SOLO SKIFF PROGRESS THREAD - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Polychrest · 08-12-2020, 02:47 PM

Who is going to be the first one to take one of these to Catalina?

NICKWORN · 08-17-2020, 02:32 PM

I wasnt able to get a ton of footage, gopro lagged on my waterproof case and hat strap, plus fishing was dead. Current was ripping mid morning, nothing like the Jewel Lake you see here, but i did come across a juvenile GW (so i think), he would sink out if i approached and wanted nothing to do with the large shiny rapala. He did scare the shit out of me by running up on my stern, I heard a swoosh and notice his fin and a huge swell 2-3 foot from me.

Wish i was able o get that NatGeo shot.

https://youtu.be/DVWwfNYnRD0

tak100 · 08-17-2020, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polychrest

Who is going to be the first one to take one of these to Catalina?

It would be a blast to head to Catalina with three or four Solo's, fish all day and camp at Two Harbors and then fish a bit before heading back at 10 AM or so to avoid the wind.

Probably a 2 hour ride from San Pedro.

Someone was planning a kayak trip like this but I never saw a post if they really got it done.

molina0 · 08-18-2020, 06:26 AM

Id be interested in a trip to Catalina... Do you think 3 gallons of fuel would be enough for the trip? I know my buddy Nelson would be in as well. Hey, might want to post on Facebook Solo Skiff as well... Mine was the Grey Solo Skiff in Nickworn's earlier photos.

tak100 · 08-18-2020, 11:21 AM

3 gallons should be 60 miles or so. Catalina is 22ish miles from San Pedro.

Could always buy gas at the harbor. I am sure they have some for the bigger boats. Probably pay Disneyland prices but fishing in Catalina with a Solo, worth it!

FISH11 · 09-04-2020, 07:29 PM

After several trips to both bays and several out to La Jolla, I have to say this is a super fishing platform. It took a little getting used to , because I was not familiar with sitting up as high compared to my kayaks. The other factor is moving at a higher speed even when not full throttle the changes in direction happen so quick that, you have to learn to expect changes in lateral forces. I added a 9" Hobie H Rail to the starboard gunnel to help hold on. The rope from the bow was OK, but did not help in the side ways forces. Now I can hold onto the H Rail and stay stable over crossing waves, rollers or making turns. That and the time on the water has made it that I don't even need to look at boat wakes when drifting cause the Solo is so much more stable than any kayak i've used and even better so muck dryer of a ride. Love the speed of being able to cover water looking for bait or getting to bird action at a distance. Took my dog out to mission bay to get her used to the water and riding on the Solo Skiff. Once we got past the spray from the wind chop at speeds above 6 mph she started to relax and like even going out on the bow and didn't even get bothered when boat wakes came. Someday when she's more used to it and conditions make La Jolla like a lake as sometimes happens I'll even take her out there. Here's a video I put together from Wednesday. I also went out to La Jolla surf launched on Thursday and landed and released my first Yellowtail on the Solo Skiff. I you want to see that it's posted on the Fishing report section. If you visit my utube channel hit subscribe and you can see any future videos or from my library, past one that had a lot more Yellowtail action from the days when it was easy to almost get one on every trip.

tak100 · 09-16-2020, 02:54 PM

Got my seat installed! What a difference. Thanks for the tip Nick I went with the offset installation.

Took my first fishing trip, after two check out/engine break in sessions and figured out where I wanted to put some things. Another check out fishing trip this Friday before I start drilling more holes in my new toy.

So far loving the mobility. Not loving the extra weight and transportation headaches with the engine but I am still figure it all out.

Can't wait to join the fleet down in SD!

NICKWORN · 10-01-2020, 02:10 PM

She's all set for Lobster Season!! They'll be able to see me from Space! #SafetyFirst

08-17-2020, 02:32 PM	#2
NICKWORN Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: SANTUCKET Posts: 629	GoPro First Video I wasnt able to get a ton of footage, gopro lagged on my waterproof case and hat strap, plus fishing was dead. Current was ripping mid morning, nothing like the Jewel Lake you see here, but i did come across a juvenile GW (so i think), he would sink out if i approached and wanted nothing to do with the large shiny rapala. He did scare the shit out of me by running up on my stern, I heard a swoosh and notice his fin and a huge swell 2-3 foot from me. Wish i was able o get that NatGeo shot. https://youtu.be/DVWwfNYnRD0

08-18-2020, 06:26 AM	#4
molina0 Junior Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: I live in La Mesa, CA Posts: 11	I'd be interested... Id be interested in a trip to Catalina... Do you think 3 gallons of fuel would be enough for the trip? I know my buddy Nelson would be in as well. Hey, might want to post on Facebook Solo Skiff as well... Mine was the Grey Solo Skiff in Nickworn's earlier photos.

08-18-2020, 11:21 AM	#5
tak100 Recruit Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 152	3 gallons should be 60 miles or so. Catalina is 22ish miles from San Pedro. Could always buy gas at the harbor. I am sure they have some for the bigger boats. Probably pay Disneyland prices but fishing in Catalina with a Solo, worth it! Last edited by tak100; 09-08-2020 at 10:38 PM. Reason: Fixed typo

09-04-2020, 07:29 PM	#6
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,638	After several trips to both bays and several out to La Jolla, I have to say this is a super fishing platform. It took a little getting used to , because I was not familiar with sitting up as high compared to my kayaks. The other factor is moving at a higher speed even when not full throttle the changes in direction happen so quick that, you have to learn to expect changes in lateral forces. I added a 9" Hobie H Rail to the starboard gunnel to help hold on. The rope from the bow was OK, but did not help in the side ways forces. Now I can hold onto the H Rail and stay stable over crossing waves, rollers or making turns. That and the time on the water has made it that I don't even need to look at boat wakes when drifting cause the Solo is so much more stable than any kayak i've used and even better so muck dryer of a ride. Love the speed of being able to cover water looking for bait or getting to bird action at a distance. Took my dog out to mission bay to get her used to the water and riding on the Solo Skiff. Once we got past the spray from the wind chop at speeds above 6 mph she started to relax and like even going out on the bow and didn't even get bothered when boat wakes came. Someday when she's more used to it and conditions make La Jolla like a lake as sometimes happens I'll even take her out there. Here's a video I put together from Wednesday. I also went out to La Jolla surf launched on Thursday and landed and released my first Yellowtail on the Solo Skiff. I you want to see that it's posted on the Fishing report section. If you visit my utube channel hit subscribe and you can see any future videos or from my library, past one that had a lot more Yellowtail action from the days when it was easy to almost get one on every trip. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

08-12-2020, 02:47 PM	#1
Polychrest Junior Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 26	Who is going to be the first one to take one of these to Catalina?

09-16-2020, 02:54 PM	#7
tak100 Recruit Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 152	Got my seat installed! What a difference. Thanks for the tip Nick I went with the offset installation. Took my first fishing trip, after two check out/engine break in sessions and figured out where I wanted to put some things. Another check out fishing trip this Friday before I start drilling more holes in my new toy. So far loving the mobility. Not loving the extra weight and transportation headaches with the engine but I am still figure it all out. Can't wait to join the fleet down in SD!