Good thing for "On the Water"...

Times are tough when you can't fish. We are constantly thinking of new ways to rig the yak and how to cut down the time at the dock. Good thing for "On the Water" TV show. It helps to watch it and dream of being out on the water. It's too bad most of them are repeats...

http://www.onthewater.com/

Anchor Trolley

I am debating what side to put an anchor trolley. I usually put my paddle on the starboard side (left) and fish from the port (right) side. I was wondering about if it's possible to re-enter the yak on the same side of an anchor trolley. i am thinking it's probably doable...

Kayak modifications

I took my Hobie up to Collinsville kayak (http://www.cckstore.com/) for some winter modifications. I am going to have them install a anchor trolley, some deck rigging and a handle for carrying the yak.

There's a great post about the handle modifications (http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5086057385/m/3091023535).

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Niantic River

I fished for last time this year in my kayak. It's getting cold and harder to clean my gear. I decided to try the Niantic River. I have been succesfull in the past fishing it. I started with 3 dozen worms and 2 dozen crabs. I caught a few schoolies in various sizes. No keepers. I tried togging for a good part of the day. I think the tog spots are all fished out. I guess I have to wait until next year to try the spots again...

Fall fishing...

I enjoy fall fishing. It's usually good fishing all day. With the cooler weather, the fish seem to bite more. I must admit it's colder on the water and more dangerous. Additionally, you need to be more aware of the weather. The winds can kick in at anytime.

Last week, I caught a 34 inch bass at 1:30pm. During the summer, I would be catching a schoolie during that time frame. The best thing too is I get to sleep little later. No rush to get to the launch when it's pitch black. I just love fall fishing...

Togging...

My friend asked me to go togging in his boat. Last time I went out with him. I didn't catch a thing. I was debating between kayaking vs boating. I actually need a break from kayaking. It seems I am catching too many fish in the yak. I kind of feel it isn't fair. Anyway, my friend says he knows a lot about togging. If i don't catch a thing, it will be fun going with him and learning some new skills.

Good day fishing...

October is a great month for catching big bass. It was a nice sunny day and about 10:00am . I had caught earlier only schoolies. I was at 2Tree island trolling a tube. A big bass hit my tube and took me for a ride. As I reeled it in, I lost it. I figured I had 1 more shot to catch it. I went back and followed my same path. I was letting the bail out and it hit. I dug my thumb into the bail and flip the bail. I had it now. It took me for a ride towards another boat. As I reeled it in, it gave me a good battle. I knew it was big just in how it fought. My tape measure wasn't big enough to measure it. It goes to 36 inches. Its head extended about another 5 inches. I was happy. I then caught a keeper tog. The winds were kicking in and I decided to head back to the launch. I can't wait until next week.

Fishing at the cape...

I went up to upper Cape Cod. I was in the Truno / P-Town area. I had a great time. I have never caught so many fish. I caught over 30 bass and 10 blues the first day. I stopped counting. The next day within 3 hours (includes paddling there) caught over 20 bass and 6 blues. I did learn a lot about fishing. I tried different approaches to see what works and what doesn't work.

Taking some friends out...

I was asked to take out tomorrow some new yakkers. I have been checking the marine weather. I was hoping it wasn't going to be so windy and rough. I will need to rethink my plans. I always have a back up plan for bad conditions. The weather is so unpredictable...

I installed a Blue Seas cable calm

After researching my options for a long time, I decided to go with the connector by Blue Seas. I was worried about installing it on the yak. I drilled an 1/2 hole for it and holes for the 4 screws. I used silicone on the holes and around the connector. I hope it handles the test the next time I go out fishing. It's a solid unit.

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=21433F


Get the mid sized one. You don't want it too big or small.

http://www.seamar.com/blueseas.html

September fishing

I like fishing in September. I mainly go after bass and bonito. It's a great month. It's not too hot or cold. It's still dark when I get out on the water. It seems fishing time is extended. I do catch big bass in September. my manin focus is bonito....

Keepers....

I have been catching keepers every week for awhile. It makes the trip complete. But, even if I did not catch one it still would be complete. It is great to be out on the water.

This week I helped a beginner I met. I explained how I fish and some general tips. Some people have told me they don't share their secrets and tips. Maybe I shouldn't but I do. There lots of fish (keepers) in the ocean........

Good day...

I knew today was going to be a good day. I nailed a big schoolie on the first worm. It was a perfect day. It wasn't too cool or hot. I kept on nailing them until I was out of worms. I had 2 keepers and 9 20-27 schoolies. I wished the day wouldn't end...

