Any advice for a newb with a kayak?

[mondofish]

After renting kayaks the last few weeks and doing some research, I purchased a kayak over the weekend. Its being shipped and should be here the 1st week of September. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Its the Perception Striker 11.5.

[ChaosStarter]

Don't under estimate even the slightest amount of wind.

[Jhunter1]

A lot of guys put in the delaware and paddle upstream a ways and fish back to the ramp. Soft plastics and helgrimmites should get you plenty of smallies. That's about the only place I fish. Others should be able to help with lakes and ponds.

[15FOOTER]

Dont kayak posted ponds in Buzzbaiters radius.

[Eskimo]

.

If you're paddling down the Delaware River and you see a bunch of guys catfishing and drinking whiskey on the bank named Andre, Eddie, Alex and Pablo - paddle as fast as you can in the opposite direction! :eek:


.

[UglyStick]

dont kayak posted ponds in buzzbaiters radius.

ha! :)

[Ken Lyons]

I would stay away from rivers with current like the Delaware until you don't need the advice. Even the P can leave you in a difficult position and don't go alone if you can avoid it. Wear your PFD. With experience you can fish Raritan Bay and even the ocean. By then you will learn about the wind. Stick with smaller lakes and ponds at first.
Good luck. Most of the kayak guys I know used to own boats but wouldn't go back.

[gwl2oneida]

Just stalk skunkcity, Rob spends more time in a kayak than some guys spend commuting in their cars.

[XXlyakattacker]

You have the main ingredient to kayak fishing and that's a SOT kayak. You won't look like a dog with worms trying to clean it's ass when launching or become the next kayak death story because you bought a cheap toy (sit inside) and tried to make a redneck bass boat out of it. Good research.The Delaware is where you go when you know what your doing, not learning. Unless you have access to a large slow moving section. I would definitly get some sort of electronics. Will be selling my lowrance lms 522c unit to upgrade after the sesson. I will add more before 9-1.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not into Kayaking but let me give you some advise from a boaters perspective.

If you plan to fish it in the salt water I would suggest you have a flag kit installed so when you dip down between waves boaters can still see you.

For this same reason I would avoid areas where there is a lot of boat traffic like channels and thoroughfares to marinas. If you do decide to venture into these areas expect to get waked. You need to expect that boats in these areas will be running at speed and will not slow down to avoid waking you even if they see you.

I would not venture out on the salt alone. Things can change in a hurry with wind and tide shifts and it's much easier for boaters to see multiple Kayaks then it is one. If you do decide to venture out alone, make sure someone on land knows what your intentions are and what time to expect you back.

I'd also suggest you have a waterproof handheld VHF radio in case you need to radio for help.

[acabtp]

You need to expect that boats in these areas will be running at speed and will not slow down to avoid waking you even if they see you.

i prefer people not slow down. it's way worse when the idiots think they are doing you a favor come off of plane but don't actually slow to a no-wake speed so they throw you a huge displacement size wake instead of the much smaller planing wake.

[bubbasdad]

Me and my brother have been kayak fishing for a few years, here's some advice from my experience:

PFD- ALWAYS on, not worth the risks for some unrestricted movement
Flag kit- especially if going into the salt or any other big water
don't rig it or drill/cut any holes to rig it until you've fished it a couple times...sometimes what you think is the perfect spot for a rod holder or fishfinder placement ends up being far from optimal once you're on the water
use duct seal to mount your transducer inside the hull, works like a charm, and is removable...depending on where you fish, and how much water comes in, you may be able to get away with routing the wires through a hatch or something, without drilling


I fish mainly sweetwater with my kid in my 2 person hobie, and my brother sticks mainly to the salt, can help you out with rigging advice if you need it....the toughest hole to drill is the first one, so make sure its in the right spot, lol

[ScowardNJ]

Start off with 2 beers on your first trip, then gradually work your way up with experience. Always remember where you parked your car. Some fish have teeth so have a roll of electric tape washing around in the water in your hull to stop the bleeding, duct seal works in a pinch. When you see a boat, flag them down and ask for a tow, it's way easier than paddling. When your ass bone goes numb from sitting too long, its a good time to practice "in water re-entry" to get some sensation back. Avoid dropping pissed off pickerel on the pile of lures laying on the deck between your legs. If your surf launching, bring a helmet for the ride back in when you fail miserably at attempting to ride a wave back into shore and drive your head into the sand bottom in 6" of water. Get cell phone insurance.

[acabtp]

Start off with 2 beers on your first trip, then gradually work your way up with experience. Always remember where you parked your car. Some fish have teeth so have a roll of electric tape washing around in the water in your hull to stop the bleeding, duct seal works in a pinch. When you see a boat, flag them down and ask for a tow, it's way easier than paddling. When your ass bone goes numb from sitting too long, its a good time to practice "in water re-entry" to get some sensation back. Avoid dropping pissed off pickerel on the pile of lures laying on the deck between your legs. If your surf launching, bring a helmet for the ride back in when you fail miserably at attempting to ride a wave back into shore and drive your head into the sand bottom in 6" of water. Get cell phone insurance.

