[THE DARKHORSE]

08-13-2009, 02:46 PM	#1
mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34	Thoughts on rod lengths/cheaper reels for yakking Hi everyone. I finally got my 'yaks (two malibu x-factors) and am slowly getting used to paddling/safety issues by going out to Puddingstone lake in San Dimas, CA with my 4 and 6 year old boys with my wife...very cool indeed! My question is to rod lengths for when I finally get the balls to head out to La Jolla (I think I'll hit some of the local bays first before I take that plunge!) I've read many articles on here and it seems that most people were recommending longer rods to go around the 'yak. My logic, however, is that it would be better to have shorter, more powerful ones to get the fish up faster as well as having them closer to you for gaff. Having not actually caught anything off the yak yet, is it really bad if you can't get your line around the bow? To me, it seemed like you could just pull your rod perpendicular to the yak, I mean, how much angle can they really get on you? Please explain if I'm thinking about it wrong...at any rate, I got a great deal on some Seeker American Series rods that are a little shorter (5-6.5 feet) that I think will make great rods for the yak. After reading about the wear and tear, I'm also reluctant to put my avets on there as well, any suggestions? I have a TLD-30 I might make my 'kelp cutter' rig. What would be a good surface iron reel? I saw some recent posts about the Shimano 6500B spinning reel (I have this) and since you let the yak go for a ride anyways, I figured this might be a good choice for accuracy. Thanks for any info!

08-13-2009, 05:36 PM	#4
mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34	Do you guys like the 4.9 or 6.1 ratios? Thanks for the help!

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34

Hey CJ! Don't know if you remember me, I'm the guy you helped put the Thule racks on the van, then needed longer straps. The straps worked perfectly! I'm taking the stock straps that came with the thule racks and using them to bind the two yaks together to make it even more stable. Ended up not doing the ones to the front and back like you said. So I'm thinking get a 4.9 for bait fishing, 6.1 to throw irons. I have a SWEET 9' Seeker UULA I bought a month ago, but would be afraid to bring it on the yak for throwing irons. What do you guys think about the Shimano 6500b baitrunner spinning reel I have for throwing iron? I was thinking of putting a little heavy mono to start (so the spectra won't cut into the spool) then spectra, then a top shot. Lastly, I've read about the 'kelp cutters' but what about throwing irons close to the kelp, should these be 'kelp cutters' also? Wouldn't it be a drag though with just a few feet of fluorocarbon to change irons? I know you're not supposed to use swivels, what about putting a swivel at the end of the spectra, then your 3-4 feet of fluoro, so that when you've run out, you just tie on another few feet. What do you guys think? Thanks!

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34	Do you run into problems with the kelp doing that? (too much mono/fish runs into kelp) Or do you use really heavy mono when using irons? Thanks.

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mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34

Man, such awesome responses...I love this community!! I guess I have to come clean with you guys... I have a bit of a shark phobia, goes WAYYYYY back to seeing Jaws when I was 11...that's what's making me be chicken s--t to go out. I read about the attack on TWO kayakers off malibu in 1989 and it's really spooked me. I know all the facts/figures but couple this attack with the recent 'upending' of that lady off Catalina (man, that could have been REALLY bad) and I'm just kind of paralyzed to go out there. Also, I'm not a veteran fisherman from the boats moving to a yak, I'm a noob period. I'm afraid of getting out there and doing something really stupid....sooooooooo I guess I'm kinda asking if there's a Sunday in the next few weeks when somebody(s) would like to head out there? I live in Rancho Cucamonga and could get up as early as needed to get to La Jolla (I figure that's the candy store right now, yes?) Thanks again guys for all the GREAT advice. I hadn't even thought about the spectra backlashes...I'm getting better casting my avets, but am still pretty green. I think straight 40 mono for my 2 speed SX will be the way to go for the 'iron launcher'. Same for the bait rig, for now. I have to admit, I'm a little afraid to bring the 9' out there just yet. It is a BEAUTIFUL set up (maroonish ultra seeker with matching red sx 2 speed---I got my wife to 'allow' it since I switched jobs to be closer to home!!!) and I wouldn't want it to go over. Lastly, how hard is it to get back on the boat? I'm a big 320 6'3" guy and am a little concerned about that. I think I'll practice it out at Puddingstone b4 I go out. Don't have the balls to actually do it in the ocean! Again, my sincere thanks to you all for helping me out! mike collins

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34	Sorry guys, I meant I have a JX two speed...

