Posts Tagged ‘connecticut’

More About Paddling Trips in the W Kayak, by Norma Cavello - Connecticut Kayaker

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Norma is a seasoned kayaker, who has already contributed a kayak review of her 2004 W300.

Norma paddling her kayak with her dog on board.

I have many kayaks, and use all of them for different times and depending on who I’ll be paddling with.
I have gotten to a point of “what to get rid of” boat wise, and the Wavewalk will never be gotten rid of, as I love the boat because of the difference I feel when I paddle it.

I belong to a lot of different kayaking groups in different states, and I also participate in online kayaking forums. Once I posted a few positive remarks on the Wavewalk’s performance in different water conditions, and I was rebutted by someone who I’m very sure never paddled a Wavewalk kayak, but left serious demeaning comments of it. Funny, at the time I thought maybe those comments were made by a competitor trying to disclaim the Wavewalk without trying it first.

Mack (my dog) and I go solo most often in my Wavewalk, and feel totally secure in any condition we find. It is superior to other yaks in distance and comfort level for sure.
In my 10 ft W300 I have kept up with “serious“ sea kayakers, but they still refuse to try the Wavewalk - I just don’t get it… I tell them to watch the videos showing it in the surf, etc. It’s such a loss for them. I don’t get what they’re afraid they’ll be missing, other than the shape of their old kayak.

I did find it hard to rescue 2 paddlers in the water from the traditional rec kayaks to get them back into their boats as it was sinking without flotation as I was sitting higher with a dog, but then again they safely hung to my Wavewalk while their tandem kayak without flotation sank in the water, and were safely rescued from a motorboat that I flagged down.
I’ve never had to rescue a sea kayak as of yet, but I believe I sit too high to assist in such a recovery, other than maybe they can use my W hulls to help themselves.  It really depends on the kayaker in trouble to know enough to help themselves.
The Wavewalk is really different and most do not appreciate that yet. One day I believe they will.

I paddle away with or without my dog, and I’m not sure of what other kayakers think when they see me keeping up with them, especially in the rough conditions they paddle in sometimes.
Once I was told by some good kayakers I know that they had to rescue a sea kayaker, when I made it back fine from the same area with my W, and I had my dog on board. They told me these things at the landing launch, after their paddling trip, and I just smiled, knowing they knew I was paddling through the same area in a smaller boat they don’t accept…

I feel very safe in my W boat, and it is so comfortable.  I truly want it to be known, and a success.



Rox’ End-of-Season Kayak Bass Fishing Trip, Connecticut

Friday, December 18th, 2009

December 2nd Season ending trip for Rainbow Reservoir.

Well the ice has come to Ct, and I am very sad.
Dec 2nd was my last trip, I was hoping to get out one more time, but I’ve been busy, and when I got to my Favorite Smallie waters, they were iced over with 1 1/2″ of ice on Monday December 9th, Tuesday was no better.
Time to switch gears, get ready for ice fishing, and chase some trout on the upper Farmington river, which never freezes here in Ct.

Smallmouth bass, kayak fishing trip, December, CT

All Smallmouths caught on a 1/8oz jig, rigged with a 2″ paddle tail white, with a red dot added to the belly with a red magic marker. (I always carry red and black markers)
I cast out to where the waters run to and around an old dam, letting it drop to the bottom and popping it with long pauses, and waited for that little tic, and only lifting my rod tip to set the hook, if you set it to hard, it resulted in missed fish.

Smallmouth bass, kayak fishing trip, December, CT
Water temps were 42 degrees, slight winds at 8mph, Air temps were 40 degrees. Current was moving pretty good, they had the lower dam open for the upcoming rains.

I find myself wishing for Spring already……………..

