sea kayaks

[Robert Osborne]

ive been seroiusly considering purchasing a sea kayak recently much to the girlfriends dismay, problem is i dont know where to start, ive fancied a boat for years but theres the problem of storage, transportation etc so im now thinking kayaking for a couple of hundred yards out to shore, ive had a couple of looks on ebay but im not sure what to look for, if anybody out there has one or could give me any info then id be grateful....thanks.

[baldy pete]

theres a lot of lads turning to this sort of fishing, a lot of them are having great fun doing it, good luck mate hope it goes well, and dont forget the all important camera.

[mr.t]

alright mate, have look on whitby sea fishing forum there's loads of lads on there that fish off kayak's bound to give you all the info you need...:thumbs:

[andy stonehouse]

I have a cracking blue dinghy you can use much better than the yellow peril we had.I have been gonna take it when bassing and use it for trolling :fish: :fish:

[Steinbeisser]

Hi Robert

I too have been looking quite seriously for a kayak for fishing. I plan to buy within the next couple of months. The best forum in my opinion is the Anglers Afloat:

http://anglersafloat.proboards107.com/

Kayak fishing seems quite popular in the UK (south) but certainly has not caught on where I am in Germany.

Most of the UK guys use Sit on Top (SOT) Kayaks made of polyethylene, though there are two or three nice, but expensive Fibre Glass kayaks made by a South African Company called Kaskazi. They have a UK agent - Simon Everett.

The popular manufacturers of the polyethylene kayaks are Ocean Kayaks (Prowler series) and Wilderness Systems (Tarpon series), but there are many others.

I sat in a Sit-Inside Angling kayak in a 'showroom' a couple of days ago, but I think this is not suitable for me as I would likely go solo and if I capsized I don't think I could do a self rescue. SOT Kayaks are much safer in that regard and have a lot of load capacity, plus deck space, to fit fish finders, rod holders, GPS, VHF Radio, Flares, Anchor and crates for fishing gear.

Basically a cheap way to go boat fishing and keep fit at the same time. You can travel quite long distances too, once you develop a degree of confidence and competence. You could go a few miles out, not just a couple of hundred yards, preferably with other experienced kayakers.

Transportation is relatively easy on the roof of your car, though if you have a big 4*4 you may need some help with the lift. The solo kayaks are around 25-30kg range, though there are lighter and heavier ones.

Steinbeisser

[Crocodile]

Some info here :

http://www.whitbyseaanglers.co.uk/kayak-fishing-index.php

:sun::sun:

[thornbackflounder]

ive been seroiusly considering purchasing a sea kayak recently much to the girlfriends dismay, problem is i dont know where to start, ive fancied a boat for years but theres the problem of storage, transportation etc so im now thinking kayaking for a couple of hundred yards out to shore, ive had a couple of looks on ebay but im not sure what to look for, if anybody out there has one or could give me any info then id be grateful....thanks.CLACTON THE 17th 2008,there be a thread that might intrest you Robert,,,,,,,,,south east forum

[lin]

Hi

Mike and I bought kayaks last year. Havnt been out on them much cos of the weather and being a bit inexperienced. Was such good fun, even just catching mackeral.
Would recommend the Anglers Afloat web site, great bunch of people, and they arrange loads of meets. Met a few of then last year, at their Conger hunt when I had a go on a yak, and then again before xmas. A few of then on the forum we know through beach fishing as well.
Personally would recommend the Prowler 13 Angler version. Great yak, very stable, and its one that was recommended to us by the yak fishing guys when we were thinking to get them. Easy to fit rod holders, fish finders too as well.
New they cost bout £530 I think, and ours came with the paddle and standard ocean kayak seat.
One of the guys on the Anglersafloat site does great nav lights as well.

Hope this helps

Lin

[ZAGMAN]

If you haven't done much in a kayak this lot will sort you out with local clubs and training.

http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/bcu-standardtemplate1.aspx

I did several of their proficiency awards and ended up paddling competitively through my teens. The safety training is a must have for anyone taking to the water in a kayak, whilst they didn't do anything specifically for fishing their general training has proved invaluable.

Must admit the more I read about it the more I want to dust off the old boat and give it a bash.

[garethp]

Just going through the things to buy for mine as I am planning to buy one on an open day on Anglesey in April.

So far I have got:

Car Roof Rack
Dry Suit
Personal Floatation Device (Life jacket to me)
Wet Suit shoes and a paddle.

