Kayak Flyfishing

Hello All,
Longtime FAOL fan, first time poster. I saw a thread on the WarmWater board about kick boats, and I wanted to talk about another option I discovered. I had for a long time wanted a watercraft, but I was limited by factors such as cost and ablility to store a boat. The perfect solution for me was an inflatable kayak. I recently got it for my birthday, and it has been a blessing. I fish premarily for Bluegill on the local urban river called Town Lake in Austin. A float tube was not an option because local laws prohibit such craft on Town Lake. The inflatable kayak was perfect because it packs down into small package that can easily be stored in a closet(i live in an aprtment), and also does not need a car rack to be transported. It inflates in about 5 mins. and can be customised to fot my needs(you have to be creative, since you can't drill holes like a standard kayak). My kayak allows me to transport a lot of nessecary gear, cover a lot of area, and have a stealthy approach. I know a lot of people do not trust inflatables but the ones coming out now are even able to handle whitewater. The cost of a good inflatable can be a fraction of the cost of a hardshell kayak as well. All of these features make the inflatable kayak a viable option for anyone that is considering a personal watercraft. I would love to hear from anyone who wants to talk it over.
Thank You and Keep up the great work on this excellent site.

Hey Sarge,

A hearty welcome aboard! Always glad to
see new members with info to share. Hope
that you enjoy FAOL and become a regular
contributor. Be forewarned, it can be quite
addictive.

Very nice report on the inflatable kayaks. There has indeed been considerable
progress in the evolution of inflatables.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Lots of us current/ex/retired military
types here Sarge. We hold service men and
women in high regard around here.*G*
Welcome aboard! Warm regards, Jim

Welcome aboard both to FAOL and to flyfishing from a kayak. I have been fly fishing extensively from my kayak (hard shell not inflatable) and it is a great way to fish. You can move nice a quiet and they are very stable. Just about the only drawback I've found is that they tend to get blown around by the winds fairly easily. This may even be more true for the inflatable kayaks. To slow down the drift, get about 8 inches of large chain and tie it to a floating nylon anchor rope. This will slow you down when the wind blows you around and yet it doesn't get stuck easily. To change it to an anchor, just clip on another 18 inches of chain with a carabiner and it makes a great anchor. Let us know how it works out for you.

Take care and welcome.

Jim Smith

Hello Again,
Thanks for the warm welcome and the great info. As far as an anchor I'm covered but am thankful for the info. I got a gift from a friend of a colapsable anchor that packs down to almost nothing. I always seem to relate things to space and portablility because of my career in the Army. Oh Well. Also glad to hear that there are many other military members. right now is not the most popular time to be in the service. Well have to go, thanks again.
Sarge.

Hey James,
Have you ever though of starting a discussion board for kayak flyfishing? If you would like I could try to help.Let me know.
Sarge.

I also fish from a kayak (hard shell). Sometimes i fish directly from the boat but most of the time i use the kayak to get from one spot on the river to another and then get out and wade fish. It lets me get to places where other wade fishers can't access, and for reservoir tailwaters the kayak keeps me safer as rising water dose not trap me on islands or on the wrong side of the river.

Hi......long time lurker here too! I bought a kayak a couple years ago... Pungo 12 footer.........with my fly fishing addiction and my new kayak addiction I'm about ready to give up everything else! I would LOVE to see a kayak flyfishing section... between the solitude of paddling and the beauty of fly fishing....I'm not sure which I enjoy more! This is absolutely the BEST of both worlds......and quite an effective way to fish.......!!!! I would rather flyfish out of my kayak than "almost" anything else!!!

Hey guys,
I just submitted a new post talking about starting a new forum. Check it out see what you think.
Sarge.

Jc, LF How much more a mos. to open a Kayak fishing section.. I'm game and will contribute,

Best to all

Philip

Sarge, Welcome from another Kayak guy. I fish form a hard shell kayak. I can see how it would be nice to own an inflatable for the storage reason alone. I can't park on my side of the garage because thats where my kayaks are. I have it rigged for a fish-finder, but usually dont use it unless I am in water I am unfamiliar with.
Norm
[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/TNTAMA/TheRanch005.jpg:b20f8]Kayak Catch[/url:b20f8]

I'm a new owner of Tarpon 120. I can tell you already that if you're going to fly fish from it, you'll want a rudder. The rudder is especially helpfuly to keep you aligned when the breezes are up.

