SOLO SKIFF PROGRESS THREAD

[AlwaysFishing]

Thank you Mark. It is definitely have those advantages and so much fun too. You should seen the smile on my face..:D

Congrats on your new (to you) Solo Skiff. They are absolutely a blast and such a useful tool for covering more water than you could possibly cover on a kayak in one day, while only spending $2-$4 in gas. I no longer have to worry about currents and head wind, as I did on my kayaks. I found that the top speed is slightly higher when the water is not flat and smooth, but has small ripples. I guess the hull just skims on top better than when it has to displace water to plane. Tight Lines

[NICKWORN]

[QUOTE=AlwaysFishing;312804]
Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left.

I used minnkota extension and had to cut it almost all the way done, but it works like a champ now, no hitting of the seat or turning to turn. Ill take a picture for your to see.

[AlwaysFishing]

Awesome, thanks Nick. Wished I asked in here first.

[QUOTE=AlwaysFishing;312804]
Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left.

I used minnkota extension and had to cut it almost all the way done, but it works like a champ now, no hitting of the seat or turning to turn. Ill take a picture for your to see.

[tak100]

Thanks Tim. I will definitely ping you in the near future. I can't wait to take it out and do some real fishing. Where have you launched so far?

Los Alamitos, Dana Point and Cabrillo so far.

It would be legal to launch out of Huntington Harbor and head out to the oil rigs or mussel farm with the motorized vessels so I hope to do that in the future.

San Diego would be a blast as well.

[AlwaysFishing]

Are you using the boat ramp in Cabrillo or are you beach launching? I am looking to launch in Newport and Redondo as well. I guess the only way to launch in Redondo is to use the hoist. Newport boat ramp is so far from the harbor opening that it's going to take forever to get out to open water.

Los Alamitos, Dana Point and Cabrillo so far.

It would be legal to launch out of Huntington Harbor and head out to the oil rigs or mussel farm with the motorized vessels so I hope to do that in the future.

San Diego would be a blast as well.

[FISH11]

I decided to make a new unedited version of a video I recorded in Oct. 2020. The previous version was edited using GoPro Quick and was not good because that software has one pick highlights and then it edits each according to the music that is added. That is a Horrible method and does not get a good result, no matter how many different songs you pick to change the editing. This was filmed while holding the GoPro in my right hand, so I am not holding on and slowed the speed down to 4-6 mph so as not to get thrown off. The Solo Skiff could go much faster, but it becomes a wetter ride in those conditions and I was just wearing my board shorts and hoodie sweatshirt, as usual. Hope this give you guys a better look at how the Solo Skiff can handle the rough water. Other utube videos I watched that said rough water, where nowhere close to these conditions. It proved to me that the Solo Skiff is incredibly stable and all you need is to hold on and steer into the oncoming waves. That was an incredible 3 mile ride back to the La Jolla Cove point where the weather improved and ended becoming a nice day on the water. Warning, the video has some descriptive profanity, so if you are offended just turn down the volume.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LchFXAFk5mM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[AlwaysFishing]

Now that is rough but you made it look so easy. With my experience, I'd would be going at idle speed all the way in.

[AlwaysFishing]

What does everyone do with their bed extender once launched? Do you take it apart and put it in the cab or do you leave it out? Has anyone gotten their stolen?

[FISH11]

I take my Boonedox Groovy t-bone bed extender apart (just one lock pin) as put both sections along with my self made ramp pipes in the back seat area of my Ram truck. They stay safe and out of sight there.

[FullFlavorPike]

My t-bone (for my tandem oasis) actually fits in the front seat of my Sierra. The narrow end slots into the pedal box, and the wide end spans the cab. I don't even need to take it apart.

I would imagine a locking hitch pin would make for adequate security; but then again those t-bones are hard to come by sometime so some jerk could probably find a way to steal it.

[AlwaysFishing]

Thank you gentlemen. I guess in the backseat it goes.

