I’m taking a short break from writing about the business of the IceMule Cooler to spend a few minutes on the fun part of owning a cooler company.
If you’ve been keeping up, you know that we’re making some serious traction in the Kayak Fishing market. I’m interested in other sports markets as well, of course, including Sailing, Surfing, Hiking, all team sports, tailgating and just sitting around with a cooler on a summer night watching the lightning bugs (I’m highly proficient in this sport). In fact, I’m writing a guest blog for a friend’s sailing blog later this week – (check out the blog – it’s awesome: http://www.messingaboutinboats.com).
Sorry…got distracted. Back to Kayak Fishing. As I talk to more folks involved in this sport, the more impressed I am. Everyone I’m meeting as I make sponsorship deals – that’s 100% – are nice, helpful, positive people who really believe in our product and are anxious to help me. It is unreal. For a guy who spends his days as a marketing exec for a bank and who is always getting bombarded by different agendas, encountering this kind of community is almost like waking up in the middle of a crowd of those blue folks from Avatar.
Here’s the issue though. I am a fisherman (mainly trout on a fly line the last few years, plus a bit of deep sea). And, when I get a chance, I kayak in and around the St John’s in St Augustine. But I have never been kayak fishing. And I’m dying to dive right in. I’ve read so much about it, talked so much about it, and thought so much about it that I’m now on a mission.
But I need some gear & I need some gear recommendations! I read a great article about getting started in kayak fishing on kayakfishingmagazine.net and that has helped me think through my choices … but I still need some help.
Let’s start with the boat. Here is what I can tell you…
- I’m 5′10″ 175 lbs – so I guess I can use most any kayak (true?)
- I’m in reasonably good shape (for a fatass banker)
- I have done lots of kayaking (white water yes, but mainly flat water) but cannot seem to roll so I’m liking the idea of a sit-on-top
- I like the idea of being able to stand for fly fishing but would rather start spin casting – so I’m thinking somewhat stable but not a barge…
Next – the rod and reel
- As I said above – I’m thinking spin or bait casting but have no idea what gear / brands to consider
- I expect to fish both the waters around Charlotte (Catawba) and St Augustine (St Johns)
I know this isn’t much to go on but I’d love to get some opinions and advice!
Thanks & Stay cool,
James
James,
I’m 6′4″ and around 180 lbs and I have owned tarpon 120, 140 and 160 and I prefer the t160 for a paddle kayak and the Hobie Adventure for a pedal kayak. You can stand in the 140 but I have found that the kayak is so quiet that I don’t need to stand to cast for distance. If you do a lot of sight fishing you may need to stand and then a set of outriggers will stabilize any kayak enough to stand in. For a short stable fishing kayak to use on lakes and ponds I have my eyes on the Malibu x-13 and I may add one to the stable since I moved right next to a nice lake.
I don’t use spin-casting gear and I’m an ABU freak with a couple of Penn reels. For trolling tube and worm (T&W) rigs I use a Tica 7′ boat rod (BELA321301) with an ABU 7000CS ProRocket reel loaded it 60 lbs Power Pro. For casting I have a couple of custom acid wrapped rods with ABU Revo Toro 60-HS reel loaded with 50 lbs Power Pro. I’m looking to get a couple of freshwater rigs setup with medium weight slow action rod that I will add an older model ABU 5000 and load with the appropriate Power Pro.
The best way to find out what gear to get is to hook up with others fishing in your area or travel some distance and take a guided kayak fishing trip and check out his/her gear while fishing, ask questions and have fun.
NilsC
Awesome feedback – thank you! I’ll have to look into the ABU/Peen reel combo…and – yes – going out with a guide or two is a great next step, totally agree. Thanks again.
Stay cool,
James
have you ever heard of a fly rod made by clearfield . clearfield is writtin on the rod. it mite be bamboo also .thank you
I have not – are they good?
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