Darren.
Super User
-
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by Darren.
-
Snaps, not with swivels. And for hard lures. I clip off the extra ring and hook directly to the lure. As well, I personally prefer Norman SpeedClips over snaps.
-
As the owner of a U12, I love the yak for customizing. It has a myriad of options you can add to it. I approached my rigging a few years back with a milk crate, zip-tied rod holders (PVC), etc. But I have evolved my setup over time, and continuously ponder what works, what doesn't and what can be done better. The U12 has legendary secondary stability. I stand in mine all the time, even in high winds. Suggestions: 1) Seat riser. Standing is far easier with set raised. I've gone from PVC risers to (currently) sitting atop the gunnels via a couple 1x4 pressure treated boards. 2) Under seat Drawer/box: Under the boards (and under me), is a drawer system screwed in. I use that to store a spare prop for my Minn Kota, some scent, digiscale, and 4 3600 size boxes of soft plastics, etc. Have also used a box (like a storage box) under the seat for doing the same thing. 3) Anchor trolleys on both sides 4) Anchor pin of some sort - whether DIY (look for golf ball retriever anchor pin for kayak online) or buy (like i did) a Stik-It Anchor pin, or other brand. Pins are much better (IMO) than dropping an anchor in the shallows. 5) For regular anchor - cheap retractible dog leash (26 foot model) via Harbor Freight or a dollar store. Keeps your anchor line under control, out from under foot (potentially) 6) Traction pads for the deck. Can buy online or at a kayak store. SeaDek makes a great product, too. Makes standing and moving around a much quieter affair. 7) Trolley to transport, if you need to. I made one on my own. Use it when I go places I have to transport the U12 over a distance. 8) Trolling Motor - if you ever get to the point you want to electrify your U12. BassYaks makes a kit, or you can do it yourself as I have done. I no longer use a milk crate. I place my rods in front of me, handles between my legs on the seat, with rod tips going over the front of the yak. I placed some traction pads down to keep rods from slipping. Not a perfect solution, and I use shorter rods, so not necessarily the right idea for 7-8 foot rods. But it keeps the rods out of your way when casting. Look online for a myriad of DIY options for the U12. I am also a member here: http://www.nativeownersgroup.com/forumdisplay.php?206-Native-Watercraft-Ultimate%99 There's a ton of stuff you can learn from the U12 owners. You can see some of my mods there as well. Oh, tip for mounting your fish finder - B@ssCrzy is spot on. Just buy parts to use your current unit on both boats. - but the tip for mounting would be this - if you want to DIY, go to Walmart and buy a black cutting board. Cut it out to dimensions that will fit your electronics. Go buy some slugs for the Native track system, or buy some toilet bolts (the kind that secure the toilet to the floor flange with a flat bottom). Cut them to proper length, go buy some screw handles at a local hardware store that thread onto the bolts. Then build a transducer arm out of ¾" square aluminum tubing. Bolt that down to the board. Rig your electronics up with zip ties, etc.
-
-
That's good. I've hooked up my flukes using round bend offset hooks. They worked well - for swimming, that is. Nothing caught, but will make some attempts again in the future.
-
Welcome aboard!
-
What hook are you rigging it with? Just curious. I have some flukes (love the tiny flukes), but don't use them much...yet.
-
DOH! You are correct. G, 580G is what I meant.
-
I went with glass (580p) lenses. Haven't regretted a minute since. Love 'em.
-
Good question, and I don't know! I just know that my Chronarch 50e reels bring in plenty of inches per turn, and my Lexa 7.0:1 is even faster!
-
I caught my PB on a bait caster with 10# braid + 10# leader. That said, I prefer 20# PowerPro now. I've used heavier, but prefer 20. Everyone's opinion is valid, for them. I like throwing lighter lures on my BC setups, so 20 works great. Digging in is not a problem. If you do happen to dig in, just pull out the line and relieve the situation. I've thrown up to 4" weighted swim baits on 20. No problems. Really depends on you. If you are not comfortable with it, go heavier. You do not have to match diameter of mono and braid.
-
Welcome aboard, Gabriel. I'm not familiar with regulations in NH, so I'll let others chime in. Just wanted to welcome you.
-
Welcome (again)!
-
Welcome aboard!
-
I for one will be watching these. I'm not a fan of the Avid grips, heresy, I know. I still think Shimano Compres cork grips are the best I've used.,
-
Hi Daniel, I see this is your first post, so welcome aboard!
-
-
Welcome aboard, Chuck! I'll second what Topwater says, Dick's Sporting Goods has some great combos, as does Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc. So if you're near one of those stores, see what they've got.
-
-
Welcome aboard!
-
-
You bet, Christian! I'm quite happy to lend a hand. Glad you found some use from my comments!
-
Oh man, I read of this video in a book I have from Uncle Homer. I'm only partway through the video now, but THANK YOU for posting it, Raul!!! Great stuff!
-
Welcome aboard!
-
I agree with Fly. Sharp hooks. I also use braid for mainline and always a leader tied on of various pound test. So there's a little stretch in the leader, but the braid provides that snap into the jaws (for the most part). Thicker hooks, I'm learning, like those on pre-made swimbaits, require a bit more heft in setting. If you are used to hooksets like you see the pros do in their bass boats, you might need to adjust a little bit so as not to jar yourself over the side. Sweeping to the side, reeling down and lifting are probably what I use the most, never an issue any more. As you get your sea/yak legs, it'll be more and more comfortable for you. And in terms of comfort with your yak, there's something called secondary stability (which you may already be familiar with, so in case not-->). It is when you are tipping but hit a point where you stop going further and find a secondary stability. Learn where that is, which can help with your confidence in hook setting. At least it helped me.
-
Well, rod mounts are an entirely different animal. I actually don't have any in my yak as of now. Too often I would catch a rod behind me when casting when I used to mount them vertically on my milk crate (which I no longer carry). So I now lay my rods in front of me. Every rod is horizontal. That said, you can, with practice, adjust your casting so as not to catch rods behind you. With 7 foot rods it may actually be easier. I use short rods, like in the 6 foot range, so I'm probably more likely to catch stuff behind me than you would be. At least I think so. And I think you'll have a lot of fun being able to add all the accessories you mentioned. You'll be armed for hogs, Christian. Good luck, man!
