[Kailolo3]

Maiden ocean voyage on iTrek11 decked out for fishing. Easy launch in 1-2 foot waves at 8:30 am. Very stable in 3-4’ swells. About 15 yaks off the point, 2 party boats n handful small boats. Unfortunately my ancient 597 ff bricked. Overcast, grey. About 2’ depth visibility. Kelp was difficult to see until on top of it. Caught some small macs from a visible bait ball. Begin the troll on surface and on 2oz egg. Lost two macs, another had bite marks. Late morning the 2oz reel started screaming. Engaged the reel and wham! Drag with carbomtex washers on ancient jigmaster put to the test. Line stripped on short run even with locked down drag. Gained some line back, then another short run. Then….pop. Knot in 40 lb fluoro broke at the hook. Definitely got the adrenaline pumping. Trolled a bit more n headed in. No problems with 1-2’ waves. Jumped out in 2ft water to try that approach, only issue was difficulty holding back strap of yak w rudder up. Was nervous yak might flip on its own as it was slightly weighted to one side due to ff; All good but would love to hear about others’ experience landing inflatables in higher waves. Did not see any yts landed by other yakkers. FF still bricked this morning.