Question from a prospective newb - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

jorluivil · 01-23-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

Hi all,
I have lived inland all my life and recently moved to the coast.
I have been loving the fly fishing here both off the beach and in the SD bay.

My float tube has seen better days and its time to get something new. I figured why not look at all of the options including a kayak which is what brought me here.

First of all....welcome to BWE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

For me, the pros of the tube are comfort, hands free to fish while the legs do the work, portability, easy storage etc.
The main con is not being able to travel great distances due to the drag of the tube and often battling against wind and current. Despite this I have been very fortunate in the places I have fished and have caught hundreds of fish in the 7 months I have been fishing here.

There are many things to consider on your first yak purchase
money
money
money
& you guessed it, money

All kidding aside. Unless you live in an apartment and have no place to securely store your kayak there are several storage solutions out there for you. If you want to stick to the 'hands free' style of fishing my suggestion would be a Hobie. I'm not promoting it because I own one but because I've owned both paddle and peddle types. Ask most most people that have owned both style of kayaks and 9 out of 10 of them will say they regret not buying a Hobie sooner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

I have always dreamed about one day owning a fishing kayak and heading out to sea. However I really do get sea sick. I borrowed a friends kayak, launched from Fletcher's cove and did a couple of miles towards LJ. I really started feeling ill and had to beach in a hurry!!

I've only had the urge to toss my cookies once and I held it in, I didn't peddle back to the beach, I held my ground. That's the day I landed two WSB in under an hour. If you have to toss your cookies just do it. It will make you feel a lot better and you'll be providing free chum. Perhaps, you can try some sea sick pills like dramamine or the medicated patch until you get the hang of it. I've heard of some herbal, legal herbal, solutions but have never tried them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

So, if I were to get a kayak its only use would be to fish in the bay.
My sessions in the tube last 3 to 4 hours (held to ransom by my bladder!).
I am also concerned about lower back pain with ones legs stretched forward for so long. I am 6'1" 210lbs and at 52 my body is not as supple as it once was!

I'm a sexy 5'10' and 230lbs and 41yrs old. On average I'm on the water once a week and usually spend about 8hrs on the water. Yes, it does get uncomfortable after about the 6th hour but once you catch that big fish you forget all about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

Given the above would I still be a candidate for a kayak (inflatable or rigid) and if so what kind?

You will be carrying to many sharp objects on your kayak so I would recommend you stay away from the inflatables.

Streak · 01-23-2012, 12:08 PM

Wow. Many thanks for all of the replies.
Yes I have had my eyes on the mirage drive Hobies and have seen them in use. Really good stuff but at a huge price!

Assuming bay only usage, what's the smallest I could go that would still give enough stability and tracking. I would have to load it onto roof racks on the car, offload the other side and carry it down to the water.

From the Revolution at 11' 6" to the Pro at 13'8".

jorluivil · 01-23-2012, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

Wow. Many thanks for all of the replies.
Yes I have had my eyes on the mirage drive Hobies and have seen them in use. Really good stuff but at a huge price!

Assuming bay only usage, what's the smallest I could go that would still give enough stability and tracking. I would have to load it onto roof racks on the car, offload the other side and carry it down to the water.

From the Revolution at 11' 6" to the Pro at 13'8".

There's no way you're putting a PA on a roofrack

I carry my outback in one of three places: my truck bed, my truck rack or my yakima rack on my accord. I DO NOT use the J-hook because the outback does not sit well in them, I carry it upside down.

blitzburgh · 01-23-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

There's no way you're putting a PA on a roofrack

Well, I would'nt exactly say no way.........

jorluivil · 01-23-2012, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitzburgh

Well, I would'nt exactly say no way.........

Is that safe? I was basing this on the amount of weight that the racks state they should carry and the fact that he has a bad back.

wiredantz · 01-23-2012, 12:55 PM

I know my sedan can carry about 160lbs on the roof, the big plastic boat should be fine.....

maybe .... lol

blitzburgh · 01-23-2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Is that safe? I was basing this on the amount of weight that the racks state they should carry and the fact that he has a bad back.

Completely. I've been hauling that pig around on Thule racks since March of 2010, in all kinds of conditions. They've got a published max load of 165 lbs. You're probably right about the bad back though.

RK · 01-23-2012, 12:59 PM

If your fishing within small areas,
maybe look into one of those pontoon kick boats, youll be able to unzip and piss with ease and your legs will be extended however you need..
That being said the Hobies are incredibly well built fishing crafts without a doubt the best crafted and surprisingly hold value well...
But a bit pricey especially the PA.
If you dont need to travel far and want a kayak u may want to look into the malibu stealth, I loved the 12 (just tracvked like shit and was slow)and for a bigger dude the 14 would probably be the call, you may never use the livewell flyfishing the bays, but in a lake you can throw your rainbow trout in there and keep em alive till you leave, and most importantly the stability and catsing platform are great for the money.
And Im sure Andy (iceman) has one in stock for you to try.

