Calling all Kayakers

[skatenchips]

Hi Yakkers
Me mate Terry has just entered your arena(madmen)
and rung me from Cornwall having bought his new toy
see link................

www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/canoe/kayak/uk/shop/productpages/sit-ons/ocean-kayaks-prowler-big-game.htm

He,s gaggin to get out amoungst it but asked me to ask you
a couple of questions re kit.
Hes bought the £600 squid model and wants to add this kit.

in your opinion...........

best fishfinder transducer to use on a kayak
best/most popular rods makes/sizes etc.
best carabinas brass /stainless steel for waist attachments
in sea water.

which Dr duzz he need to see to talk him out of it.....

Cheers for any help.

Gazza
PS.....any comments on the yakk would help....Good/Bad

[mike02380]

the humminbird fishfinders have a transducer which fits into 1 of the scupper holes, they've had good reviews from users and the after sales quality is good (same importers as ocean kayaks) stay away from eagle, mine had problems with corrosion. as for rods it depends on the fishing, dont go too short so it can be passed in front of the bow ok

[speciman]

Hi Gazza

Before Terry starts rigging the kayak he needs to get out on the water first in sheltered waters so he can get used to her. He'll also need to do some online research into kayak fishing so he can learn more about the sport.

He needs to practice reentries and think about rod holder placement when he's getting used to the yak (and consider if the rod holders would hinder reentry). If he's heading out this time of year he will also need to be wearing clothing suitable for immersion in these cold water temps.

When the kayak section was setup here I mentioned to admin I'll probably link to other kayak fishing sites at times and this is one of them. Theres a wealth of information on the forum at www.anglersafloat.co.uk (forum is down today due to technical difficulties) - there are a number of big game owners there and also at www.northwaleskayakfishing.co.uk

On the 12th of May there will be a big kayak fishing meet at Exmouth - all welcome. We'll be offering training on the Saturday and on the Sunday there will be a competition (£10 entry) - all proceeds to the RNLI. Its in the south west so shouldn't be too far from Terry if he is from Cornwall.

Stainless steel fittings (carabiners, clips etc) are preferred over brass. Rods, personal items but those in the 7-8ft length should ensure you can reach the tip around the bow. No need to go heavy 10-20lb rods are the norm .Fishfinders - again no definitive answer - whats the budget?

Best advice I can give is not to rush things and take it slowly. A newcomer was rescued by the RNLI this year - this is the first emergency call out we've had.

[skatenchips]

Both excellent answers feller,s................
He already is a dry suit /wet suit owner so hopefully that issue
is dealt with.
He has boat rods of varying strength/length but seemed to think
a shorty was required..............the around the bow point wasnt
raised as im assuming he thought he could play most things up the side of the boat........
He has mentioned that guys "stand" to play fish in certain situations (even more mad) ......is that actually so...??
For security and stability id want my behind stuck in that seat
recess rather than trying to stand and defy the waves.
What say you..?...hes a long time mate,dont want him
emmersed unneccersarily.
He actually is holidaying in cornwall and is a Heathrow landlubber
like myself but im sure for learning sake he would consider
the Exmouth trip.
As for fishfinders he didnt give me a budget so maybe when hes
back I can raise those questions with you.
Imsure the links will be most helpful in setting him up safely.

Thanx again for your help.

Gazza
Ps..........you didnt answer the Dr Question
or can I assume your all quite mad.....

[speciman]

I didn't answer the Dr question as for the sake of my sanity I need to get out on the water. ;D

Standing on a kayak is more of a stunt - it can be done in calm waters on wider kayaks like the big game but it's not needed unless you're sight casting on still water - I don't know anyone who stands up on their kayak to fish. More people in the US do it.

On the open sea you stand a good chance of taking a dunking if you stand up. As you say best to have your butt in the seat keeping centre of gravity low.

But, when Terry first gets his kayak & practices in sheltered water, it may be worth him standing up to help him used to the kayak.

[speciman]

Sometimes you may be anchored at an angle to the current due to wind pushing you sideways a bit. If you are fishing 2 rods its easier for the lines to go down on one side of the kayak if they are a reasonable length. The shorter rods do have their place though & are useful when feathering for mackeral along the side of the kayak.

[skatenchips]

Your thoughts on "Outriggers"
Not wanting to dent his ego,or assume as a 58 yr old he cant
manage a normal Yakk.
I mentioned to him about one O these if only as an "add on"
so he might wanna help with stability when the seas are a tad rough.
He assumed I wos takin the peeeee,and on any other day I would be.....but where his life is concerned I didnt want him
going gung ho !! into the briny without giving due thought to
his self preservation.

www.easyriderkayaks.com/outrigger.htm

this links item still seems to me that your Yakk is still user friendly
with one O these attached...

Life vests.......any favourites for Yakkers..??

Cheers

Gazza

[speciman]

Outriggers aren't needed especially on a wide kayak like the Big Game which is 3foot across. If the water is really rough (ie force 5+ winds, big swells) he shouldn't be out there & if caught side on the outriggers may increase the chance of capsize.

Life vests again down to personal preference (no. of pockets, design, gear that needs attaching) but we tend to go for buoyancy aids (aka pfds) not life jackets. If he can browse/search the forum at Anglersafloat these questions (rods, fishfinder add ons, pfds etc) come up regulary.