cheezledzul

That's the 2nd time you welcomed me! Guess that makes me pretty special ?? Hopefully I can start turning these failures into success and figure out what I'm doing wrong ?

I've seen the anchor float. Looked like a solid idea, wouldnt hurt anyways. Will inexpensive 550 cord work well with an anchor? Or do I need to buy the nylon marine rope? I have tons of paracord so if there wont be any problems I'll prefer to save money and use that. I only need an anchor trolly for one side of the kayak right? My dad assumed I'd need one on each side but I dont see a big enough benefit for it. I'd also need a 2nd anchor.5

I have no problem to retrieve my paddle, I'll have to see on this kayak but I think tieing it will get in the way. I'm just on lakes so not too worried about very strong currents or it going too far. My rod and reel is another story. that I have some 550 cord and a caribiner to get it off quick. Dont want that sinking to the bottom. I have a lot of fixed blades but they're all some kind of carbon. Looking into something stainless but may just get a used griptillian folder for like $80. Never like folders though. I love my fixed blades lol The kayak has bungees on both sides of the kayak so as long as I get some kind of anchor/trolly I shouldnt need much quick access to the paddle

I grew up like 15-20 min south of harriman. Thats where my kayak will be. Exit 7/8 I think harriman is like 16. Eventually I'll go there but my buddy that grew up here tells me harriman, congers, Rockland lake all get fished out pretty early. Hopefully that's not the case. I haven't been to most of the harriman lakes so I'll have to spend time figuring out the layout of each lake when I can go

Ahh alright, I was just up there at Stewart this past weekend. My first big trip. Got skunked 3 days lol. Even my cousin whos on that lake every other weekend. Girlfriend was the only one to catch a rock bass at Stewart and another cousin got some real small sm at Lake George by the ferries. Im right outside the city so trying to figure out where people down here are gravitating towards. ?

Yeah I'm not really looking to "trick out" this kayak. More buying things that I need and would be able to use for a future kayak. Like the anchor/stick. I didnt know about the stick or trolly before this post and I've been doing some research. So that's what I'm trying to get out of this. Info that I can learn more about and help with the basics. Also if I like this kayak enough I may stay with it. Theres a pretty good chance I'll be off to basic training by next spawn so I wouldnt buy a new kayak for a while. I'm for sure one that likes to tinker, research, and upgrade to better things. Tend to learn everything I can very quickly. Good and bad to my madness. @NYWayfarer where abouts in NY are you? Also I've been reading and almost have the impression anchor sticks are more for shallower inshore saltwater fishing then fresh

@flyfisher what is a stake out pole? I'll look into getting a crate, I'm in the process of buying plano boxes to use in the kayak. I have a nice tackle box but probably not as convenient on the kayak. Awesome kayak man! I'm assuming that seat came with the kayak? Do you know of any companies that makes universal seats like that? Not now but in the future I may look for an upgrade. Already noticed in my tandem sit in, it would be nice to have a little more room to rotate my hips and knees. Which is why I'm leaning towards this sit on top anyways. @IgotWood I went fishing an I rec tandem this weekend on a large lake. Already started to get an idea of what I need. Was just hoping to see if anyone had any unique solutions and if there is a common accessory/method everyone uses to get some ideas so I can see if it would help me next time out in my yak. Thanks!

Would you happen to remember what lights you bought your in law? My local lakes are pretty small and dont have a lot of boat traffic even during the day on weekends. At least not anything motorized. maybe 1-2 with more of a trolling motor if anything. I think one of the lakes might not allow a motor or restrict to gas anyways. Those are both about 15 min away and I'll be going to them most often till I become a more experienced fisherman. In addition to my headlamp I'll probably use my bike lights for the front and back for now which are actually very strong for their size. I'll look for some deals on quality kayak nav lights so I'll have them for bigger trips and random busy local nights. Thanks everyone, tight lines!

