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Cigar Minnow
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/8/2009 12:51:05 AM
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| Been living in pcola, boat-less, for about a year, and a fourm member for about the same. Haven't been able to contribute much of anything noteworthy in the past, and i am hoping for that to change with my recent kayak purchase. I grew up on the waters of Tampa Bay fishing mostly inshore slaying snook, red's. trout, and the occasional Tarpon since i was a lil guy, but am completely in the new doin' the kayak thing in this area. I have no idea about where to launch, where to fish, set up the yak, or how to even paddle CORRECTLY. Any and all info/advice will be greatly appreciated and tried out. I would love to tag along with someone that knows what they're doin, and learn a thing or two of how its done and thought this might be a good place to start. Anyways, hope to hear back from ya'll, and tight lines. -Adam p.s.- if you guys ever come across a dude with a pelican castaway that looks all screwed-up, its prolly me, so dont be afraid to help out/point and laugh or both.
 "That's why they call it fishing, not catching"
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Snapper
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| man! 18 views and no love for the newbie! well here it goes. What do you have or dont have for the yak? what do you want to catch? where do you want to fish? when can you fish? Capt. Ollie, Bloody Waters Kayak Fishing Team 
Capt Ollie ,
Bloody Waters Kayak Fishing Team
 
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Cigar Minnow
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/8/2009 12:51:05 AM
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Thanks for the shout out Capt Ollie, "What do you have or dont have for the yak?" - I have a paddle with clip, single lure/tackle box, and small cooler with some nifty rod holders mounted on sides (got the idea from the person i bought the yak from, also a fellow PFF'er). I also mounted an eyelet bracket behind the seat and attached a scotty clip with 1/8in bungee cord for securing my rods. Thats all I have, and not sure what i dont have. "what do you want to catch?" - I planned to stay inshore and try for the reds and trout, but am also interested in going for some spanish, kings, and cobia or w/e is in season once i am confident enough in my yak abilities to go out in deeper H2O "where do you want to fish?" -I live near the Academy Sports on Davis and ideally would like to launch anywhere within a 30 min ride, but i am happily wiling to drive where ever i need. "when can you fish?" - Do to my work schedule, i am usually free for Fri night docks lights, and all day both Sat and Sun And just to clarify, I am not looking for any secret honey hole info, thats why they are secret, but rather general tips, places to launch, and common areas to try out. Thanks again -Adam
"That's why they call it fishing, not catching"
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Grouper
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| Well congrats to your new kayak purchase! I also have the Castaway and love every bit of it. My advice would be to hit Santa Rosa Sound in the EARLY morning. The docks/grassbeds will entertain you for hours. Throw a topwater in the morning and a spoon/soft plastic in the afternoon. I guess this is a bit of a drive for you, but Woodlawn Beach in GB is a great launching point. If you see a Castaway with a tower, that's me! BTW, I'm sure you'll get tired of that seat, so this might help. http://www.surftosummit.com/
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>1801 Century/Yamaha F115
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Cigar Minnow
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/8/2009 12:51:05 AM
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| Sweet, thanks for the advice on the launch spot and the info on where to try out, seriously, much appreciated! I hope to see ya out there. -Adam
"That's why they call it fishing, not catching"
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Ruby Red Lip
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Last Login: 8/31/2009 8:40:26 PM
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Welcome aboard!
Do a search under kayak launches and you will find an old post of some areas to launch and fish. Its not all of them but it will keep you busy. I fish tues/wed/thurs do to my work schedule or I'd invite you out.
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Snapper
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| hey adam. sounds like you got what you need. you will nedd a 360 dome light for the yak and a flashlight or other signaling device. if you plan on night fishing. you will need these and also pfd,whistle, and license of course. i can put you on some good spots. i dont mind helping another yakker catch fish. if you would like to get up next friday. shoot me a p.m. tight lines. Capt. Ollie, Bloody Waters Kayak Fishing Team 
Capt Ollie ,
Bloody Waters Kayak Fishing Team
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Sailfish
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After you get your confidence up with paddling and balance inshore, you might want to try the gulf too. The kings are thick right now right off the beach, and it's been fairly calm lately. Try launching off the beach early (6:30 or 7:00) and paddle out past the 2nd sandbar. Bring some king leaders and a pack of frozen cigs and either troll or drift. If you're trolling be sure to have a stinger hook on the end of your leader. They're not too hard to catch and they put up a decent fight in the yak.
Wade B. Mako 284 w/ twin 250 verados
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Cigar Minnow
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/8/2009 12:51:05 AM
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| Thanks for all great info/advice from everyone so far, you guys have been a tremendous help. I really appreciate ya'll pointing me in the right direction. I owe you guys a beer. -Adam
"That's why they call it fishing, not catching"
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Mingo
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| Adam, welcome! Why not check the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association site and post some of your questions there - we have all been newbies at one time or another and we will make sure you get the best advice... We do want to make sure you are safe out there. You will need at a minimum a PFD, preferably worn and not stowed in a hatch, a sound producing device (whistle) and a fishing license. If you are going to be out during hours of darkness, you should have a 360 degree white light - preferably mounted above the deck - and three visible distress signals. These could include a good flashlight, strobe light, flares, etc. A flashlight is probably a good idea even in daylight, in case you get caught in a low light - fog, rain, etc. I throw some lightweight rain gear in a hatch in case of a squall. Keep in mind the Castaway is probably green and can not be seen well by other boaters - make yourself visible - bright clothes, paddle with yellow or orange blades, reflective tape, dive flag, etc. Bring your cell phone or buy a handheld waterproof VHF. Not to sound like your mom or anything, but safety on the water is something we take seriously...
www.GulfCoastKayakFishing.com
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Trigger
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A lot of the time, I find new launch points but just paying attention to the water while I am driving past. Of course that can get you in trouble if you pay too much attention on the water and not enough on your driving, brake-check anyone?
A bit of advise on life-jackets as others have already said, ALWAYS wear it when on the yak. If it hits the fan there will not be enough time for you to react and get it on especially since you will probably be trying to avoid whatever crazy situation just came up. A jacket with lots of pockets will also keep most of your tackle right where you can get to it quickly.
Another tip I have gotten from others on this forum is to bring a little gear with you as possible. It makes decisions on what to reach for on the water as simple as possible, also if you flip your gear loss is minimized and it just streamlines your fishing experience. The first couple times I was out I brought the kitchen sink but as I have gotten more experience I have learned what I will need and what is a waste of space/weight.
Welcome to the addiction,
Alex
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Yak em up!
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Cigar Minnow
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/8/2009 12:51:05 AM
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| Thanks for the advice! I didn't even think about how difficult it might be to see a green kayak out on the water. I will def check out the GCKFA website too. Thanks again to everyone that has responded to this thread, you all have been a GREAT help! -Adam
"That's why they call it fishing, not catching"
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