NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Regional Discussions => Idaho Kayak Fishing => Topic started by: Kalph on May 10, 2016, 03:20:13 PM
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Since i got the xfactor i know i need some other things. What do you recommend? Dont have tons of money to spend. So i gotta be cheap. Even if comfort isnt at its peak. Was checking ebay and found a bunch.
Anchor trolley
Anchor and 550 cord
Kayak cart
Kayak paddle or oar and what size 240cm? 2 piece since im using a car. Not too concerned with weight as in gonna be moving and stopping a bunch.
Seat recommendations?
Pfd's?
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Checking ebay for stuff and a lot of it is kind of cheap. Which means if it does break i can replace easily without being out of commission while i save to buy a new one. Plenty there tho
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Just one thing: don't scrimp on the PFD. There's cheap and there's too cheap.
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Just one thing: don't scrimp on the PFD. There's cheap and there's too cheap.
This 100% - There's things you can skimp on and things you shouldn't. Very few things are needed to get out on the water but a quality PFD is one of them, if you're not comfortable wearing it then you likely won't, and that's what can get you in trouble. If you have a kayak shop nearby you should definitely go and try them on - folks here can give recommendations, but until you try it on you will never know what works best for you.
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Yeah for a pfd, i wont buy it without trying it. My wife understands that.
But either way im a first class swimmer according USMC standards just in case I decide to bail haha
But for any of the other stuff? Any recommendations?
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I don't paddle my kayak so I can't give recommendation on the brand or type of paddle, I am sure others here can though...
I would say before you outfit the kayak with extra rod holders, fish finder, etc. Take the kayak out several times so that you can visualize and see where you would like things and where it would be convenient for you.
I would take a look at DIY solutions for the anchor trolley, you will want synthetic anchor line, either cheap nylon line or something like paracord although paracord seems to have issues with getting tangled up for me.
Check out this site for anchor trolley and more DIY solutions - Kayak cart and more if you are crafty.
http://palmettokayakfishing.blogspot.com/
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Paddle length is a matter of kayak width, seat height, torso length, arm length, and shoulder width.
In other words, try different lengths - and I mean for a day, not 10 minutes.
Cant help with the anchor - I haven't gone there yet because I don't have the experience base yet. Anchoring is a good way to get in trouble FAST, so I am going slowly on that.
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Keith, I have a couple of PFDs...a Stohlquist Ebb and a NRS Chinook both in S/M if you want to see how they fit and feel. I also have paddles in 220 and 240 (although I can't imagine a 220 working well with the X-factor). Since you purchased through Chip, I'm sure you have already tried out the Ebb.
I set up my anchor trolley with a kit from ACK, but haven't used it yet in a half dozen trips out. You will want to set up "leashes" for a set of hemostats and some fish grips, as well as anything else you don't want to lose. Rod holders should wait until you have fished the boat at least once so you can see where you want them.
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My humble advice would be to watch as many Youtube videos on kayak rigging as you can handle to see what other guys have done. I picked up lots of ideas before I rigged my two outbacks. There are lots of cool things you can do, or over do to your kayaks.
Secondly, before you cut, drill, attach, etc, anything, secure it in the location with tape, sit in your kayak, and see if you can reach it, figure out how you will use it, determine if it's the best place for it, figure out if it will conflict with anything else that you will have near by, figure out if that location will hurt you if you flip or roll the kayak in the surf.
As for finding things inexpensively, this forum is a good place, as many of us have extra items, upgraded items, that are collecting dust. If you are looking for something, post a question here, and more than likely, someone may have an extra one they want to part with.
Good Luck.
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But either way im a first class swimmer according USMC standards just in case I decide to bail haha
Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc
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Good video. Some great info for sure.
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Cabelas PFD for me cheap enough but don't go cheap on a paddle get a Werner. Sea tug on the cart and Cosmo inspired my PVC anchor real.
