Got a yak

[JustJames]

Check my link at Austin kayak, it is on sale for 69.99 or you can get new cabela's one which made from same company for about the same price.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/STOHLQUIST-KHAKI-MENS-THIN-BACK-PFD/2640489.uts?slotId=12

[JackDaReeler]

Can't tell you which PFD to get as the one I have gets a bit uncomfortable with bunching up while sitting in my yak (it was cheap) but I do recommend getting a bright color so boaters can see you better. I have a bright yellow PFD and I also wear a bright orange hat when I'm out on the yak.

 

Fish finders are not a MUST but you are near the water in the yak and don't have a lot of visibilty down into the water like you would on a boat. I have a vibe seaghost 110 and I have mounted a Garmin Striker 4 on it. It shows drop offs, fish and underwater "structure". Again, not a MUST but it's nice to be able to find those spots instead of just relying on what you can see on the surface.

[haggard]

Congrats on the yak. I'd get the PFD first (wear it, don't just stow it) - as for the specific type don't over analyze it but do think about variables such as where you fish, how much boat traffic exists, what med conditions you have, etc.), then an anchor, (then maybe an anchor trolley), then a finder. Keep the rod/reel selection to a minimum. 3 combos max. You can catch more fish with a finder, but you can catch fish without one.

 

Anchor is cheap and valuable. Finder is great until the wind blows you off the spot you found, and the wind blows you around in seconds, on a yak. Can be very frustrating. 

 

[Hawkeye21]

One of the most important additions to my kayak was a stake out pole.  I bought an 8 foot fiberglass garden stake off Amazon for like $12 and it has helped so much when fishing in the shallows.  Better than using an anchor.

[Crankin4Bass]

I am really happy with the NRS Chinook Fishing PFD. It's $110. Very comfortable and designed for kayak fishing. It has a high back, several pockets, a tool retractor, and a knife lash tab. (I also have the NRS co-pilot knife.) Also has rod holder loops and a d-ring on the back for a net in case you want to use if while fly/river fishing. More d-rings on the front. Check it out here:

 

https://www.nrs.com/product/40009.03/nrs-chinook-fishing-pfd

[pondbassin101]

Where could I go to try on some of the PFDs that have been suggested?

[Lures'n'Liberty]

OK, going through here I found a few key comments and suggestions. Early on there was mention of a crate, that crate contained 3 water bottles, 2 full, one empty and used as a urinal. Some folks forget the convenience of keeping a pee jug in the boat. My personal recommendation is a 32 oz Gatorade bottle. The large opening and higher capacity makes things just a wee bit easier. Continuing on to the crate, there are hundreds of kayak crate building videos on YouTube, watch some for ideas. This is one stupid easy project that you'll use forever. Think when you build it, though. I put 4 rodholders on mine, made from 1 1/2" PVC. I built it at work and brought a rod to test it out. The first trip out, I realized that my favorite short handled casting rod, equipped with a pistol grip, doesn't fit in a 1 1/2" pipe, and I had to leave it in the truck and stick to the spinning gear. Don't do that. 

 

As for the PFD's, find one that's comfortable. If you're looking at a chain, get a kayak down similar to yours, grab a rod, grab a paddle, and try the life jacket on in the store, sitting in the boat, paddling and casting. Also, don't be scared to pick up a type IV PFD as well. This may not be legal as your only PFD in your state, nor is it really a good idea to have as your only PFD, but they do make a good seat cushion that can also be used to save a life. You can find them as cheap as $10. 

 

Anchor trolleys can be made out of paracord, a key ring, and a couple of U bolts or plastic eyes. If you plan to anchor the 'yak and fish from it, this is a great way to spend $5, and it works with a stake out pole as well. 

 

Waterproof cell phone - I have been an avid user of milspec phones since the days of NEXTEL. Kyocera makes some very nice units. I've had several TORQUE models and currently have a Dura Force XT. Totally worth a look if you're upgrading and do anything that might break a phone. Something that has been missed, however, is that waterproof phones do not float, and neither do Lifeproof cases or any Otter Box. Your phone will float just in a baggie, and your day on the pond will be much better if you leave the phone in the truck. 