Anything over 15 MPH, you're probably better off staying home. The best you could do would be to paddle to a protected area and fish there.

Wind is the main downside to kayak fishing.

Hey guys,
Sounds like we are building an interest group about kayaking. Great to see all the people who fish from a kayak. I think that there could be a section in the features that addresses issues and techniques conected to kayaking and float tubing. There could be things like boat safty, picking the type of watercraft, and tactics for being able to utilize in the best manor. In Austin there are lots of kayakers but few fishermen(fisherpersons) which is odd because it is one the best urban fisheries in the country. About 15 years ago there was a problem with pollution but that has been cleared up. Now people ask me if I am really fishing in Town Lake. Part of me wants to tell them "No Im doing my taxes", but cooler heads usually prevail and I make nice. Good advice about the rudder, I may have to try and improvise something since I can't drill holes in my boat(PPPPTTHH!!!). A lot of the time I just take my painter and tie off to a nearby tree to get me stationary. Usually the method I use is to find a cove out of the wind. Thanks for the tips. Im not sure who the moderator is but could you tell me what is needed to start a watercraft section on FAOL.
Thanks
Sarge.

Hey Norm,
Always think of Cheers when I say that. Anyway I was looking through a Cabelas cateloge and saw a posible solution to your storage problem in your garage. They have an apperatous that hangs your kayaks (2) and paddles horizontally along the wall.It is called creatively enough the Kayak Hanger and sells for $25. Im not sure if it could handle your specific model but may be worth a look.Sorry about mentioning a non sponsor. Also great picture.
Thanks
Sarge.

Hi Sarge,

We seem to have a small but active group
of Kayakers here on FAOL. Here is an
article I wrote last year to try to stir a
bit more interest. [url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/readerscast/rc344.html:fbf1d]http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/readerscast/rc344.html[/url:fbf1d]

We also have a sponsor that you may find of
interest. He carries a good selection of
inflatable kayaks and may be helpful to you
in resolving any inflatable specific kayak
problems. [url=http://flyanglersonline.com/about/kayakproshop/:fbf1d]http://flyanglersonline.com/about/kayakproshop/[/url:fbf1d]

Kayak articles are welcome any time from
members for the weekly magazine as are
queries and tips related to kayaking on the
appropriate boards. If sufficient interest
is shown, I'm confident that JC would
consider adding another forum to the site
much as he did when when the interest in
warm water fly fishing picked up. Just need
to demonstrate the need for it. Warm
regards, Jim

Being a cheap guy (when I can get away with it) I use old sash weights, the kind that were the old window counter balances. One of those will hold a kayak in almost any water, two will certainly stop you. Last time I bought them they were 2 for $1.00

jed

Hey Jim,
Thanks for the info. I had already read the article you wrote when I was considering buying a kayak. It was accually a big deturmination in my decission to buy. I had looked at all the other availible options and thought that the kayak seemed the most appropriate. I mean you can't go down the river with your buddies in a float tube if they have canoes. Your article was the actual point that I made up my mind, also I found Hillfishers article on inflatable kayaking a lot of help. So you can feel confident that you made at least one convert and helped someone along in their decision. Thank you again for that article. As for starting a column I will try to keep this thing going. I know that there are tons of other sites devoted to kayak fishing, but not kayak flyfishing. All the other sites offer is a passing glance at the sport, kind of like a human interest story. I just want to help establish a centralized place on the site to help those who have questions about watercrafts(be it float tubes, kayaks, drift boats, or kickboats)since they are a large part of our sport. FAOL is an invaluable resource and I am willing to do anything I can to make it better. I just wish that FAOL was around (or the internet for that matter)when I started flyfishing almost 20 years ago. It would have saved me a lot of expensive trial and error. Thanks for the info Jim and talk to you later.
Sarge.

while fishing in leeville , la. last month a tournament was launched from our motel. it was restricted to yaks. we all were fishing from bay boats for reds and specks and not catching much. the guys in the little boats caugh limits! needless to say i am interested but somewhat concerned about size, 6ft 7 in 300 pounds. any suggestions

Jalama,

Look for a shop near you that has a demo day or some other way of trying on various yaks before you buy. There are plenty of models that can handle your weight. Height might be more of an issue depending on how much of that 6' 7" is legs vs. torso.

