Not sure if Kayaking is for me

Central_Fla · Post by **Central_Fla** » January 27th, 2006, 5:26 pm

Hello Everybody,

I am new to the Big Bend area and trying to find my way back into fishing the flats and shallows. I read an article in Florida Sportsman about kayaking and found it interesting. I would like to try kayak fishing but a few things are stopping me, see what you think. Keep in mind I do not intend to venture to far offshore or purposely venture into bad weather. I am 46 and have not worked out with weights for years, I am overweight and would not try to swim a mile. One of the things i am hesitant about is arm strength and overall fatigue, Is kayaking extremely physical? I am also trying to justify cost vs. the number of days a kayak is not a good idea.

I guess my choices are a small aluminum flats boat, charter a guide & boat occasionally, or get into something that will take more time and effort.

I am worried that a the physical aggressiveness of kayaking would rule out long trips, hot days etc. Forgive me if this seems vague but I know nothing of kayaking but know I like quiet times in the forest so peaceful times on the water might also be enjoyable.

Thanks
Donny

Post by **Frank Bradfield** » January 27th, 2006, 6:00 pm

Most guys who kayak i know seem to be into it regular. If your an occasional guy at something i'd say use a charter guide. Save lots of time finding fish. To kayak is spending more time enjoying your surroundings and probably would take up quite a bit of your time loading/unloading and getting to your fishing area. Try and borrow one 1st. Its a hobby by itself, but kinda cheap in the skeem of things..

Post by **Charles** » January 27th, 2006, 6:04 pm

Kayaking and canoeing number among the things that are only as hard as you make them, keeping in mind to check the weather forecast before you go, particularly for the wind.

If you want to try it before you buy one I suggest renting and hit the Wakulla for bass.

Billy Miller · Post by **Billy Miller** » January 27th, 2006, 6:45 pm

Donny,
There are several guys here in Tallahassee that are trying to get a small club started in kayak fishing. If you are really interested, send me a pm, and you are more than welcome to borrow one of mine. I have 4 kayaks, one of them has a 600 pound capacity. We are planning a trip to Wakulla Beach next Sat. Please come. I fish for Trout and Redfish from here to St. Joe Bay. We are fishing inshore waters, not offshore. It is truly a fantastic experience, and yes, fishing from a kayak, can be just as productive, as fishing from a boat. Send me a pm.
Billy

Post by **Charles** » January 27th, 2006, 7:54 pm

Billy,
What time ya'll plan on being there? I have some things to do in the morning, but if you see a guy in a camo canoe call me over, or come over and say hello.

Post by **jsuber** » January 27th, 2006, 11:36 pm

I would encourage you to join a kayak fishing club. I have learned more in the last year fishing in our club in Virginia than I would have learned over the next ten years by myself. Not to mention the many mistakes I have avoided because others have warned us of them impending dangers and problems. You can also learn a lot by visiting different kayak fishing clubs online like http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com and http://www.paddle-fishing.com or http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com.

Post by **mjsigns** » January 28th, 2006, 8:02 am

Sounds like you need to get in shape, and yakking may just be the activity for you. I used to canoe allot many years ago on the flats, and it;s allot of work, but the payoff is that stealth approach with the fish, and days of full stringers. ... Me... I broke down and got a 17' bay boat and now I am in Love with it....

Salt Life · Post by **Salt Life** » January 28th, 2006, 6:55 pm

Donny,

I'm a pretty big guy myself and am rather new to Kayaking.
You must do the following to see if its for you.
1). find someone to show you the basics and who can recommend a kayak that should be right for you.
2). rent a kayak for the day. Now that Billy has offered to let you use one of the many in his personal flotilla

I strongly recommend you take him up on it. Other than he is a great guy he has good seats in his YAKS. The seat you will get in a rental kayak is the pitz. A comfortable and supportive seat make all the difference. You will here paddle choices are important also. But not as important as good seat.

Let me know when you all go. I'd like to go with you all if its OK and of course if I can make it. I got a crazy schedule the next 4 weeks.