Thanks for the welcome! Tried fishing from a tandem rec which was fun but impossible to load on the car and then carry to launch alone. So I've been thinking about getting an inexpensive solo kayak once the season is over and sales start and fish from it because fishing kayaks are expensive. Cheap ones aren't much different from rec kayaks. But for $150 i figured it looks like it has mostly everything that I need to fish with. I've never heard of an anchor trolly so thanks a lot! Just saved me a lot of hassle. 1.5lb anchor is good right? The hatch is a removeable waterproof storage tank. See image (screen shot from youtube) it was the best I image could find quickly. You mean take it out and tow it. Then add a plastic milk crate for tackle/gear? Any other accessories youd call essential? Are scupper plugs important? and will a $50 paddle be sufficient for now? Also it has a 250lb weight capacity. I'm 165lbs. With the paddle, anchor, tacklebox, small net and 1 rod, maybe 1 more lightweight 5'5" rod. Plus a cooler with a few bottles of water. I should be ok weight wise right? Even when I get a lot more tackle I shouldnt ever exceed 10lbs for all my tackle and lures right? Right now I just have the basics. worm hooks, yum dingers, a few spinners, some 3/8 bullet weights and soon a jerk bait and some kind of topwater popper or creature.

Sorry in advance for the long post but I believe it all necessary info. Images and specs below. I am buying my first fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS from my cousin for $150. I am 5'5" 165lbs. https://www.sundolphin.com/fishing-kayaks/journey-10-ss/ It comes with everything as it would new except the middle rod holder and paddle ($30). The rod holder I can buy and will use my old paddle until I find another cheap paddle for $30-50. Hes also including J hooks for car crossbars. I'll probably find a nice pad to sit on and will buy scupper plugs to keep the water out. I have a headlamp and 2 water resistant tail lights for my road bike I'll use for night fishing. The 2 small compartments by knees are partly rubber so I'll prob use that for 2 small plano boxes for my main tackle and bait. Aside for that I'll get an anchor because I hated drifting a lot when I was using my tandem rec kayak. Do people use 2 anchors to keep from rotating? Or do you just mount 1 in the rear, front, or middle? Also is 10' too short? I'll be fishing small - large lakes with some current occasionally. What's your opinions on sit on top kayaks for fishing? Negatives/positives? Is there anything else I would need or any important features that are not included? SPECS: Two flush mount rod holder, One swivel rod holder, Large comfortable seating area with adjustable padded seat, Self-bailing, Storage compartments, P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) can be used as extra storage or towed behind in water. Shock cord deck rigging, Protective thigh pads, bungee cords on both sides for paddle storage. L 10' x W 30" x H 11" Weight 44lbs

I have 2 small, good lights for the back of my road bike. It has settings for different flash and solid modes. I'll probably clip one to my back and one on the front of the yak to use once it gets dark. but I highly doubt I'll see anyone else on the water anyways. Those should be sufficient as warning lights.

Sounds good. I'm always compliant and whatnot so shouldnt hsve a problem if one arises. I found the following the minimum kayak navigation light required under Rule 25 by U.S.C.G. is "an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision." This means a 300 lumen headlamp should be sufficient? Theres nothing stating any specific lighting is needed or perminately fixed to the kayak.

Just wondering if there are generally specific hours you can be on the water? I know it may vary by state but I have been unable to find any information online for the 3 local areas. I did find hours for 2 lakes at a local state park but those 2 lakes are the only ones in the state park that have beaches and boat launches. The hours were found among information for the beaches not boating/kayaking. I figured even if it were for the launches those 2 require the purchase of a separate key and if the hours were for the launch then they would have included the other 5 lakes in the state park. Even if the launches close can I just launch from shore? (shore launch is allowed) I get home at 6:30pm weekdays and weekends have been thunderstorms non stop so I was hoping I could take out my kayak and 300 lumens headlamp and do some fishing at night. If lakes generally dont have hours that you can be on the water in a boat/kayak then Ill just head out and see if I can find some info while there. If many do tend to have a time limit to be on the water I will call first. Theyve been hard to reach in the past so I am trying to see if you all have some info for me! Leaning towards hours not being a problem as long as the park is open. Thanks

Ok, I was worried about the split ring cutting the knot. Thanks

Oh, forgot to ask. Do I tie the braid directly to the lure? Im not sure how to do this because theres a split ring at the top.

I doubt it, for 15lbs it takes 240yds. Used a 300yd spool and theres a lot left. Had around 1/8th inch left from max. Image when I first put line on.