Trying various models on for size is the quickest way to get answers.

You can also look at some of the tandems that are designed to also be fished solo. That would give you plenty of room.

Don't forget to factor in the weight of your fishing equipment when deciding if a particular yak can hold you.

Hi Jalama,

Rest assured that many of todays
recreational class kayaks are more than up
to the task. Some are rated at over 400
pounds and the large cockpits and adjustable
seats make them so much more comfortable
than most earlier models.*G* Warm regards,
Jim

Jalama; I will echo Jim's comments. While not as tall as you, I am on the heavy side. My Perception Sundance is very comfortable. I would suggest to anyone who is considering a kayak for fishing to paddle what you are considering buying before laying out the $. I bought a great boat used, and after twice on the water with it realized that a great kayak is not a great fishing kayak. The cockpit on my first boat, a Dagger Bayou was small, as a kayak cockpit should be to keep the water in the river rather than in the boat. It was unacceptable to me for fishing though. No place for fly boxes, hemostats etc etc or for my knees either. I finally found a boat with a large enough cockpit to accomodate all my paraphanlia and love the experience now.

Jim H.; I don't think the Kayaking contingent is small. I think there are more of us than you realize.

Southside Sarge; Thanks for the exposure of kayakers here on FAOL. btw.. Count another Military here, 20 years US Army, from 66 to 86. Got to live in all the exotic locations like Turkey & Okinawa..


Clint

Don't forget us canoeists.

------------------
GOD BLESS AMERICA
USMC - VIETNAM VET

Hey Clint,

You may well be right on the number of
kayak and canoe enthusiests on FAOL. If
they want to be heard, all they have to do
is speak up.*G* Warm regards, Jim

Thanks, Mohawk. More often than not I use my self-made cedar strip like a kayak. Could use a better seat, though. And I need to discipline myself on the amount of stuff I take. The dual anchor system is wonderful, though. JGW

Yeah that dual anchor system would be great,And I need to figure out a way to add a stern rig without drilling holes...That will not interfear with my rudder system..
Pretty tall order but I gotta work on this.

Hey Sarge, welcome.

Haven't kayaked while fishing because we already owned canoes. Like you we are limited on space. I say any way you can get after them, then do it. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif

I'm fairly familiar with your home waters as I lived most of my life in and around central Texas.

Town Lake has a reputation for turning out some mighty nice bluegill.

Have you floated the San Marcos for bass and Rio Grande's? One of my favorite memories.

Jim

I also fish from a kayak. A Perception Prism (sit-on-top). I gets me down the river and is a ton of fun to paddle.

I'd show you a pic of it if I knew how to do it.

FF

Hey Nowindknots and everyone else,
This page is getting full quickly. Cool to see everyone out there. I also love canoeing, but went with a kayak for size constraints. What I am proposing is a section for all types of watercraft that are used in Flyfishing. I have seen this done on other sites, and it can really work. Also I would like to wish a happy Memorial day to everyone, and especially all my fellow veterans. Lets all take a time to remember our fallen friends and loved ones who gave all that anyone can ask.
Well good to see that there are so many interested in this thread we started. Talk to yall later.
Sarge.

------------------
The enemy was many and they were but few,
But they stormed the gates of hell with glory in their eyes,
For tonight they sleep in Valhalla.

Personally, I'd love to see a "paddlefishing" or "puddler" or whatever forum here for canoe, kayak, pontoon boats, float tubes, all such means of fishing. My favorite local site, LaFlyFish has such a section to help out a growing population of paddlers in Louisiana who are fishing the freshwater lakes and bayous as well as the saltwater marshes.