Post by **jsuber** » January 29th, 2006, 9:52 am

Paddling a kayak is a lot easier than paddling a canoe or john boat. Your center of gravity is right over the water. You literally glide through the the water and it takes little effort to paddle in calm seas. I wss paddling in a 15 mph wind yesterday and thought about all the people who are concerend about their stamina. I'm not in good shape and I had no problems. Start out with short jouyneys. W paddle out to what we call the first island in the middle of hee chesapeake bay and its 4 miles away.

And i don't think many of us will be in the Olympics. Although one of our guys did paddle from Pensacola,FL to Virginia Beach, VA.

Salt Life · Post by **Salt Life** » January 29th, 2006, 6:23 pm

Oh my GOD, I see your map....... Flashback

When I lived in Amherst Va. I would take my 19 Carolina Skiff to that marina just on the other side of the bridge where the starbucks is and fish the Chesapeake for Cobia and Stripers . Still have some ole photos of those days!
I would ease up to the rocks that surround the tunnel and throw lures I used in the Keys for back country snook and just tear up the stripers. Man we really piss those guys off. They would be fishing w/ jigs and eels sittin on there buts anchored up and drinkin beer. They would watch us ease up to the rocks and at the count of three we would both let R go! You would only get one shot per drift and man about 90% of the time it would be a double ! ........................................................................................................Boy, those were some good times. Actually fished in a snow storm one time and one time saw a Nuclear sub come through ( after we were aggressively boarded by machine gun toattin special service guys ) .
They drove up on us in an older wellcraft thunderbird it was brown. I guess the equivalent of an unmarked car .

Post by **jsuber** » January 30th, 2006, 1:32 pm

We had guys paddling out there this weekend, also off Cape Henry and Corolla. I ended up in Rudee Inlet. Remember, the water here is 45 deg F. Lots of whales in the mouth of Rudee Inlet. One of the guys got some good photos and I'll post them here when he get them online. Most people were catching 35 lb stripers and a few 50 lb. Good luck down there in FLA.

Littoral · Post by **Littoral** » January 30th, 2006, 6:02 pm

I'm 6'4", 250lbs, & 45yrs old. I used to be in shape -long ago, but inshore kayak fishing is not a serious physical endeavor. My kayak weighs 49lbs so dragging it where it needs to go is easy and it paddles like a breeze. I'm a junkie for kayak fishing and the only complaint you'll ever hear from me is why it took me so long to get one. It does matter which kayak you buy to serve your needs. Not one will ever exactly fit the bill but there is a best choice for you. I researched the question (to freaking death) & ended up with a Widerness Systems Pungo (sit-in). It's a beautiful thing. If you want to start asking more specific questions I will be happy to put in my 2 cents. A question for you -what do you really want to do with a kayak? You intro'd that in your original post but do you know more specifically what you are looking to do?

Central_Fla · Post by **Central_Fla** » January 30th, 2006, 8:33 pm

Thanks to everyone, I will give it a try as you suggested. It appears that kayaking is a larger group / family than I first anticipated. Now to find the time.

Is the wakulla river run a nice first jaunt?

Thanks again
Donny

TK · Post by TK » January 30th, 2006, 10:16 pm

I have a Perception, Keowee 2 that might be a good boat for a large person. It's a 2 person kayak so it can handle the weight. It also has a large opening which makes it easy to get in and out of. The front seat is removable which leaves room for lot's of gear. You do have to be aware of tides and winds. Paddling out in the morning with no wind or the wind at your back is so easy. But if you don't pay attention to how far you've gone you can face a difficult paddle back against the tide and a rising wind in your face. Also winter low tides can force you to paddle long distances to get around exposed bottom that you paddled over easily at high tide. Another nice thing about kayaking is that you don't need a boat ramp. Anywhere you can park close enough to drag your kayak to the water you can launch. That put's a lot of great fishing spots a short paddle away. I've been kayak fishing for quite a few years and love it.

Tom Kelley

Billy Miller · Post by **Billy Miller** » January 30th, 2006, 10:23 pm

Donny,
The Wakulla River is a great first paddle. Give me a few days notice, and I will come get you started.
Billy