Future Yaker Needs some Help - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

goldenglory18 · 08-20-2018, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheEngineering

So Basically I just need the crossbars and tie the kayak down facedown across the crossbars like you showed?

I am looking at the widerness tarpon, malibu X13, hobie mirage, 3 waters big fish 105, etc...

I am 5'9", 200 pounds (last i checked)

Yeah, two straps secured basket style and you're good to roll. Longer trips I'd suggest to do FWD and AFT straps to secure the nose and tail, but slow LA area traffic typically mitigates that need.

All great boats. Tarpon is more paddle based than fishing based. It's faster than say a Ride, Radar, or ATAK, but less stable. If I remember correctly it also has a fixed seat, so its less adjustable as well. For your size (I'm about the same, but a tick heavier) I'd look for something with a wider base. You'll thank yourself after a long day on the water.

Malibu are SUPER stable boats but weigh a ton. I'm also not as big of a fan of the materials they use in their mfg and finishing process. I've fondled quite a few and actually owned an X-Caliber for a hot minute. It was the most stable platform I've ever fished off of (and I've been on a lot of paddle yaks) but it was an absolute pig. So, sooo heavy. Excellent choice if you've got a second set of hands, and olympic lifting background, or a lift-assist system on your vehicle. Or a trailer....

Big Fish 105.....I'd try to stay closer to 12' or 13' boat. That way its more comfortable to fish off of and its safer on big water if you choose to venture out. There is a reason Ocean specific kayaks are longer than 13'.....

Like I mentioned above, you and I are about the same build. 12-13' and about 30" width is going to make you really happy and comfortable....

TheEngineering · 08-20-2018, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenglory18

Yeah, two straps secured basket style and you're good to roll. Longer trips I'd suggest to do FWD and AFT straps to secure the nose and tail, but slow LA area traffic typically mitigates that need.

All great boats. Tarpon is more paddle based than fishing based. It's faster than say a Ride, Radar, or ATAK, but less stable. If I remember correctly it also has a fixed seat, so its less adjustable as well. For your size (I'm about the same, but a tick heavier) I'd look for something with a wider base. You'll thank yourself after a long day on the water.

Malibu are SUPER stable boats but weigh a ton. I'm also not as big of a fan of the materials they use in their mfg and finishing process. I've fondled quite a few and actually owned an X-Caliber for a hot minute. It was the most stable platform I've ever fished off of (and I've been on a lot of paddle yaks) but it was an absolute pig. So, sooo heavy. Excellent choice if you've got a second set of hands, and olympic lifting background, or a lift-assist system on your vehicle. Or a trailer....

Big Fish 105.....I'd try to stay closer to 12' or 13' boat. That way its more comfortable to fish off of and its safer on big water if you choose to venture out. There is a reason Ocean specific kayaks are longer than 13'.....

Like I mentioned above, you and I are about the same build. 12-13' and about 30" width is going to make you really happy and comfortable....

What do you go out on right now if I might ask?

goldenglory18 · 08-20-2018, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheEngineering

What do you go out on right now if I might ask?

2016 Ride 135. I've personally owned five Wilderness Systems boats, three Ride 135's (two of this generation, one of the prior) one Ride 115 (just a shorter version of the 135) and a Thresher (awesome boat, I just had a MFG defect issue with the one I had.)

I have very little negative to say about this platform....

Mahigeer · 08-20-2018, 04:58 PM

PM sent.

GTboosted · 08-20-2018, 06:06 PM

If you plan on surf launching (Not just lake la jolla) a wilderness systems kayak is a great choice.

Take it out without gear and have fun in the waves. Roll it on purpose. I had a Tarpon 140.

Coming out of a harbor you can almost get any yak. Just make sure it has a rudder. Look for a good deal on a used one so you can sell with minimal loss when you decide to upgrade.

tak100 · 08-20-2018, 09:40 PM

Welcome to the addiction!

Definitely second taking a couple of check out voyages to get used to the kayak before you add the extra gear for fishing.

Check out some safety videos on YouTube and practice getting back aboard in deep water. Better to practice and be confident in your skill then to be in need and have no idea of how to get it done.

See you on the water sometime.

goldenglory18 · 08-21-2018, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTboosted

If you plan on surf launching (Not just lake la jolla) a wilderness systems kayak is a great choice.

Take it out without gear and have fun in the waves. Roll it on purpose. I had a Tarpon 140.

Coming out of a harbor you can almost get any yak. Just make sure it has a rudder. Look for a good deal on a used one so you can sell with minimal loss when you decide to upgrade.

Great advice here. Wildy boats are very, VERY well build and incredibly stable. Especially when in mild chop/boat traffic. Just be mindful of their adjustable seats (the ones that raise and lower.) That high position, in a pretty buoyant boat, on really choppy water, can lead to a super tippy boat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tak100

Definitely second taking a couple of check out voyages to get used to the kayak before you add the extra gear for fishing.

Check out some safety videos on YouTube and practice getting back aboard in deep water. Better to practice and be confident in your skill then to be in need and have no idea of how to get it done.

Amen to that.

The #1 piece of advice I give to newbies (actually, #1 is always wear your PFD (personal flotation device,) is to paddle your new boat, without any extra gear, in a safe spot to go swimming. If there is a lifeguard present, let them know what you are doing and how you will communicate with them if needed. Head out to a safe spot without boat traffic and learn your tipping/turtle/kick points. The intention here is to figure out how far you can push the boat before you get wet. Once you do find those points, learn how to recover once you're in the drink. Learn how to right a turtled vessel and how to board from being kicked off. Figure out how to do these things, without using the aft storage well (because that's where 90% of your gear will be) and practice them in deep water.

Then and only then will you be ready to go out and play in the bays and blue water. I got this advice and have religiously followed it to the T. I strongly suggest it to everyone in return...

08-20-2018, 06:06 PM	#5
GTboosted Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Lake Balboa, The Valley Posts: 425	If you plan on surf launching (Not just lake la jolla) a wilderness systems kayak is a great choice. Take it out without gear and have fun in the waves. Roll it on purpose. I had a Tarpon 140. Coming out of a harbor you can almost get any yak. Just make sure it has a rudder. Look for a good deal on a used one so you can sell with minimal loss when you decide to upgrade. __________________ -Beto

08-20-2018, 04:58 PM	#4
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,863	PM sent.

08-20-2018, 09:40 PM	#6
tak100 Recruit Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 152	Welcome to the addiction! Definitely second taking a couple of check out voyages to get used to the kayak before you add the extra gear for fishing. Check out some safety videos on YouTube and practice getting back aboard in deep water. Better to practice and be confident in your skill then to be in need and have no idea of how to get it done. See you on the water sometime.