ralph tomaccio
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The one big disadvantage I see to kayak fly fishing, at least for me, is this: A very effective way to fish many of our stillwaters is to move along parallel to the shoreline, casting into the shallow water and stripping the fly out. With a float tube or pontoon boat, it’s easy to kick slowly and move. Unless I get into a pedal kayak, it seems like too much effort to cast, paddle a few feet to reposition, repeat, etc.
Try trolling! I almost never fail to catch a striper when I troll while traveling just off the shore line or even paddling from one area to another. Once I hook up, I’ll usually stay in that area for awhile to see if any others are hanging around. My success rate while trolling really adds a lot of fun while fishing out of my kayak.
Although not all inclusive, this URL certainly addresses the basics.
I would love to see Simms, or any other quality bag maker, make a combined waist pack/boat bag. By boat bag, I mean one meant more for kayak use.
What I’m thinking of is a waist pack with a belt that can be removed (attached by Velcro?), placed in the kayak’s storage area and the bag placed between your legs for convenient use while fishing from the kayak. The straps/belt is just one more thing that can catch the fly line and interfere with casting. Then, when you want to get out to wade fish, reattach the belt within seconds and be on your way.
I have made the suggestion to Simms but never heard back from them. Kayak fishing has gotten to be a rather big thing and will continue to do so. Why not more versatile products to enhance the experience. To modify a waist pack with a removable belt couldn’t be that much of a problem.
If you fish from a kayak, I’m curious what your feelings are about this idea?
Just bought a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Need to get a roof rack for the kayak. Have only had it a few days but I’m really looking forward to making this a great fishing vehicle.
There are many different lines to choose from, all with varying bellies, head lengths, etc. I would suggest using the same line as what you fish with since we practice to master our equipment and technique. How can you do that if you go and change any part of your equipment when it’s time to put it to work under actual fishing situations?
Ralph I think there is a thread below somewhere about it. Does look sort of neat though (for a Chick Flick).
Ooops! Totally missed that one!
I had BOTH KNEES replaced at the same time on Nov. 30, 2010 and it was the best thing I ever did at the age of 64. It was getting to the point that I didn’t enjoy wading, working in the yard or doing much of anything because I always felt uncomfortable and lacked confidence in balance. I just got to the point where I said “That’s it, I’m getting them replaced.”
Through physical therapy, a week in residential and about 3 months in out-patient (2-3 times a week), I developed my strength and balance. I no longer feel uncomfortable doing anything. I can completely kneel back to the point of my butt touching my heels and have more than 130 degrees of flex.
I had the cortisone shots, then Synvisc. Once those didn’t help any longer, the doctor said there was nothing else left to do except surgery.
Go for it! It’s been a little more than a year now and I don’t think about my knees. As John stated, work hard in therapy. The harder you work at it, the better you’ll feel.
I consider a kayak about the best fly fishing accessory one can buy. And, if you want to catch an additional fish here and there, just try trolling your fly as you paddle to your destination.
You answered your own question – an anchor. But, be certain to also install an anchor trolly. That will allow you to more safely position the kayak relative to the wind by positioning the anchor anywhere along the side, front or back of the kayak.
An example:
http://www.harmonygear.com/product/0/anchor_trolley/_/Anchor_TrolleyYou can also search YouTube for videos on how to make your own trolley as well as how best to use them.
I agree, choice is a great thing. But there are too many variables.
Maybe a “custom” rod is the way to go for you. Easy enough to make anything you want.
Then we would complain about lack of choice.
If there was really choice, then companies would be producing slow, medium slow, medium, medium fast, fast, ultra fast, etc. 10 sticks in 10 different colors, but with the same action doesn’t equal choice in my mind.
Let’s figure this out:
10 sticks in 10 different colors/actions = 100 sticks
100 sticks in different colors/actions x 15 different weights = 1500 sticks
1500 sticks from 10 different manufacturers = 15,000 sticks
Just wondering how many fly shops are willing to put that in their inventory. It’s a recipe for bankruptcy.
“But no, Sage, and its dealers, WANTS consumers to readily pay $700 – $1000 for rods. On a $700 rod the shop is going to make $350 versus $200 on a $400 rod.”
I don’t like paying high prices any more than anyone else but, I like the look and feel, as well as the pride of ownership a quality product gives me. Let’s keep in mind that fly shops/dealers also have overhead to pay for as well, such as rent, utilities and employees (those people whom we like to pick their brains everytime we stop in to pick up a few flies). Also, they are not a “non-profit” operation. I don’t think there’s a fly shop anywhere that is “raking in the bucks”.
There are plenty of low priced rods on the market these days that we have to choose from. But, yet, many of us still choose Sage and other high end rods, including me. If enough people chose the low end, companies would eventually stop making the high end, or at least reduce the number of them. Apparently, there still exists enough of a market for them.
The flyfishing industry is small. Without some higher profit line of products, I’m certain many of the existing companies would go out of business. Then we would complain about lack of choice. We can’t have our cake and eat it too.
Just something to think about. I now step down from my soap box.
I know I haven’t seen their rods in any of the major shops in the SE region, and that’s their home region (they’re in Maryland).
Hi Zach,
I was at the Bear’s Den Fly Fishing show (a local fly shop holds it) recently and T&T had a booth there. I picked up one of their brochures and the address on the back was Greenfield, Massachusetts, the same as listed on their web site. Have they recently moved?Zack’s absolutely correct.
On the other hand though, if someone was to buy the T&T name, it would most likely be foolish in the long run not to honor existing warranties. Yes, it may cost them a bundle to honor them, but they would be maintaining tremendous good will among existing T&T customers, helping to maintain a customer base with potential repeat business.
What good is the T&T name if all former T&T customers couldn’t get warranty work? It would be an uphill battle trying to re-establish the “new” T&T name.
Matt,
You may want to consider getting involved with the FFF who is already working with the Boy Scouts. Here’s their link:
They are NICE, but very heavy, especially the 14 footer. If you go to their web site, you’ll see they are coming out with another 12 footer that is going to be a tad lighter.
Not exactly an evening getaway, but here’s something you may want to look into and try:
Take a look at these, as they’re made for the ultimate:
http://www.watertrailgear.com/overview.cfm?select=bag
They look very well made. Watertrail is owned by the same company as Native and Heritage – Legacy Products.
