Heading Out

Last June at Chicot State Park.

Solar Powered Kayak

Pricey, but cool nonetheless.



More on the SPK-1 here.

Yak Stuff

I found a great way to secure my kayak to my trailer.



It's a Master Lock Python. The cable fits through the scupper holes so I can lock it to anything. Very nice.

Kayak Rigging

Did a little rigging on my kayak this evening. Nothing revolutionary, just a couple of rod holders added to the crate in back. My kayak came with built in rod holders but the rods would stick out at an odd angle and get caught in various obstructions while fishing. I think having them stored vertically will be much less of a hassle.



I also took a picture of my setup for storing my yak. Probably not the best idea to hang the thing from the ends but it works, it's out of the way and it was easy to install. Just a couple of those big self tapping hooks used for storing bikes (good for 150 lbs) and a couple of quick release nylon straps (the same ones I use to secure the yak to the trailer) and you're done.



Anchor trolley install should be next. I'll put up some pictures of that as well. If anyone knows of any good kayak fishing sites let me know, especially in this area. I've already linked to BCKFC.

More Kayak Events

The Backpacker in Lafayette, LA is having a "pool day" to demo their kayaks and canoes this weekend. What is a "pool day" you ask? Basically, they set up a giant above ground pool in the parking lot and let people paddle around in it trying out various boats. They've got a pretty good selection of boats so I think I'll try to be there. They also have a schedule of upcoming events for Lafayette and Baton Rouge on their web site.

Salt Water Fishing

Headed out to Hog Bayou yesterday. Wind was blasting out of the North and the current was really moving and the water was filthy from Hackberry to Holly Beach. Anyway, those are all of my excuses as to why I caught no fish and I'm sticking to 'em! One day I'll figure out what the guides all seem to know...

Kayak Fishing Seminar

I've been pretty busy this week so blogging's been light (i.e. non existent). I did make time for a kayak fishing seminar on Tuesday though. Pack and Paddle in Lafayette sponsors numerous outdoor seminars, clinics, guided tours, film screenings, etc. The speaker was great and offered a lot of useful information including launch sites from the Sabine to the Pearl.

I've also taken a liking to this particular paddle craft...



Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. Veeeeerryy Niiiiiiiiiiccee!

BaitNet.com

I just found a handy new link via the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club (see BCKFC in my Outdoor Links). It's BaitNet.com. If you're wondering where to find bait and tackle near a new fishing hole anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, look no further.

Grand Isle 2008

No fish on the Grand Isle trip. We went out Saturday morning in our 12 foot kayaks in spite of the small craft advisory and 20 mph winds. Tough conditions to say the least, but not completely unmanageable as I saw it. My buddies begged to differ and I was out voted 2 to 1 in favor of bailing on the fishing and instead, hanging out on the beach and drinking. We fished for a total of about an hour and a half, tops.

It wasn't a wasted trip however. We had a good time and scouted the island for good spots to launch the 'yaks on the next trip. We found about a half dozen such spots for next time. I also got one decent picture.