Bunker...

This year I noticed lots of bunker. It seems the bass are only interested in bunker. I tried eels, fresh bunker, plugs and tube/worm. I had no luck and I am confused. I have read many posts about other fishermen wondering why too. I think in the beginning of the season the bass haven't had bunker since last year and just target them. As the season unfold, we will see....

Kayak Rodeo...

Last weekend, I fished in 3 states (CT, RI and NY). I left from Barn Island launch around 7am after checking in for the Rodeo. We headed towards Napatree. I caught a 26 inch bass right off the bat near Napatree. The weather and conditions were perfect. But, there were no fish. We ended going to Fishers Island from Napatree. It was a tough ride to it. We went with the tide and then the waves kicked up big time. I just relaxed and made my way through them. There wasn't much action at Fishers Island. I was somewhat disappointed. I did catch a few scup but no bass. We needed up going back to Napatree and Sandy Point. I caught a few more bass but no keepers. We grabbed a bite to eat and went out again. We went to Avery Point. There were lots a bass. My buddy ended up catching a 37 inch one. It was a fun and a very long day. I ended up going about 50 miles in 12 hours of fishing.

Some pics:

http://www.ultimatekayakfishin...-Rodeo-gallery-cat17.html

Stringers

I had a great day fishing. I caught a 39/40 inch striper. Loads of schoolies too. When I put the big guy on the stringer, 5 mins later he was gone. I learned a leason. The chain stringer will get poped open by big fish. I heard him banging against the kayak. I then turned around and his was gone. I must come up with a stringer for big fish. Any ideas.

First day in the Ocean....

My adventure started off launching in pea soup. I could hardly see 5 feet. And to top if off, my VHF radio started to give me problems. It got stuck in a lock mode and didn't work. Good thing I saw a fellow kayak fisherman. I tagged with him. About 10 mins into it, I landed a just small keeper. It was very close. 1/4 of inch shy. All in all, it was a great day.

Mirage pedals...

Today, I put a 2 ounce weight on each pedal. It will help keep the pedal down when pedaling. It was bugging me everytime I pedaled. I hope it works.

A day to catch up...

It's a holiday week-end. I decided not to go fishing. I need to catch up on those outstanding chores and family time. It did play around with the yak. Just a few modifications to the milk crate. The crate is a special in itself....

Self Resue

I finally did it this week. Last week, I tried and stopped. Some people from shore were watching. I thought they were going to call 911. I did try and failed. I notice my PFD was lose and I needed something to grab. I felt good in successfully doing it. I will do it a few more times........

Gorilla glue

I went fishing on Saturday and damaged one of my ST fins. I was surprised that I was able to repair it with Gorilla glue. It had a slight hole. It's drying now. I'll let you know if it works.

Another rainny weekend...

With all the rain in April and May, I have thought a lot about rigging. Changing and thinking about it again. It's hard to really think if it's going to work. Sitting on dry land vs. water is not the same. I guess I need to get in the water and think again of ways to improve.

I used Thule for my kayak....

I used my Hullavator last weekend. It works great. I did do a lot of research on it before I purchased it. I posted on a kayak fishing site about the racks. Great reports on it. I did a little of bragging on the site about my Thule products. People are impressed.

I wish I had purchased it from Amazon. I bought it locally in CT. The price of gas added onto the final cost of it. I found all my items in Amazon. It fits my Jeep Liberty 2004. The 58 inch bars are just right. If the bars were any bigger, it would require cutting them. I noticed that if you buy all the items separate. You get the same price. I like Amazon for the Hullavator and locks. I wonder why they don't sell the bars and cross rails. But, Rack Warehouse sells them.

Thule 897XT Hullavator (Amazon-free shipping)


6 pack of locks used for Hullavator and 450 CrossRoad Railing (Amazon-free shipping)


Thule 450 CrossRoad Railing (Rack Warehouse-good price/free shipping)


Thule LB58 Bars...Fits my Jeep (Rack Warehouse-good price/free shipping)

The ducer worked...

I went out on Sunday. My ducer worked like a charm. No more fooling around with it. I hope the depths were accurate. I saw a depth posted on a bridge. It was 25 feet and the fish finder said 16 feet. I wonder who is more accurate. When I was in roughly 2 feet, it registered around the depth. I guess I need to bring my ruler...

Don't push your luck...