Safe Paddling All And Happy holidays!!
Rox

Smallmouth bass, kayak fishing trip, December, CT



Rox’ W300 Motorized Fishing Kayak Trip - Movie

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Here is a video clip of me motoring up the Farmington River from the Rainbow Reservoir launch on September 15 2009.
It would take me 2 1/2 hours to paddle this far, and I would be exhausted, paddling against the current.
But with the W300 and my hands free steering 30 lbs thrust minn kota trolling motor, it took me a little over 20 minutes to make the trip, that meant more time to fish!
Tight lines
Rox



Rox Revisiting Rainbow Reservoir With W500 Fishing Kayak

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

I took the W500 out to Rainbow res today.
Hit the water at 10:45am and was off by 3pm.
Water temps were 45.6 degrees, air temps were 49.
Slight wind at times, and misty light rains fell on me all day.
(thought the Weather Man said it was supposed to be nice today)
All bass came out of 11′ of water to 19′ of water.

bass caught in kayak, Rainbow Reservoir, CT

I started with a crank bait that dives around 14′, making sure I had good contact with the bottom.
But after 20 cast, and not even a bump, I put that rod down.
I started throwing a grub on 8lb fluro, on a lite fast action rod, keeping contact with the bottom at all times.
I’d cast out, let the grub drop to the bottom, give it a 10 count and pop it, and let it drop again.
Repeating until i felt a strike, which at this time of year is very light strike, and set the hook, but not to hard, just enough to raise my tip high and then the fight would be on.
I repeated this all day long with great results, the Small Mouth Bass gave me some great fights on the light line.
And as always, I dressed for the weather, PFD worn at all times, layered clothes and my rain gear kept me dry and warm.
I hope to do this until the ice comes, as I do every year
Happy and Safe Paddling all
Rox



Rox’ Extraordinary Kayak Fishing Catch…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Nov 2nd, spent an hour fishing and got two nice smallies In 13′ to 18′ of water with a crank bait.

November 3rd I went to Rainbow (again) :)  in the W500. Got on the water at 2pm, off at 4:30pm– Windy, partly cloudy/sunny, water temps were 49 to 52 degrees.Got to my first spot after paddling against the wind, positioned my yak, went to reach for the anchor, And it’s not THERE!! I took it out to empty the container because it had water in it yesterday…………….And I forgot to put it back in!!!!!—Soooooooooooo I couldn’t hold position, where I needed to. Many shorts, which I didn’t take pictures of, and Jinxed myself. Always take a picture , or the big ones won’t come!!!!!!!!!!  —I got tired real fast, so I decided to just drift back to the launch along the steep drop offs in 25′ to 14′ of water. Picked up another small smallie, and snapped a picture. 3 cast later my crank bait got SLAMMED!!!! And this is what I got:

brown slamon caught in fishing kayak

5.4 lbs on the scale, never touched the brown with my hands or net, thank God for boga grips.
I removed the hooks as quickly as possible, wish I took the length, but didn’t want to lay the Brown on the tape.
She swam away STRONG!

brown salmon shot from fishing kayak

Life is Good!

Rox

small mouth bass in fishing kayak

small mouth bass in fishing kayak



Rox Fishing With Mike - Rainbow Reservoir, Connecticut

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Went to Rainbow Reservoir in Windsor Connecticut, to fish with a friend on his boat.
Mike (known as Daddy Pickle) wanted some small mouth Bass.

Rox showing fish she caught in Rainbow reservoir

I figured I cast a few from shore while waiting.
I must have cast 20 times, and on the last cast with the lure just rising out of the water by shore, a Huge Pike rushed and slashed at the dinger.
I almost $#!^ my pants, totally caught me off guard. With this approaching storm, my hopes weren’t too high.
We had slight winds to friggin pain in the >@$& winds, cloudy, water temps were a steady 50.5 degrees
everywhere.

DaddyPickle showing fish he caught in Rainbow reservoir

Today, the back of the boat was a good place to be.

Pickle did start us off with the first smallie, but he said it wasn’t picture worthy, I think that smallies buddies heard him, so they wouldn’t play nice with him after that.

My arm and Hands are Killing Me!!
I couldn’t even tell you how many cast Pickle and I made today.
But if the bait wasn’t moving, you weren’t getting Nothing!

Cranking was the key, no pauses, most fish came out of 14′ to 30′,
deep down bumping bottom FUN!
I haven’t used crank baits in a long time, but Pickle has helped
rekindle my first Love…………….Cranking.
He may be sorry he did!

Another thing, when the winds did pick up, the bite stopped,
then when there was a lull in the winds, one of us would hook up!

