pondbassin101 Posted January 9, 2018 Author Posted January 9, 2018 7 minutes ago, fishwizzard said: , I will also caution that in my experience fishing from a yak makes it extremely easy to high stick a rod. I'm not exactly sure what that means.. Quote
Super User Choporoz Posted January 9, 2018 Super User Posted January 9, 2018 Fighting a fish (or a snag) by lifting your rod near vertical, so as to over-stress the blank and risk breaking your rod Quote
Super User fishwizzard Posted January 9, 2018 Super User Posted January 9, 2018   This is the best picture I could fine, but the idea is that as the rod gets closer to 90, the pressure on it becomes more focused on a smaller section of it, leading to snapping. A stiffer/faster rod is going to suffer worse than a softer/slower one.  Quote
Super User fishwizzard Posted January 9, 2018 Super User Posted January 9, 2018 So you are sitting in your kayak, and it seems so natural to just keep rising that rod to get the fish right next to you. At the same time, you don't want to lean too far out, so it's a balance.   Also, if you want to carry more than one rod, spend the time to rig your yak in the yard and sit in there and cast for a while. It is kinda weird to cast sitting at first and backlashes and snagged rods are a lot more fun to sort out in the lawn then when floating over 15' of water.  Quote
pondbassin101 Posted January 9, 2018 Author Posted January 9, 2018 39 minutes ago, fishwizzard said: So you are sitting in your kayak, and it seems so natural to just keep rising that rod to get the fish right next to you. At the same time, you don't want to lean too far out, so it's a balance.   Also, if you want to carry more than one rod, spend the time to rig your yak in the yard and sit in there and cast for a while. It is kinda weird to cast sitting at first and backlashes and snagged rods are a lot more fun to sort out in the lawn then when floating over 15' of water.  I'll give it a go. Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted January 11, 2018 Posted January 11, 2018 When I first got my kayak I went out fishing in it a few times before I made any mods. After having a better feel for it I had a better idea of where I want certain things, such as a fish finder and rod holder. I can be a very decisive person and I didn't want to drill holes in my kayak where I wouldn't be happy with the results.  I decided to make my kayak as versatile as possible by adding tracks where ever I thought I may want to install something. I have it made so I can put my fish finder on my right or left without having to make any changes other than sliding it onto the track system. Same thing with rod holds. Best decision I made so far. Quote
pondbassin101 Posted January 12, 2018 Author Posted January 12, 2018 So I get the general idea that kayak modifications come with time and experience. I just need to take it out a few times and see what I might/might not want to add. There might a few things that are necessary, such as a first aid kit, extra water, handheld radio in a waterproof bag, and what else? Quote
SeeNoSun Posted January 12, 2018 Posted January 12, 2018 Leashes for everything you don't want to lose what doesn't float. 2 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 Leashes, divisive topic. I don't use them, and recommend not using them, especially of you fish anywhere near current. It's better to lose a rod than to drown because you're tangled up in a leash cord, if you capsize. I find security in simply lashing my crate and gear down, and keep everything uncluttered. For things like a fish grip, or set of pliers, T-Reigns makes a great track mounted retractable tether that stays out of the way. I even use one to keep my catch in the water, while I prep for the grip 'n grin pic. Quote
Super User fishwizzard Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 I keep a leash on my paddle and a knife in my pocket and another one lashed to my pfd. I am more worried about losing my paddle and getting swept away from shore then getting wrapped in the leash. But for rods I just use foam floats or hope that the cork handles will be buoyant enough. Quote
Super User Choporoz Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 I got rod and paddle leashes when I started out a few years ago, but after just a couple trips, I put them all on the shelf and haven't missed them. I still keep a hand paddle in my crate, but I have not yet needed it because of losing my paddle.  One thing that I didn't mention above was a waterproof cell phone case. That may deserve its own thread, since the need isn't unique to kayakers, but I have found that it is a critical item for me. I got this one two years ago for $10 on Amazon and it is still going strong (and waterproof): Voxkin Premium cell phone case 1 Quote
Super User NYWayfarer Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 56 minutes ago, Choporoz said: One thing that I didn't mention above was a waterproof cell phone case. That may deserve its own thread, since the need isn't unique to kayakers, but I have found that it is a critical item for me. I got this one two years ago for $10 on Amazon and it is still going strong (and waterproof): Voxkin Premium cell phone case Or a waterproof phone. They make those now. 1 Quote
Super User Choporoz Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 48 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said: Or a waterproof phone. They make those now. I was led to believe that my Galaxy S5 Sport was waterproof......it wasn't.  Besides, even if I was nearly certain my replacement phone were as waterproof as advertised, I'd still have it in a case, around my neck when fishing. Best waterproof phone on the market won't do me much good if it slips from my hands into 60' of water. Quote
Super User NYWayfarer Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 42 minutes ago, Choporoz said: I was led to believe that my Galaxy S5 Sport was waterproof......it wasn't.  Besides, even if I was nearly certain my replacement phone were as waterproof as advertised, I'd still have it in a case, around my neck when fishing. Best waterproof phone on the market won't do me much good if it slips from my hands into 60' of water. I am like you. I have my "waterproof" IPhone 7 in a waterproof cellphone case. It's doubly waterproofed!  I do have a waterproof pouch that I can place it in and hang it around my neck. Problem is I use it to take photos of my catch. Fumbling around to free it with one hand tied up holding a fish is not easy. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 12, 2018 Super User Posted January 12, 2018 1 hour ago, NYWayfarer said: Fumbling around to free it with one hand tied up holding a fish is not easy. Get a T-Reins retractor and a Fish Grip. Clip the fish, toss it over board, get yourself ready for the pic. I use a RAM X-Grip to hold my phone for selfies. 1 Quote
