New Guy, New Yak, and maiden voyage - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Cadiyak · 02-06-2013, 09:58 PM

Hey guys, I figure I'll introduce myself since I seemed to get more than a few double takes on the water this Saturday.

My name's Eric, I come from the PB'r world, but now that I have two small kids, a house without boat storage and no time to prepare my boat, fuel it, launch it, drive it, fish it, drive it, retrieve it, wash it, drop it off in storage (you get the idea), I needed to find a way to make use of all the tackle I've acquired and hoarded over the years.

Last year I spotted a Hobie Bravo hull for sale on Craigslist for $75 bucks and thought that might make an interesting fishing skiff. It's a polyethylene catamaran made for sailing. I pondered putting a motor of some sort on it, but without a pink and any form of VIN#, I figured it would be too much of a PIA to deal with the DMV trying to get it CF #'s. Plus, a little exercise might do me good.

I spent the last month rigging it up. When I got the hull, there was nothing on it, other than two hatches. I added handles, 8 rod holders, kayak seat, foam padding, oar locks, oars, bungee lashing cords, bait tank, pump, fish finder, gps, 12v power, 6v power, two access hatches with storage bags for tackle/vhf storage. Due to the width and best location for me to sit, I need to row rather than paddle.

As you can see, it is somewhat on the larger size, hence the moniker, "Cadiyak".

DSC00590.jpg

Here's a picture of the bait tank and electronics. I found out about this site when I was looking for ideas on how to make the bait tank, thanks guys.

Baittank_Electronics.jpg

So, last Saturday was the maiden voyage/shake down trip. Prior to that, I'd only been on it in the swimming pool to figure out where to position the seat and oar locks. As you can see, the conditions were treacherous

Launch.jpg

The launch went smooth, the conditions were epic, shorts and t-shirts and I was able to cruise at 3 knots. Not bad, basically 20 minutes to "the spot". The hull is extremely stable and dry. I was able to fish standing up when my legs needed a stretch. Naturally I was out there trying to get myself a nice YT. I was able to pick them up on the meter a good half dozen times, but unfortunately for me, luck was not on my side. I did manage to catch something,..... a Sandab.

At least I didn't have to wear the white stripe.

FirstCatch.jpg

All in all, everything went well, just need to do a couple little tweaks. I talked to quite a few guys out there curious as to what I was on. I do have to say, the yak crowd is much more civilized than the PB'r crowd. Good to meet you guys.

Looking forward to more time on the water.

-Eric
"Cadiyak"

(aka- Albiebac, pre-yak times)

Biggameaddict · 02-06-2013, 10:04 PM

Welcome to the site, thats a beautiful looking yak right there and you did some quality work on it. 3 knots cruising speed is pretty fast if you ask me. Enjoy the new ride.

Cbad Mike · 02-06-2013, 10:11 PM

Welcome Eric. That's a pretty bad ass set up. You just need a bbq and fridge on there and your golden. When I see you on the water I'll come say hi. I'd like to see your rig in person.

Mike

Ps. Don't pay any attention to my avatar..... Please.

PE.rider · 02-06-2013, 10:27 PM

Sweet ride. Looks like room for a Bimini top for shade.

02-06-2013, 11:30 PM

that thing is pretty cool. Sper easy to hoop net off of lots of room.

skrilla · 02-06-2013, 11:42 PM

Ah thats you who owns that crazy thing. Looks like its got room for a couch. Be sure to invite us on board during the games, when the flatscreen is setup of course..

f'nsabiki · 02-07-2013, 12:25 AM

I was one of those that did a double take on Sat. Nice set-up- my only question is WTF are crawling out of that sanddab???

Cadiyak · 02-07-2013, 09:03 AM

Thanks for the compliments guys.

Hey, trust me, with all the real estate available on this thing, it's hard for me to try and stay honest and loyal to minimalist philosophy of kayaking. I'd like to keep it simple, but I still have tons of parts and what-not floating around at home from years in boating. Hopefully the winter won't be too long, giving me too much time to tinker in the garage.

We'll see...

As to the what's crawling out of the Sanddab, yeah, I didn't notice them 'til after I took the picture, and then I quickly flicked them over the side. Kinda like overgrown bedbugs....disgusting!

