MikeinFresno

dont forget to wear a PFD

I just got a Hook CF paddle. What a difference. 26oz.

I would get a basic cheap paddle. Length depends u[pon your height and the style of yak-sit in or sit on-. Blade size comes into play as well. But, I would get a cheap one til you know if you like it, etc. About a 220=230cm is mid-range on length.

I did it the first time last summer on my yak. I have a bad back and don't have good twisting ability. I was reaching behind me into my crate on the back of my yak. I couldn't reach and apparently leaned over to the side to get my arm further back. I leaned so far that my upper body went past the edge of the yak and it rolled in a slow motion way. I saw it coming and tried to get back over center, but it was too late. 4 rods, two rods were tied in. One was in my hand and the other had a cork handle and was going down in slow motion. I grabbed it and saved it. Worms packs were floating, the crate stayed fastened in with most stuff still in it. My plastic tackle box is one of the flat ones with a rubber water tight seal. It was full of $100 or more worth of stuff, but it floated too. In the end I only lost 3 heavy jigging lures I had in the bottom of the yak. I got it rolled back over, got everything situated and then got back on after a few tries. That's when I learned that a PFD with big front pockets full of stuff makes it harder to get back on. Now if I cant reach back I just turn to the side and put both feet over the side and sit sideways to reach back.

start out with one rod and one plastic lure box and get after it

heres a link http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=16289.0

there are many things to consider. First would stability or speed be more important? Stability equals slower, speed is more tippy. There are some that split the difference. If going ONLY in the ocean then longer is better. Rivers or small ponds shorter is better. I have an Ocean Kayak T13 model which is a split between stability and speed. The higher quality yaks are also thicker which means heavier. So consider how to load it and if you have any physical problems that keep you from lifting it.

look up NCKA yak forum and they have an anchor system set-up in the how to rig section I think it is.

PFD is first, 2nd is practicing self rescue which means to get the yak back over upright and then get yourself back on it after taking a swim. Many videos out there on this. Join a yak forum and read a bunch of stuff on how to rig, etc. I practiced in a pool with PFD on-its harder to get on with a thick PFD with its pockets full of stuff. Tie everything down and in time learn to scale back what you take out with you.

I guess I didn't write my idea well enuf since it was misunderstood. I meant to use the scupper hole as a way to secure the yak against theft, not as a place to hang it from, because as you say it is a known weak spot.

sounds like you just need to get some confidence in fishing in a water vessel and away from on the shore. Yaks dont spook fish anymore than any other method of fishing out on the water and probly less than most. They are very stealthy and quiet as they move thru the water.. Ive caught my 2nd largest bass from my yak.

sounds to me like maybe its an apartment and he is limited for a place to put it. Im guessing it wont hurt it to stand on end as long as it is not in direct sunlight. Im in Fresno and know how hot it gets here in the valley, the sun would not be good for it at all. If it is an apartment maybe you could hang it overhead in the carport. I would run a cable thru the scuppers and hang it up out of sight from some system you devise.

you can buy qua;ity used yaks from name brand makers for $500-700 used. They will come with extras like a good paddle, PFD, rod holders, FF, etc in some cases. Ive seen them as low as $350 here.

maybe beaking the line due to having slack and snapping it on the hook sets. Reel down n take slack out before setting the hook.

add the Lamiglass drop shot rod too. I have a Loomis, Shimano and Lamiglass, all in ML. I use the Loomis and Lamiglass most of the time.

how did that happen? Yard sale??

I use the braid only on the spool. After a year I take it off and re-spool it with the fresh end out. Line is new again. I use tape on the spool to keep it from slipping.

Ive been very happy with my BP cover. It was in the $189 range for my 18.5 bass tracker. Very nice mid weight cover.

some of the older SOT were narrow, ride high in the water and this makes them tippy-roll over easy. My bro-in-law has an original WS Tarpon 12. It is good quality , but does roll over easy.

yep, too much weight and drag. If you dont drag it to n from the water it wont get much wear on the bottom. Get a set of wheels for it and it will work out well.

they require you have no knee issues cuz it will hurt if you do to pedal them. They are heavy when it comes to loading and getting them to the water. They are the best for trolling for sure. The Outback is wide and super stable. Most people will want the Revo 13 tho due to it being lighter and faster. If stability and almost impossible to roll over then the Outback. Most people will upgrade to the sailing rudder and turbo fins so that is and extra expense in time. The drive has few issues. The pins will sometimes come loose tho. Older used ones may have cracks around the drive well area. I think the 08 and newer models are fixed for this, but not sure on the year for this fix.

Ive got the Lowrance mark 4 blk n wht. It has gps and AMAZING resolution/clarity. I can clearly see my line a lure going down if its under my yak.

jerk baits and my vertical jig stuff so it still has motion when Im in between the jig movements

sign up to a yak forum and they will show how to do this. If going inside the hull it will give correct temps as the plastic hull gets to same temp as the water. Also it needs to be in a water bath with no air bubbles to work right if in the hull. Most use a hollow foam which is glued to the inside bottom of the hull with the inside shaped to a snug fit for the transducer. Then you pour in water and push the transducer into the foam pocket and away you go. Some g;ue the transducer down, but many people complain about sir bubbles forming and not getting good readings from the transducer.

I use a 3-4' leader on a swivel to braid