01-23-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Is that safe? I was basing this on the amount of weight that the racks state they should carry and the fact that he has a bad back.

I carry my Hobie PA on my roofracks as well. I have a Scion XB toaster box with Yakima racks. I find loading my PA at 135lbs 100000x easier than loading my 65lb Malibu stealth into some J racks. Once someone shows you how to do it, it becomes easy. Takes 2 minutes to get it on and off, all by myself and I also have a bad back.

Streak · 01-23-2012, 03:53 PM

Thanks again.
My back is not that screwed I just have a tendency for lower back pain and if I am seated in kayak position for many hours it may give me grief. Maybe Drake has a point though!

Stinky, I like the idea of cheap to start. I dont want to buy too wrong such that it puts me off totally. What length and type (sit on , sit in, width etc.) should I be looking for?

Also, in a non hobie, how do you guys handle the current and wind wanting to turn the boat while you are fishing? Remember I will be fly fishing so there will be even more time between positioning the boat and getting the cast off.

silverbullet · 03-25-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drake

I carry my Hobie PA on my roofracks as well. ...Takes 2 minutes to get it on and off, all by myself and I also have a bad back.

Same... carry mine on a hybrid Ford Escape....beach loads, sidewalk-down-the-stairs, and on the ramp... factory rails with Yakima crossbars (that's it).

I've hit 80mph with it on the roof and though it totally craps the gas mileage the racks held.

Check Drakes video on PA loading...it is simple. People still ask if they can give me a hand. It is much easier alone than with help.

mtnbykr2 · 01-23-2012, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitzburgh

Well, I would'nt exactly say no way.........

I was wonderin' does the air deflector help?...lol kiddin...great picture

blitzburgh · 01-23-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnbykr2

I was wonderin' does the air deflector help?...lol kiddin...great picture

Yeah it helps a lot. They call it a Fairing. It's reduces wind noise big time.

01-23-2012, 02:26 PM

Coming from someone with the back of a 80yr old man. I never have back issues in either of my kayaks. I had a High Back GTS Expedition Seat, and 4+ hours in my Stealth would not leave me feeling any pain or discomfort. Now, 8+ hours in my Hobie Pro Angler, and I feel great! No discomfort at all. All my pain is in my lower back, and the kayak does nothing to irritate or promote back pain. In fact, since having the Hobie, I have had less daily pain in my back due to the theory that "Motion is lotion"

StinkyMatt · 01-23-2012, 02:28 PM

I float tubed for many years and still miss it often.....NOT.

Get a fat stable kayak that will not make you feel uncomfortable out there.

Even if you feel like you are going to only fish bays, YOU WILL eventually want to venture out in the open again. You will.

The doctor prescribed patches work great for avoiding sickness, however you will feel a little fuzzy or behind some fog all day. The patch also made me have dry mouth like hell. I can tell you for sure that for ME ,the more I went on the water the less I started puking. I still puke one in a while but thats only when I see George pulling out a limit of WSB.

Don't be stuck on a Hobie, buy something really cheap and later upgrade if you decide to stick with it. Hobies are great (have one) but there are many, many incredible fishermen catching huge fish from non-hobies.

Hey in a kayak you can piss any time, sometimes it might even be not all over yourself!

Welcome to BWE.

battleborn · 01-24-2012, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streak

Wow. Many thanks for all of the replies.
Yes I have had my eyes on the mirage drive Hobies and have seen them in use. Really good stuff but at a huge price!

Assuming bay only usage, what's the smallest I could go that would still give enough stability and tracking. I would have to load it onto roof racks on the car, offload the other side and carry it down to the water.

From the Revolution at 11' 6" to the Pro at 13'8".

No need to carry when you have the wheels to roll it down to the water.

Streak · 01-25-2012, 08:22 AM

Again, thanks all for your useful input.
I hear what you are saying about conquering my issues with motion sickness but I know me! With the type fishing and fun I have been having in the bay (virtually on my doorstep) and off the beach I really do not see myself heading out sea.

Given this I dont want to go over the top as far as a kayak is concerned.

I have my half day on the water tomorrow in a yak and will be a whole lot better informed after that (Jim does know his stuff!!)

Streak · 03-25-2012, 11:59 AM

I had a great day on the water with Jim and found the OK very comfortable. Ihad the fly rod with me but fished mostly conventional gear.

I visited the FHS on Friday and had a long chat to the OEX folks who were very helpful.
They showed me a Wilderness Ride 115 which seemed nice and stable allowing you to stand up if desired.

Remember I really do get sea sick and will probably never head out to sea so I can size my yak according to bay conditions.

Many of the folks here really do punt the mirage drive hobies over any of the other kayaks but almost all of them are conventional gear anglers. In my tube I am fishing straight out in front of me. Many of the other fly fishing kayakers sit side ways with fins on to control the position of the yak they fish out in front of them. Given this it would seem a waste to have the mirage drive as it would be tough fishing out the front of a yak with all that yak in front of you.