[AlwaysFishing]

When you fill up your gas tank, do you dump out any old remaining gas or do you just add more on top of it? What additive do you use or is additive even needed? I have a 2018 Tohatsu 5HP 4 strokes engine. TIA

[FISH11]

I just top it off after a couple of trips. I can usually do 3-4 trips out in La Jolla on one tank, but I rather top it off when its around 1/2 tank. No dumping or additive, just 87 octane regular gas. I've checked the distance traveled on trips using my GPS and convert the trail into a course and then my Lowrance will show me how many miles it was. I get over 20 miles/gallon of gas.

[AlwaysFishing]

Thank you Mark for the info and suggestions. 20/gal is outstanding!

[NICKWORN]

Awesome, thanks Nick. Wished I asked in here first.

[QUOTE=NICKWORN;312812]

I cut the extension on the ass end but still had to cut some of the rubber grip to get that extra 1/2” I needed to not hit my seat.

[AlwaysFishing]

Thanks for the pictures Nick.

I cut the extension on the ass end but still had to cut some of the rubber grip to get that extra 1/2” I needed to not hit my seat.

[AlwaysFishing]

Has anyone use the hoist in Redondo? How much were you charged?
Would like to know if it can be done if the skiff is on the truck bed instead of a trailer.

[jruiz]

Has anyone use the hoist in Redondo? How much were you charged?
Would like to know if it can be done if the skiff is on the truck bed instead of a trailer.

~$20 depending on length. Opens at 6am which is a deal breaker for many. I can't answer the truck bed question.

[AlwaysFishing]

So expensive! Yeah 6am is a little late. Wish they would hurry up with that boat ramp. Will Redondo Beach’s King Harbor get a boat ramp in the next decade?

~$20 depending on length. Opens at 6am which is a deal breaker for many. I can't answer the truck bed question.

[tak100]

Are you using the boat ramp in Cabrillo or are you beach launching? I am looking to launch in Newport and Redondo as well. I guess the only way to launch in Redondo is to use the hoist. Newport boat ramp is so far from the harbor opening that it's going to take forever to get out to open water.

With my outback I launched from the beach. With the Solo I go from the boat ramp. It is a 15 ride and I get a chance to open up the throttle and have some fun.

Went yesterday 02/19/21. Fished all day from Point Fermen to White's point for mostly nada. I was mostly looking for whales. Back in the harbor on the way home and birds are crashing all over, double hookups of larger macks and right in the middle a young grey whale. Great sunset too. Can't beat So Cal weather.

All of this in a stiff wind which would have made it impossible in my outback.

[FISH11]

With the Solo I go from the boat ramp. It is a 15 ride and I get a chance to open up the throttle and have some fun.

Went yesterday 02/19/21. . Great sunset too. Can't beat So Cal weather.

All of this in a stiff wind which would have made it impossible in my outback.

These highlights to your post, are some of the highlight of why the SOLO SKIFF is INSANE FUN! :D

[ctfphoto]

These highlights to your post, are some of the highlight of why the SOLO SKIFF is INSANE FUN! :D

I am soo tempted to tell you guys to stop posting on this thread because I am going effing crazy not being able to get one of these that I have had on order for almost 5 months now.

Just kidding as I can hardly wait as it looks soo much fun. I now want to order another so my family will have 2 of these.

At least it is cold now and the fishing is slow.

[FISH11]

I am soo tempted to tell you guys to stop posting on this thread because I am going effing crazy not being able to get one of these that I have had on order for almost 5 months now.

Just kidding as I can hardly wait as it looks soo much fun. I now want to order another so my family will have 2 of these.

At least it is cold now and the fishing is slow.

SORRY CHRIS! We can't help ourselves. If you could see the smiles on our faces when opening up the throttle and while buzzing the open water, there are porpoises jumping around the bow. Just another of the fun things on a SOLO SKIFF.

[ctfphoto]

SORRY CHRIS! We can't help ourselves. If you could see the smiles on our faces when opening up the throttle and while buzzing the open water, there are porpoises jumping around the bow. Just another of the fun things on a SOLO SKIFF.

Damn Mark, you make it sound even funner and I know funner is not a word.