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IMHO don't buy and install an anchor trolley. I have trolley's on 2 yaks and I never use them anymore. I tie a line to the bow and one to the stern. These can be locked into a cam cleat for a quick release. On my Hobies I use the existing rudder line cleat. To reverse direction for stern anchoring, I put a pad eye in front of the rudder cleat which I can also use to attach a rod leash when I am trolling. Then, the line that attaches to your spool and float slides onto that line with a carabiner or brass ring. When you need to get off anchor quickly, you just pull the rope out of the cleat and throw it overboard. You then easily float away from your anchor line. What is nice is that this always ensures you are anchored directly off your bow or stern which means you stay in line with the current reducing drag and the needed anchor size. With the side mounted trolley, you swing out at an angle from the anchor and creates more drag thus sometimes causing the anchor to move. Look at this article http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=26
here is a quick video of how to do it . It only shows the stearn line, which on that yak (I no longer have it) I would hook to the rear bungee.
https://youtu.be/Qzyw_mvY63o
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Ignore Mojo Jojo. He means well, but like me, he lives on the coast and the clean, salty air we get to breathe juices us up and interferes with our thinking. ;D
I started with a cheap, $29 Carlisle paddle I bought on Amazon and while it sits in the garage, unloved and dusty, it is still the fastest paddle I've owned. She's heavy and she'll give you blisters until your palms toughen-up, but she is fast.
I don't anchor, either, but a well-regarded DIY set up is posted here: http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=26
One thing I overlooked when getting started was getting my feet wet when launching and landing. Spending the day in a kayak with soaked feet isn't the best way to spend a day, so think about that, too. If you don't at least own waders to tide you over, stout trash bags can make for a much more pleasant day until you decide how to deal with keeping your feet dry - and happy.
Everything you add to a kayak hull is optional. No need to rush. Fish from it for a while and the things that are really handy become obvious.
From a former rescue swimmer: it's easy and dangerous to over-estimate your abilities. Cold water shuts you down right fast.
Have fun, and thank you for your service.
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Some good infom ill be checking these videos and links out through out the day.
Do any of you guys use the milk crate or live well ideas? I normally just use a stringer. So i may or may not get one. Not sure yet. I dont use live bait. So it will be mostly for fish caught. But i have the stringer too. Any ideas? Or suggestions?
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Do any of you guys use the milk crate or live well ideas? I normally just use a stringer. So i may or may not get one. Not sure yet. I dont use live bait. So it will be mostly for fish caught. But i have the stringer too. Any ideas? Or suggestions?
I strap a cooler in the rear cargo area of my Revolution so I can put my fish on ice as soon as I catch them. In many situations I bleed and/or gut them while I'm out on the water and before putting them on ice. Leaving fish in the water on a stringer will harm the quality of the meat, particularly as the water gets warmer. Throwing fish in the rear cargo area of your kayak will harm the quality of the meat more. If you're fishing for small fish, you don't need a very big cooler. If you're fishing for big fish, getting your fish on ice is a bit trickier.
I have anchor trolleys on both of my fishing kayaks, so I can anchor while spearfishing or while fishing with dead fish on the bottom for pike, lake trout, or sturgeon. But I suspect that relatively few people need an anchor trolley. I suggest that you hold off on installing an anchor trolley until you repeatedly find yourself wishing you could anchor while fishing. For example, if you are casting towards shore for bass or pike, and the wind is pushing you towards shore, and you wish you could anchor and cast. Or if you are running a river and wish you could anchor at the top of a pool and cast down into the pool.
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Do you use the milk crate idea as well? Or just a cooler?
