Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - View Single Post

Orca Winfrey · 04-02-2016, 10:09 PM

Hi Shiloh,

I'm fairly new to kayak fishing too but I've learned a lot from BWE. Is your yak a sit-on-top (SOT) or sit-in? Sun Dolphin makes both types. You will want an SOT for the ocean because they won't fill with water and get swamped when you flip - and sooner or later everyone does.

Balancing yaks are like balancing bikes; you learn with experience and practice.

ALWAYS wear your vest! Don't leave it lying around with the intention of putting it on if you flip. Your life is worth the bit of discomfort from wearing a vest. Besides, by the time you put it on in the water a strong current or wind may have carried your yak and paddle far from you.

Leash everything you don't want to lose. Leash your paddle unless you want to have to swim after it (wind and currents).

When you can afford it, get a yak that's at least 12' or longer. Longer yaks have better glide and handle chop much better than shorter ones. I started open water fishing in a 9' Hobie Lanai. It was nice and stable but as soon as the water got choppy, it was really hard to paddle. I've since upgraded to an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 that I got on Craig's for $425. It made a huge difference.

One last tip is to warn your wife that You have now gotten into a highly addictive hobby.

04-02-2016, 10:09 PM	#7
Orca Winfrey Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: The I. E. Posts: 353	Hi Shiloh, I'm fairly new to kayak fishing too but I've learned a lot from BWE. Is your yak a sit-on-top (SOT) or sit-in? Sun Dolphin makes both types. You will want an SOT for the ocean because they won't fill with water and get swamped when you flip - and sooner or later everyone does. Balancing yaks are like balancing bikes; you learn with experience and practice. ALWAYS wear your vest! Don't leave it lying around with the intention of putting it on if you flip. Your life is worth the bit of discomfort from wearing a vest. Besides, by the time you put it on in the water a strong current or wind may have carried your yak and paddle far from you. Leash everything you don't want to lose. Leash your paddle unless you want to have to swim after it (wind and currents). When you can afford it, get a yak that's at least 12' or longer. Longer yaks have better glide and handle chop much better than shorter ones. I started open water fishing in a 9' Hobie Lanai. It was nice and stable but as soon as the water got choppy, it was really hard to paddle. I've since upgraded to an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 that I got on Craig's for $425. It made a huge difference. One last tip is to warn your wife that You have now gotten into a highly addictive hobby. Last edited by Orca Winfrey; 04-03-2016 at 10:40 AM.