 

Continuing with the waterproof phone, if you're looking for electronics, there are a lot of lower cost options out there that work with your phone. There's iBobber, Deeper, and a half a dozen other ones. Worth a look. Most will work with your old phone so you re less likely to cry when you dump it. I use my Deeper with an old Kyocera Torque. The old phone also has about 30 Grateful Dead shows recorded on the SD card and works great with a waterproof bluetooth speaker. 

 

Do you smoke? Find a waterproof cigarette case. they'll hold a pack of smokes, a lighter, ID, credit card, and some cash, and they float.  Seeing as marijuana is legal in some states now, I'll add that a wooden dugout and one hitter will also float, however I'll point out that boating under the influence is illegal and ill advised. 

 

As for the other things that you might need, check your local laws before you go out. You may want a battery operated stern light and an extra rod holder on your crate to put it in (or a go pro on a stick). Your state may also require a bow light. A whistle or an air horn is a good idea and a legal requirement in some states (often it must be audible for 1/2 mile). Launch permits also vary from state to state. 

 

What are you driving? Trailer, roof rack, back of the truck? A proper rack can protect your yak and your car. Pool noodles can also be the answer. 

 

Edited January 30, 2018 by J Francho

[Fishing_FF]

4 hours ago, Lures'n'Liberty said:

As for the PFD's, find one that's comfortable. If you're looking at a chain, get a kayak down similar to yours, grab a rod, grab a paddle, and try the life jacket on in the store, sitting in the boat, paddling and casting. Also, don't be scared to pick up a type IV PFD as well. This may not be legal as your only PFD in your state, nor is it really a good idea to have as your only PFD, but they do make a good seat cushion that can also be used to save a life. You can find them as cheap as $10. 

 

As for the other things that you might need, check your local laws before you go out. You may want a battery operated stern light and an extra rod holder on your crate to put it in (or a go pro on a stick). Your state may also require a bow light. A whistle or an air horn is a good idea and a legal requirement in some states (often it must be audible for 1/2 mile). Launch permits also vary from state to state. 

 

 

A Type IV PFD is not legal in Florida as your sole PFD. FWC requires any kayak or canoe under 16 feet to have a Class I, II, or III PFD on board for each person. It does not have to be worn unless the person under the age of 6. If your kayak or canoe is 16 feet or longer, you will be required to have a Class I, II, or III PDF on board for each person along with a throwable Type IV PFD.

 

Additionally, you are required to have a sound make device. Most people go with one of those orange whistles but a small airhorn can will work too. 

 

If operating at sunset to sunrise, you are required to have a white light and must be displayed when approached by a boat during these hours. This requirement is to help prevent a collision on the water as non-powered (sail boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boarders all have the right a way on the water and by law, powered craft are to yield way). 

 

There are additional rules if you are operating in coastal waters that can be found on FWC's website if you decide to head to the coast. 

 

Also, make sure your Florida fishing license corresponds to the water you are in (fresh or salt) and it is not a shore fishing license. 

[NYWayfarer]

22 hours ago, Lures'n'Liberty said:

Some folks forget the convenience of keeping a pee jug in the boat. My personal recommendation is a 32 oz Gatorade bottle. The large opening and higher capacity makes things just a wee bit easier.

For bathroom breaks on the water a red solo cup works as well. It has as large an opening as anyone human will need     

 

I never leave on a kayak excursion without one.

[pondbassin101]

On 1/30/2018 at 12:40 PM, Lures'n'Liberty said:

OK, going through here I found a few key comments and suggestions. Early on there was mention of a crate, that crate contained 3 water bottles, 2 full, one empty and used as a urinal. Some folks forget the convenience of keeping a pee jug in the boat. My personal recommendation is a 32 oz Gatorade bottle. The large opening and higher capacity makes things just a wee bit easier. Continuing on to the crate, there are hundreds of kayak crate building videos on YouTube, watch some for ideas. This is one stupid easy project that you'll use forever. Think when you build it, though. I put 4 rodholders on mine, made from 1 1/2" PVC. I built it at work and brought a rod to test it out. The first trip out, I realized that my favorite short handled casting rod, equipped with a pistol grip, doesn't fit in a 1 1/2" pipe, and I had to leave it in the truck and stick to the spinning gear. Don't do that. 