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34

thanks guys! Thanks everybody for the encouragement, pms and offers. I just started back to school (I teach band so I have no life....) so I don't have much time right now, but I plan on taking one of those guided tours in the fall to go lobster hooping at night and I will DEFINITELY take you guys up on your offers to go out next summer. I'd like to go out on a guided class with Jim Sammons or one of the guys here before I start going out on my own or even with you guys so I don't do 'stupid noob mistake #1,2,3,4,.......' I'm starting to feel a little better about the shark thing...I still creep out when I see all the pictures of guys holding their fish with their legs dangling in the water though!! Also, regarding the original issues, I think my Seeker american series rods will do great for the yak. I have 3 jx 2 speeds plus my sx for calicos so I think I'm set. Last question to you guys though, what are your thoughts on sabiki rigs? It sounds cool to actually get one of those Ahi rigs that OEX cuts down, but I've read of people actually getting hooked up with big fish while making bait...it sounds kind of scary to get hooked up with something like that. Could you get pulled in ont the sabiki rig? I have two nice little trout spinning rods I use for fresh water (4lb test) that I think would do the job nicely, but messily (all the sabiki hooks dangling around) Anybody have ideas on which is better, how you do it? Again, thanks for all the great ideas, encouragement...I was tempted to hit you guys up to go out Labor Day weekend, but chickened out and am going out on the Seahorse with some noob friends for an overnighter....plus, I'm 320lbs and REALLY want to be able to get around my stomach (as in see it disappear!) before I trust going out on the open ocean. It's hard for me to open the hatch below me because of my 'Round Table Pizza/Burrito Belly'... Thanks, again! Mike in Rancho Cucamonga

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34

Excited Guys, I'm so excited at going out tomorrow! Eric is going out today so I'll know how things are biting soon. With the intense heat, I'm hoping the water heats up and we see some action. With things being so warm, do you guys think swim trunks and a decent shirt/hat/good sunblock is enough? How much water do you bring on board? I was thinking of going to bass pro shops (closest thing to me...no 'oex-type' places I know of nearby) to get some yakking clothes, but I don't just want to run out and buy any old thing if trunks/what I have will work in this weather. Also, I don't think I can stay the entire day so exposure shouldn't be a big issue. Any last minute advice? I'm thinking of bringing the following: LX 6.01 40lb straight mono/matched calstar rod--bait rig/yo-yo jig rig. JX 2 speed spectra backing but 90-100yds 40lb top shot matching seeker american series rod--surface jig. The rod is only 6 1/2 feet long but I really don't want to bring my 9' ULUA super seeker on the first trip to take a dump and lose it or something else... SX 15lb mono seeker matched blue series for calicos/bonito. I have one of those Sabiki rods but don't want the hassle of putting the SX on/off it so I think I'll bring a little 4lb test trout spinning rod I have. I figure this is enough for first time, no? I have weights/hooks/Tady 45s in a few colors and the Tady surface ones as well. I have some jig baits as well for calicos. The only thing I'm wondering is will the trout sabiki be a big hassle on the yak? Should I get a cheap little newell or something to put on it? Or even duct tape the spinning reel to it? Can't wait!!!!

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34	Last question: Do you guys tie your gear on before heading out (jig/hooks/weight) or wait til you get out there? I would figure it's cool to troll while you're paddling out there, but have no idea how far it is to the kelp...is it just a 100 yards or so, or much further? Thanks!

mikecollins86 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 34	I lied...REAL last question: do you guys have a good address handy that the GPS on my car will put me close to the La Jolla launch? I'm assuming the launch is the same as the camera on this site? Also, where do you park after that? Will I need quarters/cash for parking? Thanks!