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IMHO don't buy and install an anchor trolley. I have trolley's on 2 yaks and I never use them anymore. I tie a line to the bow and one to the stern. These can be locked into a cam cleat for a quick release. On my Hobies I use the existing rudder line cleat. To reverse direction for stern anchoring, I put a pad eye in front of the rudder cleat which I can also use to attach a rod leash when I am trolling. Then, the line that attaches to your spool and float slides onto that line with a carabiner or brass ring. When you need to get off anchor quickly, you just pull the rope out of the cleat and throw it overboard. You then easily float away from your anchor line. What is nice is that this always ensures you are anchored directly off your bow or stern which means you stay in line with the current reducing drag and the needed anchor size. With the side mounted trolley, you swing out at an angle from the anchor and creates more drag thus sometimes causing the anchor to move. Look at this article http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=26
here is a quick video of how to do it . It only shows the stearn line, which on that yak (I no longer have it) I would hook to the rear bungee.
https://youtu.be/Qzyw_mvY63o
That is pretty slick.
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It is soooooooo much easier.
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I have two kayaks and they both have trollies. As I fish mainly for bass in shallow weedy waters the anchors get a lot of use. I rather be fishing than correcting my location with a paddle all the time.
If you fish mainly salt or large lakes I probably could live without a trolley. I would never use a attached to the yak anchor in a river with fast flowing water, could make for a real bad day. A simple trolley with about a three lb. downrigger ball makes a great anchor, I see some yaks use those folding three pronged anchors, they would never work where I fish in the CD'A area. Every time you raised it it would have fifty pounds of weeds included, no thanks. Simple Wally World ladies fuzzy coated barbell makes a excellent anchor and nobody will notice if its pink or purple...lol...warf
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I have two kayaks and they both have trollies. As I fish mainly for bass in shallow weedy waters the anchors get a lot of use. I rather be fishing than correcting my location with a paddle all the time.
If you fish mainly salt or large lakes I probably could live without a trolley. I would never use a attached to the yak anchor in a river with fast flowing water, could make for a real bad day. A simple trolley with about a three lb. downrigger ball makes a great anchor, I see some yaks use those folding three pronged anchors, they would never work where I fish in the CD'A area. Every time you raised it it would have fifty pounds of weeds included, no thanks. Simple Wally World ladies fuzzy coated barbell makes a excellent anchor and nobody will notice if its pink or purple...lol...warf
I use my old Shake Weight.
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z476/snarkadelia/Gifs/shakeweight.gif) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/snarkadelia/media/Gifs/shakeweight.gif.html)
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Need to think of something. I will be fishing CDA and fernan mostly cause theyre right there by my house.
I will venture into other lakes on occasion though.
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Lots of good advice here!
1. Get a good quality comfortable PFD.
2. Get a comfortable seat. If your but it back hurt you'll be unhappy on the water
3. Get a two piece paddle that works for you, don't worry about price too much until you have actually been on the water a lot. You don't want your paddle shaft or blades to flex much. I have a Lifetime brand paddle that got me started and it worked fine. I have since upgrades to a Werner and it made a big difference, I wouldn't have know that unless is started cheaper.
4. Gear storage. The Xfactor has lots of deck space so you lots of options. A cooler with rod holders bolted to it works for keeping fish fresh.
5. Anchor. I would prefer a drift sock for lake fishing as it would allow me to move without pulling anchor, but slow the drift down to a manageable level.
6. Dress for immersion. If you fall in the water will be COLD! Wear cloths the dry fast and done hold water, but that will help keep you warm if you have to be in the water for any length of time. Those of us who fish the coast use wetsuits or dry suits. When I fish a lake I will wear rain pants to keep my legs dry.
I can't stress the comfortable seat enough!
Most of all, get out and use that boat!
Todd
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Yeah. I need to get a pfd. Ill get a cheap paddle for now. Then upgrade.
How do you guys protect the bottom of your kayak frkm rock dings or scrapes? Though about a thin coat of spray on rubber grip maybe. Unless i launch from the bkat docks. But if i pull to the side of the road and launch there, there are generally tons of rocks and what not to get down to the water.
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I use a milk crate because I had a bunch in the garage, but I'd go +1 on pmmpete's cooler suggestion. I'm always worried about losing gear if I flip a kayak, and a cooler takes care of that (until it's full of fish which, if you're me, it never would be full of fish...).