This summer will be a blast :D

[FISH11]

:D .. :reel: ... :yt:

[FISH11]

I took portions of video I had made and put together a highlight video of some of the fun things I get to do on the SOLO SKIFF. The advantages of being able to surf launch or go into area only Kayaks can, while having the advantage of the Tohatsu 6HP outboard with it's power and fuel efficiency. Not having to worry about wind or current, is an advantage you don't have in a Kayak. The speed you can cover water, even when it's rough. It's just a blast and on every trip I find myself grinning and smiling at what fun the SOLO SKIFF is and how stable it is. Nothing like it! Truly a KAYAK on STEROIDS! Had to turn audio down and off on sections, because utube blocked it the first time for copy rights, due to music that I had playing on the speaker box on the deck, that I no longer use. Ended up adding some free music from utube on the areas that I had to remove the background music I had originally. The still picture of the guy on the SOLO SKIFF with La Jolla Children's pool in the background is Mikey aka SD FISH AND SIPS, forgot to add it to the titles.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8YS7JcT0K7c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[AlwaysFishing]

Thanks Tim.

With my outback I launched from the beach. With the Solo I go from the boat ramp. It is a 15 ride and I get a chance to open up the throttle and have some fun.

Went yesterday 02/19/21. Fished all day from Point Fermen to White's point for mostly nada. I was mostly looking for whales. Back in the harbor on the way home and birds are crashing all over, double hookups of larger macks and right in the middle a young grey whale. Great sunset too. Can't beat So Cal weather.

All of this in a stiff wind which would have made it impossible in my outback.

[NICKWORN]

Had a blast on Monday with 5 Skiffs present at LJ for the Rockfish Opener. It was slow, bait was small and the rockfish bite shutoff as fast as it came on. I managed 6, a good red in the mix.

[FISH11]

I was so pleasantly surprised when I arrived at La Jolla Shores to launch my Solo Skiff on Monday 3-1-2021 and there where 4 other Solo Skiffs at the launch. Since I don't do facebook, I had no idea that Nick and others had planned to launch that day. Mondays is one of my favorite days to hit La Jolla anyways so it was great having a group of us 5 SOLO SKIFFS running around chasing bait and looking for Rock Fish and Yellowtail. These are some section of videos I recorded that day, unfortunately the fishing was a little slow but the weather turned out to be perfect. There's nothing like a nice weather day on the La Jolla water to chill out. :cheers1:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0WvLhklXng" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[AlwaysFishing]

The Solo Skiff is such a great fishing machine. So much faster to and from the fishing ground. Loving it!

Here is my video from this weekend opener in Redondo Beach.

https://youtu.be/tceKKg_I4Jc

-Quang

[FISH11]

SWEET! Really nice rock fish haul. Tight Lines!

[NICKWORN]

The Solo Skiff is such a great fishing machine. So much faster to and from the fishing ground. Loving it!

Here is my video from this weekend opener in Redondo Beach.

https://youtu.be/tceKKg_I4Jc

-Quang

Very Nice!!!

If you want to lower that seat they do make a almost flush swivel, different then the pvc one that adds an extra 3” or so. Just a thought.

I see your hand grabbing seat for leverage, check out Marks he put a 9” H-rail to grab instead of a rope to the bow.

Hope to see ya in SD sometime.

You on SoCal Solo Skiff page?

[AlwaysFishing]

Thanks Nick!
I ordered one of the low profile seat swivel. I am thinking of changing the seat to something with less cushion so it is lower.
I am still debating about the 9" H-Rail. I was thinking of installing a large piece of rope and use that like you would ride a bull. I am short so reaching the H-Rail to hang on requires me to kind of leaning forward. With the rope I can make it to fit what I need. Still debating. Maybe the H-Rail will work after I switch out the seat and swivel.
San Diego is a long drive so I will probably go if you can guarantee me a YT.. :D

Yes I am on SoCal Solo Skiff page.

-Quang


Very Nice!!!

If you want to lower that seat they do make a almost flush swivel, different then the pvc one that adds an extra 3” or so. Just a thought.

I see your hand grabbing seat for leverage, check out Marks he put a 9” H-rail to grab instead of a rope to the bow.

Hope to see ya in SD sometime.

You on SoCal Solo Skiff page?

