-I was trying to figure out a way to control the boat while in fishing mode: When targeting false albacore or bonita, speed to the fish and a quick cast are pivotal. These fish are extremely fast swimmers and pop up just for a few seconds, so I needed to be able to spin my W kayak and cast in an instant.

I drilled (29/64″ drill bit) 4 holes on the gunwale (port fore, port aft, starboard fore and starboard aft). Then dropped (2) smaller open oarlocks into the holes so they fit snug. I will not bolt them down in order to be able to move them on the water from paddling position (whether with both oars or just one) to storage position for the oar/paddle.

I plan on starting with the oarlocks in the fore position. This allows for me to paddle normally to propel the W kayak. I can rest the paddle perpendicularly at any time and cast over it. Once hooked into a fish, I can quickly move the starboard fore oarlock to the port side aft position and store the paddle inline.

If fish are breaking sporadically (like false albacore and bonita usually do), I plan on splitting the kayak paddle and using half as on oar on the port fore position. I should be able to spin the boat to the proper angle with the left hand and cast with the right.

I doubt I will be able to test it until the spring, but can’t wait.

Brandon

Read Brandon’s review of his W300 kayak >>
(He has two, actually)

Craig has started developing his own kayak fly fishing blog, called Waiting to Flyfish, and it’s certainly worth following.

Organized by On The Water magazine – The Northeastern Angler’s Adviser

StriperFest 2010 is celebrating the end of the striped bass fishing season, and it will take place in Buzzards Bay, on the bank of the Cape Cod canal, in Massachusetts, on October 2, 2010, between 1 PM and 7 PM.

Looks like a fun event!

Yoav