Going cheap, you can make a DIY fish bag out of most any cloth bag if you line it with foam sheets and stuff a heavy duty plastic bag and ice inside. It'll leak, but it'll keep the fish in good shape and tide you over until you've found the ideal bag or cooler for you.
I carry very little in the milk crate. It's a PITA to reach back there, so I minimized it to carry rods and a net in sections of PVC pipe cable-tied to the crate and to hold my safety flag. I can do that with a cooler, too - when I get around to it.
Dings and scrapes are just war wounds. Badges of honor, I'm told. I bought a demo Hobie that has a few scratches on it, asked about smoothing her out, and was chastised for my heresy. Don't sweat it - and dodge as many rocks as you can!
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Was thinking maybe both. A milk crate and maybe a small cooler. Since im lake fishing mostly ill probably be close to shore either way. So i can hop out and toss it in. Just have the fish in the net and put it in. The live well is an idea too but if i got a big pike it wouldnt fit in there. So a longer cooler would work. Decisions decisions
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For now i ordered a seat, a cheap paddle to get me on the water, some 15 foot tie downs amd a kayak cart.
Gotta practice loading and unloading the kayak on the car roof mount. Since its an angled mount i gotta practice a little.
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For your cooler, you might consider the insulated Costco shopping bag. It is plastic lined, zippered top and bargain priced at $6. I have been using them for my last several fishing trips. I throw a frozen quart water bottle in the bottom and even on sunny days the ice is only partially thawed and the fish nice and cold.
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Since im lake fishing mostly ill probably be close to shore either way.
This line of thinking gets folks in trouble. Huli in a stiff wind pushing you away from shore in December and it really doesn't matter how close you are, you are in trouble. You may be as bad ass as you think you are but nature doesn't care.
Look at pmmpete's reports and look how he dresses. Then do that.
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Well thats why im here. For suggestions, information, experience and constructive criticism.
By the way i dont think im bad ass at anything but video games or shooting. Im a noob when it comes to kayak fishing. Thats why im here talking to all you folks. To learn.
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For your cooler, you might consider the insulated Costco shopping bag. It is plastic lined, zippered top and bargain priced at $6. I have been using them for my last several fishing trips. I throw a frozen quart water bottle in the bottom and even on sunny days the ice is only partially thawed and the fish nice and cold.
Good idea. I got 5 kids so we go through juice bottles and water bottles like crazy. I got tons laying around.
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Got everything i need except for pfd and achor system. At least i can get on the water. Got some cheap stuff for now. Will upgrade as needed when im able.
Still trying to figure out how to use the kayak kart with my particular kayak.
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I'll be in town in a couple of weeks and I have an extra PFD you can have if it fits. It's a large and much to big for me.
What cart did you get?
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Got everything i need except for pfd and achor system. At least i can get on the water. Got some cheap stuff for now. Will upgrade as needed when im able.
Still trying to figure out how to use the kayak kart with my particular kayak.
If you don't have your PFD, YOU AREN'T READY TO GET ON THE WATER. Be patient. Please.
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Got everything i need except for pfd and achor system. At least i can get on the water. Got some cheap stuff for now. Will upgrade as needed when im able.
Still trying to figure out how to use the kayak kart with my particular kayak.
You got a kayak cart before a PFD? Can you exchange it? PFD stands for "prevents fucking death" so it's kinda important.
Stay safe.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/state/man-23-drowns-while-kayaking-in-state-park-with-no-life-jacket-3396f8c7-8273-67c2-e053-0100007f7cae-380666641.html
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Got everything i need except for pfd and achor system. At least i can get on the water. Got some cheap stuff for now. Will upgrade as needed when im able.
Still trying to figure out how to use the kayak kart with my particular kayak.
If you don't have your PFD, YOU AREN'T READY TO GET ON THE WATER. Be patient. Please.
+100
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I know haha. Im not going in without one. The guy that sold me it said hed let me borrow one until i can buy one. Im not going in without one. Thats why i saod everythinf except my pfd.
