Finally got out!

After having to wait several weeks for mis-shipped rack parts to arrive and then having to deal with family visits and other events I was finally able to take my new Tarpon160 out fishing for the first time. I was wanting to chase coho but figured that the better part of valor would be to try a freshwater lake for the first time. This last Monday I tried Lake Tarboo north of Quilcene and had the entire lake to myself. I spent a few hours drifting bait, trolling, and jigging the deeper center channel with no luck. In early afternoon enough shade had formed on one side of the lake to move into the tinkertoyesque network of fallen logs and start casting spoons. It isn't the most dramatic of first bloods, but a 1/4-oz Kastmaster nominated a modest 9" LMB to this dubious honor. I snapped a photo with my cellphone but am not having luck posting it at work. It if were a more substantial catch I'd figure out some way to get it online. The boat was a pleasure to paddle and steer though I noticed that the water was about 1/2" from the top of the scupper holes with my minimal freshwater gear (I'm about 195 lbs.) I wonder what it'll be like in rougher conditions on the salt with more gear. I imagine that I won't be able to open the small hatch in front of the seat. One of the purchases I made with the kayak was the Kayak Cooler which mounts on the bow of the boat. I must confess to not being overly impressed. I snagged the line on it several times and about half the ice was melted inside after only 3-4 hours of 70-75-degree weather; anyone else have any experience with these? It was also my first time using a FF (Lowrance X-4 Portable.) It marked depth well but I had to turn down the sensitivity to about 50% to eliminate the chaff (or whatever it's called.) I didn't see any fish arcs which I'm not certain is from a lack of fish, the low sensitivity, or some other user error. Is it normal to need to turn down the sensitivity so much? The lake was sepia-stained a bit but was fairly clear of algae and debris. It was excellent to finally get out. I'm hoping that next time will be soon and will be on saltwater.

Awesome report of your first fish! 

Simply great, isn't it?

A kayak cooler? I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of fishing when it's 75 degrees...  Wonder what that's like.

Simply great, isn't it?

A kayak cooler? I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of fishing when it's 75 degrees...  Wonder what that's like.

It truly is great! The kayak cooler is this thing: Seattle Sports Kayak Catch Cooler
It obviously doesn't work for large fish. Nifty idea but less practical than I had anticipated.
Tempwise we've been having a real hot dry late summer. The lake I had hoped to try fishing for the first time was actually closed due to fire risk (presumably the forest around it was at risk and hopefully not the lake itself.) I'll take the weather while I can get it though. It's few and far between.

'pshrinker
Re; the Catch Cooler,
Many use the refeezable ice packs or sheets, or simply the 1/2 and 1 litre soda and water bottles filled with tap water and frozen. Just plain ice doesn't seem to work all that well, as you found out. Might want to try those methods before giving up on the cooler.

Of all the companies that make kayak gear, I've got to say Seattle Sports is among my least favorite. I bought a "deluxe" bilge pump and the cap that holds the rubber piece on the shaft came unglued. After numerous unanswered emails I finally got a reply. I scanned my receipt and emailed them a copy. They said they would send me out a new one months ago. It never came, I gave up and bought an Aqua-Bound bilge pump, better quality.

I know some of you are saying "why didn't you just take it apart and fix it." I tried, but they glue the hell out of those end caps. Guess I could have sawed it and made it shorter, but too much hassle.

Sorry for the threadjack, but saw Seattle Sports' name and thought I would that out there.

'pshrinker
Re; the Catch Cooler,
Many use the refeezable ice packs or sheets, or simply the 1/2 and 1 litre soda and water bottles filled with tap water and frozen. Just plain ice doesn't seem to work all that well, as you found out. Might want to try those methods before giving up on the cooler.

I like the idea of ice/frozen bottles and saltwater in a cooler behind me a little more than lurching and wobbling forward to stick a fish in the cooler on the front of my boat. I guess it would work better on a shorter kayak too. My wife's ordered a Tarpon120 so I may pass it on to her.

Of all the companies that make kayak gear, I've got to say Seattle Sports is among my least favorite. I bought a "deluxe" bilge pump and the cap that holds the rubber piece on the shaft came unglued. After numerous unanswered emails I finally got a reply. I scanned my receipt and emailed them a copy. They said they would send me out a new one months ago. It never came, I gave up and bought an Aqua-Bound bilge pump, better quality.....Sorry for the threadjack, but saw Seattle Sports' name and thought I would that out there.

No worries about the threadjack. I appreciate knowing the pros and cons of all these companies. I probably went with Seattle Sports out of regional loyalty more than anything else and am now learning....