First Yak and Yak Fishing Excursion

[kentuckytwostep]

Ok folks, yesterday I went on my first real kayak fishing trip...well it was a real one for me. First the kayak story...(just skip down if you dont want to know about my yak story)

I had been looking for a used/cheap canoe for a while with no luck. One day I mentioned this in front of my gf's mom and she said well Jerry (gf's dad) has an old kayak that’s been under the deck out back for years. Why my gf hadn't told me about this before, I don't know. So I claimed! Woohoo, I have my first kayak!! It is a pretty old 14' fiberglass SIS yak that was in pretty bad shape, aesthetically. It had a white bottom and yellow top and someone had painted the top red (which had half chipped off). There was no sock or seat for it and I am a poor college student so the options were clear, I had to convert it to a SOT and rig up a seat of some sort. First chore was to cut the hole out to be big enough for me to be able to sit down and be comfortable. I left the back part and cut out where my legs and feet would be. Next I filled the back and front with expanding foam to seal off the front hatch. Next I used the piece of hard foam that was right in front of the origial opening (between your legs) as the back support and surrounded it with expanding foam. I used the exp. foam because I wanted something that would float and that would seal the two compartments. Does anyone know of anything better/cheaper to use? I knew the second thing I needed to do was to build a dolly for the yak, so I built one like is shown on the "Building a PVC kayak Cart" page. I knew that I would me dragging my yak back through the woods to secluded strip pits and ponds, so I modified my cart a little by using 24" mountain bike tires that I got at a yard sale for $2 each (for a savings of $18). I also used a solid axle instead of two short bolts, which inhibits me from being able to disassemble it but saved me two PVC connectors and made a stronger axle. Next I cut an opening for my milk crate and a six-pack cooler to fit behind me. My last thing to do was build a PVC outrigger, like the one on the "Homemade Outriggers" page, of course I modified this a little too. The remainder of the original opening was a perfect lip for the outrigger's cross bar to be braced against. That is all I have done to my yak so far, I have a few more modifications planned like a front hatch opening and some fiberglassing work and some more rope cleats down the sides. I'll try to get some pics so that I can post them.

So yesterday morning I loaded my rig up and headed for a little strip pit that is inaccessible by truck. This is the kind of fishing hole that you have never seen another person fishing there and are thankful for it. This pit is the reason I started thinking about getting a canoe or kayak. I have been fishing this pit for a couple of years, but from the bank and there is only a 10’ section you can actually get to. I’ve always had good luck with Bluegills and have heard that it has some good size bass in it too. Armed with a bucket of crickets I headed out onto this beautiful little lake. First three casts landed three 8 to 9 inch bluegills/Sunfish. After 2 hours of this kind of luck I decided that I didn’t want any more fish to clean and was tired of lugging around a heavy ass fish basket that worked well as a drift sock. I ended up with 24 very nice sized fish (will post pics later). The kayak worked excellent! The outriggers worked great; at about 14 inches from the side I could stand up in the kayak and not worry about flipping.

Thanks for reading and good luck on the water!

alright, here's the pics I promised...and no, I didn't have to turn an ol' 110 into a digital either...

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_4_full.jpg

Before....kinda
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_6_full.jpg

After...kinda
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_5_full.jpg
Before...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_7_full.jpg
After...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_8_full.jpg
Before...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_10_full.jpg
After...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_11_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_9_full.jpg

[kentuckytwostep]

Ok folks, yesterday I went on my first real kayak fishing trip...well it was a real one for me. First the kayak story...(just skip down if you dont want to know about my yak story)

I had been looking for a used/cheap canoe for a while with no luck. One day I mentioned this in front of my gf's mom and she said well Jerry (gf's dad) has an old kayak that’s been under the deck out back for years. Why my gf hadn't told me about this before, I don't know. So I claimed! Woohoo, I have my first kayak!! It is a pretty old 14' fiberglass SIS yak that was in pretty bad shape, aesthetically. It had a white bottom and yellow top and someone had painted the top red (which had half chipped off). There was no sock or seat for it and I am a poor college student so the options were clear, I had to convert it to a SOT and rig up a seat of some sort. First chore was to cut the hole out to be big enough for me to be able to sit down and be comfortable. I left the back part and cut out where my legs and feet would be. Next I filled the back and front with expanding foam to seal off the front hatch. Next I used the piece of hard foam that was right in front of the origial opening (between your legs) as the back support and surrounded it with expanding foam. I used the exp. foam because I wanted something that would float and that would seal the two compartments. Does anyone know of anything better/cheaper to use? I knew the second thing I needed to do was to build a dolly for the yak, so I built one like is shown on the "Building a PVC kayak Cart" page. I knew that I would me dragging my yak back through the woods to secluded strip pits and ponds, so I modified my cart a little by using 24" mountain bike tires that I got at a yard sale for $2 each (for a savings of $18). I also used a solid axle instead of two short bolts, which inhibits me from being able to disassemble it but saved me two PVC connectors and made a stronger axle. Next I cut an opening for my milk crate and a six-pack cooler to fit behind me. My last thing to do was build a PVC outrigger, like the one on the "Homemade Outriggers" page, of course I modified this a little too. The remainder of the original opening was a perfect lip for the outrigger's cross bar to be braced against. That is all I have done to my yak so far, I have a few more modifications planned like a front hatch opening and some fiberglassing work and some more rope cleats down the sides. I'll try to get some pics so that I can post them.