Would the mirage drive be a waste of money given the type of fishing I will be doing?

I will be heading to OEX in Mission bay soon to do some test runs.

01-23-2012, 12:55 PM	#6
wiredantz Currently @ MLO Territory Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Under the Shadow Posts: 2,290	I know my sedan can carry about 160lbs on the roof, the big plastic boat should be fine..... maybe .... lol __________________ Team: Disbanded You only have one chance in this life...make the right decision(s)...so you don't regret it

01-23-2012, 12:08 PM	#2
Streak Junior Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 15	Wow. Many thanks for all of the replies. Yes I have had my eyes on the mirage drive Hobies and have seen them in use. Really good stuff but at a huge price! Assuming bay only usage, what's the smallest I could go that would still give enough stability and tracking. I would have to load it onto roof racks on the car, offload the other side and carry it down to the water. From the Revolution at 11' 6" to the Pro at 13'8".

01-23-2012, 12:59 PM	#8
RK Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 736	If your fishing within small areas, maybe look into one of those pontoon kick boats, youll be able to unzip and piss with ease and your legs will be extended however you need.. That being said the Hobies are incredibly well built fishing crafts without a doubt the best crafted and surprisingly hold value well... But a bit pricey especially the PA. If you dont need to travel far and want a kayak u may want to look into the malibu stealth, I loved the 12 (just tracvked like shit and was slow)and for a bigger dude the 14 would probably be the call, you may never use the livewell flyfishing the bays, but in a lake you can throw your rainbow trout in there and keep em alive till you leave, and most importantly the stability and catsing platform are great for the money. And Im sure Andy (iceman) has one in stock for you to try.

01-23-2012, 03:53 PM	#10
Streak Junior Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 15	Thanks again. My back is not that screwed I just have a tendency for lower back pain and if I am seated in kayak position for many hours it may give me grief. Maybe Drake has a point though! Stinky, I like the idea of cheap to start. I dont want to buy too wrong such that it puts me off totally. What length and type (sit on , sit in, width etc.) should I be looking for? Also, in a non hobie, how do you guys handle the current and wind wanting to turn the boat while you are fishing? Remember I will be fly fishing so there will be even more time between positioning the boat and getting the cast off.

01-23-2012, 02:26 PM	#14
Drake Guest Posts: n/a	Coming from someone with the back of a 80yr old man. I never have back issues in either of my kayaks. I had a High Back GTS Expedition Seat, and 4+ hours in my Stealth would not leave me feeling any pain or discomfort. Now, 8+ hours in my Hobie Pro Angler, and I feel great! No discomfort at all. All my pain is in my lower back, and the kayak does nothing to irritate or promote back pain. In fact, since having the Hobie, I have had less daily pain in my back due to the theory that "Motion is lotion"

01-23-2012, 02:28 PM	#15
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	I float tubed for many years and still miss it often.....NOT. Get a fat stable kayak that will not make you feel uncomfortable out there. Even if you feel like you are going to only fish bays, YOU WILL eventually want to venture out in the open again. You will. The doctor prescribed patches work great for avoiding sickness, however you will feel a little fuzzy or behind some fog all day. The patch also made me have dry mouth like hell. I can tell you for sure that for ME ,the more I went on the water the less I started puking. I still puke one in a while but thats only when I see George pulling out a limit of WSB. Don't be stuck on a Hobie, buy something really cheap and later upgrade if you decide to stick with it. Hobies are great (have one) but there are many, many incredible fishermen catching huge fish from non-hobies. Hey in a kayak you can piss any time, sometimes it might even be not all over yourself! Welcome to BWE.

01-25-2012, 08:22 AM	#17
Streak Junior Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 15	Again, thanks all for your useful input. I hear what you are saying about conquering my issues with motion sickness but I know me! With the type fishing and fun I have been having in the bay (virtually on my doorstep) and off the beach I really do not see myself heading out sea. Given this I dont want to go over the top as far as a kayak is concerned. I have my half day on the water tomorrow in a yak and will be a whole lot better informed after that (Jim does know his stuff!!)

03-25-2012, 11:59 AM	#18
Streak Junior Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 15	I had a great day on the water with Jim and found the OK very comfortable. Ihad the fly rod with me but fished mostly conventional gear. I visited the FHS on Friday and had a long chat to the OEX folks who were very helpful. They showed me a Wilderness Ride 115 which seemed nice and stable allowing you to stand up if desired. Remember I really do get sea sick and will probably never head out to sea so I can size my yak according to bay conditions. Many of the folks here really do punt the mirage drive hobies over any of the other kayaks but almost all of them are conventional gear anglers. In my tube I am fishing straight out in front of me. Many of the other fly fishing kayakers sit side ways with fins on to control the position of the yak they fish out in front of them. Given this it would seem a waste to have the mirage drive as it would be tough fishing out the front of a yak with all that yak in front of you. Would the mirage drive be a waste of money given the type of fishing I will be doing? I will be heading to OEX in Mission bay soon to do some test runs.