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Rigging a sit-on kayak for spearfishing?
- Thread starterMr. X
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
Anchors
Let's see if I got the terminology right:
- Drift Anchor -- is this a parachute on an anchor rope, same as the drogue mentioned by Miles above. [Like this: http://www.fishingonly.com/boating_anchors/anchors.html)
- Land Anchor -- is this stake/auger driven into the land/beach to hold the boat in (like this: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/sm-ironwood-pacific-land-anchor--pi-2069279.html)
- Sea anchor - regular boat anchor.
Hi CantShoot,cantshoot said:
Let's see if I got the terminology right:
- Drift Anchor -- is this a parachute on an anchor rope, same as the drogue mentioned by Miles above. [Like this: http://www.fishingonly.com/boating_anchors/anchors.html)
- Land Anchor -- is this stake/auger driven into the land/beach to hold the boat in (like this: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/sm-ironwood-pacific-land-anchor--pi-2069279.html)
- Sea anchor - regular boat anchor.
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The cargo nets, deck loops & anchor shackle arrived. The loops came with self-tapping screws, so I may forego the well nuts - for next few weeks anyway (thoughts?).
Anchor shackles
As I'm using a weak-link anchor system (which I will lock down if diving - thanks for that Miles
), it turns out I could have used a smaller, cheaper shackle on the base of the anchor (the top is quite wide - so I got a 6mm s/steel wide-mouth shackle, which will work at either end -- an 8mm wide-mouth might be even better for top attachment).
Roof Bars
I ordered the German-made roof bars in the end. The supplier sold 3 brands but they recommended this one over the Thule (which they carry). They are car model-specific and apparently much simpler to fit safely (I found the Thule on the other car simple & secure -- but it does not have the new Rapid Release system). The bars are also fully compatible with Thules' accessories. I am hoping that the tradition of robust German auto-engineering lives on in this rack (supposedly they make OEM bars for Merc, BMW, etc.). [Of course, the supplier might just have a warehouse full of these to off-load or higher margins on them.] They are £40 less than Thule (£120) & I like my current car, so there is a good chance I will stick with the same model; failing that, there is always eBay. The supplier's shipping was also much less than half that of other online stores. [Paddy Hopkirk did not offer bars for my model-year car].
Deck-lines/Rigging
Do you guys recommend fitting deck lines around the perimeter of the boat? I am thinking that I will not. Will probably just ensure there are enough loops to hold each item: paddles, cargo nets, anchor, weight belt, rod, speargun (later). Will probably carry a dive bag, crate and/or maybe a net catch bag to carry smaller items - held in by a cargo net or bungees.
Anchor shackles
As I'm using a weak-link anchor system (which I will lock down if diving - thanks for that Miles
), it turns out I could have used a smaller, cheaper shackle on the base of the anchor (the top is quite wide - so I got a 6mm s/steel wide-mouth shackle, which will work at either end -- an 8mm wide-mouth might be even better for top attachment).Roof Bars
I ordered the German-made roof bars in the end. The supplier sold 3 brands but they recommended this one over the Thule (which they carry). They are car model-specific and apparently much simpler to fit safely (I found the Thule on the other car simple & secure -- but it does not have the new Rapid Release system). The bars are also fully compatible with Thules' accessories. I am hoping that the tradition of robust German auto-engineering lives on in this rack (supposedly they make OEM bars for Merc, BMW, etc.). [Of course, the supplier might just have a warehouse full of these to off-load or higher margins on them.] They are £40 less than Thule (£120) & I like my current car, so there is a good chance I will stick with the same model; failing that, there is always eBay. The supplier's shipping was also much less than half that of other online stores. [Paddy Hopkirk did not offer bars for my model-year car].
Deck-lines/Rigging
Do you guys recommend fitting deck lines around the perimeter of the boat? I am thinking that I will not. Will probably just ensure there are enough loops to hold each item: paddles, cargo nets, anchor, weight belt, rod, speargun (later). Will probably carry a dive bag, crate and/or maybe a net catch bag to carry smaller items - held in by a cargo net or bungees.
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Paddle holder
One of the kayak angler websites (www.kayakfishingstuff.com) shows a paddle holder that consists of 2 deck-loops, a hook & a loop of bungee.
It looks quite good except the hook could catch/tear things (wetsuit, etc.). I am thinking I might do something like this in the future but using a softer profile button instead of the hook. Anybody using something like this, or do you just leave the paddle in the yak?
One of the kayak angler websites (www.kayakfishingstuff.com) shows a paddle holder that consists of 2 deck-loops, a hook & a loop of bungee.
