Joining The Kayak Crowd.

[bartdude186]

After a little research i decided i wanted to get a kayak for myself. I own a small 12 foot jon boat but i wanted something different, that was easier to load, unload,and not worry about a trailer. I decided a kayak was the way to go so i went to my local Academy Sports and sat in a few and despite the bad reviews the Pelican brand had in the past i am convinced that under new ownership and redesigns i would give them a shot. i have never owned a kayak before but i purchased an inexpensive one to see how i liked it. I walked out the door with a Pelican icon 120x angler and the lighest and most sturdy paddle i could find under 100 bucks, total it came out to almost 500 even. I took her straight to a local lake, figured the best way to learn is to hop on in. I was surprised at the ease of use. Tracks perfectly and pretty stable compared to what i was expecting,even landed 4 bass on my first time out in it it 2 hours. Cant wait to get it back out again, anyone have any tips for me? I'm completely new to kayaks and kayak fishing but loving it so far.

[flyfisher]

Welcome to the kayak crowd. That is a sharp looking boat for sure. One word of advice is not rig anything up until you get a few trips in and figure out where you really want stuff mounted. Enjoy your new boat and ask any questions as there are quite a few yakers on the board to help out.

[bartdude186]

Thanks for the advice, i want to install a fish/depth finder soon. Nothing fancy just something to get depth, temp, and bottom layout/structure,any advise on where and how to mount the transducer?

[flyfisher]

There are quite a few ways to do it actually. There are companies that make transducer arms that you mount and hang over the side, there is the semi-permanent lexel thru hull method, the duct seal method and then there is the cb antenna mount off a bracket method and is the one I use actually.

 

[Mr_Scrogg]

flyfisher is a wise one.

 

Congrats on the yak.  And on getting some slime on it the first trip out.

 

I have mounted transducers using Duct Seal Compound inside the hull, and I have mounted a transducer using the Deployment Arm from Harmony.  Water temps will be affected more with the ductseal compound inside the hull.  But readings were spot on for structure, depth, and cover. 

[aceman387]

Congrats on your new kayak.I bought my first one last year and i take it out 2-3 times a week.I mounted my transducer inside the hull using duct seal,you can buy it at a hardware store or a big box store.I molded or formed a ring of the duct seal inside the hull and the transducer lays in the middle of it (envision a wax ring thats used for toilets  and have the transducer lying in the center of the wax ring) i then add a little water in the ring for the transducer to shoot through the hull. One thing you will find out about fishing in a kayak is that they are so stealthy and quiet that the bass don't realize your in the area,i fish crystal clear strip pits with spooky bass and buying my kayak was the best thing i ever did.

[bartdude186]

thanks for all the tips guys. I think i'm gonna go for the thru-hull mount,just seems less likely to get torn off or damaged during transport or by stumps or rocks.I have been browsing through some different finders and have a question, does it matter what type/shape/size the transducer is to mount it inside the hull? 

[Darren.]

thanks for all the tips guys. I think i'm gonna go for the thru-hull mount,just seems less likely to get torn off or damaged during transport or by stumps or rocks.I have been browsing through some different finders and have a question, does it matter what type/shape/size the transducer is to mount it inside the hull?

Only problem with a thru-hull mount is water temp. I made a retractable mount for mine with some square aluminum tubing. But I actually take the depth finder less and less these days... Usually doesn't matter what kind of shape transducer. There are plenty of DIY mounting links on the web. Get your finder, the. Worry about the mounting.

And I agree with fly, and did it myself, using the yak for a while and then customizing it. In fact, I've done it a second time, even further simplifying my setup. It is a fun process all around.

[ClackerBuzz]

more rod holders!http://www.ebay.com/itm/FISHING-ROD-HOLDER-BLACK-90-DEG-FLUSH-MOUNT-2-PACK-BOAT-/200917753416?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2ec7a19e48

and heres a good FF mod:

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Thanks for the advice, i want to install a fish/depth finder soon. Nothing fancy just something to get depth, temp, and bottom layout/structure,any advise on where and how to mount the transducer?

I know others have bad feelings about them but I just bought the humminbird rf25 smartcast and I think it's awesome. No installs, no headache and you're not limited to just the boat/kayak. You can bring it anywhere. Google it. I love mine. No problems here.

[JDB66]

After a little research i decided i wanted to get a kayak for myself. I own a small 12 foot jon boat but i wanted something different, that was easier to load, unload,and not worry about a trailer. I decided a kayak was the way to go so i went to my local Academy Sports and sat in a few and despite the bad reviews the Pelican brand had in the past i am convinced that under new ownership and redesigns i would give them a shot. i have never owned a kayak before but i purchased an inexpensive one to see how i liked it. I walked out the door with a Pelican icon 120x angler and the lighest and most sturdy paddle i could find under 100 bucks, total it came out to almost 500 even. I took her straight to a local lake, figured the best way to learn is to hop on in. I was surprised at the ease of use. Tracks perfectly and pretty stable compared to what i was expecting,even landed 4 bass on my first time out in it it 2 hours. Cant wait to get it back out again, anyone have any tips for me? I'm completely new to kayaks and kayak fishing but loving it so far.

Bartdude186,

 

Are you still happy with your Icon 120X? I'm in the market myself - would love to be able to drop  a $1,000 on a top of the line fishing yak but the budget isn't there. To me, the Icon's features and price point are compelling. Any comments you might have on your boat's performance would be appreciated...........

 

JDB

[bartdude186]

Bartdude186,

 

Are you still happy with your Icon 120X? I'm in the market myself - would love to be able to drop  a $1,000 on a top of the line fishing yak but the budget isn't there. To me, the Icon's features and price point are compelling. Any comments you might have on your boat's performance would be appreciated...........

 

JDB

JDB, I have used my kayak 50+ times since I have had it and I still enjoy it as much as day one, i have put it through its paces with rock, gravel, logs etc on more than one 8+ hour trips. The only problem I have with it is the seat, I am 6'2" 210lbs and the back of the seat dug into my back. It is a very simple fix I just bought one of the stadium seat cushions and put it behind me and no problems at all now. I really enjoy fishing from it. I think it would be a great buy for anyone wanting a good kayak for a decent price. Out of the options in the price range I say go for it!