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

Rox



Ty - Rox’ Dog, in her W500 Fishing Kayak

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

Ty is one of Rox’ four dogs, and she goes with Rox on all her shore fishing trips.
Rox says that if Ty could she’d join her fishing in the W500 kayak.

Rox' dog sitting in her fishing kayak


Rox Fishing Back in Rainbow Reservoir, Connecticut

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Hi,
Here’s a trip I did on Oct 19th fishing from Shore at Rainbow Reservoir, in Windsor Ct.
As you know they drained this place to repair the Dam, and since Oct 5th, it’s been refilling. :)

Walked down to one of my favorite fall spots, can’t wait to get my W500 back in here.
Armed with a hair jig with a small craw attached on my 6′6″ Custom St Croix smallie ultra lite rod with 8lb test vanish. And my 6′6″ St Croix rigged with 10# fireline with 10# vanish leader with a c-rigged worm.

Rox holding a big fish she caught in her kayak

What a beautiful day it turned into.
I got to the waters edge at 10:30am left at 3pm.
Windy, sunny no idea what the water temps were.

Fished deep water to shore, as far as my little arms could cast out to.
As I was crawling the hair/craw jig along the bottom, I got a solid Thump, set the hook, and the battle was on.
Pulling drag at will, the beast headed out to deeper water, got her turned and battle her back to me.
She came up to show me her big old head, and in that moment I was wondering, how the heck I would land her, 8#test and a bunch of rocks, so I figured I was gonna get wet.
This is one big Bass, get her closer to shore, then in an instant, she’s gone. She straightened the Hook!!!! Holy S#*****+!! Guess I should have fought her a little longer. :banghead:

Landed a good 2# smallie bumping bottom with a new hair jig and craw, she gave me a good strong fight, then another as the rig hit the water. And the very next cast…….Bam another smallie. :cha:
Then nothing, must have been a school moving around.

Moved down the bank some more and Grabbed the c-rigged worm and started working it from deep water to shore.
Slowly dragging it, and making long pauses, I worked down the shore line about a football fields length.
I would cast and work it back to me, take 10 sets from the spot I was started, repeating it over and over, then BAM, Big Fish, shaking her head Like crazy, 20′ from shore, Up she Comes with a Big Somersault and dives, My Drag is screaming, gain some ground and Off she ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ again, I get her turned and I all STOPS????????????????? Shes snagged on a stump or something, with my line taught, I can feel her shaking her head!!!!!!!!
I start running to the right with my rod tip Held High, hoping to free the Beast, she still on I feel her pulling then Bink!!! Off she comes on what ever she was hung up on, Lord Have mercy, I got to land her PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now the battle is won, she’s tired, I’m reeling her in with no fight left. Get my thumb in her mouth and She’s Mine!!! :cha: Frigging fish will be the death of me yet, my heart is pounding, my hands are shaking, snap a couple of pictures, get her back in the water holding her tail, I don’t care that I’m wet, I’m making sure she swims away strong, she feels like shes ready, I release her tail, she rolls slightly looking at me with the Big old Bug eye then in an instant she was gone. :) Caught a bunch more, all put up great fights, digging down deep. Man I love fall Fishing!!!
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Rox

Rox holding a big bass she caught in her kayak

Rox holding a small mouth bass she caught in her kayak

Rox holding a big fish she caught in her kayak

Rox holding a big fish she caught in her kayak


Rox at the Congamond Lake Open Bass Fishing Tourney

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Oct 17th Congamond Lake Open Bass Tourney.
Start time 7am to 3pm
Water temps were 50 early am, to 56/57 degrees by 1pm.

We were faced with 15 boats, and had to pick numbers to line up for the start of the tourney.
My partner Mike, told me to pick the number, and I picked #11.
I was bummed to be near the end of the start up pack, but was very happy to Learn that the Numbers started at 10, so that put us in the number 2 spot of the starting line up.  :)

Rox showing bass caught in her fishing kayak at the bass fishing tourney

It was a cold 43 degrees when we launched at 7am.
Thankfully, there were no winds Yet, but that all changed by 9am.
With winds from 9mph to 20mph at times, made boat control a chore, but my partner Mike did a great job battling the winds.

