they decide to move out.

*I need more attachment points (i.e. cleats).

*A depth finder is a must if I want to do anything more than fish the shoreline, which I surely do.

All in all it was a great first experience, everything I was hoping for. I don't feel so bad about selling the old boat. I can't wait to go again:thumbup:
 
Blue Sky said:
*You will get wet, at least a little. Paddle drip is unavoidable, especially with the big cockpit of the Pungo. A half skirt would be very handy for this and also to block the sun
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Take it out a few more times before spending cash, the first few times I went out I hated the constant drip on my legs. I have changed my paddling stroke just a bit and have hardly any drip on my legs now and as far as I can tell no difference in propulsion. I have paddled with a skirt and don't like it at all, to confining and limits my space to store stuff and put my rod, plus it gets hot as the devil. Another thing that you may have already noticed about sitting down so low, or maybe it's just me, but the casting and retrieving holding the rod up tires out my arms and shoulders quicker, I am sure they will get into shape but I can't fish as long as I am used to now. Chris
 
I was able to reduce the drip a lot by keeping the paddle more horizontal and not dipping it in past the blade. Does that sound about right to you?

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures.:( I wasn't sure I could protect my camera while on the water. I'll surely take it next time. Thanks for linking to yours, I didn't see them yet.
 
*Launching was easy, I cheated and did it from the dock (no wading). That first step down into the boat was a little unsettling but only for a second.

At least it wasn't a surf launch to start your experience. :D

*You will get wet, at least a little. Paddle drip is unavoidable, especially with the big cockpit of the Pungo. A half skirt would be very handy for this and also to block the sun, which got a little intense on my legs at times.

I assume the paddle has drip catchers. As for the sun, you might try some nylon hiking pants in a light color like khaki. They're breathable and dry quickly.

*The big cockpit was great for finding and handling all the gear, as it was mostly in the open and easy to see and grab.

Tether it or put a float on it, or you may lose it. :D

*Fishing was different, being so low to the water it was hard to see like I was used to in the old bow seat. Took a little adjustment that's all.

Wait'll you try to cast a fly rod. :eek:

*Jet skis suck to be around. Party barges too.

Weekend lake fishing sucks for just these reasons. If you can steal a weekday morning, life is so much more peaceful.

*The boat tracked and handled great. Once I got the hang of the paddle I could move along quite well, even when it got windy. As I drifted it was easy to dip one blade in here and there to correct my line. I didn't get a chance to try the drift sock (forgot it) but I think it would have been very handy.

Never used a drift sock. Please post impressions when you do give it a try. I am about to get a stakeout pole, however.

*I need more attachment points (i.e. cleats).

Well nuts are your friend if you want to attach in a hard-to-reach place. Kayak Fishing Stuff has lots of cleats you can order, but West Marine and Boaters World are great sources too.

*A depth finder is a must if I want to do anything more than fish the shoreline, which I surely do.

For a kayak, you can power it with any manner of 12V sources. Some use a small 12V rechargeable. Cabelas sells a decent one at a good price, I think. But they are heavy.

I chose to go with a AA rechargeable set-up. It doesn't run as long, but I do carry a spare set of the AA's, so I'm fine. (10 batteries in end-to-end alignment at 1.2V each equals 12V. However, lots of folks run their finders on just 8 batteries and say they work fine.)

Lots of depth finder choices out there. I went cheap and bought the low end Eagle Cuda 168, which has less power pull on the batteries than a lot of other finders. But you can go color, integrated GPS, the whole nine yards, on some of these smaller finders now.

Congrats on that first run.
 
Guyon said:
At least it wasn't a surf launch to start your experience. :D
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Sometimes good sense does prevail! :eek:

Guyon said:
I assume the paddle has drip catchers. As for the sun, you might try some nylon hiking pants in a light color like khaki. They're breathable and dry quickly.
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It does have them, but I realized I was dipping in past them at first and so negating their function. :o

I had a towel along and wound up draping it over my legs after a while to keep the sun off. Not the greatest but it worked. The nylon pants idea sounds better.

Guyon said:
Tether it or put a float on it, or you may lose it. :D
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Tethered the paddle for sure, I'll have to work on the rest. That's part of the reason I need more attachment points.

Guyon said:
Weekend lake fishing sucks for just these reasons. If you can steal a weekday morning, life is so much more peaceful.
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Yes indeed. Does remind me of an old saying though: When's the best time to go fishing? When you can, of course. :)

Guyon said:
Well nuts are your friend if you want to attach in a hard-to-reach place. Kayak Fishing Stuff has lots of cleats you can order, but West Marine and Boaters World are great sources too.
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I thought I read those were more suited to non-load bearing hardware?

Guyon said:
Congrats on that first run.
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Thank you :thumbup:

..........
 
Blue Sky said:
I thought I read those were more suited to non-load bearing hardware?
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This is true, but if these cleats are intended for just tying down gear, you'll be fine. Should work okay even if it's a tie-off for the kayak itself.
I wouldn't, however, lift the kayak by anything attached with well nuts. I've read of people doing this, but I wouldn't do it myself.

Here's a quick primer on well nuts: http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/articles_view.asp?Kayak_Articles=73

I attached my anchor trolley system with them, and it works fine. I also attached a cleat just inside the side wall to tie off my anchor line (see pic). Used well nuts for this as well. No problems so far. The load on the cleat just from current is really not all that great--at least in the places I fish. I don't try to anchor anywhere with really swift current.

However, I'd think that, with your boat, you'd be able to reach just about everywhere you need a cleat. In that case, definitely go with a stainless steel bolt/nut and perhaps some backing. For backing, I used some of the cheap white cutting board from WalMart in a few places where I was mounting hardware and could reach the hole. Stiffens up the connection and lessens any chance of messing up your drilled hole.

Trolley5.jpg
 
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