A rookie needs tips

[PhilDKreal]

Hello everyone. I have just been scanning some of the posts here and I was wondering if you all might like to give this beginner some "getting started" tips.

I have taken out rental kayaks a few times but have never fished from one. Just purchased a Walden "Scout" which is 12', and rated for 325#. I am around 185#. I have not had it on the water yet.

I was wondering about the usefulness of an anchor? I plan to try and use the kayak in a wide variety of freshwater and salt environments.

Any info on how to outfit and how to fish from would be appreciated. I plan to flyfish, using either a 9' 9w for salt and or a 9' 7w for fresh and light salt.

Thanks, and tightlines!

Steve

[Wes]

Keep it simple for your first outings in the yak. A rod holder is useful but don't get caught up in the details yet, get to know yr boat. I've never actually carried an anchor with me, always figured a bag of rocks would work in a pinch, but I don't leave home without my drift sock. Friends use their anchors more to secure the yak while they wade than to try and fish from the yak rips or currents.

[ruge13]

I thought about getting an anchor when I first started too but now I would never use it. Try fishing a couple times and see how you do. Personally, I like to drift with the current but that works well where I usually fish. It allows me to cover more area without having to fish and paddle at the same time. You will find fishing will be enough to worry about, adding an anchor line to stay away from will be overwhelming, at least at first, but then again a scout is alot more stable than my boat so it took a few trips to get used to paddling mine let alone fish from it...

[bluewatr]

I bought a 3# anchor for my rig. Sometimes it comes in handy. However it weighs the boat down and makes paddling a bit more work. Also the 3# anchor drags on the bottom and does not always lock in. A 5# would be better but of course the last thing I want to do is add even more weight. The last few outings I left the anchor in the truck!

-mike

[ruge13]

Blue, what boat do you have again? A 3# anchor weighs the boat down? do you mean when it is locked in the bottom or just hanging off the side? You shouldn't see any effect from the anchor just being on the boat....if you do, its a good thing you practice catch and release because if you ever kept a 10 lb keeper you would sink!! :p

[Wes]

Blue,
Try paddling with the anchor stowed INSIDE the boat instead of on the bottom and see if it's easier. ;) Seriously, though, in case you haven't tried it already, a short piece of chain on the anchor will usually help it hold, you may not need a heavier anchor.

I find that a drift sock is enough to slow the boat for a good drift in wind, it weighs almost nothing, and stows easy with no clunking around.

[SamRiley]

I have an eight pound collapsible grappling anchor with three feet of chain. Overkill... maybe, but I have anchored in some rough wind and current before. What I really want is my father's mini Danforth anchor. Three pounds at most and holds like no other anchor design IMO.

[bluewatr]

Ruge13

It's a sit on top Wilderness systems Ride Angler. It is very slow due ti it's design. Believe it or not.... I feel the 3 #s... Probably because it is on the bow. I do not let the anchor touch the water when paddling.... I paddled two miles day befoer yesterday with a 20lber in the back behind the seat... Had no problems.... Did not sink :) Ate well!!! :) See ya...

[ruge13]

yeah thats true....when I put heavy gear in my front bulkhead I feel it too but the rear bulkhead doesn't bother me because the bow doesn;t sub in heavy water. The day I had stuff in the front I got real wet...ahh well...20 lbs ..nice.

[Wes]

Nice fish for sure. ;) I guess I'm not surprised that even just 3 lbs would be noticable if its all the way to the bow. Have you considered just rigging a line to the bow and then running the anchor line out when you need it? More to catch hooks on but you could stow the anchor and line behind you.

[Rockawayjake]

phil- check out your safety equipment first. A life preserver is a must. Also consider using bungees to secure your pole to the yak. Practice rolling out of the yak and geting back in the boat. Try this a few times- before your fishing trip. Also practice rigging and casting from the yak. Good luck. Jake

[PhilDKreal]

Thanks to everyone for all the tips. Very helpful.

I plan to take the Scout out on Sunday on a small lake in northern NJ. I figure it will be better (safer) to get to know the ins & outs (getting in & out, practice casting, etc) on small calm water. Then later this summer I'll try it out in the salt.

Any reccommendations on a particular PFD that is comfortable for fly-casting? I figure this is something worth spending a few extra bucks on.

Also: The store tried to sell me on these super-light paddles that cost half as much as the kayak!! I went with "middle-of-the-road" $89.00. I figure If I dont like it and want to get more expensive one later I can always use this as a spare. I'm not planning on doing any long-distance touring.

One more thing: Has anyone used a kayak for river fishing? I'm thinking upper delaware.

Any help is most appreciated.

Steve, AKA PhilDKreal

[ruge13]

I used to use a pungo on the hudson river in Hyde Park NY half way between the Mid hudson and the Kingtston bridge. Its nice because you can explore the shoreline (course thats why we all bought one so I guess that was a dumb answer) but Currents were a big deal. There are some nasty currents so plan your trip with tides and direction. I don;t know about the deleware but in the hudson I had to paddle against the current for an hour or so before I could fish and drift. Or I just got in, fished and then paddled back against the current and wind. Thats not fun..not fun at all. But as for the PFD, I have fond that most PFDs made specifically for paddling, whether it be canoeing kayaking or whitewater, are good for casting. They have large arm clearence and the shoulers are generally neoprene with thin, flexible straps. They don't seem to get on the way.

[bluewatr]

Wes,


Yes I have considered stowing the anchor behind.... That's what I will be doing....Thanks for all the tips you guys...


-mike

[bunker]

I too have a Walden Scout. I bought it last year and love it. Taking it out into a pond where you can't get into trouble is a great idea. I did this as well. Just getting used to the boat and how it handled. I did this a few times under different conditions. Practice the in and out of the boat when you roll.
As far as customizing; I haven't done much other than pad the seat and added a clip for the paddle leash and pole leash. I carry a hand held compass and my PFD is one used primarily for kayaking. Not sure of the brand. I'm still working out how and where I keep equipment. Right now flies, tools and spool are kept in a small cordura bag. This can definitely be improved. Stripped line goes between my legs. I usually don't get tangled in anything.
Anchors and such I don't know I haven't tried them but the drift sock sounds good.
Where I usually paddle is in Newburyport, Joppa flats. There is a large tidal range and a lot of current. I don't know if the Delaware where you are is affected by tides but if it is try and plan your launch points, trip route accordingly.

Enjoy and Tight Lines
Mike Doty

[ekg]

I use a three pound folding grapple hooh. I've been told by some spearfisherman the absolute best ia a 4#navy stockless type. the problem is finding one. By the way you are always better off knowing how much you can tip a boat in controlled conditions. It may even be a good tdea to have a friendly power boat type to throw you a few wakes from various directions. Better get used to them under controlled conditions. You will catch them as soon as you venture out of designated no wake areas. I like MTI pfd's but try lots. If it fits you'll wear iit. and besides the amount of back support a wellfitting pfd can give you makes a huge difference over a long day of fishing. EKG