To bad the weather's not looking good this weekend, maybe next weekend,
Eric

Quilted Germ · 02-07-2013, 09:21 AM

That thing looks awesome.....Would be sweet if you could use the mirage drive to propel you but whatever....very cool.

sharjak · 02-07-2013, 10:08 AM

Sweet looking ride, look at all that real estate

jorluivil · 02-07-2013, 11:17 AM

That thing is bad *ss!!!

That would be perfect for those long days when you get sleepy.

Matar · 02-07-2013, 11:26 AM

That thing is nice.

carbonbass · 02-07-2013, 11:33 AM

isopods! they eat your cuticles!

maui jim · 02-07-2013, 12:02 PM

Ok. ..... Someone has to ask
Hows the surf landings? ?

I do like the real estate though, room to nap

:c

fishing-kayak · 02-07-2013, 01:51 PM

Welcome to our forum, have a nice stay here.
P.s that looks awesome, please show us more.

MrPatrick · 02-07-2013, 03:39 PM

I dub thee "Luke Skywalker". And that is a most excellent "wave speeder"!

JeffB · 02-07-2013, 06:33 PM

That thing is tight! I have never seen one of those before. Shoot, for $75 I would say got a hell of a deal some.

jorluivil · 02-07-2013, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maui jim

Ok. ..... Someone has to ask
Hows the surf landings? ?

I do like the real estate though, room to nap

:c

Someone has to ask

Which side is the bow of the kayak?

roadx · 02-07-2013, 07:31 PM

dude!!!
that thing is Fing swheet!! i was waiting to retire ( 18months) to build me the same basic platform. i sure would like to go for a spin to see what i like, and how i can use it to my needs.

good job bro..

Cadiyak · 02-07-2013, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maui jim

Ok. ..... Someone has to ask
Hows the surf landings? ?

I do like the real estate though, room to nap

:c

Hah! The jury is still out on that one. That's the reason I went out the first time when it was 0-1 at The Shores. Honestly, it did grab an edge for a second coming in, but I was able to straighten her out. I'm thinking it could get sporty anything over 3, so I'm going to stick with 0-3 for my days. I'm hoping having two oars to work with will help keep it straight, kinda like white water rafting style. Another option will be making a "landing drogue" if it becomes an issue.

We'll see, hopefully not too many yard sales......

02-06-2013, 09:58 PM	#1
Cadiyak Junior Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 14	New Guy, New Yak, and maiden voyage Hey guys, I figure I'll introduce myself since I seemed to get more than a few double takes on the water this Saturday. My name's Eric, I come from the PB'r world, but now that I have two small kids, a house without boat storage and no time to prepare my boat, fuel it, launch it, drive it, fish it, drive it, retrieve it, wash it, drop it off in storage (you get the idea), I needed to find a way to make use of all the tackle I've acquired and hoarded over the years. Last year I spotted a Hobie Bravo hull for sale on Craigslist for $75 bucks and thought that might make an interesting fishing skiff. It's a polyethylene catamaran made for sailing. I pondered putting a motor of some sort on it, but without a pink and any form of VIN#, I figured it would be too much of a PIA to deal with the DMV trying to get it CF #'s. Plus, a little exercise might do me good. I spent the last month rigging it up. When I got the hull, there was nothing on it, other than two hatches. I added handles, 8 rod holders, kayak seat, foam padding, oar locks, oars, bungee lashing cords, bait tank, pump, fish finder, gps, 12v power, 6v power, two access hatches with storage bags for tackle/vhf storage. Due to the width and best location for me to sit, I need to row rather than paddle. As you can see, it is somewhat on the larger size, hence the moniker, "Cadiyak". DSC00590.jpg Here's a picture of the bait tank and electronics. I found out about this site when I was looking for ideas on how to make the bait tank, thanks guys. Baittank_Electronics.jpg So, last Saturday was the maiden voyage/shake down trip. Prior to that, I'd only been on it in the swimming pool to figure out where to position the seat and oar locks. As you can see, the conditions were treacherous Launch.jpg The launch went smooth, the conditions were epic, shorts and t-shirts and I was able to cruise at 3 knots. Not bad, basically 20 minutes to "the spot". The hull is extremely stable and dry. I was able to fish standing up when my legs needed a stretch. Naturally I was out there trying to get myself a nice YT. I was able to pick them up on the meter a good half dozen times, but unfortunately for me, luck was not on my side. I did manage to catch something,..... a Sandab. At least I didn't have to wear the white stripe. FirstCatch.jpg All in all, everything went well, just need to do a couple little tweaks. I talked to quite a few guys out there curious as to what I was on. I do have to say, the yak crowd is much more civilized than the PB'r crowd. Good to meet you guys. Looking forward to more time on the water. -Eric "Cadiyak" (aka- Albiebac, pre-yak times)

