Kayak Fly Fishing

[adrian]

I didn't get to post here much last season because. lamentably, I didn't get out fishing much.

I'm seriously thinking about aquiring a Kayak for fly-fishing this season and would be interested to hear of anyones experiences in our area.

I've trawled arround quite a few sites - quite a bit of stuff on the NorthEast board and at www.stripersurf.com/kayaks.html.

I live in CT and plan to start arround the Housatonic estuary.

Before that though, 10 days down in Exuma chasing bones, barracuda and the occaisional permit.

Best regards to all for a great season ahead.

Adrian Sharp

[ej]

Adrian,
I am in the same boat(kayak)regard a first time purchase.
Check out Kayakfishing.com It is a west coast site
but the same pricipals hold true. The basic decision is
sit in or sit on top. SOT is wetter-colder but a little more stable and self bailing and easier to get into if you dump. Much of what I intend to use it for I think I'll
go that way. Wetsuit a possiblity. I like Ocean Kayaks
Scupper Pro and Perception Backcounty (fishing package)
I too fish the Housey. Excellent early season.
Ed

[Adam-Albino]

I don't usually post here (I'm on the New England board), but the BBS5 archives have lots of good info on picking a 'yak for the North East.

For what its worth, There is a rather large group of us who FF out of Kayaks in Mass/RI area. The consensus is for the colder North East waters stay away from sit-on-top types, and go with a sit-in. The sit on tops will really limit your season. The "Pungo" consistently gets the highest reviews.
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[adrian]

Thanks for the feed-back!

I'm off to Exuma for 10days next week. They have a couple of SOT 'yaks at the P&P which I plan to try this year for the toothy critters & jacks which hang out under the bridge near the lodge. Last year the sight of four grown men lying face down on the bridge dangling flies for the jacks caused much amusement with the locals. There was the very real risk of all four of us ending up in the local hospital with an identical set of leg injuries from a passing truck - so this year I'm going afloat - and thats after an intense day on the bones - well, mad dogs & Englishmen etc....

I will post a report on my return

The only problem with the kayak is that your but is actually in the water. Don't get me wrong I love to kayak. But for fishing in the ocean I would recomend a good deep wide canoe of 13' or better. I have been using one for about 6 years now. I fish the Vineyard, long Island, and Merrimack River. Have caught Bonito, False Albicore, Bass Blues and spanish Mackeral. Never had a problem. A couple advantages. Your but is not in the water. If you want you can stand. You can anchor. Take another person along. Bring more gear with you. Not that small craft get any respect out on the ocean, but at least I am a little more visible. Something to think about.

Chad

[wolter]

dear adam-albino,

how does one attach the flyrod to the kayak while cruising from one spot to the other? also, what does one do with the paddle while flt casting?

thanks r wolter

[gregk]

Put the rod behind the seat facing rearward. Paddle usually faces foward unless you can stash it "below"
It will all be real obvious once yo get in one.
By the way, I rarely sit while casting. I wear knee pads or kneel on a spare life preserver. More comfortable casting stroke and a tad higher on the elevation dept.
greg

[Adam-Albino]

<P><FONT color=black face=Verdana,Geneva size=2>RWolter - </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>It really depends on the 'yak. I added a Blue Waters fly rod holder to the seat/bulkhead in front on my sitting position (I have a two seater). You can add others that bolt on to the deck also. Some folks (like Mike Powers) just lays his down along the deck, with the tip under the front bow handle (rope), and the real in his lap (on top of his spray skirt).</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>As for the paddle - I just lay it accross my lapon the deck. Stays out of the way just fine.</FONT></P>
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[adrian]

Well, made it back from Exuma in one piece after an amazing 10 days fishing. Sadly I have to report that, owing to end of fishing-day exhaustion I never made it out in a kayak - even though they were still available.

As for the fishing, I will post a separate report.