First time in a kayak...fishing

[Shafty]

Hi all-

Tried fly fishing from my kayak for the first time over the weekend. I was down in a cove in Buzzard's Bay, and had caught a few small stripers from shore before heading out on the water. Now, I have a few questions for the more experienced...

Which is better, trolling or casting? At one point there were breaking fish, so I tried trolling through them with a clouser (which was working from shore earlier) but no luck. I tried again with 2 different flies, but still nothing. I also tried casting, and got nothing again, so I'm thinking I didn't have what the fish were looking for. Anyway, what is a good general speed for effective trolling?

Here is another question...how obvious is it when you get a hit? I am thinking that maybe there was interest in my offerings, but I didn't pick up on it. I don't have a rod rack as of yet, but I had the rod resting in the cup holder inbetween my legs, with the rod resting on my shoulder and the line trailing behind me. (At one point I tried paddling backwards so I could watch everything)

I can't wait to try again, hopefully with better results next time. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Happy paddles,

Steve

[houdini]

Well, to start with, trolling with a Clouser isn't what the fly was designed for - it operates like a jig - it dives for the bottom on slack. I've never done well trolling flies in general unless I use weight. They tend to be in the top of the water column and in deeper water, that isn't necessarily good.
If you troll with a spinning rod or baitcaster set the drag loose so a strike doesn't present problems - like dumping. Any diving plug would work or try a tube and worm rig.
Are you using a rod holder? If it's located in front of you, you can keep an eye on things.
Hope that's a help. You might try visiting New England Kayak Fishing's site...
http://www.newenglandkayakfishing.com/index.php

[dlangan]

I guess my advice is more general. First become aware of what is available in terms of rod holders, paddle hoders, safety items, dry bags, dry boxes, etc. Do some lurking here or any number of online kayak stores / forums. There are many pics of rigged jayaks here and elsewhere. After a while you'll settle in on what will work for you.

Get a small anchor so you can safely ditch the yak and wade anywhere/anytime.

Thinks abouts lights, compass, GPS. Nothing like current, fog, and not being in sight of shore to make you wonder where you can end up.

Probably last but not least is you will be amazed how much easier operating out of your yak becomes with time. Everything, even the simple things like casting, staying oriented during a drift, etc. seemed hard a clumsy. In the beginning they were for me. I may not be all that great in my yak yet but I am a lot more comfortable and just can't figure out why I was so clumsy in the beginning.... ah me.

As for trolling I almost never do it. My son Joe is a monster w/ a tube and worm though....

[adson]

I have found that this time of year the faster strip of the fly works better.

If I were set up near breaking fish I would be casting into them not trolling.

I only troll in the kayak when I am going to another spot to cast.
and I wouldn't troll a clouser.

with trolling you can't vary your strip speed to see what's needed.

[Shafty]

thanks everybody-

I am sure that I will get the hang of everything with a little practice. Until then, if you see someone out there that looks clueless, you'll know who I am.

Thanks again,

Steve

[no problem]

After following numerous posts, and terrific advice from reel-timers, I too, went over to yak land and launched a hobie suv......the looks from the gas guzzlers out of Cohassett were wild and the thing really moved...but figuirng out what to do with the flyrod was a trip and a half...casting?? got about 30% of my usual distance..trolling...well let's jsut say I need to either slow the troll or up the wt of the sinking line

and then a hit...so now what do I do???? This will take some figuring out..but waht an amazing kick..the only thing I can reasonably compare it to was cruising on my old Norton commando...not quite as fast, but equally thrilling with the unique opportunity to screw up big time.

and the built in beer can holder...does it get better than that --127-3-

[BluesCruiser]

I troll fly's It works for mehttp://www.reel-time.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif

[ToddMan]

Hey Blues Man how ya been? I troll the fly also , works for me.

[BluesCruiser]

I also like to drag a tube deephttp://www.reel-time.com/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif...http://www.reel-time.com/forum/images/smilies/banana.gif

[flynny]

One piece of equipment that I found to be invaluable is a fishfinder for the kayak. They are not too expensive (portable Hummingbird costs about $80-$100), yes they show if fish are under you, but even more important is the bottom structure around you and depth.

I always prefer casting to trolling, either casting to structure or slowly coming up to fish on top (or approaching working birds). The advantage of a kayak over a boat is that you can typically get right up close to busting fish without spooking them.

And just wait until you get your first striper over 30 inches....enjoy the ride!! :brow

[Shafty]

thanks flynny-

Can't wait!

[LeeG]

Hey Steve-where are you fishing in BB? I usually fish out of fairhaven. I'd be happy to go out one morning. It seems that I can't catch a decent striper this year but the bluefish will follow us around all day!

Lee

[Shafty]

hey Lee-

I was in a little cove near the Maritime Academy. I was only down there for the day, checking the place out. (I graduated from MMA) I live on the North Shore now, so it is not often that I get down that way. You live in Fairhaven? I know some folks there, and actually will be at a party on West Island on the 4th of July. :-%

Tight lines and happy paddles,

Steve