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Post by fishnchips on May 24, 2015 19:23:57 GMT -1
Hi I' m getting a little fed up of not being able to find them decent fish. I know there out there somewhere so perhaps it's time to invest in a fish finder. There are heaps on the market & thinking of spending £150 max. Any advice on whats best. Saturday trip to Penmon Point & Puffin Island, got some sunshine & a good afternoon paddling Tight lines Fishnchips [attachment  |
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Post by martin on May 24, 2015 22:18:08 GMT -1
I'm still pretty much a newbie, but I wouldn't be without a fishfinder!
I have three Humminbirds, but I have heard they're expensive to repair and not too reliable........I spray silicone grease on the male and female contacts regularly and always wash off the salt after use
It is great to be able to dial in the sensitivity, you can see anything that moves down there! I threw a squid head over the side at slack water in thirty feet and watched it on the FF all the way down!
Two of mine have GPS in them and if I figure out how to use that........
It is really good to be able to know what you're fishing over, you can identify a kelp bed easily, and knowing the depth as you're trolling is virtually a necessity
There are good ones from about £100, but others could best advise on them because, like I said, I'm knee deep in Humminbirds :-)
Pretty mad tides around Puffin Island, check out a thread of mine recently, it's do able with experience though
I hope to be at Cable bay in the next few days
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Post by shaun1118 on May 25, 2015 8:32:53 GMT -1
I get asked questions about fish finders a fair bit and to be honest not having one is often used attributed as the sole reason to not catching decent fish when in reality there just a aid to catching fish. They do help catch fish its a fact and I wouldn't be without mine as they find features like gulleys, kelp and rough ground which concentrate fish in a area but If your fishing in the wrong place in the wrong conditions then your peeing into the wind. Some areas are just completely devoid of decent fish at certain times, read the reports (not just the last few) and start fishing where the fish are, I'd leave the exploratory fishing/paddle sessions until you have gained experience and have started catching regular, its easy to get disheartened, I know its nice to just get out but each launch takes a lot of effort and if your not reaping the rewards then the yak will be retired. I've never fished with or know how you go about fishing but once your in the right area then lack of catching fish is down to someones ability to fish; rigs, suitable bait selection for species and bait presentation are massive and often over looked just cos someone is going out on a kayak. I've got a mate and we went out last year for bass a few times, he would anchor up a few meters away and he'd often tether to my yak and he is still yet to catch a bass despite watching me pull them out like mackerel. He would use the same prime peelers provided by yours truly so the only thing that it comes down to is bait presentation. I'd hold onto the the money you've budgeted for the FF and use it to do some mileage meeting up with other members. Get put on the fish, get shown how to target XYZ. Just by having a informal chat while rigging up you can learn loads about new marks etc. But For that money you'd be hard pushed to do better than the Lowrance Elite 4X, what ever you chose to get though, make sure you learn how to use it, it sounds daft but for every bloke that knows how to use there's efficiently there's probably 2 that don't  Shaun |
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Post by deerphil on May 25, 2015 10:36:53 GMT -1
I like to keep my kayak fishing as simple as possible,
taking out the absolute minimum with me on each session.
There is no doubt that a FF AND knowing how to use it, is
a big advantage. They are not essential though - I have been
yakfishing for a few years now and I am very happy with the
success that I have had - without a FF !
Knowledge of the fish, good marks and a GPS as well as your
fishing ability and learning from other yakkers are all
important factors which together will bring success.
As with every hobby and sport the term " All the gear - No idea"
comes to mind. Do some homework , check out the many past reports
on this forum, use landmarks , fish at the right time in the right
place. When I find a mark that is productive I mark in my hand held
GPS and note time, tide, conditions etc.
You never stop learning and the biggest help of all is your fellow
yak anglers and their reports on this forum.
Having a FF will only help if you consider all of the above ! AND
know how to use it properly.
Most importantly - Stay safe and enjoy your kayak fishing.
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pike
valued Member
Posts: 131
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Post by pike on May 25, 2015 12:53:40 GMT -1
i just use a cheap garmin 90. have had ff with gps but prefare the simple cheaper ones. its mainly to find features that find the fish. i have broke 3 in the last 4 years so wont pay silly money for something thats going to get battered with sea water
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Post by martin on May 25, 2015 13:41:30 GMT -1
Did you fish on Saturday ?
It's on my to do list, although I want to fully learn Church Bay and Cable Bay this year
Knowing how to use the prevailing tidal flows for the out and inbound journeys is important to me as I don't have the fastest kayak or the strongest shoulders
I've seen Porpoises or Dolphins (don't know the difference....) at Penmon Point in the fast tidal flow there, and am captivated by the place. I'd love to catch one of those elusive turbot there. That pebble beach looks great to launch from
Martin
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Post by deerphil on May 25, 2015 16:05:02 GMT -1
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Post by martin on May 25, 2015 19:03:31 GMT -1
Thai you Phil, just ordered a copy :-)
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Post by fishnchips on May 27, 2015 19:18:41 GMT -1
Hi All
Thank you for the replies & advice. Always hopeful that a FF would put me amongst the decent fish but realise it ain't that simple. Still a newbie & lots to learn. Lost all my fishing logs due to technical hitch & a fat finger hit the delete key accidentally so back to beginning with that. It's great getting amongst the fish, & reckon I need the FF to let me know structures & sea bed. Have had fantastic days at Penmon where we were last Saturday tho no success, fished a hi tide when the Mark is a low water one. But the paddle was good & sun out.
Will be in contact & good to meet up sometime on the water over the summer months.
Jonny
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