catching the big one from a kayak

[ronr]

Catching 15# and up stripers in a kayak is different than catching 28"ers and under. I'm feeling lucky this year, so I'm wondering what kind of scenarios could one expect out there while fighting the bigger guys and gals and what kind of techniques are used? My yak is a a 12' wilderness systems Pamlico with an open cockpit, not a sit on top.thanks....ron

[Ray]

If you have a rudder use it keep your yak controlled. The fat girls will pull you around far more than you think. Of course you have limited leverage, so using fighting angles, pulling opposite of the fishs direction, is important. Then once they get near the yak keep an eye to make sure you not high-sticking or have too much drag set.

The photo below is of a 23# bass, which really isn't that big, but it was a fun ride --127-3-

[GRH]

Fighting big fish off the yak is very easy, the only thing you need to worry about is being towed into an area that is not safe, like morrings, surf and rips. Its acutally easier in a yak as the fish tires its self out fairly quickly and once you get your hands on her, just roll her in. I have caught many fish over 45" and pull ten lobster traps from my yak. (also a wilderness system SOT Tarpons)

Here is a photo of a 50" bass.

[Jacob K.]

If you have a rudder use it keep your yak controlled. The fat girls will pull you around far more than you think. Of course you have limited leverage, so using fighting angles, pulling opposite of the fishs direction, is important. Then once they get near the yak keep an eye to make sure you not high-sticking or have too much drag set.

The photo below is of a 23# bass, which really isn't that big, but it was a fun ride --127-3-
nice picture! :brow

[Slappy]

Once you get used to the kayak, they are very stable for any size bass.

Be careful when the bass goes under the boat, that is when some people have said that they have flipped, but I don't know anyone who has done it.

Your kayak will give you access to many areas that hold big fish.