So yesterday morning I loaded my rig up and headed for a little strip pit that is inaccessible by truck. This is the kind of fishing hole that you have never seen another person fishing there and are thankful for it. This pit is the reason I started thinking about getting a canoe or kayak. I have been fishing this pit for a couple of years, but from the bank and there is only a 10’ section you can actually get to. I’ve always had good luck with Bluegills and have heard that it has some good size bass in it too. Armed with a bucket of crickets I headed out onto this beautiful little lake. First three casts landed three 8 to 9 inch bluegills/Sunfish. After 2 hours of this kind of luck I decided that I didn’t want any more fish to clean and was tired of lugging around a heavy ass fish basket that worked well as a drift sock. I ended up with 24 very nice sized fish (will post pics later). The kayak worked excellent! The outriggers worked great; at about 14 inches from the side I could stand up in the kayak and not worry about flipping.

Thanks for reading and good luck on the water!

alright, here's the pics I promised...and no, I didn't have to turn an ol' 110 into a digital either...

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_4_full.jpg

Before....kinda
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_6_full.jpg

After...kinda
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_5_full.jpg
Before...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_7_full.jpg
After...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_8_full.jpg
Before...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_10_full.jpg
After...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_11_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/205000-205999/205364_9_full.jpg

[GraybeardJ]

Ol' Kentuck...
This rig I just HAVE to see. Take some pictures of your rig and post them here. This could be priceless! And...it could put a few kayak makers out of business as there are a lot of old sit insides laying around. What do you do with an old scratched up SIS? T}You chop it up, fill it with foam, and make it a sit on top!

Priceless!

GraybeardJ

[kentuckytwostep]

oh, don't worry, its a sight to see. kinda like hooters....tacky, yet unrefined. dont worry, i'll get some pics up.

[ricksconnected]

i'll second greybeards motion.photos are in order here.

[BassAckwards]

a nickname is born..."Yakenstein"

[BassAckwards]

...said with much respect by the way...kudos for your ingenuity and determination to get your butt out on that little lake.

[ProwlerGuy]

That all sounds great, but I always thought those bluegills taste kinda crappie; cleaning them's a pain in the butt, too; gimme a Wahoo - the best tasting fish in the ocean!

Been wondering about your handle, Kentuckytwostep,? Is it anything like The Mexican Two Step? You know, what happens when you get Montazuma's revenge, although in Kentucky, maybe it's called Dan'l Boone's Revenge. Hmmmm, just wondering, Kentuckytwostep?

"Cats cringe when they see me coming carring a big hook!" http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Respectfully, Prowlerguy sends

[pgg]

kentuckytwostep,I think BassAckwards hit the bullseye on that name thing.Maybe you could Yakenstein,the yakfiherman formerly known as kentuckytwostep.

[Scott]

PLEASE POST SOME PICTURES!!!!

Gotta see this. It's the perfect yakenstein monster! Welcome to the site. Scott

[Scott]

Or instead of that, call it a rat yak, kind of like a rat bike. S

[bnz]

Yakens... err KYtwostep,

Welcome. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink2.gif In all our excitement and wonder about seeing your yak, we forgot to welcome you. But now that's done, hurry up and post those pics! http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Your ingenuity is to be commended. What's the weight of that thing now?

PG, you're going to give new meaning to "prowler"guy if you keep up all that cat stuff (which is pretty funny). Oh yeah, I do believe it's Montezuma. http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[tjensen441]

Can't wait to see those pics. Please don't tell us you have to make a digital camaera first.

[kentuckytwostep]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ProwlerGuy:
That all sounds great, but I always thought those bluegills taste kinda crappie; cleaning them's a pain in the butt, too; gimme a Wahoo - the best tasting fish in the ocean!

Been wondering about your handle, Kentuckytwostep,? Is it anything like The Mexican Two Step? You know, what happens when you get Montazuma's revenge, although in Kentucky, maybe it's called Dan'l Boone's Revenge. Hmmmm, just wondering, Kentuckytwostep?

"Cats cringe when they see me coming carring a big hook!" http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Respectfully, Prowlerguy sends </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually Bluegill is my favorite fish to eat. Yeah, they are a pain to clean, but well worth it to me. I havent eaten a large variety of saltwater fish, but of the freshwater its my favorite.

As for the name, I'm from KY and I'm a big Dave Matthews fan. Two Step is one of there songs. Nothing exciting really.

[kentuckytwostep]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BassAckwards:
a nickname is born..."Yakenstein" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I like that, I might have to have that put on the side....

[Hotrod]

http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=7481007401

[kentuckytwostep]

ok, so here ya go...