------------------
[url=http://www.native-waters.com:d0850]http://www.native-waters.com[/url:d0850]

Howdy All,

I just registered here in hte last week or so, great site. I fly fish out of a solo canoe mostly and really enjoy it. Is it ok to post trip reports here? I just finished an overnighter down the Colorado, Bastrop to Smithville. It turned out to be more paddling than fishing, but we gave it heck. Caught a few small bass. Water was really off color, had a bit of rain Saturday night on the river.

i love my Yak, best boat I have ever owned. I have used it in large impoundments and farm lakes. I am looking forward to putting it in class 1 and 2 rvers this year. It is very stable and I feel secure in it, always with a PFD>

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/...d/IMGP0077.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y5/...d/IMGP0161.jpg

love the versitility and fredom, I can be in the water from the truck in 8 min.

[This message has been edited by zzdruid (edited 30 May 2006).]

Hey folks,
I have a question that maybe someone can answer. Does anyone know of a way to keep my kayak from spinning around in circles once I have pulled into postion to fish? The way its going now is I can fish, or I can control the boat once stationary after having dropped my anchor. Also I was thinking of adding a rudder to the back of my craft. Does anyone know a good aftermarket rudder for an inflatable kayak? Hey Brian M, I know the stretch you are talking about. I live in Austin and have been trying to fish that area for a while. Is the fishing good there? ZZdruid great pictures. Well if anyone has any solutions I would be greatful. I have an inflatable so my options are limited, but I am innovative so any homemade solutions would be great.
Thanks
Sarge.

------------------
The enemy was many and they were but few,
But they stormed the gates of hell with glory in their eyes,
For tonight they sleep in Valhalla.

SS,
I am assuming you have come to a complete stop. If not, then your boat is turing because the boat is not balanced or symetrical and it acts as a rudder turning you. Inflatables are more likely to do this because the bottom will conform to you, rather than the other way around.

If your problem is the turning after coming to a complete stop then it must be wind or currents that is pushing you. An anchor or drift sock is an alternative. The other option is to get a ping pong paddle and use that as a simple paddle to straighten you out from time to time. Much easier to use than reclaiming your paddle, putting down your rod etc.

jed

I solved that prob with a front and back anchor, or you can anchor so that a 'steady'
wind will position your boat best.

the anchors I use are 2 ft of 3/8 in log chain on a 3/16 inch nylon line. works good in lakes or the mild current of streams to slow you down/stop you.

Hey SS,

The fishing this time was not so good. The water was murky as heck. Here is a link to a trip report down that section of river. [url=http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=chat&tid=489407:b1016]http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=chat&tid=489407[/url:b1016]

There is also a link to some pics of the trip as well.

As far as spining around while anchored, I have rigged up an anchor trolley. I can basically move my anchor point from bow to stern or anywhere in between. Trying to anchor up in current can be dangerous depending upon the current flow and where your anchor point is on the boat. In current I will anchor of the bow or stern depending upon which way I want to fish. I can get a few pics and post them if you want to see what I am talking about. Hope ya'll like the trip report and pics, it was fun. We did not see another person the whole time, except for a rancher. He was pretty cool, interested in our fishing and boats.

I have been flyfishing from a siton (tarpon 120) and a sitin (loon 12)since I started flyfishing several years ago. Both lakes and rivers (class 1 and 2). I have always liked to paddle and then took up flyfishing. The combo is a blast. However, there are times when a lot of patience is required. Especially boat control when there is lots of wind, a fair amount of current, and that special spot that has a huge smallie (in your mind)lurking. All this stuff you read about how to cast, presentation, etc., is a real challenge when you are in such a situation. I look forward to any info exchange on this loony combination.

I solved 90% of my problems anchoring by usng a anchor pulley system. Simply rig a line that goes from bow to stern on both sides w/ a couple of tie in points. Hook your anchor line to one of them and adjust the pulley to put the anchor in just the right spot to position the yak for fishing the spot you're working.
Usually works.
Of course I usually fish from my Hobie and the peddals and rudder help a whole lot too!!

hey folks,
thanks for all the helpful tips. I have been working with a single anchor and hadn't thought of using a two anchor system. It makes sence that two points of contact with the bottom would keep me stationary. Have to gove it a try. Went out on Sat. but no fish to report because we got a late start(1 pm). Off the water by 4:30 so it was to hot, but got a lot of paddling done. It can be hard to keep up with a canoe in a kayak. O well thats the price you pay to be able to paddle alone if necessary. BryanM thanks for the report and the pics. Well have to go.
Sarge.