Hobie Style
Step 1 Preparation
On the way out I install the drive well plug (so I can be more like a traditional Kayak) and lay the M-Drive in the well area (finns forward, peddles flat down on the deck) and use the bungie cord to tension over the top.
No hooks or irons tied on the rods. Store all other equipment inside the bait tank. Game clip, pliers, sponge, bait net, plastic game lipper, water bottles, etc.
No loose crap to wash off.
No electronics on the deck. Install that stuff after the surf zone while the great whites are checking you out.
Step 2 Paddle in Hand - Ready to Go !
While holding the front handle of the kayak in one hand, and your paddle in the other - wade out into thigh high water and watch the pattern of the surf.
You should see variation in the sets - after a few go by you must decide when to go for it - then paddle like a commando until you are past the surf zone.
-Never stop paddling- No matter what comes at you - charge
straight through it.
Big Deal if you get a little wet this is Kayaking, you're supposed to get wet.
Step 3 Equipment Install and Chart Plotting.
Hopefully by now you are 20-30 yards past the surf zone with everything still onboard. Now is the time to put that
paddle thingamagig away and install the M-Drive, then Mop Up under the seat with that Home Depot Grout Sponge, and install the fish finder.
- Now you're ready to head off to the most productive, fish infested -
enough sushi to choke a horse location called the
( __________ ) this space intensionally left blank.
Explore around a little you'll figure it out.
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The Return - Hopefully w/Fish
So now the party is over and you have secured that 60 lb. WSB to the back of your fishing platform ala Darkhorse style with game clipped head pulled inboard of your rod holder and tail bungied down snug.
-You head in and start wondering. How the hell am I going to pull this off.
One step at a time.
When you are getting close to the surf zone - stop peddling and
Prepare the Kayak for Landing
- I remove all hooks and irons, remove the fish finder, all reels, and store them in my dry bag inside the kayak. The gaff goes inside too. Then all the trash, and small gear that I have gets put inside the bait tank (bait goes free).
-Bare Rods get attached to the Paddle Hold cut out on the side of the kayak with the paddle hold bungie. Rod tips are inboard of the Hobie Rod Holders (so they can not catch and break) They ain't going nowhere !
The paddle remains stored as well. -I land on the M-Drive Only.
Release the Rudder cable from the cleat - but hold with firmly in your RT hand.
Inch up to the surf zone and watch the sets. After you see a pattern and a smaller sets comes through - start peddling in. Steer with the rudder as necessary - keep peddling - we don't want to surf here.
Once you are in waist deep water - press the peddles apart and use the bungie hook to secure the peddles in this position (Fins Up against the Hull).
Release the ruddler cable from your Rt hand and step off the kayak -
and grab the rear handle. Now walk the Kayak straight to the sand.
Thats what I do.
Most times the 60 lb. WSB is not aboard, but hey even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.
Good Luck.
Billy V