Things I've been told I'll need are

Flares
VHF Radio and licence
Kayak Trolley
Anchor
Anchor line
Waterproof bags
paddle leash


Optional extras that I will get are GPS and a fishfinder.

The whole lot will not leave much change out of £1500 I don't think.

I had a go on someone elses last June off of Anglesey. Report here

http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71992

Hope that helps

[iseaall]

purchased my Yak last year from MES (http://www.mes-marine.co.uk/)
its a prowler 13 fishing package
its a complete diffrent way of fishing unlike anything you have done
but it is great once you master the boat
i have a samaurai boat and a small 4 meter rib but this is totaly diffrent you get to places you would not go in the rib and you will perfect the fishing as well landing a 5 pound bass in one is just amazing even maky bashing is a new adventure
dont over do the toys on your boat it will spoil the one on eon feeling
:rtfm:
Radio hand held
wet suit (you will be worm in it honest)
2 anchors
paddle strap
orange material for flag on rod or paddle
go for the manual inflate like jacket
small spinning rod :fishing:

[Steinbeisser]

dont over do the toys on your boat it will spoil the one on eon feeling
:rtfm:
Radio hand held
wet suit (you will be worm in it honest)
2 anchors
paddle strap
orange material for flag on rod or paddle
go for the manual inflate like jacket
small spinning rod :fishing:

Hi Iseaall

Interested in your post's reference to Life Jackets. I posted a query regarding Life jackets v Normal Buoyancy Jacket on another forum earlier.

I note you seem to be using a Manual Inflatable Life Jacket. (This is what I had thought about doing also).

However, the Life Jacket does not have pockets and the best advice I am finding suggests that the VHF Radio, Compass, Flares, Whistle and Water/Food should be carried on your person - so that you have some chance of summonsing rescue help/surviving, should you become parted from your kayak.

What do you do? Do you leave most of this stuff in the kayak or do you wear some sort of waist coat/fly fishing waist coat with lots of pockets under the life jacket?

Steinbeisser

[soakingwet]

Hi Iseaall

Interested in your post's reference to Life Jackets. I posted a query regarding Life jackets v Normal Buoyancy Jacket on another forum earlier.

I note you seem to be using a Manual Inflatable Life Jacket. (This is what I had thought about doing also).

However, the Life Jacket does not have pockets and the best advice I am finding suggests that the VHF Radio, Compass, Flares, Whistle and Water/Food should be carried on your person - so that you have some chance of summonsing rescue help/surviving, should you become parted from your kayak.

What do you do? Do you leave most of this stuff in the kayak or do you wear some sort of waist coat/fly fishing waist coat with lots of pockets under the life jacket?

Steinbeisser

I have my radio around my neck via it's safety cord, in a waterproof case that comes with it. A whistle tied to my buoyancy aid, the one the US military use, very loud. I keep flares in a pouch clipped to the kayak, as I figure I will stay with the kayak, a golden rule. If I'm parted, I will use the radio.
A compass will be no use if you are drifting at the mercy of wind and tide.
Food and drink stored in a drybag on the yak.
If you try and have all that gear on your person, you won't be able to move, let alone paddle and fish.
Stoed in a pouch on the yak is a small anchor,( like brakes on a car)
and a drogue anchor folded up in the pouch too, to slow drift in strong wind.
The main thing is, get a good weather forcast JUST before you go, don't be tempted to go out in sea that's too rough for your experience, and beware off strong off-shore winds, that will take you way too far out to sea very quickly, and it will be very hard paddling against it to get back to shore. The further out it blows you, the bigger the waves get away from the lee shore.
If you are sensible, and know your local mark, only fish in good weather, take proper precautions, you will be fine.
It's really good fun once you are paddle fit, so get fit before you try and go fishing.
Oh, and find a mate to go with, it's more of a laugh, and much safer.
Let someone know where you are going, and when you are expected to return.
Phew, no doubt someone else will add a few more bits.

