Do you want to be a good YAK fisherman?

During the winter months, you can improve your skills... Yep. I took my skills to a new level last year. I felt bad when fellow yakers weren't catching fish. Mmmm. I asked myself why do I catch and they don't. I don't like to brag. It's not just tossing a line out. More involved. I do have some secrets. But, they aren't really secrets but common sense.

Knee surgery...

I had my knee surgery. I am so glad I have a hobie. I showed the doc the hobie catalog. I asked him what he thought about pedaling. He said "great" for the knees. I will upgrade my fins from ST to TURBOS during the winter.

Tog fishing in the fall...

It's that time of year to go after those ugly guys. I look forward to the fall. Bass are starting to get ready to head south and the tog are in full bloom. For a small fish, they are very strong. But, remember you will lose tackle. You need a good stiff rod to pull those guys from the rocks. I like using green crabs. Cut them in half. Run the hook through the main craw and catch some tog...

Kayak fishing during my vacation at Napatree

I went on vacation for a week in RI. I ended up yak fishing 5 times at Napatree and in "the kitchen" area. It was very hot and sunny. Overall, it it was very exhausting but fun.

Each fishing day I got up at 4:45am and was on the ocean by 6am the latest. I am always nervous fishing this area. It can be a very dangerous area especially by yourself. The winds and waves can kick up at anytime. The weather can change in a flash. Some locals say it has its own weather. It takes about 35-45 minutes to get back to the launch. Last year, it started to rain and thunder at the blink of the eye when it was a perfect day. I remember tubing and catching big bass all the way back to the launch. This year I was prepared with some rain gear. The fishing is always very good. Lots of structure. You can catch big bass is less than 10 feet of water. But, it's not as easy as it sounds. Lots of big rocks and heavy current. You need to be at the top of your game when you fish it.

I have a bad habit in regards of the point. In all my years, I have always made my way around it. It's like a mental challenge. It's very stupid. I always say to myself not this trip but I still go around it. The point is always unpredictable once you go around it. Last year, I made my way around it and it was calm. I ended up fishing for fluke for about 45 mins and decided to go back. As I approached it, 5-8 feet standing waves. I was nervous. The clouds were getting dark and I was thinking of a thunder storm was coming. I looked around and there were no boats. The guy that patrols the beach was gone too. Good thing I take martial arts (Aikido). I relaxed and kept my "one point" as I made my way around it. It takes about 5-10 mins to go around it. I remember pedaling my hobie so fast and riding the waves as I navigated by big rocks. I had a cold beer once I got back. I made a promise to myself that I would not fish the side and go back once I made it. One day I was alittle hairy going around it. I relaxed about 5 mins on the other side. As I made my way back, it started to pick up. Additionally, big boats were creating huge wakes as I made my way around it. All in all, it's a test of your yak skills.

This year it was me and my daughters. I did have some relatives and their friends next to my cottage. I told my neighbor I would supply her and her family with fresh fish and she agreed to keep an eye on my daughters. My reputation was on the line but I knew the area always produces for me. Some people fish it without luck. I understand the tides and know where the fiash are located. Well, I caught some big fish for her and her friends.....

I am wondering why I catch alot of fish...

I read posts on the Internet about other yakers fishing in the same spots as I do. I wonder why I catch and they don't. Maybe it's because I am familiar with the area. I think there are other factors. You need to understand the tide and where fish are going to be. Besides that, you need to understand currents for trolling and structure. There are other things you need to know too. I'll post a follow-up discussion on those points...

GPS are so important...

I was out and the fog rolled in very fast. I could hardly see 20 feet. I was out about 1/2 mile fishing in 100 feet of water. It started to get very choppy and windy. I knew I needed to get to shore fast. Being in CT, I know going north will always get me to land. But, a t-storm was coming. I used my handheld garmin and got to shore fast. If I was using a compass, it would have taken a long time. I did have my doubts that the GPS was taking me the wrong way. But. it didn't...

Rain and yak fishing...

I went yak fishing after a big rain storm. I was told the day before and day after are usually good fishing days. But, I went the same day as it was raining. What a mistake? If the sun comes out, it even gets worse. I did learn a lesson. But, it was still great being on the water.

My season so far...

I have been out 5 times so far this season. The first 2 times were in April. I went to the Niantic River. I was looking for tog, flounder and bass. Both times in April I didn't find anything. In May, I fished the Pleasure Beach area in waterford. My first trip I caught 3 schoolees near Milestone. The next trip I went out for 12 miles for a duration of 7-8 hours. I went to 2tree, seaside and then harkness. I caught a bunch of small bass and a keeper. I always let the first keeper go for good luck. Once again, no flounder. My trip today I fished the Gluiford area. I caught a good sized keeper on my first worm. I paid my dues. I dragged it around for the rest of the trip. I only caught one more small bass. Today, I didn't look for flounder. Maybe next flounder season...

Hobie gearkeeper

I am very please with it. It doesn't take up much space. Additionally, it provides a lot of protection and tether length for your stuff. I am going to buy another one. Well, lets see how long it can last the salt.

Hobie gearkeeper

I just picked a new Hobie www.hobiecat.com gearkeeper. I was going to use it ti tether my rescue knife to my PFD. I was surprised that it broke when attaching it to my PFD. For $25, it should have lasted longer. I am going to call Hobie and complain about it.

Still working on my yak...

I used permatex rv sealant. I was told it works. It does and it's cheap. I used it on my padeyes. I am happy in the results.

Finally got the yak back...

I really like my new up/down rudder control. It replaced the original one on my Hobie Revolution (www.hobiecat.com). It goes up so smoothly. I had an anchor trolley put on too. I kept on going back and forth on what side to put it out. The only thing about it is it's permanent. It meant get in my way re-entering the yak. Put on a few other things too. I'll talk about them in my next post.

Still waiting on my yak...

I brought my kayak in for its winter tune-up and some new modifications. It's probably been around 2 months since I heard from the dealer. I am not complaining. But, dreaming and wondering what the dealer is doing with my yak. At least, I don't have to worry about the yak taking room in my shed. I must admit it's easier this year moving around in my shed. But, I do miss my yak........