Lol nice

[Andrushkin33]

.

If you're paddling down the Delaware River and you see a bunch of guys catfishing and drinking whiskey on the bank named Andre, Eddie, Alex and Pablo - paddle as fast as you can in the opposite direction! :eek:


.

Come on Esk you know you are always welcomed.

Andre

[Andrushkin33]

Start off with 2 beers on your first trip, then gradually work your way up with experience. Always remember where you parked your car. Some fish have teeth so have a roll of electric tape washing around in the water in your hull to stop the bleeding, duct seal works in a pinch. When you see a boat, flag them down and ask for a tow, it's way easier than paddling. When your ass bone goes numb from sitting too long, its a good time to practice "in water re-entry" to get some sensation back. Avoid dropping pissed off pickerel on the pile of lures laying on the deck between your legs. If your surf launching, bring a helmet for the ride back in when you fail miserably at attempting to ride a wave back into shore and drive your head into the sand bottom in 6" of water. Get cell phone insurance.

Best advice ever.

Andre

[Skunk City]

What kind of fishing do you plan to do?
Small water or big water?
Short excursions or overnight trips?
Small fish or big fish?
How big are you?

[FASTEDDIE29]

Start off with 2 beers on your first trip, then gradually work your way up with experience. Always remember where you parked your car. Some fish have teeth so have a roll of electric tape washing around in the water in your hull to stop the bleeding, duct seal works in a pinch. When you see a boat, flag them down and ask for a tow, it's way easier than paddling. When your ass bone goes numb from sitting too long, its a good time to practice "in water re-entry" to get some sensation back. Avoid dropping pissed off pickerel on the pile of lures laying on the deck between your legs. If your surf launching, bring a helmet for the ride back in when you fail miserably at attempting to ride a wave back into shore and drive your head into the sand bottom in 6" of water. Get cell phone insurance.

Words of wisdom right here! LMAO!!!

[thyer]

There's so much truth to all these replies, even the joking ones. Here's what I've learned over my 10 years kayak fishing. Your 11.5 may be short for bigger water especially salt, be careful in high wind and waves. Wind sucks.

1. Start simple, keep gear to a minimum and learn what works and what doesn't. this also helps a new comer when they dump in the water (keeps gear loss to a min :) )
2. Start small, small lakes or real slow moving river
3. Get proper sized paddle, for a SOT with 33"beam an adjustable 230-255 is best. To short will result in early fatigue.
4. Buy a fishing PFD to keep the small gear secure and for quick access, pliers, forceps, snap swivels, line nippers.
5. When fishing in cold weather buy dry paddle pants because you will get soaked
6. Not a requirement for all but I find that a rudder is a great addition to a fishing kayak because you can control your direction in most cases when hands are tied up with fishing rod.
7. When approaching your cast point, slow down well before and gently stop kayak with paddle, early on you will find that you run over where you are fishing before you can get a cast or two because of momentum.
8. Practice self rescue. Now this is something that I haven't done myself and with 10 years experience I know that I am due for an unexpected swim one of these days. Go to a boat launch (not during busy time) walk yourself out and practice self rescue, learn what works with your SOT, paddle float, rescue rope (used as a foot step) etc.
9. Don't forget to enjoy yourself.
10(late addition). Don't be afraid to trim down the handles on your fishing rods. When wearing a PFD larger rod handles will hit the vest causing you to have to hold the rod out further resulting in early fatigue. My ultra light and medium rods the handles were fine but my med-heavy rod I trimmed about 2 inches off of the butt section. But again start simple and learn what works and what doesnt for you.

Salt water
Flag kit
Marine Radio
Flare to shoot at boats passing too close, or spare rod with 20ounce weight on it.
Paddle partner
Do not go out in ocean until you are able to paddle 75% power for 30-45mins without break. Endurance is very important. Tides, wind, waves.

[briansnat]

#1, get a good PFD and wear it. There are fishing versions available with plentiful pockets. Every year I read about kayakers and canoers who drown and there is often a quote from a friend or family member who says "...but he was a really good swimmer..."

When you dump a yak, canoe or any boat and are worried about your tackle box with hundreds of bucks of equipment, and your rods or anything else, you can tire easily. And if you get tangled in your fishing line or anchor line etc. and panic ensues, I don't care if you're Michael Phelps, you may be in a struggle for your life. So wear that PFD, even if it's 95 degrees.