 

As for the PFD's, find one that's comfortable. If you're looking at a chain, get a kayak down similar to yours, grab a rod, grab a paddle, and try the life jacket on in the store, sitting in the boat, paddling and casting. Also, don't be scared to pick up a type IV PFD as well. This may not be legal as your only PFD in your state, nor is it really a good idea to have as your only PFD, but they do make a good seat cushion that can also be used to save a life. You can find them as cheap as $10. 

 

Anchor trolleys can be made out of paracord, a key ring, and a couple of U bolts or plastic eyes. If you plan to anchor the 'yak and fish from it, this is a great way to spend $5, and it works with a stake out pole as well. 

 

Waterproof cell phone - I have been an avid user of milspec phones since the days of NEXTEL. Kyocera makes some very nice units. I've had several TORQUE models and currently have a Dura Force XT. Totally worth a look if you're upgrading and do anything that might break a phone. Something that has been missed, however, is that waterproof phones do not float, and neither do Lifeproof cases or any Otter Box. Your phone will float just in a baggie, and your day on the pond will be much better if you leave the phone in the truck. 

 

Continuing with the waterproof phone, if you're looking for electronics, there are a lot of lower cost options out there that work with your phone. There's iBobber, Deeper, and a half a dozen other ones. Worth a look. Most will work with your old phone so you re less likely to cry when you dump it. I use my Deeper with an old Kyocera Torque. The old phone also has about 30 Grateful Dead shows recorded on the SD card and works great with a waterproof bluetooth speaker. 

 

Do you smoke? Find a waterproof cigarette case. they'll hold a pack of smokes, a lighter, ID, credit card, and some cash, and they float.  Seeing as marijuana is legal in some states now, I'll add that a wooden dugout and one hitter will also float, however I'll point out that boating under the influence is illegal and ill advised. 

 

As for the other things that you might need, check your local laws before you go out. You may want a battery operated stern light and an extra rod holder on your crate to put it in (or a go pro on a stick). Your state may also require a bow light. A whistle or an air horn is a good idea and a legal requirement in some states (often it must be audible for 1/2 mile). Launch permits also vary from state to state. 

 

What are you driving? Trailer, roof rack, back of the truck? A proper rack can protect your yak and your car. Pool noodles can also be the answer. 

 

I'll look into the first 5 suggestions and see what I can figure out. To answer the last few questions, no I do not smoke and don't plan on. As for local laws, Florida law states "Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used. Remember, both federal and state law requires the use of navigation lights from sunset to sunrise."  I honestly don't plan on being out very late or very early either way, so I don't know if I have to worry about lights. Florida law also states "All vessels are required to carry an efficient sound-producing device, such as a whistle or horn, that is audible for at least one-half mile." I was thinking of going with an air horn. I'm not going to need a fishing license for another year, and as for transportation, I'm planning on using the roof rack of a 2013 Suburban.

[Choporoz]

17 minutes ago, pondbassin101 said:

I'll look into the first 5 suggestions and see what I can figure out. To answer the last few questions, no I do not smoke and don't plan on. As for local laws, Florida law states "Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used."

That's for jet skis....From same statute chapter: "(36) “Personal watercraft” means a vessel less than 16 feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel."

[J Francho]

You only need a white 360° light for night time with a kayak.

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

You only need a white 360° light for night time with a kayak.

And *bleeps* of steel to be in the water in the dark with Gators.

[Lures'n'Liberty]

One more must have that I forgot - a garbage bag. Always leave it cleaner than you found it, and make sure you can tie your trash into the boat. Bring a couple extras in case someone else needs one. 

[Lures'n'Liberty]

On 1/31/2018 at 10:48 AM, NYWayfarer said:

For bathroom breaks on the water a red solo cup works as well. It has as large an opening as anyone human will need     

 

I never leave on a kayak excursion without one.

a white solo cup, tape, and a flashlight also make a good nav light, in a pinch. I do still prefer the Gatorade bottle, though, no need to stop and dump it midstream. 

[pondbassin101]

15 hours ago, Choporoz said:

That's for jet skis....From same statute chapter: "(36) “Personal watercraft” means a vessel less than 16 feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel."

So the half hour rule only applies to jet skis? That would make sense though

 

 

Any recommendations for an anchor? 

Edited February 2, 2018 by pondbassin101