Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Congrats on your new yak (the good kind). Number 1 on the list should be a PFD, it's a requirement. Doesn't have to be a fishing style with all the front pockets, they get in the way if you go over and have to climb back in. The most comfortable are the inflatable, make sure it's manual or atmospheric. The cheap autos will inflate if you take a wave in the face. Manual is way cheaper. As for the paddle get the very best you can afford, after a while on the water you'll notice the difference between ounces and pounds. If you can upgrade your seat you'll be glad you did. Surf to Summit GTS is one of the best available but close to $200. The older you are the more you'll be glad for the seat upgrade. They make a gel pad that will work till you can do better. If you already have a pulley system it's called an anchor trolley. Use it for your anchor. You can find an (anchor in a bag) at most places that sell canoe and yak gear. That will be one of your least expensive accessories.

When the manufacturer gives a weight (60 #) it's the hull before any rigging such as rod holders, hatches, foot pegs or bungees. Get a cart, and try to get something with fat wheels for sand. There are carts that insert into your scuppers and others that sit underneath with some sort of saddle arrangement. Mine is an underneath. If I could change one thing I'd get one with a kick stand so it would stand by itself. It's just easier than trying to lift and reach under the yak to stand it up.

Other things to consider that I consider necessary are:
1. Paddle leash and rod leashes, and when you have them - use them. If a rod goes over, it's gone. If your paddle goes over, even though it floats you'll be lucky to get it back without help. You in the yak will drift a lot faster than a paddle.
2. A whistle that snaps on your PFD.That way you can signal your buddy when you lose your paddle. They recommend a pea less whistle (works when wet).
3. If you'll be on the water where there are powerboats you should have  a high-vis flag on a pole, and if you might be on the water during darkness your pole should have a light.
Finally, sign up on some of the kayak message boards. A really good local one is Maryland Kayak Fishing (MKF) located at www.snaggedline.com Great mix of guys with a lot of good information available. They have a meet and greet every month, usually 2nd Saturday Check the site for an upcoming display set up at Bass Pro and a Flea Market in March with a lot of yak gear available. Mostly, have fun and be safe.

I upgrade my seat, great investment.....

I am not sold on a carbon paddle. My cheapish one gets me a great upper body workout and you are 1/2 as young as me.....

A 3 lb weight tied to a rope did me well for a few years.....

Get leashes.....

And have serrated knife, whistle, a dry bag with some old clothes, small 1st aid kit etc

Welcome to the club!

If you want a carbon one.  I bought one, but then won a 400 dollar one.  I can sell you the old carbon one for wayyyy cheaper...

Last edited by redskinsfan360 (Feb-05-12 8:37PM)

Good stuff guys. Appreciate the insights and lessons learned. This will be an iterative process as I balance out these purchases with having no storage. We are moving to our permanent house sometime in early April, but I am sure I can grab a few things in the meantime.

I already have a PFD.

Short term purchases include paddle, dry storage, anchor/anchor system, leashes and extra caribeaners (sp).

I'm thinking a cart is key and appreciate the "big wheel" recommendation.

I'll carry a knife...good call on that one.

Water safety is key, so thanks for the reminders on the little things like a whistle and flat/vertical indicator.

Salmo wrote:

I have a 70 pound kayak that I throw on my factory luggage roof rack.  The Hoe should at least have one of them?

The Tahoe Hybrid doesn't have a luggage roof rack. I will either need an after market or just to shove it in the car...suprisingly doesn't hang out too much.