Well I'm assuming partly because of the breeze but I couldnt keep the line tight much at all. And besides that which was most likely the situation. It was unraveling from the reel pretty often. I kept having to cast far after just to hold the line and respool. Even when it didnt seem to unravel I'd look down and see long crosses and weird overlaps on the spool. even at night when the breeze was gone I still had difficulties keeping the line tight and spooling correctly every couple retrieves. Again I'm assuming its user error. 15lb powerpro spectra.

Although definately disappointed and discouraged I'm still excited to get out again. Next weekend is a 3 day camping trip where I know there are tons of sm. Definately figured out a bunch of things. For some reason found myself getting pretty frustrated with braid and the reel (spinning). Not sure if it needs to get stretched out or I'm just a noob. Just put the braid on yesterday. Hopefully that gets better.

Only have 15lb braid, medium, fast action rod. I'll pick up some black w/blue. Going on a weekend trip next weekend, not sure what the water will be like. I went back and got 2 carp lol. Brought my spirits up a tad but still not what I was looking for. I'll figure it out!

That veg in the pic was everywhere the lily pads werent on the shoreline. It broke off easy but the 3/16 was steel. I have better tungsten I'll use if I see that again didnt wanna lose them. Today was more of a test. Everything I have is new. So you just fish the edges of that stuff or you punch through too? Same with lily pads? I need to buy better spinners. Only had small roostertails. Worms darker than watermelon red flake pictured? That is my "dark" worm right now lol. Black blue flake? Something like that? I need to buy another pack anyways. Only have red flake, watermelon pearl lam, and bluegill swimbait that I didnt use. Figured out a lot of fish in there are carp. So I need to do a better job locating the bass I guess. I saw they were mostly carp but saw a few bass in the clearer section.

Massive failure. Technique/bait color reccomedation for next time? Went at 7am rained a little yesterday. 70 degrees out. The water was very merky, maybe 2 inches visibility and a constant breeze. Started on a dock/boat launch with lilly's on my right under shade and lots of tall red, grass and lily along the shore to my left. Saw a lot of action yesterday when checking it out and today saw a lot of movement. Started with a roostertail and then 4" watermelon red flake yum dinger weighted and weightless. Fail. Tried everywhere and every speed I could think of. Wind was a huge pain in the ass. Then moved to a raised boardwalk on the opposite side which is surrounded by lilly's and grass type weeds under water (pictured) that was EVERYWHERE. Saw tons of pretty big bass and fish I couldnt identify. Clarity was a little better. Def were moving a lot and feeding on the grass type weed (pictured what is it?) but they wouldn't pay any mind to my worm. Weighted and weightless. Watermelon red flake and watermelon lam. Only lost 1 weighted rig! Thats a bonus. I could literally see them and would cast past and slowly reel it in front of them but they didnt even turn and look at it. Even when it hit them in the face. Maybe got 1 nibble all day and wasnt even sure. Also little baitfish everywhere. Thousands. Sad day. Must try again.

So dont let it sink much just a normal reel and occasional jerk? Deeper water or shallow? I'm new, cranks are somewhat foreign and never heard of a rattle trap

Trying to figure out what kind of lure this is and if it's worth using. If so need to know how to fish it. At some sports store about 20 years ago my father encouraged me to try a challenge to cast into a bucket and win a lure. I dont remember making it but I must have been super cute because they gave me this one lol! It says Norman, it feels fairly hefty and like its filled with rattles. Pretty sure it stinks but cant remember. It would be cool if I could land some fish on it, I never did the few times I tried it.

Actually bought Yum Dinger not GYCB. Gotta stop calling them senkos... I actually bought 13 - VMC Fast grip wide gap 3/0 for $4.50 and 10 - VMC Heavy Duty Wide gap 3/0 for $10. I guess I should pick up a 14 pack of the fast grip ones for $4.50? I was planning on using the 3/0 Heavy duty for the yum dingers but your saying they will destroy the bait. Are they even worth keeping then? Btw im buying VMC only because they seem slightly cheaper and some have the resin over the eye.. otherwise idk the difference.

1/0 worm hook? Heavy duty or regular? Are 1/0 hooks used for anything else? Since I just spent a decent amount on gear and rigs I'd prefer to get things with multiple uses. Aside from senkos and the swimbait I'm trying to figure out if my old roostertails will work to search them out or if I need spinners. Then the next is probably a deep dive crankbait since its end of summer. Since I'm new to this I'm trying to wait till I know what I'm doing to get more specific bait and rigs.