Kayak Koz on Oconee - 5/9

Koz · May 9, 2021

This was only my second time out on my Seastream Angler pedal kayak, and with my comfort level with the craft on the water improving I decided to cover a lot more water today in search of largemouth bass. The weather had called for fairly calm winds today, but that was a lie. It was blowing a consistent 9-10 mph with gusts up to 16 mph.

Despite the wind, it didn't take me long to cover the nearly two miles to an inlet that I wanted to check out. I'm not going to lie, open water with the wind, waves, and lakes is still a little unnerving, but this kayak is really stable. I keep just outside the dock lines for most of my journey, then cut across open water when I need to get to the other side. I took a detour and fished a dam and a bridge for a while but didn't sniff a strike. There were pontoon boats out in the middle of the lake fishing for stripers, but with the wind and the waves I didn't feel like joining them amidst the boat traffic and the knuckleheads on jet skis.

I got to the inlet and fished the docks on the way in, but didn't sniff a strike. I found some submerged tree branches and fished those as well but still no luck. When I got near the back of the cove the water calmed a bit and I attacked the shadows under the overhanging trees and shrubs with a Senko and almost immediately landed one just under 2.5 pounds. I ended up catching another one about the same size in that same area, then decided to head back and try the docks again. But the wind started picking up more and I had to use the restroom, so I headed back in.

All told I covered over 4 miles, and it really didn't require a ton of effort. When I see my nav point in the distance my first reaction has been to pedal fast to cover all of that open water, but I soon realized the slow and steady is a lot better than getting winded and having to rest for 30 seconds. Although I still need to find a way to make a few seat adjustments (higher and closer), I really, really like this kayak. I'm also getting better at positioning the craft and making occasional micro adjustments to the rudder while fishing. But that rudder and jogging the pedals certainly makes it easy to drift and fish. The only complaint I have is it doesn't fit on the trolley that well and I have to navigate a steep hill to bring it to and from my hotel to the lake. But I have an idea to have it sit better on the trolley.

Here are a few pictures from my day out today. Obviously, the pedal drive was out of the kayak when I took the picture of it on land. I had brought it up to my office first.

TnRiver46 · May 10, 2021

That’s no kayak, that’s a barge!!! Sweet ride, looks quite comfy

Koz · May 10, 2021

17 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

That’s no kayak, that’s a barge!!! Sweet ride, looks quite comfy

It seems HUGE when I'm wheeling it around and put it into the lake. But once I get out there on open water I feel very, very tiny. At the same time I'm thankful for its size and stability.

Bankc · May 11, 2021

4 miles, ain't bad! Especially if you haven't gotten used to it yet and built up those muscles. Also, that's a nice looking yak!

And yeah, you have to keep your head on a swivel in a kayak. Jet Skis are bad, but the worst are inexperienced boaters in new boats. You have to anticipate potential problems and react before the problems arise, because whatever reactions you make are going to be slow and whatever mistakes they make are going to come at you at high speeds.

And I am praying for 9-10mph winds with gusts at 16! That's calm where I live! I've been out several times in 20-25mph sustained winds with gusts at around 35-40 (Don't do that, by the way. I sufferer from what doctor's call "stubbornness" and "stupidity"). The trick in higher winds is to go out with the wind blowing into your face, so when it's time to come back in, the wind is at your back. And make sure to do your homework and see if the wind is going to change directions while you're out. That can really help or hurt you.

Koz · May 12, 2021

4 hours ago, Bankc said:

4 miles, ain't bad! Especially if you haven't gotten used to it yet and built up those muscles. Also, that's a nice looking yak!

Another reason why I love the pedal instead of the paddle. I couldn't cover nearly that amount of water with a paddle in those conditions.

I have to say I'm really enjoying this kayak. I was initially worried that I would regret this purchase. The only problem now is that there have been rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon and I can't get out there after work. But the weekend weather looks great.