Super User JustJames Posted January 13, 2018 Super User Posted January 13, 2018 You got a lot of good recommendations there. I'm also new to kayak, got it last year and fish on it a bunch of time. It is also 10' version (pescador pro 100)Â The first thing I do after got that kayak was go out and try to flip and re-enter the kayak with PFD on. Don't skimp on PFD, the regular PFD might not serve you well and you might skip wearing all together. I got the high back and not too expensive at all. https://www.austinkayak.com/products/7733/Stohlquist-Ebb-Life-Jacket-PFD-Closeout.html I don't have milk crate but I made rod holder from PVC which hold 3 rods and GoPro knock off. The thing I have is back pack with anchor, scale extra plier, bottle of water plus 3 Plano box and one plastic binder. I also have dry bag where I keep car key, cig n lighter and my phone. I always leash my paddle but not my rod and I do have a few more item that tethered to kayak like fish grip, fish net, plastic binder and pliers. what you need might be different than us but try to be minimal, with couple time out you should know what you need and don't need. Another thing try to be visible when you are in water and if you share with those speed boat. One thing I don't see a lot mention is Flag, I don't have one yet but plan to rig my kayak with orange flag. Quote
pondbassin101 Posted January 16, 2018 Author Posted January 16, 2018 Haven't gotten to this thread in a few days. Does anyone in the area have any suggestions for any good lakes in the greater Orlando area to take out a kayak for the first time? Something with decent launching and where I can maybe catch some fish without going out too far. I was considering Lake Toho, but I've heard of large gators and dirtier water. Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted January 16, 2018 Posted January 16, 2018 1 hour ago, pondbassin101 said: Haven't gotten to this thread in a few days. Does anyone in the area have any suggestions for any good lakes in the greater Orlando area to take out a kayak for the first time? Something with decent launching and where I can maybe catch some fish without going out too far. I was considering Lake Toho, but I've heard of large gators and dirtier water. I'm in Iowa so I can't help you but google is your friend here. Search for lakes without gators, lakes with easy access and use google maps. Quote
Fishing_FF Posted January 16, 2018 Posted January 16, 2018 2 hours ago, pondbassin101 said: Haven't gotten to this thread in a few days. Does anyone in the area have any suggestions for any good lakes in the greater Orlando area to take out a kayak for the first time? Something with decent launching and where I can maybe catch some fish without going out too far. I was considering Lake Toho, but I've heard of large gators and dirtier water. Just like the saying about any pond or lake in Florida possibly having bass in them, the say holds true to gators.  Lake Toho definitely has some big ones. I never saw one at Lake Undersell until yesterday when I found this biggie: That drain is a 3 foot opening (know as I've fished down there before) to give you reference on the size of the gator.  I hope to get a kayak eventually. When I do, I'm going to flip out and get back in until I'm comfortable with the process. The spot I've scouted out for this would be the Saint Cloud lakefront of East Lake Toho. There is a beach area east of the marina and Crabby Bills. There is a company that rents kayaks and SUP that uses that area for launching. It is also a frequent swimming area for the locals. The gators seem to avoid this spot, but I would still go with a friend. Quote
pondbassin101 Posted January 16, 2018 Author Posted January 16, 2018 I did have my eye on Turkey Lake but a quick phone call confirmed that you're only allowed to use their watercraft. I'm not even really looking at catching fish the first time I go out, just a trial run of the kayak. The spot you pointed out seems pretty good, it's about a half hours drive from where I live. Would you suggest just launching from the beach and fishing the shoreline? Quote
Fishing_FF Posted January 17, 2018 Posted January 17, 2018 2 hours ago, pondbassin101 said: I did have my eye on Turkey Lake but a quick phone call confirmed that you're only allowed to use their watercraft. I'm not even really looking at catching fish the first time I go out, just a trial run of the kayak. The spot you pointed out seems pretty good, it's about a half hours drive from where I live. Would you suggest just launching from the beach and fishing the shoreline?  Yes, I asked about bringing in a kayak to Turkey Lake when I scheduled a boat rental. The deed restriction limits watercraft to the 4 BassPro Trackers only.  I would launch from the white section right above the Lakeshore Blvd label. That is the beach area. It gets progressively deeper for a good launch of an unfamiliar and unknown stability kayak. Parking easily accessible right next to the area, the Crabby Bill parking lot.  As for fishing, you can try the grassy areas on either side of the beach. The green is readily visible on the satellite imagery as it is really thick and there is even more submerged that can't be seen. If you are up for a paddle, going east to the canal to Lake Runnymede or to the west to canal 31 (if the spillway is open, S59 on SFWMD website) are good spots. If the fish have gone deep due to the water getting cold or hot in the summer, you'll have to find one of the holes. As you can see from the Navionics map, there are pockets of deeper water scattered about. Quote
pondbassin101 Posted January 17, 2018 Author Posted January 17, 2018 Does anyone have any suggestions for a PFD? Something relatively comfortable and under $100, preferably even less. Other members have suggested some nice looking stuff, but I'm not looking for a fancy $200 fishing life vest.  Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 17, 2018 Super User Posted January 17, 2018 A Stohlquist Fisherman is a little north of $100. Safety is nothing fancy. 1 Quote
Hawkeye21 Posted January 18, 2018 Posted January 18, 2018 I bought this one 5 years ago from Amazon for $58 but I see it's no longer available. It gets the job done for me at that price range. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E0LCSY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Quote
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