Angling Kayakers…

[Mike Cline]

Cameron,

Way to pull the trigger–you’ll learn to wear like a good pair of shoes.

[stevegibson]

but…  If you’re not planning on doing a lot of long distance paddling I don’t really see the value in spending big money on a paddle.  I bought an aluminum paddle, and while I don’t do a ton of paddling around, I’ve done  many 10-15 mile days without any trouble.    My paddle was ~$40, and it held up to a hard year in the salt with no problems and no visible wear.  

Maybe buy a cheaper paddle, and keep an eye out on Steepandcheap.com for a really nice one if you decide you want to upgrade?

IMHO, a paddle is to the yak as the flyrod is to the fly fisherman.  Whereever you go in the yak, you will have the paddle in your hands, moving the yak along.  It is an indispensible tool.  On flat, calm water, almost any paddle will do.  But if you take to paddling upstream against current (something yaks are good at), you’ll appreciate the lighter, more efficient paddle.  Find yourself out on the flats having to return five miles against the wind and you’ll appreciate the lighter paddle.  My 1st paddle was an Aquabound Stingray with carbon shaft.  My second was the Finstalker and I can tell the difference.  At 61 years old when I am fighting wind, paddling upstream on the Yellowstone or Madison rivers I really appreciate the ease of paddling that a light paddle brings to the river.

I wholeheartedly agree with you! Your paddle should be your second most expensive investment. I suggest a good carbon fiber paddle that you can offset (feather) the blades. Also, spend money not only for a good, strong paddle, but also one that is light. You won’t regret it.

I have an Ultimate 14.5 tandem and an Ultimate 14.5 solo. In the solo, I can add a “seat raiser” from Legacy Paddle Sports. That puts the bottom of the seat at the top of the gunwale. Gives you much better visibility when looking for fish.

I have paddle Ultimates for the last three years and can’t figure out any reason to add a rudder. This boat paddles straight as an arrow, with little or no paddle correction necessary.

Congrats on getting your Ultimate. You’ll love it.

Oh, one more thing: I put a milk crate behind my seat in which I stow various tackle boxes. I also added a 3-rod rack that has slots for pliers, knives, etc.

I have added an anchor trolley to my boat. Plus, covered the metal structural tube with a pool noodle. That way I can lay my rod against without fear of breaking int.

For an anchor, I use a 5-pound, foam-covered hand dumbbell. Works much better than any commercial kayak anchor.

[John Bennett]

I sooo wish I felt comfortable enough to use a kayak for my photography. Toons are ok, but so slow and you sit a little too high.

[stevegibson]

 
My point was that they tend to take on water, not whether they were a kayak or not.

Hmmm, interesting. I’ve had my Ultmate 14.5 for three years, but it hasn’t taken on water yet. Something must be wrong.

[stevegibson]

I sooo wish I felt comfortable enough to use a kayak for my photography. Toons are ok, but so slow and you sit a little too high.

What seems to be your fear?

I take photos from my kayaks all the time with no problem.

[ray corkran]

I also have a Ultimate 12, had it for a little over a year now.  I really do love it, works very well for me and what I use it for “FLY FISHING” and ok — I will admit a little exploring/sightseeing too.

I have an anchor trolley (which I really like), rod holder and ummmm oh yeah I bought one of those milk crate bags it holds more stuff than I usually take, but I really do like it.  I bought my accessories from http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com they are very well informed on their products and answered all my questions.  

Was going to post a pic or two but I think the pics on my work cpu.  It will have to wait till later.

[Cameron Mortenson]

Fellows…thanks for keeping this thread going with more great information.  I picked up my kayak a few weeks ago and though I haven’t spent as much time fishing out of it as I would have liked I am still REALLY enjoying it a lot.

Already gave it the T.F.M. treatment so it’s repping on the water and out.

Last weekend I picked up the paddle that I ordered, a AquaBound FinStalker, carbon shaft/carbon blades with the TLC connection.  I am really liking this paddle and glad that I had the shop order it.

[Anonymous]

I sooo wish I felt comfortable enough to use a kayak for my photography. Toons are ok, but so slow and you sit a little too high.

John,

I am just finishing up our organizations “friend raiser” which instead of a golf tournament is a Kayaking event.

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