[FISH11]

Hi Quang, this is a couple links to the Deckmate seat and low profile plastic swivel base (won't rust and makes the seat removable). These are what I use and the seat is the same on mine and Nick's Solo Skiffs, not heavy or too thick, water proof and comfortable with good support. You can choose different color for the seat if you want. Here is also a link to the utube video I made about my designed loading system and you can better see what the seat looks like on the Solo Skiff.

https://www.deckmate.com/collections/boat-seat-pedestal/products/plastic-seat-release https://www.deckmate.com/collections/fishing-boat-seats/products/rt3?variant=30946774155339 https://youtu.be/cjzPTPyMIQI

[AlwaysFishing]

Thank you kind sir! I ordered both of them. $67 shipped for both seat and base is not bad at all.

-Quang


Hi Quang, this is a couple links to the Deckmate seat and low profile plastic swivel base (won't rust and makes the seat removable). These are what I use and the seat is the same on mine and Nick's Solo Skiffs, not heavy or too thick, water proof and comfortable with good support. You can choose different color for the seat if you want. Here is also a link to the utube video I made about my designed loading system and you can better see what the seat looks like on the Solo Skiff.

https://www.deckmate.com/collections/boat-seat-pedestal/products/plastic-seat-release https://www.deckmate.com/collections/fishing-boat-seats/products/rt3?variant=30946774155339 https://youtu.be/cjzPTPyMIQI

[NICKWORN]

Little full speed action out at the PL Kelp!

On plain this skiff just taps and glides across these swells, actually launched off one shortly before video, outboard came out of water for a brief second, totally air borne.

https://youtube.com/shorts/VwlUvwGOBkk

[FISH11]

Going full speed or close to it on the SOLO SKIFF is an absolute blast that makes me grin from ear to ear. Love those moments of getting a little air, so much fun.

[AlwaysFishing]

Oh yeah it's a blast!! Have the prop ever get lifted up while doing full speed in choppy water? I had it happened to me yesterday and it scared the heck out of me. I wasn't going at full speed but still a little fast.

[AlwaysFishing]

What are you doing about tackle storage? I don't want to have to open the seat hatch every time I need something. Everything on the cockpit get wet. Are you using a waterproof planner box or something?

[AlwaysFishing]

I removed the deckmate seat. There just isn't enough cushion for a long day on the water. It was making my bottom all numbed and my back was hurting. I put back my more cushioned seat but kept the seat swivel.

[ctfphoto]

Dear Hobie Corporation, Please consider producing a foam-filled Hobie kayak with an outboard motor mount.

Do a knock-off or a better version as I know you can.

I would buy a solo skiff today, but that seems impossible due to poor management :eek:

This has become ridiculous :mad:

[AlwaysFishing]

If Hobie makes one, it will be in the $5k range.
Mike from Solo Skiff said they fixed the problem and is starting up production again in a couple of weeks. I hope it's true for all the people who are waiting. Price is now $2350 plus tax and shipping. Kinda sucks that people who puts deposit down before the price increase will have to pay the higher price. That's ain't right.


Dear Hobie Corporation, Please consider producing a foam-filled Hobie kayak with an outboard motor mount.

Do a knock-off or a better version as I know you can.

I would buy a solo skiff today, but that seems impossible due to poor management :eek:

This has become ridiculous :mad:

[FISH11]

Oh yeah it's a blast!! Have the prop ever get lifted up while doing full speed in choppy water? I had it happened to me yesterday and it scared the heck out of me. I wasn't going at full speed but still a little fast.

Yes I've had the outboard kick up even at full speed. Usually it's hitting something like a stringer of kelp. If you're not paying attention it will pull the tiller handle from your hand. Once it happened and I never saw anything on the water surface but before I could re-grab the tiller the motor had come back down and the engine still going fast catches the water but in a slight angle so the Solo Skiff makes a quick u turn to the left while still traveling at over 10 mph and it literally turns out from under me and I fall over the side.

[FISH11]

I am so tired of the ever changing weather conditions, we have had for way too long now. It's either high surf, high winds or both or even snow at home. Haven't been able to do my, at least once a week, La Jolla fishing trip. The slow fishing has continued as witnessed by the lack of reports. I went out on Friday the 19th as there was a window in between the high surf forecasts. Made one nice greenback mac and there were bait clouds but could not land any more and trolled around searching for bait or good marks on the Fish Finder. Decided to just enjoy the Solo Skiff and it's power and speed while searching for Fish and chasing bird action. Unfortunately, I did not land many fish while looking for better spots. Ended up having an awesome day on the water, until conditions changed around noon to as had been forecast, high winds. At that point I figured it was a good time to head in and load up at the shores.


