What kind of leashes do you prefer?
 

Do you prefer coil type or bungee type paddle leashes? Do any of you go out with out an emergency paddle? I plan to hit OEX on Saturday and by some supplies while they are 15% off.

I also decided on this paddle:
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...ing-Ray/Detail

I know some of you advocate sending $$$$$ on the best paddle, but I was hoping to spread the money a little to get on the water faster.

Thanks in advance.

Danodog

Search for used first, if that road leads to a dead end visit OEX.

as far as leashes go here's what I have

Rod leash

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1354946001

Paddle Leash

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1354946001

The coil ones are less likely to get tangled in your reels when you're fighting a fish or just simply retrieving an iron. They are easy to store and don't tangle as easy. I would certainly suggest those.

As far as the paddle goes, I would suggest getting the Manta Ray over the String ray.

It has a wider blade with more Surface area. It weighs almost exactly the same and the price point is the same.

The rule of thumb when choosing a paddle is you want to match the kayak in width.

"many recreational kayaks are so wide that they need a little extra "oomph" in the paddle to make them perform well—especially when accelerating from a dead stop. "
http://www.roguepaddler.com/choose2.htm



AB Sting Ray Specs
Blade Surface Area:
87 sq.in.
Paddle Weight:
28.75 oz


AB Manta Ray Specs

Blade Surface Area:
104 sq.in.
Paddle Weight
29.5 oz


If I remember, you got an X-Factor? 33inches is a nice WIDE boat. You will definitely notice a difference.

Good luck, see you out there.
Neill

i use coil leashed, sabiki proof

I get car cell phone chargers and cut them then put on some small carabiners on each end. i use zip ties to secure the carbiners to the wire. theres an innovations post on it that i cant seem to find right now. its wayy better then spending 20$ a leash. i bought a lot f 15 car chargers off ebay for 8$ and the carabiners were 50 cents each for me but usually their about 1-2 $ each.

Awesome information!
 

This site is great. I assume that none of you have a back up or emergency paddle?

i don't, but one time my paddle broke and i had to paddle back about 2 miles with one paddle. PAIN IN THE BUTT

My paddle leash is an old dog leash, nothing fancy, but it works. I'm all about the DIY setups, but I have also learned that you can actually save money buying things that are already made.

Have fun at OEX shopping, there are some great items there I would love to buy.

As for a paddle don't break the bank on one, get something that is comfortable, and works for you. I paid $35 for the paddle I have off of Amazon and it works great. I do want to buy an AT paddle, but the one I have now will work until I can get the AT.

Have fun shopping.

I have a Manta Ray Paddle and love it. No need for an extra paddle if you buy the best to begin with.

I do use a leash for my paddle.

I stopped using leases for my fishing poles as they are a pain in the arse.

I have only lost one fishing pole and reel, but that was due to a sea lion trying to capsize me to steal my fish.

Thanks all for the information. I hope to to head down to OEX sometime today.

Purchases:

1. Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle in at least a 230cm
2. C.O.D. Coil Style Paddle Leash
3. 3 Rod Holder(black) The 2013 XFactor has the raised rear hatch which works perectly with the rod holder mounted behind the seat.

DIY

Rod Leashes
PVC Kayak Storage Rack for garage
PVC Kayak Cart to move kayak

I will be looking for used gear such as hoop nets, rods, reels, etc when the money is available. Does the list ever end? HAHA. I am already up to about $1600 with kayak, seat, PFD, Paddle, GPS/FF, Bait tank conversion, etc. I did manage to save some coin by purchasing his bed extender.

Thanks again for all the help. :you_rock: Just waiting for Malibu to make a batch of Desert Camo XFactors so OEX can install the goodies and get me on the water. :reel:

The list will get smaller eventually.

The problem is, just about the time the list gets smaller, you will want to upgrade the kayak.

I think I have finally decided after a ton of research, that I want a PA.

I buy a lot of my stuff from Big 5 and print out the online coupons for big savings.

I see you are in Lakeside, so am I. The cool thing about Lakeside is, the closest salt water is La Jolla, being a straight shot out the 52 at about 20 miles.

good to know. I may give it a shot. I also borrowed his ideas for a kayak cart.

Unfortunately I won't be able to peddle. Too many knee injuries from football. I also have lower back issues. A recumbent bike kicks my butt every time. I guess I have to use the upper half that is not damaged. Looks like paddling and not peddling is in my future....

You might want to shoot for a 240cm paddle unless you're really short. I have a COD Tsunami an it's way too short for my X-Factor. I keep hitting the sides of my yak with it. CJ at OEX suggested a 240 for me so i ordered a new Bending Branches Ace Angler in 240. I was also considering at the Manta Ray too though.

When I take out one of my paddle yaks, I always have a spare paddle stowed in the hatch. I had a paddle blade snap on me during a surf launch in the surf zone. I had to one blade canoe paddle past the breakers then pulled out my spare and was able to save the trip. Would have ruined by day especially after I drove 90 miles to where I wanted to fish.

Here is what I am using for rod leashes. Plastic coated steel cable. Stretches to about 6 feet, returns to original shape quickly and does not absorb water. Much stronger than phone cords.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/u...w/P1010643.jpg

Came back with the wallet empty...
 

Couldn't beat the 15% off sale for accessories. I have everything I "need" but my XFactor. I guess I deserve it since I ordered a "Desert Camo" version and they take a little more time to deliver. Not pictured is a timer switch for the bait tank conversion and a 3 rod holder rack that will be mounted behind the newly raised read hatch for the 2013 models. OEX kept the items for when they complete the install.

Bought the Manta Ray Paddle in the 240CM size and the paddle leash too:

http://dbarnett.smugmug.com/Other/Ky.../L/photo-L.jpg

Total impulse purchase, so I went $70 over budget.
VisiCarbon Battery powered light and safety light combo.

http://dbarnett.smugmug.com/Other/Ky...L/photo2-L.jpg

Bilge Pump

http://dbarnett.smugmug.com/Other/Ky...L/photo3-L.jpg

Will be buying everything else used at this point such as rod and reels, hoop nets, etc. I won't be buying those items until March. I have to get over the holiday spending hangover. I wonder if my wife will be happy that I "saved" her nearly $70....Come to think of it, all my purchases were funded by the sale of my wood working equipment. Did not tap into the general household budget. I even gave the better half some money to appease the queen.

Danodog

Where can I get that cable from?

I get them at my local tackle shop. Richards Tackle 3365 Walnut Grove #A Rosemead Ca. 91770 (626 288-7822). I believe they are made for Accurate fishing pliers.