We had a game plan, depending on the water temps, so when we passed through the flats and they were at 50 degrees, we made the decision to head to a point with some wood that went from 2 feet of water that sloped down to 20 feet of water.

beached bass boats at bass fishing tourney

Mike was fishing horizontal baits, and I was fishing vertical.
Hoping to establish a pattern quickly.

My choice of lure, Black Texas rigged worms, fishing them weightless.
Which is always a challenge when you add in the Wind Factor.
Keeping contact with the line and bait as best I could, letting it slowly stink in the middle of the downed tree in 14 feet of water, when I get a mushy feel, not a tap or strong bite, just felt a little mushy.
I reeled up the slack, felt weight and set the hook hard.
My partner got the net, and the first Large Mouth Bass was in the boat.

Then it happened, in the FLW rules, you are supposed to not fish within 50 feet of a boater.
After getting the first bass in the live well, I turned back to fish my tree, and a boat had moved in On Top of it and was jigging.
Next thing we see, they land a Bass, then another and another, they pulled 5 Bass off of where I was fishing, Unbelievable.

So we started working our way down the bank towards another downed tree that also went from 1 foot to 14 feet of water.
As we got closer, I heard the boat we left at our first spot start their motor and race over the the next tree we were going to fish.
They just cut us off, and Left us with our Jaws hanging wide open.

I had this strong urge to whip a 40lb braided line with a huge treble hooked bait on it at them…………but that would be un-sportsmen like!
But it felt good to think it.

These are some of the reasons I don’t fish Bass Tournaments, as far as I’m concerned, these two Bass fishermen are cheaters, but I do believe in Karma.

We fished hard the rest of the morning and afternoon, with nothing to show for it.
My partner lost 3 bass and I wasn’t getting anything.
We switched up on lures, cranks, spinnerbaits, jigs, swim baits, drop shot, whacky rigs, nada zip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then with 30 minutes left, we headed back to the point and the tree everyone had beaten the snot out of today.
Back to our original plan, Mike fish a horizontal bait and I fished vertical.

Dropped my Texas rigged Black worm back into the tree, and Bam, fish on.
Now we had 2 bass in the live well.
I cast back up into the tree, and Mike yells fish on, I drop my rod, grab the Net, now we Have three Bass in the well. :)

Pick up my rod and cast back into the tree and counted it down to the bottom, a little twitch after a 20 count,
Which seems like forever when your on the clock, and I got the mushy feeling again, set the Hook and Bass number 4 came to the net.
5 Minutes to go before we had to be back for the weigh in, we worked the bank back to the opposite tree, but time ran out.

So we headed back to the ramp 2 Bass shy of a limit, and Thankful for the Bass we did get.

The winning Bag went 22.19 pounds, but there were many boats with no Bass at all, I think we came in around 12th.

And the Two Bass Fishermen who cut us off, didn’t end with the winning bag, though their bag went for 17.8 lbs, Karma took them out of the running.

Tight Lines All
Rox

Rox’ October Kayak Bass Fishing Adventure

Friday, October 16th, 2009

I Went fishing at Congamond Lake, on the Connecticut - Massachusetts border.
Oct 12th, I was pre-fishing, for my up coming Open Bass tourney Sat 17th.
My partner was sick, can you believe that!!! He called out sick for work and Fishing!!
So I went out in my W500. :)

big large mouth bass caught in Rox' fishing kayak

Got on the water I think it was 10:30 or close to 11am.
Water temps were 56 to 60 degrees.
Water was cloudy, (turn over time has come) with tons of bait fish every where.
Cloudy/partly sunny, with a chill in the air.
Fished 2 feet to 26 feet.

Fished slow and on the bottom.
Weightless Texas rigged plastic worms were the ticket.

nice large mouth bass caught in Rox' fishing kayak

Casting it up into the pads, and let it sink slowly, waiting for the line to move, or to feel that tap.
Gave it a twitch after a count to 10, and Bam fish on.
After a short battle I got her in the net.

All of a sudden I hear “Way to Go Rox”
Two fellows I know from my Fishing site had been watching me fish, and I didn’t even know they were coming up behind me in their boat.