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[JohnMckroidJr]

Dear Hobie Corporation, Please consider producing a foam-filled Hobie kayak with an outboard motor mount.

Do a knock-off or a better version as I know you can.

I would buy a solo skiff today, but that seems impossible due to poor management :eek:

This has become ridiculous :mad:

It would be nice if Hobie offered a gas motorized version of their quality kayaks. In the meantime, you might want to consider a Profisha 14 over a Solo Skiff, it's bigger, lighter, and has more capacity.

https://stealthkayaks.com/compare-kayaks/

[tak100]

The U.S. dealers website for Stealth Kayaks does not work. Not a good sign.

[JohnMckroidJr]

The U.S. dealers website for Stealth Kayaks does not work. Not a good sign.

Works fine, I accidentally messed up the paste on the previous post.


https://stealthkayaks.com/compare-kayaks/

They don't have much distribution in the US, so it's not a fast purchase, but I have checked them out at the Florida distributor's and so far everything that I have seen are of good quality.

[NICKWORN]

Just got back from Vegas, broke even on the last night playing craps for what seemed like an hour, but was actually 8hrs. :eek::cheers1:

Haven't been out in a few weeks so yea, surf looks good for the Solo Skiff, see ya out there!

:reeling::cheers1:

[NICKWORN]

Bag of mixed rockfish, buddy landed that toad of a Calico, 23”. Planning a few 9mile bank trips with the Scout Community, will be cool to see a dozen Solos and a dozen Scouts smashing off shore.

Went out last Saturday too, SD Bay for some Butts, but was immediately bummed when the bait barge only had dinky chovies, 3” max. Managed to catch a few spotties, shaker and a Buzz. . Buddy Nelson maiden voyage on his Scout was cool to be apart of.

:cheers1::

https://youtu.be/B0zzS-EVgSE

[AlwaysFishing]

Awesome to see a group Solo cutting through the water.
Where will you be launching to head out to the 9 miles?
I might be down if it is not beach launch, if you don't mind me joining you guys.

-Quang

[tak100]

Yes, definitely let your northern Solo brothers know the dates you are planning those 9 mile trips.

[FISH11]

Planning a few 9mile bank trips with the Scout Community, will be cool to see a dozen Solos and a dozen Scouts smashing off shore.


:cheers1::

https://youtu.be/B0zzS-EVgSE

I can't wait for 9 Mile bank trips. Hey Nick post up that Cell phone video you have on utube of the Solo Skiffs blasting at LJ last Saturday. Sorry I missed it having gone there on Friday already. Those scenes of a pack of Solo Skiffs reminds me of the movie Waterworld with Kevin Costner. What a BLAST!

[NICKWORN]

Awesome to see a group Solo cutting through the water.
Where will you be launching to head out to the 9 miles?
I might be down if it is not beach launch, if you don't mind me joining you guys.

-Quang

Quang-

For sure an "OPEN" invite will be posted as well as details leading up to any meetups on the SoCal Solo Skiff page. You guys are always welcome, safety in numbers is key in my opinion when heading offshore.

Launching will be from Shelter Island boat launch , most likely work the southern portion of the 9 and move north along the edge of the canyon.

Its gonna be epic, just hope the skippies, bonita, YT, YF or Dodo are around!

[NICKWORN]

Yes, definitely let your northern Solo brothers know the dates you are planning those 9 mile trips.

Always an open invite any time we/I go out brotha! :cheers1:

[NICKWORN]

I can't wait for 9 Mile bank trips. Hey Nick post up that Cell phone video you have on utube of the Solo Skiffs blasting at LJ last Saturday. Sorry I missed it having gone there on Friday already. Those scenes of a pack of Solo Skiffs reminds me of the movie Waterworld with Kevin Costner. What a BLAST!

