By Captain Larry Jarboe
This particular tunnel is inaccessible during high tide. Most are not this narrow. But, there are plenty of fish waiting to get caught.
That 3.5 hp Nissan [Tohatsu] is a long shaft outboard that I found south of Jacksonville for 200 bucks. With a new carb and a fresh impeller (less than 100 bucks) she is a fine runner.
Note the DIY handle of the tiller extension: It is easy to grab behind my back to steer. On straight hauls, I rest my back upon it and steer with the paddle. Good vibrations…
The pics are from the stern of the boat. As the tide pulls me thru the narrow cuts, the main resistance, the OB lower unit, wants to move forward. This gives me better control and helps clear the mangrove spider webs ahead.
Also, I built a combo 3 rod holder, Go-Pro, fish de-hooker, bait knife, and line clipper holder that fits in a single support hole of the W700 and Series 4 vessels. When I get the French fry holder mounted, I’ll post a pic.
This trip produced Mangrove Snappers, Caesar Grunts, and Bermuda Chubs. We ate the snappers and grunts for lunch. The chubs will be smoked to make fish dip.
Simply wonderful!
Thanks Larry,
The idea to use an idle outboard motor as means of extra propulsion in a tidal stream merits some deep thinking 😀
The fried fish look super tasty!
Yoav
Yoav,
What I did not show is the rain squall that saturated me. A small tarp or plastic poncho is going to become standard gear aboard the W700. Also, short rods are best in those tight quarters.
Plastic ammo boxes from Harbor Freight make good waterproof containers that fit in the hulls for a first aid kit, tackle box, or poncho keeper.
The chub fillets are brined. Time to fire up the smoker…
Larry J.
Larry,
This reminds me of Rox’ rainstorm adventure (and very smart solution): https://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/09/28/rox-account-of-her-september-kayak-fishing-adventures-chapter-1/
A good size tarp on board may be a good idea… as well as a bilge pump 🙂
Generally, I think weather problems add a strong argument in favor of powerful outboard motors that can get you back to your launching spot more quickly in case stuff happens, or is about to happen.
And as we all know, indeed, Stuff Happens.
Yoav
Thank You, Yoav, for that link. I foresee assembling a pup tent kit for the W700 and Series 4 vessels.
Looks like another run to Harbor Freight…
The fish dip is very good, too.
Larry J.
Great Video Larry.
I was right there with you, those mangrove tunnels look like a lot of fun.
Show us a picture with the storage boxes in place. 🙂
“I foresee assembling a pup tent kit for the…”
I’ve started that project, with using two W500’s.
Keep the post coming.
Tight lines and MoPaddle Safe all.
Rox
Rox,
From what Larry tells me, his new hybrid motorboat – paddle craft has offered him the possibility to rediscover the vast area around where he lives in a way that wasn’t possible with either a kayak or a motorboat.
Yoav
Rox, Yoav, and All,
Last week, I discovered at least 4 new touring and fishing hot spots that are beyond traditional paddling range but easily accessible by assistance of a small outboard motor and then, paddle time. After the Wavewalk adventure, motor on home.
I, usually, seek my itinerary on GOOGLE Earth aerial view, print it out, and use a magic marker to outline my course. Then, I write my ETA home and leave it w/ my wife as a float plan.
Right now, there are hundreds of cars and RV’s showing up in the Keys with a pair of solo SOT kayaks strapped in a rack. For the same price and much more fun, a couple or small family could purchase a W700 and go so much further with the assist of a little kicker motor.
I am very much enamored with the saddle of the W700 which acts as emergency buoyancy and storage of reading glasses, flashlights, floating key chains, mesh bags, rod holders, etc. in the support holes.
Oh, and the French Fry holder, too.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy Days!
Larry J.
Larry,
Your integrated multipurpose stuff holder should win 1st prize at ICAST 2017.
You’re light years ahead of any competitor!
The only problem we still have to solve is preventing you from periodically dropping your cellphone into some body of water, ranging from the bilge of a fishing boat to canals, and the ocean itself.
I am almost sure that the solution to this problem is within the range of our capabilities.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
Yoav