[ELIASV]

I was just reading over some old kayak posts for some knowledge. One thing I saw interesting is, guys dont use a landing net for Blues? Is there a particular reason? To me they splash like crazy and are extremely dangerous due to the fact they flop like mad and they would do so in yak. What's the best way to handle them without hooking myself in between the legs or trying to restrain one for a minute. I use a landing net in my inflatable boat or is that not really recommended with a yak?

Finally scenario, Porgies, there are plenty of them in an area I want to fish. So I anchor up, I fish for a while yadayada. Have you ever gotten your anchor stuck, I'd be afraid to apply full strength to yank it out due to potential instability.

Thanks for the knowlege guys

 

[rpsurf5]

Once you get a fish in the net is becomes hard to get them out. Blues bite and also the hooks get caught in the net. Also , if you intend to release this fish you have really compromised it's chances of surviving.

Best way to deal with blues is get a boga grip or a quality similar grip and grab the blue with the grip next to the yak. I never take the blues into the yak with me ,it is safer for me and the fish if the fish never comes out of the water.

As for anchoring , do some research on this topic as anchoring incorrectly especially in the wrong conditions could cause you to flip or go under.

 

[Yaksick]

Anchor

I read on a kayak magazine, that this is another way to setup an anchor that can be pulled from a different angle in case it's stuck. I can't confirm that it works, as I haven't been out on my kayak. But I will soon. I forgot to mention that on the magazine they used a chain that goes from one end of the anchor to the other end.(I set mine up with a black rope).

 

[KayakerStan]

When I go fluke fishing I bring a net. If you plan on keeping the fish you catch and your bait fishing, I see no problem bringing a net. If your plug fishing I wouldn't use a net as it will get all tangled up in the net. When I go for stripers and blues for some catch and release fishing I bring a boga grip for the blues.

wrote:
Have you ever gotten your anchor stuck, I'd be afraid to apply full strength to yank it out due to potential instability.

I have lost the grapnel type anchor Yaksick posted above. You could hook up the second line to the anchor in case it gets stuck but for me there's just to much line to worry about. Now I use the Hooker Anchors Economy Anchor bought from Boatersworld and never had a problem retrieving the anchor.

Just make sure when using an anchor you have a 2- 3 foot piece of bungee chord which attaches to the anchor line and then to the kayak. It will prevent the kayak from being pulled under the water and will give you enough time to release the kayak from the anchor line.

Catch plenty of fish, have lots of fun and always think safety first.

This post edited by KayakerStan 10:26 AM 06/21/2008

 

[SurfaceStrike]

Blue fish landing.

To keep things safe and simple when lure fishing from my Yak I do the following things. 1. Tie a 4' 30# shock leader to my main line. My main line is braided so I grab the mono to handle the fish without slicing my hand. 2. Most if not all the lures I use from the Yak are single hooks, even the top water. I may not hook up on every strike but the ease and safety of releasing the fish is worth it for me. 3. Carry a 3" or 4" needle nose to grab the hook shank and release the fish. Hook removers work well but I find the needle nose more versatile, like when a fish swallows the hook. The needle nose also have a small snipper on them for line cutting.

 

[Hooper]

A net is useful for fluke but just creates more problems than it solves when it comes to bluefish. First you don't want a bluefish in the boat with ya unless it's dead. Keep it in the water and use a Boga or a lip gripper and hook remover. Small ones you can grab across the back behind the head and they go sort of limp but watch out for that dorsal fin. This is a good situation for crushing the barbs, much easier to get out of the fish (or you) and can facilitate a "boat-side release" if you let the line go slack.

The right way to do the anchor is to attach a short length of chain (2 maybe 3 feet) to the bottom and then run it up the side to the top eye. Use a small cable tie or something weak to attach the chain to the top eye and then attach your anchor line to the end of the chain.

This will accomplish two things. The length of chain will cause the anchor to lay on its side on the bottom and make it much harder to drag it. This way you will stay put even if a chop is bouncing your boat up and down. If you get hung up on something when you give a strong pull the idea is the cable tie will break and you will now be pulling up from the other end of the anchor. Hopefully this will free it from a snag.

Hooper

 

[ELIASV]

Thanks for the info, I currently own a Rapala gripper which is similar t o a boga, which I will more aggressively use on the Blues.

I own two types of anchors, a mushroom anchor and like a bar anchor, shaped like a Hersheys Bar with a hole for rope...Anything I can do with these, I don't plan to anchor up in really deep water ever. I want to try and keep it simple, and see if I can work with what I have.

 

[rac37]

anchores are pretty cheap

i got a 3 lbs. with rope and winder for $15,i also have a 11/2 pound that came with it it had a price tag for $11.there nice because they fold up mine fits in the compartment between my legs.

hope you don't mind if i add a question its easyer the starting a new thread. just need to know what tpye of knife to carry??type,name,size,thanks

 

[ELIASV]

I use a gander mountain folding knife, about a 6" blade. Use it for everything when I go fishing.