What kind of leashes do you prefer?

The coil ones are less likely to get tangled in your reels when you're fighting a fish or just simply retrieving an iron. They are easy to store and don't tangle as easy. I would certainly suggest those.

As far as the paddle goes, I would suggest getting the Manta Ray over the String ray.

It has a wider blade with more Surface area. It weighs almost exactly the same and the price point is the same.

The rule of thumb when choosing a paddle is you want to match the kayak in width.

"many recreational kayaks are so wide that they need a little extra "oomph" in the paddle to make them perform well—especially when accelerating from a dead stop. "
http://www.roguepaddler.com/choose2.htm



AB Sting Ray Specs
Blade Surface Area:
87 sq.in.
Paddle Weight:
28.75 oz


AB Manta Ray Specs

Blade Surface Area:
104 sq.in.
Paddle Weight
29.5 oz


If I remember, you got an X-Factor? 33inches is a nice WIDE boat. You will definitely notice a difference.

Good luck, see you out there.
Neill

[wiredantz]

i use coil leashed, sabiki proof

[Biggameaddict]

I get car cell phone chargers and cut them then put on some small carabiners on each end. i use zip ties to secure the carbiners to the wire. theres an innovations post on it that i cant seem to find right now. its wayy better then spending 20$ a leash. i bought a lot f 15 car chargers off ebay for 8$ and the carabiners were 50 cents each for me but usually their about 1-2 $ each.

[dbarnett66]

This site is great. I assume that none of you have a back up or emergency paddle?

[wiredantz]

i don't, but one time my paddle broke and i had to paddle back about 2 miles with one paddle. PAIN IN THE BUTT

[Jimmyz123]

My paddle leash is an old dog leash, nothing fancy, but it works. I'm all about the DIY setups, but I have also learned that you can actually save money buying things that are already made.

Have fun at OEX shopping, there are some great items there I would love to buy.

As for a paddle don't break the bank on one, get something that is comfortable, and works for you. I paid $35 for the paddle I have off of Amazon and it works great. I do want to buy an AT paddle, but the one I have now will work until I can get the AT.

Have fun shopping.

[ctfphoto]

I have a Manta Ray Paddle and love it. No need for an extra paddle if you buy the best to begin with.

I do use a leash for my paddle.

I stopped using leases for my fishing poles as they are a pain in the arse.

I have only lost one fishing pole and reel, but that was due to a sea lion trying to capsize me to steal my fish.

[dbarnett66]

Thanks all for the information. I hope to to head down to OEX sometime today.

Purchases:

1. Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon Paddle in at least a 230cm
2. C.O.D. Coil Style Paddle Leash
3. 3 Rod Holder(black) The 2013 XFactor has the raised rear hatch which works perectly with the rod holder mounted behind the seat.

DIY

Rod Leashes
PVC Kayak Storage Rack for garage
PVC Kayak Cart to move kayak

I will be looking for used gear such as hoop nets, rods, reels, etc when the money is available. Does the list ever end? HAHA. I am already up to about $1600 with kayak, seat, PFD, Paddle, GPS/FF, Bait tank conversion, etc. I did manage to save some coin by purchasing his bed extender.

Thanks again for all the help. Just waiting for Malibu to make a batch of Desert Camo XFactors so OEX can install the goodies and get me on the water.

[YakMedic]

Originally Posted by dbarnett66

This site is great. I assume that none of you have a back up or emergency paddle?

When I take out one of my paddle yaks, I always have a spare paddle stowed in the hatch. I had a paddle blade snap on me during a surf launch in the surf zone. I had to one blade canoe paddle past the breakers then pulled out my spare and was able to save the trip. Would have ruined by day especially after I drove 90 miles to where I wanted to fish.

[GregAndrew]

Here is what I am using for rod leashes. Plastic coated steel cable. Stretches to about 6 feet, returns to original shape quickly and does not absorb water. Much stronger than phone cords.

[dbarnett66]

Couldn't beat the 15% off sale for accessories. I have everything I "need" but my XFactor. I guess I deserve it since I ordered a "Desert Camo" version and they take a little more time to deliver. Not pictured is a timer switch for the bait tank conversion and a 3 rod holder rack that will be mounted behind the newly raised read hatch for the 2013 models. OEX kept the items for when they complete the install.

Bought the Manta Ray Paddle in the 240CM size and the paddle leash too:



Total impulse purchase, so I went $70 over budget.
VisiCarbon Battery powered light and safety light combo.



Bilge Pump



Will be buying everything else used at this point such as rod and reels, hoop nets, etc. I won't be buying those items until March. I have to get over the holiday spending hangover. I wonder if my wife will be happy that I "saved" her nearly $70....Come to think of it, all my purchases were funded by the sale of my wood working equipment. Did not tap into the general household budget. I even gave the better half some money to appease the queen.

Danodog

[JohnnyCope]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Here is what I am using for rod leashes. Plastic coated steel cable. Stretches to about 6 feet, returns to original shape quickly and does not absorb water. Much stronger than phone cords.

Where can I get that cable from?

[GregAndrew]

I get them at my local tackle shop. Richards Tackle 3365 Walnut Grove #A Rosemead Ca. 91770 (626 288-7822). I believe they are made for Accurate fishing pliers.