It looks quite good except the hook could catch/tear things (wetsuit, etc.). I am thinking I might do something like this in the future but using a softer profile button instead of the hook. Anybody using something like this, or do you just leave the paddle in the yak?
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Ya a drift anchor is parachute. They may also be called sea anchors depending who you talk to.
I have not seen a diver with paddle holder clips (hooks). It seems that you will get snaged or break them off when you go in and out of your kayak. I just slip one of the blades under my hatch straps and lie the other side on my seat when I dive. I just through it overboard when I get back in.
I have not seen a diver with paddle holder clips (hooks). It seems that you will get snaged or break them off when you go in and out of your kayak. I just slip one of the blades under my hatch straps and lie the other side on my seat when I dive. I just through it overboard when I get back in.
Lidls fishing sale (now on)
Just got some Lidls fishing gear Pav. The rod bag has 3 large sections & takes a 90cm speargun perfectly + 2 or 3 rods with reels (or spearguns) easily. There are also 2 long pockets for bank-sticks, spears, etc. and two large square pockets for tackle boxes, mask, etc. Excellent value. Really pleased with it. (The straps are sewn on tho').
Also got 2 boxes of gear:
1. weights, hooks, spinners, spoons, jellies, etc., pliers, fold out rod holder for the bank/beach, floats, chemical lights, pike gag, ...
2. a box of lures (designed for freshwater -- but should be good for the sea).
This lot will last us a life-time. Had I known how much was in the big box, I probably would not have bothered with the second -- although it has different lures, inc. some interesting little plugs called "wobblers". Now if only they would start selling kayaking stuff...
Any recommendations on what type of lure to troll from the yak for a bass (or any decent fish)?
Just got some Lidls fishing gear Pav. The rod bag has 3 large sections & takes a 90cm speargun perfectly + 2 or 3 rods with reels (or spearguns) easily. There are also 2 long pockets for bank-sticks, spears, etc. and two large square pockets for tackle boxes, mask, etc. Excellent value. Really pleased with it. (The straps are sewn on tho').
Also got 2 boxes of gear:
1. weights, hooks, spinners, spoons, jellies, etc., pliers, fold out rod holder for the bank/beach, floats, chemical lights, pike gag, ...
2. a box of lures (designed for freshwater -- but should be good for the sea).
This lot will last us a life-time. Had I known how much was in the big box, I probably would not have bothered with the second -- although it has different lures, inc. some interesting little plugs called "wobblers". Now if only they would start selling kayaking stuff...
Any recommendations on what type of lure to troll from the yak for a bass (or any decent fish)?
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Portinfer's thread from last year contains a lot of info. & advice that might interest readers of this thread. Especially those trying to figure out what to buy: [ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=58204"]Tandem Kayak : info please[/ame]
Thread on nothing boat vs. kayak vs. nothing: [ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=57992"]spearfishing with kayak[/ame]
The original RIB/kayak/Dory/dinghy/panga/C-Ski thread that spawned this one has lots of info (I am re-reading it at the moment - missed a lot the first time through): [ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=64567"]Spearing: Boat, RIB, Dory, Dinghy, Dive Kayak?[/ame]
Thread on nothing boat vs. kayak vs. nothing: [ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=57992"]spearfishing with kayak[/ame]
The original RIB/kayak/Dory/dinghy/panga/C-Ski thread that spawned this one has lots of info (I am re-reading it at the moment - missed a lot the first time through): [ame="http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=64567"]Spearing: Boat, RIB, Dory, Dinghy, Dive Kayak?[/ame]
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Re: Lidls fishing sale (now on)
X,
I just had great luck with a silver spoon. Conditions were:
Partial sunlight (mostly clouds) - cold, murky green water (under 5 ft vis), - strong current. I would just drop down to the bottom, pick up a foot or two, and bounce the lure as the current took me through the area I was fishing, then paddle back up & repeat. Got 3 nice kelp bass !
What have you used so far?
Mr. X said:Any recommendations on what type of lure to troll from the yak for a bass (or any decent fish)?
X,
I just had great luck with a silver spoon. Conditions were:
Partial sunlight (mostly clouds) - cold, murky green water (under 5 ft vis), - strong current. I would just drop down to the bottom, pick up a foot or two, and bounce the lure as the current took me through the area I was fishing, then paddle back up & repeat. Got 3 nice kelp bass
!What have you used so far?
