Caught the bug

[basscatcher]

When I first looked at this section I thought what a crazy, mad thing, fishing from a Kayak.

I know feel I have been tempted to give it a go. I have been looking at the Kayaks and dreaming of flat calm seas and small coves where many a summers day could be spent.

I see there is a second hand kayak up for sale but as an XXL size bloke (17 Stone) think it would be a little small for me.

Can anyone recommend a yak for me, seems the drifter maybe a good option. Also where would be the best and cheapest place to buy?

Any advise or a pm on the subject would be usefull.

[stitch]

;Welcome aboard Gilbey,
The average sit on top S.O.T has a load capacity of 400lb to 450lb for a single seat version. When choosing my kayak the max load limit didn't come into it as i weigh only 11 stone fed, clothed, and wet through. the only concern i had was the width of the boat ie drag through the water. My final choice was the 15ft prowler having a width of 27 inches, for may build thats more than enough. The runner up was the Cobra Fish n Dive having a length of 12 and a half feet but with a width of 36 inches which means a greater load capacity of 600lbs, super stable and loads of deck space. For a heavier paddler this might be the boat for you thats not to say for example my prowler isn't it just means it will sit lower in the water and hence a wet bum for the length of the trip.
One other avenue to explore is buying a two seat kayak and using it as a single, not as mad as it sounds i had a go of The Images Malibu 2 kayak and was quite impressed.

John

Forgot to mention Cobra has a new boat out called the Mariner, If i need a new boat this will be the one. ;D ;D ;D

[martinw]

Hi gilbey, the drifter angler is ocean kayaks angler version for the bigger paddler, its 12'7" long and its max capacity is 450-500lbs 50lb more than the prowler 13 & 15.

I looked at this one prior to buying my p13 and was advised that it would be too wide for my build, i would move round too much when paddling. It is wider than the others by an average of about 3 inches so it wont fly through the water like the slimmer ones, but after all its not a race to get to the marks first, i like to think that when we get together and paddle off to the sunset we do so as a team and paddle within everyones comfort zone.

Have you ever tried a kayak?, come to a meet if you can, there is always a vast array of yaks there and I'm sure no-one would bat an eyelid if you wanted a paddle, your quite welcome to try my p13 for size.

I hope some of that helped in some way, dont forget, flat calm seas and small coves on a summers day ;D ;D ;D Tight lines Martin

[martinw]

Hi again, just noticed, Devons a long way to come for a kayak meet!!!, But Devon, what a place to own a kayak in the summer!!!

[basscatcher]

Was thinking of buying a new pair of rods (Centrury) but think for the money a kayak would be a better investment.

Your right there are loads of areas in Devon and Cornwall where a kayak could put you right on the bass grounds and on rock marks that are just not accessible on foot. Its an excellent thing for me to plan for now.

;D

[karlk]

Gilbey,

I've got the same issue - another option is the Malibu X Factor - its certainly not the cheapest but it'll carry 600lb and looks to be the dogs kahunas - there's a picture of one at the Feb 4th meet - I was meant to be there but couldn't make it in the end - absolutely gutted when I seen the pictures of the Malibu

[sh]

Gilbey

My kayak is the Malibu 2XL. It's a tandem kayak and my usual fishing mate is 17st+ - (he sits at the back!!), I'm 12st.

Steve

[martinw]

hi gilbey, just think for the price of two century rods you could get yourself a nice yak!!, that kayak will go to places those rods will never see ;D

Do you really need new rods? I keep thinking that i do but i dont, every time im just about to buy that new conoflex nemesis i talk myself out of it!!

dont forgett, flat calm seas and small coves ;D ;D ;D

[basscatcher]

Thanks for the replies, I am now happy that a fatty like me will float in a kayak.

I am deffo going to get one for this spring. ;D

I guess what ever tackle you have you just want bigger and better. No new rods just a kayak im thinking

Having sweat dreams at the moment.

[martinw]

thats what i like to hear, come to the dark side gilbey ;D ;D ;D ;D

[learner]

Hi Gilbey, I am new to fishing but did sea Kayaking years ago and am getting the bug again seeing these messages.

How much will a complete set of gear cost me?

Cheers mate

[johnlegg]

Its moor like how much do you want to spend

p13 £479
pfd £50
dry pants £100
Dry top £150
compass £35
flares £30 apr
vhf £120
trolley £75
boots £20
anchor £28
first aid £25

and it goes on.
But its great fun

[martinw]

Hi learner, Ive not long started kayak angling and heres a breakdown of what its cost me,

p13 kayak £479 With free paddle
pfd £50 off e-bay
full length wetsuit £30 asda
spray and windproof smock £40 reduced from £60 from nuties in bangor
neoprene boots £20
neoprene gloves £10
Paddle leash about £4 (made it myself!)
vhf £99
Flares ap £30
compass handheld silva tucked away in my pfd about £10
not got a trolley yet, i carry my yak!!
picked up an anchor for £5 but not rigged it yet.

All thats just short of about £800, but some of that stuff i already had from the boat i had ie the vhf and the flares. As long as you are warm happy and got the most important safety gear, you can pick up the rest of your creature comfort gear as you go along. You can pick up lots of bargains on e-bay, i have and its all good stuff. shop about you'll be surprised ;D

i hope some of that helped, without frightening you with the cost, just dont add it up, Martin ;D ;D ;D

[basscatcher]

I have has some prices now and have to say I do like the Malibu X Factor.

My eyes are also on an Ocean Drifter.

Just recieved a wet suit and wet suit neoprene pumps that I bought off ebay.

Think I need the following to get me going:
Kayak (drifter) £479
Posh seat £45
4 bungs £12
Paddle £30
Floatation Device £40

I am also intending to buy flares, small anchor, rigging ropes and stuff, waterproof / floating boxes etc.

So £700 to £800 is the figure to buy new and least cost items to get you going.

[zebra]

hello gilby my mate is a big chap and finds the prowler perfect the drifter is a good yak but have a look at the photos of the drifter and the prowler side by side and you will see how much more you are getting for your money with a prowler before you buy though why dont you come to the next meet and try my prowler .
terry

[richi]

• GPS-£100
  
• Fishfinder & rechargeable set up-£150
  
• Lendal kinetic wing paddle-£200
  
  • Scotty holders & extenders-£100
    
  • Paddling light-£25
    
  • Paddling flag-£25
    • Headlamp-£25
      
    • Swim noodles-£20
      
    • Palm touring PFD-£80
      
    Scupper bungs £20
    • Gul 3M drysuit-£180
      
    • Neoprene boots (2 pairs)-£50
      
    • Paddling gloves (2 pairs)-£30
      
    Sealskin gloves-£25
    • Sealskins socks-£25
      
    • Core layer clothing-£50
      
    • Mid layer clothing £100
      
    Wetsuit-£50
    • Various leashes-£50
      
    • Flares-£35
      
    • Hats-£30
      
    Ekla kayak trolley-£60
    • One handed knife-£10
      
    • Yak waterproof top-£50
      
    • Thule roof racks and straps-£150
      
    Thule kayak cradles-£90
    • Extra roof straps-£10
      
    • Coolbox (I don't use a crate)-£15
      
    • Prowler 13 A-£419
      
    
    

total so far-£2344 -I thought it better if I did'nt mention the Shimano baitrunners etc.The thing about it is that I know it sounds a lot of money but you'll have many years enjoyment out of your purchases

[martinw]

you will need to get another p13 to tow all that ;D ;D ;D