Derwent Water 1st April

[The Image ™]

OK it wasn't sea angling but it was kayaking. Melissa had the idea of paddling to one of the islands on the lake district so we met up with my mate Pete and his daughter Amy and son Sean. Sean and Pete hired two KTM Mambas, Amy went in my Malibu with me and Melissa went in her Loko.
We launched from Keswick Marina (free) which had a great slipway and jettys.

I was surprised by how many kayakers were there with Capers and Gemini's being popular.

Paddled to an island half a mile away. Pleased to try out my new fishfinder which worked well. Melissa and Amy explored the island and came across a family of yakkers who were camping on the island. Apparently, island hopping is a pastime in its own right amongst kayakers and it's common for a few yakkers to find themselves camped on the same island with other yaks and throw quite a party.


I'd like to do it again as it's great for Melissa's paddling practice with calm waters and lots of close features to paddle to. It'd be nice to go with other yak kids. Ffion and Sarah?

[georgieb]

You won't have to ask Ffion twice - just set a date. Sounds brilliant - what about a 2-3 day camp and island hopping job like you mention.
All the best

[hursty]

Hi Fellas , can certainly recommend the Lakes , grew up on the Cumbrian coast and still go back regularly to see the folks. Theres some great sea fishing there too , if you want any marks etc get in touch , who knows I may even be able to join you! Big Pollock , Conger and rock cod , all less than a 15min paddle away!

[The Image ™]

I've paddled there 3 times now. It's great as you can paddle for miles without worrying about tides or sea conditions. It's become Melissa's training ground and she's learned a lot there plus she doesn't have to worry about getting past the surf or coming back on it. She still loves the sea but the lakes are a worry free place to develop her paddling skills.

[zebra]

did you try your fish finder out glyn

[The Image ™]

Fishfinder worked great Terry. Showed the fish well and showed the weed on the bottom.

I've always found though that fishfinders work much better in freshwater than the sea. They show fish shoals as well as the simulator promises and less false signals. This may be due to there being more midwater species in freshwater or maybe bigger swim bladders. Also more turbulence in the sea and wrack weed.

I've also noticed though that they show weed on the bottom and detail better in freshwater. Maybe this is due to a calmer surface or maybe the salt in sea water inhibits the signal a bit. Just a thought and not based on any scientific input.

[zebra]

Interesting that glyn I noticed the new garmin 160c is recommended for freshwater
All there other models have freshwater or salt in the description but not the 160c I think it may be that salt water is more dense I set myself up a little experiment the other day I half filled a tall glass of salt water then added some coloured freshwater to the glass and the fresh sank to the bottom (it was coloured red ) and there was a definite line between both types of water they would not mix even after I stirred the water up it still separated I wonder then when it rains heavy and the fishing goes off if that’s the reason the fresh water goes to the bottom and maybe the food don’t like it and move out to deeper water with the fish following .just a thought

[hursty]

where did you hire the yaks from and what sort of price are we talking? Would love to get the nipper out and the old boy!!