They were kind enough to snap a picture for me.
I wish I had gotten the weight, but in all the excitement I forgot, DOH!!!!!!!!!

She was well over 3lbs, maybe even close to 3.5lbs, and her Belly was Full!!!
Great way to start my trip. :)

Caught a number of 12″, 2-14″ then a solid 2.10lb and a 2.14lb large mouth bass.
Which I weighed, and was even more sure that first Bass had to be way over 3lbs.
Landed tooooooooo many snakes (pickerel) today, had to keep re-tying due to line nicks.

Wind had picked up a little more then the weatherman had said, so in 19′ of water I had to drop anchor to fish some wood down deep.

Hooked a real Nice Bass that wrapped itself up around a branch, near the surface.
Soooooooooooooo I started to paddle to retrieve the Bass keeping my line tight when my yak stopped………………I forgot to pull up my anchor………….resulting in a lost Bass……….. Oh Well!

I did get a limit, so I was happy with that, was off the water at 5pm.
Did not snap any pictures of the smaller Bass, only picture worthy Bass today over 2lbs were taken.
I should have taken a picture of my last snake, it was big long and fat.

Tight Lines and Safe Paddling All. :)
Rox

3 lb large mouth bass caught in Rox' fishing kayak

2.14 lb large mouth bass caught in Rox' fishing kayak

Rox’ September Fishing Kayak Adventure, Chapter 3

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Rox' fishing kayak beached at Rainbow Reservoir, CT

Sept 8th Rainbow Res.
Hit the bow at 12pm, off at 5:30pm.
Water levels are up, temps were 70 to 74.3 degrees.
Cranks, chatter, ball jig, dingers-

Cranks got nothing, chatter baits zip, dingers, of course, put the Bass in the boat.

big draw small mouth bass

Fishing the flats produced a 3#er and a 2 1/2#er.
Caught on the dinger fished like a jerk bait.

Then while fishing an over hanging tree in 10′ of water with the ball jig and That Bait Pickle, on 8lb test on my custom smallie rod from RayZ!!!
Pitched it up and under the tree and started reeling it in slowly, when all of a sudden, it all comes to a stop……..dang I snagged a
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Holy Cheese On Rice, BIG FISH!!!!!!!!! I can’t turn the fish!!
Drag set as tight as I dare, back down past me she flies!!
I turn her and up she comes besides the yak……………………. It’s a Huge PIKE!!!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Off she goes again, I’m stuck between two trees, and shes dragging
my yak towards one of them, I yell to James, in his boat anchored
down below me for a Big Net, it has to be at least 38″ long and thicker then my arm, he’s watching me now, I turn her again, and
shes towing my yak, turned me back towards the opposite tree.
Then Up She Comes for a Complete somersault, I watch as she wraps herself up in the line, and snap she was gone.

Lord have mercy, 5 minutes of pure heaven and 5 minutes of pure hell,
all mixed into the same pot!
I knew there where Pike in here, now I have proof, and a witness.

Spent the next few minutes clamming myself, hands shaking some bad,
I couldn’t retie a new ball jig on.

Sept 10th Weathersfield Cove, Weathersfield CT:

Hit the Cove today, got there at 12:30 PM.
WINDY WINDY WINDY, white caps sometimes, and did I tell you,
it was WINDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Water temps were 69+degrees, sunny, partly cloudy.
Fish came to hand in 1′ to 14′ of water.

Bad news, I broke my first rod of the season, my Med Heavy Premier St Croix rod!!!!!!!!!!!! I was drifting and was blown into a tree
that I had just pulled a bass out of, didn’t see it till it was to late.

Had a Huge blow up and was cut off by Mr Pike over by the Police dock.

Best part of the day was near the end of my trip.
I was getting plenty of smaller bass, perch, and a few crappie.
But had no real solid bass in the yak yet.
Till I found the magic tree.

Life is Good.

Rox


Roxanne’s Advice on Bass Fishing Lures

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

This is Rox’ answer to a question on bass lures from Petru, a kayak fisherman from Ontario:

Petru,

Here is a couple of pictures of the lures and hooks I use, and have had great success with.