02-06-2013, 10:04 PM	#2
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	Welcome to the site, thats a beautiful looking yak right there and you did some quality work on it. 3 knots cruising speed is pretty fast if you ask me. Enjoy the new ride. __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

02-06-2013, 11:42 PM	#6
skrilla Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 664	Ah thats you who owns that crazy thing. Looks like its got room for a couch. Be sure to invite us on board during the games, when the flatscreen is setup of course.. __________________ Urban Camo Trident 13

02-07-2013, 09:03 AM	#8
Cadiyak Junior Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 14	Thanks for the compliments guys. Hey, trust me, with all the real estate available on this thing, it's hard for me to try and stay honest and loyal to minimalist philosophy of kayaking. I'd like to keep it simple, but I still have tons of parts and what-not floating around at home from years in boating. Hopefully the winter won't be too long, giving me too much time to tinker in the garage. We'll see... As to the what's crawling out of the Sanddab, yeah, I didn't notice them 'til after I took the picture, and then I quickly flicked them over the side. Kinda like overgrown bedbugs....disgusting! To bad the weather's not looking good this weekend, maybe next weekend, Eric Last edited by Cadiyak; 02-07-2013 at 10:16 AM.

02-07-2013, 09:21 AM	#9
Quilted Germ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cardiff, Ca Posts: 185	That thing looks awesome.....Would be sweet if you could use the mirage drive to propel you but whatever....very cool. __________________ Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

02-06-2013, 10:11 PM	#3
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	Welcome Eric. That's a pretty bad ass set up. You just need a bbq and fridge on there and your golden. When I see you on the water I'll come say hi. I'd like to see your rig in person. Mike Ps. Don't pay any attention to my avatar..... Please.

02-06-2013, 10:27 PM	#4
PE.rider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: OC, CA Posts: 234	Sweet ride. Looks like room for a Bimini top for shade.

02-06-2013, 11:30 PM	#5
madncrzydm Guest Posts: n/a	that thing is pretty cool. Sper easy to hoop net off of lots of room.

02-07-2013, 12:25 AM	#7
f'nsabiki Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 304	I was one of those that did a double take on Sat. Nice set-up- my only question is WTF are crawling out of that sanddab???

02-07-2013, 10:08 AM	#10
sharjak Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South OC Posts: 102	Sweet looking ride, look at all that real estate

02-07-2013, 11:17 AM	#11
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	That thing is bad *ss!!! That would be perfect for those long days when you get sleepy. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

02-07-2013, 11:26 AM	#12
Matar I am just me. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Lake Forest Posts: 135	That thing is nice.

02-07-2013, 11:33 AM	#13
carbonbass Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 367	isopods! they eat your cuticles!

02-07-2013, 12:02 PM	#14
maui jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cypress, CA Posts: 789	Ok. ..... Someone has to ask Hows the surf landings? ? I do like the real estate though, room to nap :c __________________

02-07-2013, 01:51 PM	#15
fishing-kayak Junior Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 15	Welcome to our forum, have a nice stay here. P.s that looks awesome, please show us more. __________________ fishing-kayak.net

02-07-2013, 03:39 PM	#16
MrPatrick Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Waiting to launch Posts: 1,381	I dub thee..... I dub thee "Luke Skywalker". And that is a most excellent "wave speeder"!

02-07-2013, 06:33 PM	#17
JeffB Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: La Jolla Posts: 1,216	That thing is tight! I have never seen one of those before. Shoot, for $75 I would say got a hell of a deal some. __________________ If you're looking for me I'm

02-07-2013, 07:31 PM	#19
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	dude!!! that thing is Fing swheet!! i was waiting to retire ( 18months) to build me the same basic platform. i sure would like to go for a spin to see what i like, and how i can use it to my needs. good job bro.. __________________