Trolling Lures
Hi Lockedin,
My bass fishing has been limited to the speargun -- so this will be a whole new experience for me. I used to go mainly coarse fishing (catch & return, using floats & tiny size 18-22 hooks) as a boy, although I did once catch a pike (on a spinner), a large rainbox trout (again on spinner) and have caught mackeral on a handline with feathers from boat & shore (I love mackeral!).
My little Lidls chest of fishing lure treasure includes a short silver spoon (& I also still have a long one from my teenage years in my box) -- I will give it a try. The conditions I have experienced in Dorset so far have often been as you describe -- although I am hoping for better this Spring (for spearing). I was thinking of trolling it from a handline in the yak (I made a couple of handlines up last year). Although, I like CantShoots rod set-up -- looks like he trolls over his head/shoulder with his rod. I bought an inexpensive little carbon spinning rod a couple of years ago (Costco, USA - hi-spec, low price) - which I think would be great for this.
BTW I thought this was an interesting picture to illustrate the carrying capacity of the Cobra Tandem (linked from http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/Instruction/KayakingKids.htm):
Hi Lockedin,
My bass fishing has been limited to the speargun -- so this will be a whole new experience for me
. I used to go mainly coarse fishing (catch & return, using floats & tiny size 18-22 hooks) as a boy, although I did once catch a pike (on a spinner), a large rainbox trout (again on spinner) and have caught mackeral on a handline with feathers from boat & shore (I love mackeral!). My little Lidls chest of fishing lure treasure includes a short silver spoon (& I also still have a long one from my teenage years in my box) -- I will give it a try. The conditions I have experienced in Dorset so far have often been as you describe -- although I am hoping for better this Spring (for spearing). I was thinking of trolling it from a handline in the yak (I made a couple of handlines up last year). Although, I like CantShoots rod set-up -- looks like he trolls over his head/shoulder with his rod. I bought an inexpensive little carbon spinning rod a couple of years ago (Costco, USA
- hi-spec, low price) - which I think would be great for this.BTW I thought this was an interesting picture to illustrate the carrying capacity of the Cobra Tandem (linked from http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/Instruction/KayakingKids.htm):
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MrX, Looks like we had the same shopping list. I havn't tried the bag out yet, but seemed the correct length and the front pockets looked big enough for mask, and I reckon the fins may even fit at the wide end? thanks for the idea. good thinking!
There were a few boxes of fishing tackle, and I too got a couple of different boxes.
Choice of lures for trolling is upto you. Fit a quick snap swivel (£1 for a bag of these). They let you swap lures really quickly. Then try them all. I pick the silver / blue lures for bass during the summer. Red / Black for pollock (and I tend to use the jelly feel types for these). If the lures notweighted use a small barrel / round lead and thread it on the line. Then add a swivel, a longish trace and then the lure. and anything that glitters will catch a mackeral! You are the experts on lure choice as you see whats happening under the surface. If the sandeels are in, then pick anything that looks a bit like a sand eel, if its mackeral then blue / silver... etc!
I'm going to use one of the jelly lures and attatch it to my spear gun on a short length of fishing line. I can't remember who to credit this tip to but it has been mentioned before. Also plan to make a new flasher with some of the bits!
Handline is good. I used a handline for years before I changed for a short rod. Handlines last for ever (saltwater eats reels!). The only difficulty is that you have to try and keep the line tight. Wind quick. If you do want a rod get a cheap bootfair rod with a stiff tip and then cut it down and epoxy the short length into the handle butt (most are solid glass resin, so easy to drill).
I see the fishing as a nice activity when paddling to spots, also a guide to where the Bass are (I usually stop and spear if I get a bite!), and if you find the Viz is really poor, at least you can have some fun still paddling and fishing.
Sounds like your ready for your holiday? Good luck with the fish.
There were a few boxes of fishing tackle, and I too got a couple of different boxes.
Choice of lures for trolling is upto you. Fit a quick snap swivel (£1 for a bag of these). They let you swap lures really quickly. Then try them all. I pick the silver / blue lures for bass during the summer. Red / Black for pollock (and I tend to use the jelly feel types for these). If the lures notweighted use a small barrel / round lead and thread it on the line. Then add a swivel, a longish trace and then the lure. and anything that glitters will catch a mackeral! You are the experts on lure choice as you see whats happening under the surface. If the sandeels are in, then pick anything that looks a bit like a sand eel, if its mackeral then blue / silver... etc!
I'm going to use one of the jelly lures and attatch it to my spear gun on a short length of fishing line. I can't remember who to credit this tip to but it has been mentioned before. Also plan to make a new flasher with some of the bits!