I was debating about going out on Saturady. It was going to be my first time out for the season. I kind of knew it wasn't going to be a good day. I had heard it was going to rain and be cold. Additionally, I knew it was going to be windy too. I kept on telling myself. It won't be that bad. But a little voice deep down told me not to go. I am glad I stayed home. It was nasty.......

My ducer

Well, it looks good. The ducer held good. Picked up the yak and shook it a couple of times. The ducer didn't fell out. I hooked up the fishfinder to it. It works. I won't know for sure until I put it into the water....

Transducer in a Hobie Revolution...

I got the yak back. I am finally putting in the ducer. I used some tape to make a wall around it. I tie the ducer to my mast with a zip tie. I used aquarium sealer (DAP). The key is no bubbles. Bubbles will hurt the signal. It takes 48 hours to cure. I hope it works. I'll let you know if it works...

Transducer...

Kayak fishing using a tube and worm

Today I went to a tube and worm seminar sponsored by CT Outfitters. I have always known that they are deadly for catching stripped bass. There is a whole science in using them. I have always heard that slack tide would produce some big fish. It was mentioned today that big fish can be caught during slack tide. I haven't used a tube during slack tide. I mentioned to the presenter that it is very important to clean off the tube.

The tackle store will it was held:

http://www.ct-outfitters.com/

The presenter:
http://www.tmancustomtackle.com/

At the dealer....

I am still waiting to hear from the dealer. The hobie dealer has had the yak for a full week. I can't wait to see my new Scotty rod holders. Here's the link for the rod holders:






The dealer is adjusting my rudder too. He suggested the sailing rudder might be to much for the rudder lines. I am also having the ST fins installed.

Here's my Hobie Revolution:
Note: The fishing machine.... You won't be sorry.





I am still trying to figure out the anchor....

Small tackle shop vs. Cabela

It was raining so hard this weekend. Nothing really to do. I met a friend at Cabela to pick up a reel. I had him to a tune up on it. I dropped off my rod too. The small tackle shops are important to us. It's true Cabela has a ton of stuff. But would they put out sand worm at 4 am and wait for payment. Reels, rods and that special service is special.

Visit my local shop http://www.kingcovekayakcenter.com/

Getting ready to bring my yak Hobie Revolution for service

I made a reservation to bring my yak in for service. I am going to have the shop install rod holders, anchor tolley, sailing rudder and do general maintenance on it. I am thinking of going with scotty rod holders. If I do put it on top of car, it will be easier. I'll look for the links for parts.

Fishing Show in CT

Last week, I went to the Dodge fishing show

http://www.fishinghuntingexpo.com/

I saw all sorts of fishing accessories. I thought for a show it was over priced. I did buy some scent (sandworm and crab) for my tubes and black fishing. The vendors thought by not charging sales tax. It was a big deal that they absorbed it. You have to be careful at these events...

Being calm when a problem happens on the water.

Being calm is the key to surving. If you panic, he will make mistakes. I posted a good response on kayakfishingstuff. I am popeye in the post.

My Post

Scotty vs Ram holder for Yak

I have been looking at the rod holders. I am not sure which one to get. I think the scotty rod holder is hollow. Additionally, I am wondering how much stress they can take form a big fish. I will need to investigate more...

Transducer

On my Hobie revolution, I think the best spot for it is in the front near the mast. It is protected from other items in the front hatch. I think I will use silicone to hold the foam to yak. I am thinking about using using silicone on the ducer too. I did use vaseline in the past. But, it's a pain to put it on everytime I going fishing.

Giving in and taking my Abu to the shop...

I called a local shop it to get fully cleaned and oiled. I am alittle concerned I won't be able to put it back together. I am going to try to do my PENN. But, not the tube and worm reel.. I think. Maybe, I'll try during the Giants game....

Giving in and taking my Abu to the shop...

Warm weather

I thought about going out fishing in the yak. Got warm. I was thinking of looking for some schoolies.... Still dreaming.

Cabelas....

I got flooded this week with catalogs. I noticed some of the same products are listed multiple times. I will find something good to buy with my $75 guft card.

Cleaning my reels during the football games...

I went into the garage and got some of my reels. I started taking them apart. Few drops of oil and on to the next one. I am saving my salt water reels for the furture. I am thinking they will be the hardest to clean and take apart. Started on my penn and decided to wait. I figured I have about 10-12 weeks before the yak goes back on the water. I will probably clean it and think about how I am going to rig it. Additionally, I need to rethink my time at the dock. I am tired of wasting alot of time setting up....