The link is there, its even in your quote.. :D:D

[AlwaysFishing]

Quang-

For sure an "OPEN" invite will be posted as well as details leading up to any meetups on the SoCal Solo Skiff page. You guys are always welcome, safety in numbers is key in my opinion when heading offshore.

Launching will be from Shelter Island boat launch , most likely work the southern portion of the 9 and move north along the edge of the canyon.

Its gonna be epic, just hope the skippies, bonita, YT, YF or Dodo are around!

Man it's going to be so much fun. Might have a few Solo, Bris and Scout owners from LA/OC want to join in the fun too. Please let us know what your plans are. Thanks.

-Quang

[FISH11]

I guess I missed the link at the bottom of the quote, thanks. I love the looks of Solo Skiff and Scout Brigade chasing down some tuna. Going to be fun.

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[ctfphoto]

The owner of the Solo Skiff business needs to go on the show "Shark Tank" and have Mr Wonderful take 51% of his business.

[NICKWORN]

The owner of the Solo Skiff business needs to go on the show "Shark Tank" and have Mr Wonderful take 51% of his business.

They sell quick, but they do come around. Are you on SoCal Solo Skiff FB page?

I think there is another one coming up for sale soon.

[ctfphoto]

They sell quick, but they do come around. Are you on SoCal Solo Skiff FB page?

I think there is another one coming up for sale soon.

I am not.

I kinda want a brand new one.

Has anyone considered or made a bait tank out of the seat compartment?

I really dislike the smallness of the front bait tank.

[katchfish]

The Rat Pack:D

https://i.postimg.cc/d0g2mKWX/IMG-6948.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Tyq5fBvq)

[FISH11]

The Rat Pack:D

https://i.postimg.cc/d0g2mKWX/IMG-6948.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Tyq5fBvq)

SWEET! Fun at La Jolla.

[FoodGeekFish]

I am not.

I kinda want a brand new one.

Has anyone considered or made a bait tank out of the seat compartment?

I really dislike the smallness of the front bait tank.

Used one just went up for sale on the San Diego Kayak Fishing Marketplace page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/119674255220159)

[katchfish]

Cheaper and lighter then a new Hobie Pro Tangler:D

C’mon Chris!

[ctfphoto]

Thanks for info on the used Solo.

Wow, that color combo is way ugly.

I want a seafoam color as that stands out the best for safety.

[FISH11]

Just a little late post from 5-1 at LJ. Went on the usual weekly trip to La Jolla on the SOLO SKIFF in search of Yellowtail. Had spent the last 5 trips mostly trolling the Nomad DTX Minnow because of lack of live bait or just to be able to cover more water faster than while trolling a live Mac. Found a good area for bait and Calicos that produced the last three trips. The last trip I had hooked and lost a nice Yellowtail while trolling the Nomad DTX and just failed to maintain tension on the line and it head shook the lure off. Totally Operator Error. So this trip, I spent extra time in that area, but other then a bunch of large Macs and some Calicos there was nothing larger that came out to play. Then as has been the case lately the wind kicked up before noon and most boats headed home for a long rough trip back home. The Solo Skiff just eats up the wind chop.

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[NICKWORN]

[QUOTE=FISH11;313874]Just a little late post from 5-1 at LJ.


WOW surf was big!!! You did it perfect though by chasing the last wave in. Did you fall out at the very end? :D:D Looked like you went to hop out and face planted.

[jruiz]

[QUOTE=FISH11;313874]Just a little late post from 5-1 at LJ.


WOW surf was big!!! You did it perfect though by chasing the last wave in. Did you fall out at the very end? :D:D Looked like you went to hop out and face planted.

I imagined that he did a cartwheel into a backflip. But I guess he didn't want to show off so he edited it out.

[FISH11]

Ha Ha Ha, no but I had a wave behind catch up just as I slid down into 2' of water and as my feet slide into the water the wave now makes it almost 2' even deeper and the Solo Skiff I had my hand on the gunnel just took off forward the rest of the way and I got my whole right arm wet as I had to catch myself from doing a total face plant in 2 1/2' of water. That was the only area I even got wet the whole trip, except for a few wave chop splashes while out having fun in the mess.

