GF just paid off her car and decided it's been awhile since she got me a gift for no reason. so she got me this!
photobucket link for more pix http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b181/andrewdo124/fishing/kayak/
Sorry about the huge pix, i'm not sure how to resize.
It's a hobie outfitter, i put my fish finder in ghetto style and waitin to get some mounts. Tons of room. Can't wait to see how she moves. Planning on hitting the local lakes soon. Question is, which one to go to first!!!?!?
Best GF ever? ;D
Yeah i have a fishing kayak, and the Ram mounts work pretty well in them. That thing is pretty awesome by the way. Get a milkcrate to put all your tackle boxes in, they fit well in the back part.
armesjr, did you do a permanent install of your transducer? I've got the suction cup right now but dont know how well it'll hold. If you're comfy doing the install i'd like some pointers.
I did a semipermanent install, where i glued a piece of foam (with an opening the shape of transducer cut out) and then just used vaseline. For powering it i used an 8 battery clip and a 9 volt snap connector. I have fished for about 20 hours and still am using those 8 batteries. That probably doesnt make a ton of sense but check out this page it should help
http://kayakfishingstuff.com/articles_view.asp?Kayak_Articles=39
Also check out the kayakfishingstuff forums and articles. Tons of good information and lots of pictures of installs. PM me if you have any other questions.
Jason
sexy ride !
cant wait to try her out =D
yeah, I've'll been creeeping aorund that forum lately. There are some things i was unsure of, thats why i asked for you help. I'll try it later this week.
I have a Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. I did the shoot through hull mount on the transducer as well. I ordered the mounting kit from kayakfishingstuff and did a temporary mount to see how the transducer worked before committing to a permanent location. After just one day in 70 degree weather the vaseline became a mess. If you plan to carry the yak on a side mount roof rack or hull up, I would consider using clear silicone instead. I did my final install that way and it works great. The Ram mounts are good as are the Scotty ones and they make a post specifically for the Humminbird Pirahna that I use so I bought that one.
Good luck with the new yak.
d**n nice!!! I was just looking at those online the other day. You must have an awesome GF. Have fun.
John
You better make sure you keep that girlfriend. Sweet ride for the local lakes and ponds.
That kayak is super nice!
I've been thinking about getting one... either that or an inflatable. How heavy is it? I wouldn't want to have to drag it across gravel and pavement to launch.
heya PK, I think they are a bit heavy but they have a wheelie thing attachment that makes launching a breeze.
paul, it's about 75lbs with the pedal systems on 60 without. I didn't want to have to drag/carry it either thats why i got the wheeels! Only takes one to carry it. After being thrown around by the wind in Simons inflatable i convinced myself that the pedal system with the rudder was a must.
You're welcome to join me paul. we'll go out and get that first bass of the season if you haven't already.
Killer setup. How do you transport it? You have a truck? Im looking for something like that, but I don't think I could move anything on my tiny car.
Slomoe, I have an SUV but I'm not ready to dish out for the roof rack set up. I'm also paranoid of damaging the yak or my car so i'll stick with my current set up. Right now i just load it into the back of my cargo van. If you're ever free you're welcome to come along to see if a kayak is for you. I bought a tandem for my GF and I but she's probably not going to come out with me very often, so there will usually be a free seat.
I'll have to take you up on that offer some time. I'd love to see how stable, quiet and fast that thing is. Tax returns should be coming back soon.
QuoteTax returns should be coming back soon.
I know what I'll be buying with it =D
QuoteAfter being thrown around by the wind in Simons inflatable i convinced myself that the pedal system with the rudder was a must.
That was pretty bad wasn't it, lol
man..after I ride with you on yours I don't know if i can go back =D
I just got my fishing kayak, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120, this february and really enjoy it. They are really the way to go, for people on a budget. After the initial investment, there really isnt any cost or upkeep. Its environmentally friendly, nice little workout, and allows you to access basically any body of water no matter how shallow or deep. I mainly use mine on small ponds and out on the James, and it handles equally well on both bodies of water. If you want you can take these things out in the ocean and bay too. Easy to transport also. I weigh 155 and have no problem lifting and moving it around. I drive an Xterra, so i just throw mine on the roof and tie it down. I got a good deal on craigslist. So if your thinking about getting one i would start looking there. You can get good deals on used ones. I am taking mine out Friday, so i will take some pictures of it and post them. I really enjoy mine and i am sure ado124 will have nothing but positive things to say about his after he takes it out.
Thanks Ado, I may take you up on that.
I need to show that pic of your new ride to my wife. Show her what other gf's are buying their significant others these days lol.
Good luck to me haha! Nice boat Andrew. Looks like you got it made on these Nova lakes now. Bass watch out.
haha yeah, best part is that i took my GF fishing last weekend and even though she didnt catch anything she wouldn't mind fishing all day and was starting to like it. She was however very grumpy the next day when her arm was sore from casting.
If you don't mind me asking, where did your girlfriend buy it? I'd like to take a look at them some time. Did she comparison shop?
I actually did the comparison shopping. She said find it and i'll buy it so i did. I bought it from a place in woodbridge that gave me 20% off because it's an '06. I checked it out and found that the differences between the '06 and the '08 are minimal so jumped on the deal. I'll PM you the info because i'm not sure about the rules on posting non-sponsering dealers.
Love the ride. When I was dating my wife we spent a day on the Shanandoah and she paddled all day as I fished. I think I fell in love with her that day. However, she makes me paddle now.
QuoteLove the ride. When I was dating my wife we spent a day on the Shanandoah and she paddled all day as I fished. I think I fell in love with her that day. However, she makes me paddle now.
LOL, hopefully that doesn't happen to me. I plan on gettin the sun shade and having her read magazines while pedaling the boat while i fish!
QuoteLove the ride. When I was dating my wife we spent a day on the Shanandoah and she paddled all day as I fished. I think I fell in love with her that day. However, she makes me paddle now.
Okrod that's just what happens man. Then when they pull you in it's hook, line, sinker dude... you've sinked just like me lol, she pulled you under bud. I feel ya haha! Just like my wife USED to like going out on the boat and USED to like fishing. I think she still does somewhat just she doesn't wanna do anything now that she's preggers lol. Anyway, later boyz.
Nice looking rig. That's a special woman.
I saw this boat on the show "Made in America". Mind if I ask how much was the price and where did you get it?
yes.... Best g.f ever
MSRP 2399.99
I got a discount because it was an 06 (minimal differences, mainly the seat) and got 20% taken off. Considering i couldn't find it for anything less than MSRP, even on ebay, I jumped on the deal.
Got it at Backyard Boats in Woodbridge. Spoke with Bob and Jay, both really helpful and friendly.
Kayak fishing is a blast. For anyone looking to get into it, just do a little research and you'll see there styles for every budget and fishing habit.
I have a Prowler 13 that cost about $800. Because of its shape it is much faster than the peddle driven kayaks, but not as fast as some others. I then outfitted it with rod holders, a decent fish finder, anchors, etc. It has been a lot of fun and great for getting into tiny water that others can't touch.
And yes, there is little to no upkeep, you can launch it from anywhere without a boat ramp, and do just about anything.
Personally, I just got tired of ALWAYS paddling and then casting (this is why pedal drives rock! you can peddle to keep place and fish) so i just bought a fully equipped bass boat. But I still use the kayak for those quiet fishing trips in backwaters.