Lures for bass kayak fishing

Hooks for bass kayak fishing

The Yum Dinger, shown in both pictures, range from 6″ to 3″, and the 1/4 oz Jigs are in the top row of the picture.
As you see, I am also a Big Fan of the Chatter Bait.

Assorted lures for bass kayak fishing

Fly lures for bass kayak fishing

Petru, Maybe you’re fishing your jigs too fast.

You have to make sure they reach bottom, remember the 1/4oz jig takes a little longer getting to the bottom. Your lure has not reached bottom till you see your line go slack.

Then make short hops, and long pauses, with a twitch here and there.
And always keep contact with bottom, your line and jig.

You can pop it hard, just follow it back to the bottom with your tip, and be ready to set that hook!

Any kind of line movement, could be a strike, when in doubt, set that hook.

Most strikes will happen on the Fall, so always keep a close eye on your line as it sinks to the bottom.

A Bass can grab and spit that bad boy out before you even realize you missed a strike!

The Yum Dinger, can be fished many ways, as a jerk bait, finess, whacky rigged, placed on a ball jig, chatter bait (killer pike bait), or Dead sticking it.

Same as the jig, you must reach bottom, always watching that line for any signs of a strike on the fall, most will happen then.

But when the fish are in a negative mode, let it hit bottom, with long pauses between a pop, pop, pop, reel your slack line, and repeat all the way back to shore or
boat.

You can also add a small finish nail, or small screw to the butt of the dingers.
This will increase the fall rate, but not hurt the action.

Toss the dinger in 3′ of water and count it down till you reach bottom, then in deeper water you’ll have a better idea when it will reach the depth you want to fish.

Hope this helps Petru.
Good Luck and Tight Lines.

Rox

Roxanne’s Kayak Fishing Trip to Rainbow Reservoir, CT

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Took my green monster out on Monday 31st, to Rainbow Res. in Windsor Connecticut.On the water at 9:30am off 5:30pm.

Large mouth bass in fishing kayak - Ranibow Reservoir, CT

Water temps were 64 to 67 degrees, strong winds, but I had my anchor to hold me in place.  :)

Lures of choice, 1/4oz Jig with craw, dinger texas rigged weightless, drop shot, and a crank.

I wasted to much time on the crank, had a couple of slaps and follows,
but not takers.
Hot baits were the D/S and Jig, dinger got a few.

First half of the day was large mouth bass fest, water temps were 64 to 67 degrees.
All large mouth bass came out of 10 to 15 feet of water.
And each one slammed the lures, no taps, no ticks, just one big Bam!

Smallies were caught in 12 to 18 feet of moving waters, jig/craw,
D/S and a Dinger.

Total Bass for the Day:
25 LMB
15 SMB
And many pan fish in the mix.
LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Rox
Large mouth bass in fishing kayak - Ranibow Reservoir, Connecticut

Large mouth bass in fishing kayak - Ranibow Reservoir, Connecticut

Large mouth bass in fishing kayak - Ranibow Reservoir, Connecticut

Small mouth bass in fishing kayak - Ranibow Reservoir, Connecticut



Kayak Fishing Action: Rox’ Battle With A 20.5″ Large Mouth Bass

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Large mouth bass - Rox in W500 fishing kayak
Here’s an update on my latest trip in my W500:
Hot humid (92 degrees) with slight winds.
I went to Rainbow Reservoir, it’s a dammed area of the Farmington river in Ct.
I headed down to some submerged trees in 26 Feet of water, pulled out the drop shot and started working it through the center of the tree, letting it drop fast to the bottom, and a little shake, pause, then I reeled up a few cranks, pause, shake.
As I moved the bait closer to the surface, I mean inches from the surface, the drop shot got slammed!!
A Tail walking Smallie, came up did 2 flips, but was put quickly in the net.