[Biggie]

you should submit the pics to rigged kayak section of this site... http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[kentuckytwostep]

What, no comments? http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=582102653

[Biggie]

haa haa... give everyone some time, they are getting over the initial shock and awe... http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[LNomolas]

K2Step - that is one heckuva setup- My hat is off to you. You have brought an old yak to life and caught fish with it. Nice cart, too. Must be an engineering student... What happens when you can afford a new yak?

[jake69455]

I like it !!! Looks perfect for your (and my) type of fishing. Light and cheap enough to go over, around or through anything without worrying about a few scratches. Lets you find out what you want (or don't want) in a kayak without dropping $500-$1,000 or waiting 6months to a year. Opens up all types of possabilities for old kayaks. And cool trailer, Keep up the good workhttp://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Jake

[LunaSea]

That is one ugly yak....you must be proud!!! http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=2956085195 And you may very well be the first person to take a chainsaw to a SIK! http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=8956085195 Now we want to see those bluegills. http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

IKFA Member #107

Life's a beach.

[pgg]

KTS, Bravo!!! Just wanted to let you know,this is your Official notification, your name has been submitted to the committee as a candidate for the prestigious MCGIVER award for 2005.

[kentuckytwostep]

Thanks guys, you are right it is ugly, and I am proud http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I plan to one day upgrade. But like you all said, this is a good way to find out what I want in a yak.

A McGiver Award....mmm, sounds nice.

[kentuckytwostep]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LunaSea:
And you may very well be the first person to take a chainsaw to a SIK! http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=8956085195 Now we want to see those bluegills. http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

IKFA Member #107

Life's a beach. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


No, it just a sawsall, and I have a pic of my first catch coming...

fish on!

[LunaSea]

Be careful where you launch so you don't scratch the bottom! http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=161107247

IKFA Member #107

Life's a beach.

[LNomolas]

...that would be McGyver with a "Y", but K2Step deserves it, regardless. I am thinking the cart is as impressive as the yak.

[DonBel]

It all looks good to me. If it works, don't fix it.

And don't listen to Prowlerguy. Bluegill are sweet and delicious--much better than bass. Being an ex-Hoosier I had many dinners of bluegill, Redear and crappie (maybe that's Prowlerguy's joke?) when we couldn't afford other meat back in the fifties and sixties.

But if you catch a Wahoo in Kentucky let everybody know because you will be very famous.

I'd put a piece of foam padding in the seat for my tailbone and be happy.

Nice cart, also. Very ingenious. Necessity is the mother of invention.

Welcome to the club. I think you will end up teaching us a lot about simple ingenuity and thrift. We could use some lessons.

[LunaSea]

Hey Don, maybe he'll loan you his saw so you can customize your QCC 700!! http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=811107247

IKFA Member #107

Life's a beach.

[kentuckytwostep]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LNomolas:
...that would be McGyver with a "Y", but K2Step deserves it, regardless. I am thinking the cart is as impressive as the yak. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good call with the spelling, I was thinking that didn't look right.

As for the cart, it's what I like to call an ATC...All Terrain Cart

[Apalach]

Hey kentuck,
I just gotta chime in here also. That is one "beautiful" rig, all things considered. WTG--and I like your preferences in music too--Dave Matthews would be proud (I think...).

[LunaSea]

I should remind you guys that it was the Dave Matthews Band who parked their tour bus on a bridge and commenced to empty the contents of the holding tank into the river below. http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=853102653 http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif They were arrested and charged with felony dumping, but I don't know the outcome of the case. A good bunch of musicians nonetheless....albeit a bunch of environmentally-challenged musicians.

IKFA Member #107

Life's a beach.

[BassAckwards]

That thing is a FISHING MACHINE!! You gotta paint some big long surgical stitches on it.

[kentuckytwostep]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LunaSea:
I should remind you guys that it was the Dave Matthews Band who parked their tour bus on a bridge and commenced to empty the contents of the holding tank into the river below. http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?s=418607442&amp;a=ga&amp;ul=853102653 http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif They were arrested and charged with felony dumping, but I don't know the outcome of the case. A good bunch of musicians nonetheless....albeit a bunch of environmentally-challenged musicians. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well I have to stick up for DMB, because we all should know the truth....the whole truth. Here is a passage from Sciencedaily.com...

CHICAGO, May 11 (UPI) -- Singer Dave Matthews apologized for a former band bus driver who dumped human waste into the Chicago River and drenched tour boat passengers.

"It's contrary to everything we believe," Matthews said in an interview on WXRT-FM. "If I were in Chicago, I'd be furious."

Matthews said he was angry when he read 800 pounds of human waste had been dumped in the river and onto tour boat passengers last August.

He realized later it was the band's bus driver who did it, a driver that was fired by the Dave Matthews Band.

The state filed suit over the sewage dumping, which the band settled with a $200,000 fine, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The band also donated $50,000 each to the Friends of the Chicago River and the Chicago Park District.

"We're embarrassed and truly, truly sorry about what happened," said Matthews.