Handline is good. I used a handline for years before I changed for a short rod. Handlines last for ever (saltwater eats reels!). The only difficulty is that you have to try and keep the line tight. Wind quick. If you do want a rod get a cheap bootfair rod with a stiff tip and then cut it down and epoxy the short length into the handle butt (most are solid glass resin, so easy to drill).
I see the fishing as a nice activity when paddling to spots, also a guide to where the Bass are (I usually stop and spear if I get a bite!), and if you find the Viz is really poor, at least you can have some fun still paddling and fishing.
Sounds like your ready for your holiday? Good luck with the fish.
I got some 7mm bungee cord to make paddle leashes. Will probably attach brass/bronze dog lead clips to the kayak end. Have not decided what to do at the paddle end yet, either just hitch it on, rig a velcro strap (like commerial leashes), carabiner (per ebay models), cord-loop with 1 or 2 toggle clips,.... I was thinking it might be an idea to have some non-stretchy cord at the paddle end of the leash -- to cut down on bouncing around. Any suggestions on leash length? I am wondering if something quite short, maybe 1m might be all that is required.
Finally found a couple of sources for anchor rope:
One is a British Ropemaker (PM me if you'd like his email address, he seems to have all sorts of stuff & is pretty good on price too). I've opted for 50m x 6mm 3-strand nylon (seems like a reasonable compromise of various factors - length, weight, volume, handling, strength, stetch, cost,...). If that doesn't work out he has other stuff (7/8mm/braided/poly/...). I also got some bungee & whipping twine.
I am also thinking of getting a 40m RA float line (for the boat, not the float). The nylon line above will likely sink which is probably marginally better for the anchor & will be strong & stretchier (shock absorbing). However, I am familiar the handling properties of the RA float line and I am sure it could do the job too.
Finally found a couple of sources for anchor rope:
One is a British Ropemaker (PM me if you'd like his email address, he seems to have all sorts of stuff & is pretty good on price too). I've opted for 50m x 6mm 3-strand nylon (seems like a reasonable compromise of various factors - length, weight, volume, handling, strength, stetch, cost,...). If that doesn't work out he has other stuff (7/8mm/braided/poly/...). I also got some bungee & whipping twine.
I am also thinking of getting a 40m RA float line (for the boat, not the float). The nylon line above will likely sink which is probably marginally better for the anchor & will be strong & stretchier (shock absorbing). However, I am familiar the handling properties of the RA float line and I am sure it could do the job too.
Where and how much do you pay for the RA float line?
Are you intending to leash your paddle at all times? I never leash my paddle when kayaking. I only secure it if I am going to dive.
Even friends of mine who surfski don't leash paddles. Too restrictive. In 24yrs of kayaking I've yet to lose a paddle (more likely that you would break a paddle), damn! touch wood and all of that!! if I lose my paddle this year I blame this post :head
having said that if it makes you feel more confident then do it! , just like my flares + mobile phone are essential for me to go out and have fun
Are you intending to leash your paddle at all times? I never leash my paddle when kayaking. I only secure it if I am going to dive.
Even friends of mine who surfski don't leash paddles. Too restrictive. In 24yrs of kayaking I've yet to lose a paddle (more likely that you would break a paddle), damn! touch wood and all of that!! if I lose my paddle this year I blame this post :head
having said that if it makes you feel more confident then do it! , just like my flares + mobile phone are essential for me to go out and have fun
Pav said:Where and how much do you pay for the RA float line?
Are you intending to leash your paddle at all times? I never leash my paddle when kayaking. I only secure it if I am going to dive.
Even friends of mine who surfski don't leash paddles. Too restrictive. In 24yrs of kayaking I've yet to lose a paddle (more likely that you would break a paddle), damn! touch wood and all of that!! if I lose my paddle this year I blame this post :head
having said that if it makes you feel more confident then do it! , just like my flares + mobile phone are essential for me to go out and have fun
The RA 40m float line is £10 I believe (30m & 20m lengths less). I notice several of the West Country spearo suppliers carry some RA gear, if they don't have it they can probably get it. I'll PM you some details.
I assumed you were all leashing your paddles all the time, I guess diving would be enough. I used to canoe fairly often as a teenager & did white water a few times ... nobody ever used leashes for that (river banks nearby I guess). I have done a little sea kayaking, just easy stuff -- again nobody used leashes.:hmm
i would highly, highly, highly recommend New England Ropes. they make the most amazing boat lines i have ever seen. they have line and rope and chain and cable and anything else you need for any sort of application. they also made custom lines for Prince Charles' yacht. they are available at any (good) marine store but the site is here. http://www.neropes.com/
When I got my first dive kayak I used a paddle leash but soon gave it up. I do have a small D-ring zip tied to the center of the shaft. I use the to attach the paddle leash to the kayak once I've stopped and am getting ready to dive- not worried about losing it while paddling, just while diving.