As I moved to the outside edge of the tree I dropped it down to 26′, paused, gave a little shake, wait, reel again 3 more cranks, pause, shake………………..BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy Cheese on Rice, one quick push with my paddle, and a well timed gust of wind, all my rod tip is doing is pumping down towards the water, my reels drag tighted as much as I dare, and they it all STOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR can’t reel, snagged or wrapped up on something, dropped my tip, pushed back with my paddle one handed, let the line slack just a little, then I felt movement………………………………free…………………up she comes with a Big Friggin Splash, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz my drag is screaming!!
Up again and does a flop on her side……………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…., holding my rod tip high, finally gaining ground I get her near the surface then she digs in, straight for the Bottom, I just hold on, bow my rod into the water, and start reeling her in again, she is tired.
I get her close, scoup that net and She’s Mine!! YeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
20 1/2″ Long!!!!! 4.15 on my scale. Man if this fish was fat, she would have tipped 5lbs easy.
She was pretty beat up, not sure why, I quickly shot a couple of pictures, and held her lip to revive her, a quick flip and of
her tail, a splash right in my face, she swam away strong.
Wiping my face with a towel, and a big shiteating grin, I didn’t care if I caught another fish after that.
My hands were shaking so bad, I just had to stop and sit, and Smile!
Caught too many bass to count, hit the water at 11:00am and was off at 6:30pm.

No Back pain or Leg pain, 7 1/2 hours of pure fishing and paddling Heaven in my W500.

Tight Lines All
Rox


Roxanne’s July Kayak Fishing Adventures, Connecticut

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

-”I had few great days of fishing in between storms, here in Connecticut.
1:30pm I started my trip on the Farmington River coves in Simsbury.
Water levels are way up, I only had to walk down half of the path to the water, launched the W500 right on the hill, just slid down in and off I went.
I started off with a small white chuckit frog, landed 3 bass right off the bat.”

Large mouth bass caught in fishing kayak, Farmington River, CT

“Headed down towards the Main arm of the Farmington River, stopped at some trees, picked off a couple more with the small chuckit frog.”

Large mouth bass - Roxanne's fishing kayak, Farmington River, CT

“Then I heard an osprey, and it sounded like it was fighting, I look up, and out of the trees comes a Bald Eagle attacking the Osprey.”

Picture shot from Roxanne's fishing kayak

“This Eagle meant business, and was looking to kill this Osprey.
I got a video of it:”

-”I figured after watching this, I didn’t care if another bass came to hand, but the bite turned on.
I started pitching into the holes in the weeds, yum dinger t-rigged weightless, letting my bait sink and shaking it, while waiting for that tap.
I pulled 3 Bass up and out this way, nice chunky bass.”

Rox holding a large mouth bass in her fishing kayak

Rox with a large mouth bass in her fishing kayak

-”While paddling I came upon some Monster Grass carp.
Here is a video of the encounter:”

-”I had to leave for an appointment, so I was off the water at 5pm.

Life is Good!

Tight Lines all
Rox”


Roxanne’s Motorized W500 Fishing Kayak Project

Monday, July 6th, 2009

-”Here is an update on my newest Wave walk yak, the W500:
I am making a prototype out of wood for the console. I may change it to a diamond plate later.”

W500 fishing kayak with console for electric motor

-”I want it to be removable, so when I don’t want to use the trolling motor, I can remove the power head.

I didn’t want to add a Dry box/tackle box to the W500, like I did on my W300’s set up, after removing the power board from the head of the trolling motor. I didn’t want the box up there in my way, it makes for easier dismounts.”

W500 fishing kayak console for electric motor

-”This time I’m leaving the power head together, just cutting the shaft, and wiring the motor (bottom half) with a quick connect connector, so I can unplug the power head and remove it for just paddling.

Again, this will be a foot controlled steering, leaving my hands free to battle my fish.

I’ll send you and update after I mount my plate for the trolling motor.

Take care.

Rox”

W500 fishing kayak with console for electric motor



Roxanne Exploring and Fishing Flooded Back Waters in Her W500 Fishing Kayak

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

-”Took the W500 out on the Farmington River in Connecticut today, and hit some flooded back waters.
Waters are very high and fast with all this rain, so my target was to get into some back waters that were not easy to get to when water levels are low.”

-”I had to cross some pretty fast water to get to the opening of a cove, W500 tracked great, and paddling cross the current was a breeze.”

