Which yak should I get?
Aug 7, 2007 14:41:19 GMT -1
Post by gerryw on Aug 7, 2007 14:41:19 GMT -1
Hi Guys
Just joined the forum yesterday after watching the growth of the yak fishing sport over the past two years as mentioned on the NorthWest fishing forums. I was encouraged by the fact that most members seem not to be in the 18-30 bracket which gives hope for this less-than-fit 16st 50+ member!
I have canoed previously (sit-ins) and fish the North Wales coast very regularly without much luck - are there really fish in th Irish Sea? I am a qualified day skipper as well as powerboat cerificated with full vhf licence etc but no boat and no support from wife (bank manager) to get one either. So it seemd to me interesting as a cheap way to get onto the water do try to find those Irish Sea mystery bass. Until I saw the prices of what you guys are using!
If I am to do this I need to get my choices right first time and hopefully you all can help me.
From various forums etc it seems that there is debate about length (no change there then says the wife). The vast majority of fishing yaks seem to be 12ft plus and cumbersome. Yet the new Mini X from Malibu is praised highly. So I am confused.
In addition the pre-kitted angling craft come with many things I just wouldn't need including an exceptionally high price. So my wish list is based on the following:
1. Must be stable
2. Must maneouver well but also track acceptably (might consider skeg to help this)
3. I would prefer to add my choice of seat (Apex 1 as recommended here looks comfy)
4. Must also be able be used by the wife to potter around (not fish) from beach
5. Must be car toppable on a Frontera rack without the need for a forklift to get it there
6. For fishing I would take one short rod only and small tackle box. Anything I catch that needs a net to land it can tow me back to shore!
7. Given my experience of fishing North Wales it will also need to travel to international waters in search of the elusive bass - or am I wrong?
My budget will also have to extend to lifevest, drysuit (not wetsuit as I fear someone will harpoon me whilst paddling!), paddle etc. Looking around it seems there are very few discounted craft nor are there any second hand ones (except Tarpon 15ft angler for £525 in Llangollen) so saving money that way seems unlikely. I would also wish to try it (them) out first so my questions are:
1. what do you recommend as a 'bare' boat?
2. where are the good deals or packages?
3. how much should I expect to beg for from the wife?
Over to you - I cannot believe that none of you have been here too......
Thanks in anticipation
Gerry
Just joined the forum yesterday after watching the growth of the yak fishing sport over the past two years as mentioned on the NorthWest fishing forums. I was encouraged by the fact that most members seem not to be in the 18-30 bracket which gives hope for this less-than-fit 16st 50+ member!
I have canoed previously (sit-ins) and fish the North Wales coast very regularly without much luck - are there really fish in th Irish Sea? I am a qualified day skipper as well as powerboat cerificated with full vhf licence etc but no boat and no support from wife (bank manager) to get one either. So it seemd to me interesting as a cheap way to get onto the water do try to find those Irish Sea mystery bass. Until I saw the prices of what you guys are using!
If I am to do this I need to get my choices right first time and hopefully you all can help me.
From various forums etc it seems that there is debate about length (no change there then says the wife). The vast majority of fishing yaks seem to be 12ft plus and cumbersome. Yet the new Mini X from Malibu is praised highly. So I am confused.
In addition the pre-kitted angling craft come with many things I just wouldn't need including an exceptionally high price. So my wish list is based on the following:
1. Must be stable
2. Must maneouver well but also track acceptably (might consider skeg to help this)
3. I would prefer to add my choice of seat (Apex 1 as recommended here looks comfy)
4. Must also be able be used by the wife to potter around (not fish) from beach
5. Must be car toppable on a Frontera rack without the need for a forklift to get it there
6. For fishing I would take one short rod only and small tackle box. Anything I catch that needs a net to land it can tow me back to shore!
7. Given my experience of fishing North Wales it will also need to travel to international waters in search of the elusive bass - or am I wrong?
My budget will also have to extend to lifevest, drysuit (not wetsuit as I fear someone will harpoon me whilst paddling!), paddle etc. Looking around it seems there are very few discounted craft nor are there any second hand ones (except Tarpon 15ft angler for £525 in Llangollen) so saving money that way seems unlikely. I would also wish to try it (them) out first so my questions are:
1. what do you recommend as a 'bare' boat?
2. where are the good deals or packages?
3. how much should I expect to beg for from the wife?
Over to you - I cannot believe that none of you have been here too......
Thanks in anticipation
Gerry