[CMJeepster]

[LIST=1]
PFD- ALWAYS on, not worth the risks for some unrestricted movement


This without question!!! Having been a professional high adventure guide with hundreds of yak miles under my PFD, the first thing that always got packed, worn and checked at the start of every day was each persons' PFD. Remember that it needs to be snug so that if you enter the water it won't slip up over your head and float away. (I always wear mine to ensure that someone finds my body should something happen to give my wife piece of mind. Grim, but true.) I don't care how hot it gets, WEAR IT!!!

As for other suggestions:

- Don't put yourself in any compromising situations. Know your abilities and strength / stamina.

- Always tell someone where you're going and approximately how long you plan to be gone, even if you go with a friend. (See recovery of body above.)

- Use a paddle leash to keep the paddle tied to the yak. Having one will improve the odds of recovering should you spill. Swimming a yak to a spot to be able to recover isn't easy or fun.

- If you're on a moving body of water and you spill, keep the yak downstream of you to avoid getting pinched between it and any objects.

- Be prepared to cope with the weather. Wear appropriate clothing, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. Have drinking water with you and maybe a small snack in case you need an energy boost or get stuck somewhere and need to hunker down for a while.

[UglyStick]

I too cannot over stress the importance of a PFD. I use auto inflating PFD's on my big boat in case I ever got thrown at speed but for when I'm fishing my yak I still use an inflatable PFD but a manually activated one. The vest is so thin it you barely know you're wearing it and if you take a casual dump it won't activate but it's there to save your life when and if you need it.

I also 2nd the suggestion of fishing your yak for awhile before you decide where you want to mount rod holders, electronics, etc.

[thyer]

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2015/08/delaware_river_kayaker_rescued_by_westville_police .html#incart_river

[UglyStick]

Respect the river...

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b501/toolguynj/DELIVERANCE%202_zpscrb8tntq.png

[mondofish]

Start off with 2 beers on your first trip, then gradually work your way up with experience. Always remember where you parked your car. Some fish have teeth so have a roll of electric tape washing around in the water in your hull to stop the bleeding, duct seal works in a pinch. When you see a boat, flag them down and ask for a tow, it's way easier than paddling. When your ass bone goes numb from sitting too long, its a good time to practice "in water re-entry" to get some sensation back. Avoid dropping pissed off pickerel on the pile of lures laying on the deck between your legs. If your surf launching, bring a helmet for the ride back in when you fail miserably at attempting to ride a wave back into shore and drive your head into the sand bottom in 6" of water. Get cell phone insurance.

That was great lol!

[mondofish]

Thanks all for the advice. PFD has already been purchased and will be on all the time. I plan on fishing Spruce Run and Round Valley on calm days for now. Eventually would like to move up to fishing Raritan Bay. Again thank you.

[phil]

There's so much truth to all these replies, even the joking ones. Here's what I've learned over my 10 years kayak fishing. Your 11.5 may be short for bigger water especially salt, be careful in high wind and waves. Wind sucks.

1. Start simple, keep gear to a minimum and learn what works and what doesn't. this also helps a new comer when they dump in the water (keeps gear loss to a min :) )
2. Start small, small lakes or real slow moving river
3. Get proper sized paddle, for a SOT with 33"beam an adjustable 230-255 is best. To short will result in early fatigue.
4. Buy a fishing PFD to keep the small gear secure and for quick access, pliers, forceps, snap swivels, line nippers.
5. When fishing in cold weather buy dry paddle pants because you will get soaked
6. Not a requirement for all but I find that a rudder is a great addition to a fishing kayak because you can control your direction in most cases when hands are tied up with fishing rod.
7. When approaching your cast point, slow down well before and gently stop kayak with paddle, early on you will find that you run over where you are fishing before you can get a cast or two because of momentum.
8. Practice self rescue. Now this is something that I haven't done myself and with 10 years experience I know that I am due for an unexpected swim one of these days. Go to a boat launch (not during busy time) walk yourself out and practice self rescue, learn what works with your SOT, paddle float, rescue rope (used as a foot step) etc.
9. Don't forget to enjoy yourself.
10(late addition). Don't be afraid to trim down the handles on your fishing rods. When wearing a PFD larger rod handles will hit the vest causing you to have to hold the rod out further resulting in early fatigue. My ultra light and medium rods the handles were fine but my med-heavy rod I trimmed about 2 inches off of the butt section. But again start simple and learn what works and what doesnt for you.

Salt water
Flag kit
Marine Radio
Flare to shoot at boats passing too close, or spare rod with 20ounce weight on it.
Paddle partner
Do not go out in ocean until you are able to paddle 75% power for 30-45mins without break. Endurance is very important. Tides, wind, waves.

all good advice, just to add to that, do yourself a favor and get a hobie if you fish saltwater. as the saying goes, there are 2 kinds of kayak fishermen, those with hobies and those who wish they had bought a hobie :)

[Ken Lyons]

Hobbies are great in the salt but they can't back up. Fishing bridges or jetties can be problematic. In fresh water you will do a lot of paddling. There are other choices.