Bass caught in a fishing kayak, Framington river, CT

-”As I got to the back of the small cove, I could see where I needed to enter.
Paddling under trees, and over some logs, then over a fallen tree to get into and out of this hidden gem.
I had the whole place to myself, and landed a few nice fish, nothing to really brag about, just new water exploring at it’s best.”

Pickerel caught in fishing kayak on the Farmington river, CT

-”I was in water less then 6″ at times, paddling through with no problems at all.
The W500 handled like a champ, I included a video of me leaving the back water cove and going over the logs and tree to head back to my launch point.”

W500 fishing kayak on river bank

-”Thanks again for this wonderful fishing machine,

Rox”

Fishing kayak going over tree on the river



More From Roxanne About Her W500 Fishing Kayak

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

-”I have gone out a few times in my new W500. This weather has really taken a toll on me. If all goes well, next summer I may go down for a guided river trip in the W500. That should open some eyes to the W500.
As far as speed goes, though I couldn’t keep up the pace for too long, I bet I could paddle as fast as my 30# trolling motor moves my other yak. I really like paddling the W500, and I am still so amazed at the changes in it, at how much it has increased the stability of this craft.”

Large mouth bass in W500 fishing kayak
-”I hope to get together with a few fishermen soon, again, once they try it, they are gonna be wishing they had one.
I have everything ready to go for the motor, just not ready to add it yet.”

Big fish caught in Rox' W500 fishing yak

-”I am going to hit the salt with some fellow Connecticut kayak fishermen, just waiting on the weather for that. And if I enjoy the salt with the W500 as much as I do in the fresh waters, I might not add the motor at all.

At our local kayak fishing club we hold a Childerns fishing derby, I will be bringing my W300 and W500 to that.
I’ll send a full report on the event.
Rox”


Roxanne’s Review of her New W500 Fishing Kayak - Connecticut

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

NEW (June): Roxanne’s W500 Trip to the Backwater of the Farmington River, Connecticut (+Movie)

Roxanne Davis from Connecticut is a seasoned kayak fisherwoman who has owned and rigged two early models of the W300 series, and reviewed them. Now she got a new W500, and this is her initial review:

-”I can say three things about it so far: “I LOVE IT” - The room in it is just perfect.”

-”I was on Rainbow Reservoir testing my W500 on a very wind day, and more boat traffic then I had expected. It handled like a dream, tracked great, and pushed threw the winds, with gusts up to 25mph, and constant 15mph. I was amazed how well I could paddle into the wind with it without killing myself.”

Roxanne's fleet of three fishing kayaks

-”Most motor boaters don’t care about the laws and wakes… I Had a big 18′ Deep-V powerboat fly by on plane about 20′ from me, and I rode the 2′ wake with no problem. Then I went back to fishing, turned my head just in time to see the next wake hit me, (not even sure where it came from??) I didn’t panic, and let it hit sideways, and the W500 just gently swayed up and over the wake, and down, and then over the second wake with ease.
The W300 would have handled it also, but not as smoothly as the W500 did.
I’m really going to have to take it on the salt now, that wake gave me the confidence this baby can take it!!

I applaud you Yoav,  you’ve taken the best yak in the world, and made it better!”

Smallie in Rox' W500 fishing kayak cockpit

-”I broke the W500 in with 15 Smallmouth Bass, nothing huge, just fun.

She’s been officially Slimed!!  :)

Rox”

W500 fishing kayak with transducer
Rox’ new W500 with her special side rod holder

Rox' W500 fishing kayak with transducer
Rox’ W500 with a transducer mounted

Rox breaking the ice with her fishing kayak (movie)

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

Rox is a pioneer kayak fisherwoman from Connecticut, who already created an amazing electric kayak fishing machine

Now Rox is using her other W-kayak to paddle in ice covered ponds, lakes and rivers, and that’s how she’s extending her fishing season:

Rox: -”I’d like to see a SOT or a SIT do that!!”

Those who are familiar with ice would recognize the glaze that announces the absolute end of the paddling and fishing season, but not for everybody:

Rox' fishing kayak after she paddled through the ice
-”I was in my bare bones wavewalk, not the motored one, I was paddling through the ice.
It was a blast.”