Got off work early Friday the 27th, decided to put the Yak in the water on the Ashley at the El Citadel boat dock. It was around 2ish and tide was still commin in. Threw the cast net in the boat channel, no luck. Paddled up river tward the Chas rifle club and found a nice little creek that opened up into a flat and caught about 30 finger mullet in just two casts. Saw some reds tailin in there as well so I threw out a Carolina rig along the grass. After about an hour Id caught two, both about 12in, so back in the water to grow.
Wind started really pickin up so I paddled back to El Cid and fished the outgoing. Nothin bitting on top so I bottom fished a while. Caught three sting rays. Man are they fun to try and de-hook in a Yak. Basically had to have the ray in my lap and yank the hook before I got stuck in an area I really didnt want to get tagged. Used my life jacket to cover the barb, smart right… well the ray decided to stick the life jacket. So once I got the hook outa the sting ray I had to get the sting ray outa my jacket, haha. Gave it a good shake and it finally ripped out, now theres a nice battle scare on my jacket. Much better than my leg though… or worse.
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
I always thought that it a kayak fisherman and a hooked stingray were a fair match. Very sporty if you are intent on getting your hook back. I like to turn them on their back and leave their tail in the water while holding the line. I then try to get the hook while they relax in this reclined position. Thankfully none have pierced my kayak’s hull yet.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
quote:
Originally posted by elcidsurfer
Got off work early Friday the 27th, decided to put the Yak in the water on the Ashley at the El Citadel boat dock. It was around 2ish and tide was still commin in. Threw the cast net in the boat channel, no luck. Paddled up river tward the Chas rifle club and found a nice little creek that opened up into a flat and caught about 30 finger mullet in just two casts. Saw some reds tailin in there as well so I threw out a Carolina rig along the grass. After about an hour Id caught two, both about 12in, so back in the water to grow.
Wind started really pickin up so I paddled back to El Cid and fished the outgoing. Nothin bitting on top so I bottom fished a while. Caught three sting rays. Man are they fun to try and de-hook in a Yak. Basically had to have the ray in my lap and yank the hook before I got stuck in an area I really didnt want to get tagged. Used my life jacket to cover the barb, smart right… well the ray decided to stick the life jacket. So once I got the hook outa the sting ray I had to get the sting ray outa my jacket, haha. Gave it a good shake and it finally ripped out, now theres a nice battle scare on my jacket. Much better than my leg though… or worse.
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
Make sure you replace that lifejacket. Depending on which DNR LEO stops you, you may be looking at a hefty fine depending on the size of the tear in your jacket. Just a thought for you.
Be there or be on the Short Bus!!
2005 236 Sailfish
225 Yamaha 4-stroke
Sailfish,
The hole is about half the size of a dime, so I should be fine. Ill prolly just stitch it up. Thanks for the heads up though, I didnt even think about what DNR would say.
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
quote:
Originally posted by elcidsurfer
Sailfish,
The hole is about half the size of a dime, so I should be fine. Ill prolly just stitch it up. Thanks for the heads up though, I didnt even think about what DNR would say.
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
If they catch it, it will be a fine. I’m just telling you what I’ve learned from personal experience. Typically when it comes to saftey items, they don’t allow any room for error. Any rips or tears and they will likely write you a ticket.
Good luck.
Be there or be on the Short Bus!!
2005 236 Sailfish
225 Yamaha 4-stroke
El Cid,
Ditto what 23 said. Even small tears, missing labels, frayed straps, you will get a ticket. Don’t risk it , just get a new one.
DD
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and be Happy!!!
quote:
Originally posted by DolphinD
El Cid,
Ditto what 23 said. Even small tears, missing labels, frayed straps, you will get a ticket. Don’t risk it , just get a new one.
DD
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and be Happy!!!
Darn, I’m going to have to be more careful with that $120 life jacket that you sold me…
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
Gees, I thought I was gonna save money by fishin from a Yak instead of a motor boat. I guess a $100 on a jacket is better than $300 on a fine, 
One quick question… are we technically supposed to be wearing our jackets all the time, even when we are anchored and fishing, or just when we are paddling from spot to spot?
Thanks for the help fellas
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
Thats why I am glad I go an expensive one. It is so comfortable I never take it off.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
don’t have to wear the pfd, just have it on the kayak. dont for get the whistle, and omni directional light after sunset. that is all as far as I know.
Palmettobum has it right. Check your PFD label tho… If it’s a Type V you have to wear it to be legal. period. I have a lotus type V that’s super comfortable so it’s my go to.
if I’m paddling somewhere protected and I plan on taking my pfd off, I’ll take either my Extrasport or Stohlquist. both of those are Type III, so not required to wear them.
Hey ElCid, you can buy a $6 cushion at wal mart and keep it ACCESSIBLE on your yak to be legal.
So much water, So little time
Too Busy,
yeah ive got one of those for my john boat. ill prolly start throwin it in my yak as well.
we still on for tomorrow at D.I. around 4ish?
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
tomorrow still works for me
see ya at DI around 4
So much water, So little time
Too Busy and Elcid,
Type three front entry, just have to have it with you.
Any type of pull over, MUST HAVE IT ON.
Type V are special use such as rescue vests, and the same applies as above, pull over, must be on, front entry, just have it with you.
If you are on the water this weekend, WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!!!
DD
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and be Happy!!!
DolphinD,
Do you work at Time Out Sports?
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
Thanks DD
My Lotus is a pull over and is really the most comfortable one I own. The others are front entry
So much water, So little time
quote:
Originally posted by elcidsurfer
DolphinD,
Do you work at Time Out Sports?
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
Yes I do
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and be Happy!!!
DD,
I got my Yak there about a month ago. Just wanted to say thanks to you and your staff for hookin me up. I love the thing, and it has definately become a fish slayin machine.
“Pura Vida”
Smitty
India '07
15’ Alum. Fisher w/ Mercury 25HD
12’ Tarpon 120 w/ Two Arms and a Paddle
Never knew there’s a difference in rules for a lifejacket regarding an “open front” or “pull over”. But…DNR rules is da rules!
Whats the logic there? Im thinking it must have something to with the difficulty of putting it on while your arse is already drowning!
“No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem”
beer