[Steinbeisser]

I have my radio around my neck via it's safety cord, in a waterproof case that comes with it. A whistle tied to my buoyancy aid, the one the US military use, very loud. I keep flares in a pouch clipped to the kayak, as I figure I will stay with the kayak, a golden rule. If I'm parted, I will use the radio.
A compass will be no use if you are drifting at the mercy of wind and tide.
Food and drink stored in a drybag on the yak.
If you try and have all that gear on your person, you won't be able to move, let alone paddle and fish.
Stoed in a pouch on the yak is a small anchor,( like brakes on a car)
and a drogue anchor folded up in the pouch too, to slow drift in strong wind.
The main thing is, get a good weather forcast JUST before you go, don't be tempted to go out in sea that's too rough for your experience, and beware off strong off-shore winds, that will take you way too far out to sea very quickly, and it will be very hard paddling against it to get back to shore. The further out it blows you, the bigger the waves get away from the lee shore.
If you are sensible, and know your local mark, only fish in good weather, take proper precautions, you will be fine.
It's really good fun once you are paddle fit, so get fit before you try and go fishing.
Oh, and find a mate to go with, it's more of a laugh, and much safer.
Let someone know where you are going, and when you are expected to return.
Phew, no doubt someone else will add a few more bits.


Thanks for that. I realise the golden rule is to stay with the kayak as it is easier to find (a bit like being lost in the desert, always useful to have a tyre to burn for signalling, but I don't suppose the kayak will burn very well in the water :wacko::whistling).

I take your point about the compass. I used to use a Suunto wrist compass when Scuba diving, but if separated from the yak far offshore, then it's only practical use will be for Muslims looking for what direction to pray! I think I would still carry a pack of mini-flares to aid searchers if separated from the yak.

Have you ever tested the range of the VHF Radio when you are actually in the water (as opposed to sitting in the kayak)? I understand it is extremely limited, but of course better than nothing.

I have done a lot of water sports before and am confident in the water. Just need to get my fitness toned up a bit! I tend to be independent is some sports such as hill walking, though would always have a buddy if I were scuba diving or rock climbing, etc. Nothing wrong with a but of independence, provided you know your limits, have reliable gear and keep a bit of safety factor in hand in case things go pear shaped!

I would of course prefer to go with a mate, but SOT Kayak fishing is pretty rare in Germany, though growth is positive, rather than negative. Plenty of folks with Float Tubes, even in the sea, but I will stick to the kayak thanks!!

The drogue anchor sounds useful. Any designs around or recommended makes/manufacturers?

In these days of dumbed down weather forecasts on the box, you have to look elsewhere for a useful forecast. Used to get extremely accurate mountain forecasts by phoning the local met office in Scotland and giving location and altitude. I suppose the shipping forecast is one of the better ones combined with sight of the latest isobar chart for the area.

It will be a case of refining what gear to take and where to store it, depending on the type of trip and using the benefit of experience.

Steinbeisser

[iseaall]

hi soakingwet
i have an old river fishing jacket with loads of pockets cost £15 from tackle shop
great for fishing bits and the inner pocket is spot on for my VHF
the life jacket fits over this and still allows acces to various bits and bods also found a the other types chaffed and you soon started to sweat with it on so you take them of :wub:
when you start to fish you will need the extra pockets as it gets realy busy when the fish are around
also try fishing when sitting on the side you soon get used to the postion and its so easy to re mount the yak
another tip is get 2 boat rollers of a yaht to fit to the stern and bow for the anchor fix a loop of rope between them and so you can attach your anchor to it like a lazy line and then retrive from the side

My best advice and it worked for me is stay inshore in the waves and test your self and your limits if you fall out its only your pride and you soon lern to lean and ride the waves its great fun

[soakingwet]

Hello chaps. I do usually fish alone, and have had no problems, very cautious about the weather etc.
I have an anglers waistcoat with loads of pockets, but I prefer the tackle belt, a great piece of kit from Fladen. Lots of neat storage around your waist.
As for the drogue anchor, look on e-bay, they come up on there. You need one about one metre long, and about 30ft of cord.
I use also use a folding jet ski anchor, 3 quarters of a kilo. The only good thing about jetskis! ( I have used the big two seaters in Cyprus, brilliant fun, but don't tell anybody)
You might also be interested in a kayak/diving safety flag, for visibility when at anchor fishing.
Mine slides into the rear of my anglers seat rod holder, and then with luck boats and jetskis can see you.
Oh, and I do sit sidesaddle quite a bit!
Here is a site you might find useful.
http://www.h2okayaks.com/unitrader/shop/category/-Accessories/110
and another, they deliver flares, where most don't.
http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/chandlery_products/chandlery_-_safety/flares.htm
and the Fladen tackle belt
http://www.marinemegastore.com/product.asp?pf_id=FLA_27_0233&jump=0&cat_id=FSHROD001
some drogues here
http://www.seakayaksupplies.co.uk/component/page,shop.browse/category_id,37/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,47/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=37&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=47&vmcchk=1