THE DARKHORSE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 637

Just do it! Quote: Originally Posted by mikecollins86 Hi everyone. I finally got my 'yaks (two malibu x-factors) and am slowly getting used to paddling/safety issues by going out to Puddingstone lake in San Dimas, CA with my 4 and 6 year old boys with my wife...very cool indeed! Fantastic iron platform, great boat! My question is to rod lengths for when I finally get the balls to head out to La Jolla (I think I'll hit some of the local bays first before I take that plunge!) The bay's cool and all, but this is peak season for big fish...a.k.a. easy fishing for Yellowtail. Get the balls to fish La Jolla? There's no surf 90% of the time and the X-Factor is great in the surf. La Jolla's just like the bay...with giant fish . My advice would be to fish the bay when the weather doesn't permit fishing the ocean: heavy rain with 25 mph wind. I've read many articles on here and it seems that most people were recommending longer rods to go around the 'yak. My logic, however, is that it would be better to have shorter, more powerful ones to get the fish up faster as well as having them closer to you for gaff. Shorter rods have better leverage, yep, it's true. Having not actually caught anything off the yak yet, is it really bad if you can't get your line around the bow? To me, it seemed like you could just pull your rod perpendicular to the yak, I mean, how much angle can they really get on you? No need to have a rod long enough to go around the bow. My favorite rod for yo-yo iron is 5' long (rated 30-80 lb), or 5' short I should say. This rod has caught tons of giant Yellowtail and I never even thought of trying to cross sides of the kayak in the heat of battle, absolutely no need. Just point the rod straight down if the fish runs to the other side at color or gaff and the kayak will swing accordingly, easy! Please explain if I'm thinking about it wrong...at any rate, I got a great deal on some Seeker American Series rods that are a little shorter (5-6.5 feet) that I think will make great rods for the yak. Those are perfect for a kayak, stainless guides, lifetime blank warranty, nuff said. After reading about the wear and tear, I'm also reluctant to put my avets on there as well, any suggestions? I have a TLD-30 I might make my 'kelp cutter' rig. What would be a good surface iron reel? I saw some recent posts about the Shimano 6500B spinning reel (I have this) and since you let the yak go for a ride anyways, I figured this might be a good choice for accuracy. Sounds like you have everything you need already. Use your brand new jig-stick, that's what it's for. If you can cast a 9' rod with the best of them from the bow of a sportie, then you can cast with the best of them sitting down. On the other hand, if you just have a beautiful jig-stick and can't cast for crap from the bow of a sportie, then you'll still cast like crap from a kayak . Not bringing your jig-stick would be like telling your dog you're going for a walk, then getting out his leash and going on a walk by yourself . I've never owned rod leashes, but if your concerned they're great until you gain a little confidence...especially with nice gear. You don't need to go buy crap gear to fish off a kayak, you control the wear and tear, right? The X-Factor is a stable/dry ride and if you want to be 100% sure about those clean Avets, and I'm sure you do, it's really not a big deal. Just don't bolt them on, this makes for an easy breakdown outside the surf, wrap them in a towel to prevent scratching, then put them inside a dry bag when you come in, easy! Thanks for any info! I can see the post now: "My first Yellowtail from the kayak"...just do it! __________________

Like many others before him, Mike joined the kayak community with questions a plenty .

And I'll go ahead and thank the kayak community for answering 90% of his questions before we met. This allowed me to concentrate on the task at hand---the simple things---finding fish and keeping the line tight when Mike got his shot.



After a brutal fight, complete with heavy kelpage--- a trophy Yellowtail smiled for the camera.



Like many before him, Mike put his 'fear of the unknown' aside and made a decision to, well, 'just do it!'---and did everything perfect when he got his shot. Twice!