I just sold my surfski this past weekend and got a Scupper Pro to dive off of instead. I am pretty excited about having a front hatch to store stuff in as it will be much easier than my previous set-up. In the past I dove off of an O.K. Scrambler and had a mesh gear bag strapped to the front to hold everything- it keeps everything together if, and when, you dump it.
One thing I haven't seen too much mention of are paddles. I have a pretty nice paddle for the boat, which makes it easier to paddle long distances with a fully loaded boat, but I had a chance to try a carbon fiber "Wing" paddle this past weekend. Has anyone else gone this route- or with a bent shaft to make it easier to paddle longer distances?
Jon
I just sold my surfski this past weekend and got a Scupper Pro to dive off of instead. I am pretty excited about having a front hatch to store stuff in as it will be much easier than my previous set-up. In the past I dove off of an O.K. Scrambler and had a mesh gear bag strapped to the front to hold everything- it keeps everything together if, and when, you dump it.
One thing I haven't seen too much mention of are paddles. I have a pretty nice paddle for the boat, which makes it easier to paddle long distances with a fully loaded boat, but I had a chance to try a carbon fiber "Wing" paddle this past weekend. Has anyone else gone this route- or with a bent shaft to make it easier to paddle longer distances?
Jon
Hey Jon,
nice buy on the scupper, there great dive platforms. The only thing I hate about only having a front hatch is when you store something small and it slides all the way to the back of the kayak and you can't reach it. I put my pole spear(3prong) in the hatch and when I went to get it, it had slid back out of reach. That sucked. :waterwork
Also how did you like the wing paddle, could you get the technique down. I was thinking about getting one but they cost so much and Im not sure it would help me that much due to the speed that I paddle at (slow) due to high winds.
I only know one person who uses a carbon bent shaft paddle(Werner), actually it is his wifes. He said he bought it for her to make it easier for her to paddle but she still has some trouble on distance. And he still uses a straight shaft.
nice buy on the scupper, there great dive platforms. The only thing I hate about only having a front hatch is when you store something small and it slides all the way to the back of the kayak and you can't reach it. I put my pole spear(3prong) in the hatch and when I went to get it, it had slid back out of reach. That sucked. :waterwork
Also how did you like the wing paddle, could you get the technique down. I was thinking about getting one but they cost so much and Im not sure it would help me that much due to the speed that I paddle at (slow) due to high winds.
I only know one person who uses a carbon bent shaft paddle(Werner), actually it is his wifes. He said he bought it for her to make it easier for her to paddle but she still has some trouble on distance. And he still uses a straight shaft.
for the question about the anchor setup
first of all the line have to be 3 times the depth of the water
it means that if you go diving for 20 m ( 60 ft ) the anchor line
will be 3 X 60ft = 180ft of rope!
some use twice the depth ! you can do whatever you like !
from the front point of kayak use a banji ( or elastic ) 10 mm rope
it have to be a quality rope that you can use in salt water
please use 2-3 m of this rope
tie the rope in the point of the front & in nearest place for security!
in the end of the rope put a quality clips tor fast openning
take a plastic rope holder & put the main Anchor rope on it ( as shown )
put in the end of the rope a small fishing float for floating the line
you will be able to connect the banji rope in the kayak easy from your seat
& to reach the rope in the water
use 1 m matel chain between the anchor & rope
i use 2 killos Anchor only
here are some pics
best regards
Eyal
first of all the line have to be 3 times the depth of the water
it means that if you go diving for 20 m ( 60 ft ) the anchor line
will be 3 X 60ft = 180ft of rope!
some use twice the depth ! you can do whatever you like !
from the front point of kayak use a banji ( or elastic ) 10 mm rope
it have to be a quality rope that you can use in salt water
please use 2-3 m of this rope
tie the rope in the point of the front & in nearest place for security!
in the end of the rope put a quality clips tor fast openning
take a plastic rope holder & put the main Anchor rope on it ( as shown )
put in the end of the rope a small fishing float for floating the line
you will be able to connect the banji rope in the kayak easy from your seat
& to reach the rope in the water
use 1 m matel chain between the anchor & rope
i use 2 killos Anchor only
here are some pics
best regards
Eyal
Attachments
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