NEWBY NEEDS HELP - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

steve999 · 04-02-2016, 06:41 PM

I think the best idea is get a different boat. If the dolphin is brand new, maybe you can return it? If you're on a budget, then look for a used boat.

Orca Winfrey · 04-02-2016, 10:09 PM

Hi Shiloh,

I'm fairly new to kayak fishing too but I've learned a lot from BWE. Is your yak a sit-on-top (SOT) or sit-in? Sun Dolphin makes both types. You will want an SOT for the ocean because they won't fill with water and get swamped when you flip - and sooner or later everyone does.

Balancing yaks are like balancing bikes; you learn with experience and practice.

ALWAYS wear your vest! Don't leave it lying around with the intention of putting it on if you flip. Your life is worth the bit of discomfort from wearing a vest. Besides, by the time you put it on in the water a strong current or wind may have carried your yak and paddle far from you.

Leash everything you don't want to lose. Leash your paddle unless you want to have to swim after it (wind and currents).

When you can afford it, get a yak that's at least 12' or longer. Longer yaks have better glide and handle chop much better than shorter ones. I started open water fishing in a 9' Hobie Lanai. It was nice and stable but as soon as the water got choppy, it was really hard to paddle. I've since upgraded to an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 that I got on Craig's for $425. It made a huge difference.

One last tip is to warn your wife that You have now gotten into a highly addictive hobby.

SHILOHVGT · 04-03-2016, 07:31 AM

Hey everybody. Thanks for the info and advice. The sun dolphin is a sit on top, It's the journey. I always wear my vest, didn't mean to imply I put it on after the fact. I think I will try diy outriggers and see how it works. I will likely upgrade, if i really stick with it my thoughts are I think i would like a Hobie peddle yak? This yak isn't a waste as I have four kids so it will be kept and used regardless. So what is an ideal length for a Yak? I'm 5'9 165lbs. Despite flipping and feeling discouraged I still had a good time, after I threw in the towel for the day, just an hour later I was disappointed and wanted to get back out there. My wife has been awesome and basically told me the same as some of you, just takes more practice. I'm impatient though and want to hit the open water for bigger fishing.

Orca Winfrey · 04-03-2016, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHILOHVGT

Hey everybody. Thanks for the info and advice. The sun dolphin is a sit on top, It's the journey. I always wear my vest, didn't mean to imply I put it on after the fact. I think I will try diy outriggers and see how it works. I will likely upgrade, if i really stick with it my thoughts are I think i would like a Hobie peddle yak? This yak isn't a waste as I have four kids so it will be kept and used regardless. So what is an ideal length for a Yak? I'm 5'9 165lbs. Despite flipping and feeling discouraged I still had a good time, after I threw in the towel for the day, just an hour later I was disappointed and wanted to get back out there. My wife has been awesome and basically told me the same as some of you, just takes more practice. I'm impatient though and want to hit the open water for bigger fishing.

Glad you were wearing your vest. Sorry I misunderstood. As far as Hobies, I learned they are worth every penny if you plan on getting out into open waters. My friend and I fished the Port of LA yesterday and the winds kicked up in the afternoon. Long story short, I was making zero headway in my paddle yak and if he hadn't heroically towed my sorry butt back to the Cabrillo launch, I would still be out there this morning. I'll post more details when I have the time if he doesn't beat me to it.

Iceman · 04-03-2016, 01:15 PM

12 foot is a good minimum size for the ocean.

ronbo613 · 04-04-2016, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

12 foot is a good minimum size for the ocean.

That would be a reasonable minimum for sure.

If you don't have any kayaking experience, you might want to try paddling the ten footer around without loading it up with gear to get the hang of it. When you can operate it without going overboard, maybe have learned a little about wind and currents, then take a fishing pole and a couple lures out on the bay.

Experience is a big thing. Keep in mind, some people can't sit on a six foot surfboard without falling over while somebody else is surfing ten foot waves. The only difference is experience.

04-02-2016, 10:09 PM	#2
Orca Winfrey Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: The I. E. Posts: 353	Hi Shiloh, I'm fairly new to kayak fishing too but I've learned a lot from BWE. Is your yak a sit-on-top (SOT) or sit-in? Sun Dolphin makes both types. You will want an SOT for the ocean because they won't fill with water and get swamped when you flip - and sooner or later everyone does. Balancing yaks are like balancing bikes; you learn with experience and practice. ALWAYS wear your vest! Don't leave it lying around with the intention of putting it on if you flip. Your life is worth the bit of discomfort from wearing a vest. Besides, by the time you put it on in the water a strong current or wind may have carried your yak and paddle far from you. Leash everything you don't want to lose. Leash your paddle unless you want to have to swim after it (wind and currents). When you can afford it, get a yak that's at least 12' or longer. Longer yaks have better glide and handle chop much better than shorter ones. I started open water fishing in a 9' Hobie Lanai. It was nice and stable but as soon as the water got choppy, it was really hard to paddle. I've since upgraded to an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 that I got on Craig's for $425. It made a huge difference. One last tip is to warn your wife that You have now gotten into a highly addictive hobby. Last edited by Orca Winfrey; 04-03-2016 at 10:40 AM.

04-03-2016, 01:15 PM	#5
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	12 foot is a good minimum size for the ocean. __________________

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04-02-2016, 06:41 PM	#1
steve999 Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 39	I think the best idea is get a different boat. If the dolphin is brand new, maybe you can return it? If you're on a budget, then look for a used boat.

04-03-2016, 07:31 AM	#3
SHILOHVGT Junior Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 2	Hey everybody. Thanks for the info and advice. The sun dolphin is a sit on top, It's the journey. I always wear my vest, didn't mean to imply I put it on after the fact. I think I will try diy outriggers and see how it works. I will likely upgrade, if i really stick with it my thoughts are I think i would like a Hobie peddle yak? This yak isn't a waste as I have four kids so it will be kept and used regardless. So what is an ideal length for a Yak? I'm 5'9 165lbs. Despite flipping and feeling discouraged I still had a good time, after I threw in the towel for the day, just an hour later I was disappointed and wanted to get back out there. My wife has been awesome and basically told me the same as some of you, just takes more practice. I'm impatient though and want to hit the open water for bigger fishing.