Guess i should be more clear
Gonna pick one up tomorrow i think, since its payday.
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I'll be in town in a couple of weeks and I have an extra PFD you can have if it fits. It's a large and much to big for me.
What cart did you get?
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Just got a cheapy one off ebay. I dont even think it has a damn brand.
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Hi, I live in CDA, close to St Vincent Depaul on Government way. Ive done a lot of youtube watching and make a lot of my gear using pvc pipe etc. If you want to meet up sometime I can show you some of the things I have learned. They may work for you or not but glad to share with you. I have a Malibu Stealth 12 and know how heavy that was for me to load on car roof. I have some tips for that if it would help. Its prob easier to show stuff than to type it.
Let me know if you need help.
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another view
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Brit, how do you load your stealth car top? Mine has always been a bear and I have settled for throwing it in the back of my pickup but I'd love to save the gas mileage on longer trips. What's your car top set up? (And nice stealth ;D)
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Hi Skies,
Thanks. It is a great kayak. I may be selling it if anybody is interested. Having some elbow and shoulder pain. Hence my new Hobie Outback.
I mainly use my truck but it was off the road for 2 months. During which time I used my 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. I am 70 and managed to load it single handed with some fairly simple preparation. Here is a link to give you the basic idea. I found this to be the best way. I was guilty of over thinking it but this is simple and effective. I added one other thing that I discovered on another youtube. I had a length of rope attached at one end to the tow bar or bumper. The other end to the far end of the kayak. You have to adjust the length to suit your yak. Then when you lift the front of the yak to place it on the roof it stops the yak from sliding out on you. I used two rubber backed door mats. One to protect your car, the other under the end of the yak to protect the plastic at the other end. I got the mats at the thrift store on their 50% of day. So very cheap. Check this link for a visual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GrLiLInZEM
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GrLiLInZEM)
The following link shows the rope idea.
Once I found the right length rope to use I put karabiners on each end to make attaching it easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMAuURmhwLo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMAuURmhwLo)
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Hi Skies,
Thanks. It is a great kayak. I may be selling it if anybody is interested. Having some elbow and shoulder pain. Hence my new Hobie Outback.
I mainly use my truck but it was off the road for 2 months. During which time I used my 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. I am 70 and managed to load it single handed with some fairly simple preparation. Here is a link to give you the basic idea. I found this to be the best way. I was guilty of over thinking it but this is simple and effective. I added one other thing that I discovered on another youtube. I had a length of rope attached at one end to the tow bar or bumper. The other end to the far end of the kayak. You have to adjust the length to suit your yak. Then when you lift the front of the yak to place it on the roof it stops the yak from sliding out on you. I used two rubber backed door mats. One to protect your car, the other under the end of the yak to protect the plastic at the other end. I got the mats at the thrift store on their 50% of day. So very cheap. Check this link for a visual.
<snip>
The following link shows the rope idea.
Once I found the right length rope to use I put karabiners on each end to make attaching it easier.
<snip>
If you choose to go this route as I did with the Big Tuna, take care where you park your truck. It can be nose down (my preference) or nose up but in no way can it be parked across the fall line of a hill. That may limit your options at some beaches or ramps.
If the truck is parked across the hill (tilted left or right) the boat will be hard to keep on top of the truck while you lift. More than likely it'll slip on the mat and fall off the side of the truck! Been there, done that. Fortunately the Big Tuna is one tough boat. Since I have a ski box on my roof next to the boat I sometimes use that to catch the bow if I have no other choice but to park across a hill.
Oh, and there are hills I could swear are not really hills. Dang boat just wants to fall off...
Another hint if you have a particularly tall or long truck is to carry a two foot step ladder. I set it behind the truck to help with the final lift and when starting to move the boat rearward when bringing it down. It's also useful when tying the straps to the bars.
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That guy in the "rope" video is like 7 ft tall and all muscle - maybe he'd be my kayak valet and solo load my kayak for me!!
Good idea with the guide rope - I do that... And park in a level spot when I can.