[AlwaysFishing]

I think I finally found a good solution to using the front hatch as a bait tank without having to drill a hole in the hull. I found a small submersible pump that outputs about 130gallon/hour. It comes with small enough nozzles that I put in the drain hole and at the same time put in another hose for drainage. It needs only 4w and can be powered by a USB port off of a power bank. With a 10,000mah Aukey power bank, it was able to run for about 6 hours continuously. I didn't cut enough holes in the drain hose so I was having some over flow. I think a couple more holes in the hose and it should be good. I got about a dozen medium size Mackerels and they seems to be happy in there.

I found out yesterday that with the front hatch filled with water and my fish bag with 20lbs of ice and full of fish, the front sits really low. The bow was digging into the swell on my way back and I couldn't go very fast. Is anyone else have this problem?

[FISH11]

Went out on my weekly trip to LJ as usual in search of Yellowtail. For months now planning what day to go has been more about the surf and wind forecast, as it keeps changing like a roller coaster. Last week while trolling the Nomad I hooked up and fought a nice Yellowtail for a short time and ended up loosing it because i got too careless and allowed slack on the line. Trying to regain line due to shallow (52') water depth and driving the Solo Skiff towards the fish. I looked at the video and realized I was way to relaxed and not just reeling in. The slack allowed the Yellowtail to toss the Nomad with it's head shakes. I still even have a nice reminder on my right thumb, were I tried to thumb the spool when it took off on one of the runs and the Avet drag was already on 3/4 full drag. For the last nine days I have a 3/8" x 1 1/2" strip of my thumb skin that good burned and shrunk. Man it hurt at the instant it happened. Never going to keep my thumb on the spool while fighting a large fish again. This trip unfortunately has no large fish hook up and never found great FF marks to drop a mac on, so while searching for good marks I trolled the Nomad and then drifted a mac later, but no fish other than some Calicos on the troll. Still a great day on the water because the SOLO SKIFF is so much more stable and I stay drier and don't have to spend extra energy fighting the currents or the wind when it comes up. Tight Lines.

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[JohnMckroidJr]

I tried to thumb the spool when it took off on one of the runs and the Avet drag was already on 3/4 full drag. For the last nine days I have a 3/8" x 1 1/2" strip of my thumb skin that good burned and shrunk. Man it hurt at the instant it happened. Never going to keep my thumb on the spool while fighting a large fish again.


Nice report, the weather looked beautiful and that was an easy landing.

Sorry to hear about your thumb. A thumb on the spool can be very useful to help pull a circling fish up from the depths while keeping the drag loose enough to prevent a break off if the fish makes a sudden lunge. No bueno on a running fish as you noted.

Traumeel cream will help your thumb heel -- it works miracles. I accidentally put my hand on a hot muffler, I should have had a huge blister, but this cream prevented it. It is good on sunburns also.

https://www.amazon.com/Traumeel-Ointment-Anti-inflammatory-Pain-Relief/dp/B07KLVMYFJ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=traumeel+100g&qid=1620654156&s=hpc&sr=1-3

This thread is a fun documentation of the skiff development. It is getting long, Solo owners might consider a new thread under Kayak Fish Reports for sharing trips?

[FISH11]

Went out on Tuesday, keep having to find a date during the week that had low enough surf (3' or under) and wind that stays below 11 mph. It hasn't been easy some weeks. Wind always picks up after noon, but when it's forecast 10-13 by 11am or noon, it makes for too short of a day. Conditions are looking great with the water temperature having gone from 58.5-60 a few weeks ago and now the last 2 weeks it's been 63.8-64.5 and yesterday I was reading 64.9-65.5 degrees. It's about time we see more consistent nice catches at LJ. Yesterday I saw the RIVAL bait ship for the bait barges, over north of Blacks Beach so after not finding some bait and no trolling action outside the reserve boundary, I went north and found nice greenbacks in an area the ship had covered. Not seeing any nice fish marks on the FF, I went back to the point and then south trolling and after some time just drifted a live green mac. Had my second mac crushed but not taken for a short run. When I reeled it in it didn't have a mark, but was almost dead. I have had that many times and it's Yellowtail that hit it and crush it but don't swallow it and sometimes like this one don't even take it for a short run. Just another of those instances lately that just seems like they are teasing me. Tight Lines!

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