Heading out to Otay on my new kayak

[Popeye]

I bought a Malibu Mini-X kayak that is fully rigged out for fishing yesterday and am heading out to Lower Otay lake in quest of that big un that I know is there. Gotta try to stay up with those No CA guys in the BR fishing tourney:o) Never been on a kayak before, but I think it's gonna be OK. I may have to rig up some outriggers if it's not stable enough to stand in. Let you all know tomorrow. And, YES, I have a PFD that will be worn at all times even though I plan to stay close to shore in the tullies where I've had all my luck so far this year.

[Ballpark Frank]

Good Luck and have fun. Let us know how the kayak and fishing go.

[Popeye]

Thanks, basspaddler!! Well, here's the report:

NO FISH:o( I had a couple of good strikes but failed to hook up with anything.

Now for the Mini-X kayak. It is OK IF you don't want to stand and fish. I was in mine for 6 hours yesterday. I got all wet and sat in water for the entire day (this can possibly be attributed to my not paddling correctly and splashing water all over the place early in the AM). I also kept sliding down in the seat, but again, I may not have had it properly rigged in place. The little Yak DID allow me to get out there and fish comfortably other than that. Accessing my tackle bag which was behind me was a real pain. I had to twist around until I was kneeling on the seat to get to it then my legs got wet again. The Mini-X was EASY to paddle across the lake BUT was affected by even a slight breeze as most lightweight boats are. For the money, I got mine from a girl who had only used it 4 times and it was all rigged for fishing and she had a $400 Werner Carbon paddle as well, and I paid $500 for everything (the base Mini-X costs $500 alone without the additional storage hatches, rod holders, etc.) so I am not disappointed. HOWEVER, I am going to find something else that I can manage that WILL allow me to stand up!! After 6 hours of sitting down and squirming around I could hardly get out of the Mini-X when I got it to my takeout spot. In fact, I rolled out of it into the water on my knees. Musta been humorous to the others in the area, but wet legs and feet are NOT my idea of a way to end a day fishing (besides my butt was soaked as it had been all day). Going to the bathroom sitting down and being so low was a real pain too!!

[Grey Wolf]

Thank you for such an honest evaluation. I was considering purchasing one but after reading what you experienced , I think I'll pass.

[Popeye]

Bass-Brat: I am seriously thinking about one of the 10' versions of a Nu Canoe. It's 42" wide and appears to have plenty of space and stability. I am waiting on a response from the guy who sells the 12 version on Ebay. The 10' version only weighs about 10 pounds more than the Mini-X and I MIGHT be able to still get one COMPLETELY inside my Ford Explorer Sport and be able to lock up the truck (something I really liked with the 9'3" Mini-X!). I'll keep you informed as I hear anything.

I would have NO trouble selling my Mini-X since the girl who sold it to me said she had a guy who wanted it without the $400 paddle if I didn't buy everything!

NOTE: I errored when I said the 10' Nu Canoe only weighs 10 pounds more than my Mini-X. It actually weighs 25 pounds more. The seller contacted me with a price plus shipping and I made him an offer and I am waiting to see if he accepts it ($100 difference in price). IF he does, I'm going to buy one today. They appear VERY stable AND to have plenty of standing room in them whereas the Mini-X doesn't. It also appears that if I were to add outriggers, the Nu Canoe would be nearly impossible to capsize.

[Grey Wolf]

Do they have a web site ?

[Popeye]

Yep:  www.nucanoe.com    I just ordered a 10' Nu Canoe Recreation model in Camo Brown. After I get it and use it I'll post a review. Please read the other Nu Canoe posts. I got mine for $735.00 delivered to a nearby freight terminal. IF you decide to get one, PM me and I'll send you contact info for the seller I bought mine from. I can't wait to get it. I bought the "bare bones" Rec model because I intend to keep the deluxe seat and Werner carbon paddle when I sell the Mini-X (there's a guy who I'm pretty sure will buy it right away since he wanted it without the paddle and seat which the lady I bought it from thought was lost but she found it the morning I went to pick the Mini up!).