Kayak Fishing and Paddling - The New Standard in Fishing Kayaks. Fishing Kayak Reviews, and Kayak Fishing Trip Reports, Movies, Pictures and Articles By and For Kayak Anglers.
Doug had already contributed a short review of his W300 fishing kayak:
-”Just came in from a couple hours in the inlet after work — 1 14# bass. Got a 30 and a 16 last Sat night. I don’t fish from it too often; I might throw a swimmer out on my way to and fro. For the season so far I have around 75 bass over 10#/30″. I’m running second place in the season long New York Surf Fishing contest. I’m totally satisfied with the Wavewalk. If I wreck this one somehow I’ll order another within a week. It gets me access to good fishing areas and it gets me away from the crowds. Only ‘problem’ is I put a couple pretty deep gouges on the bottom while fishing in mussel beds and around rock jetties –
Doug”
Now Doug sent us some pictures of a special kayak trolley he got for it:
Says Doug:
-”Here are some photos of a cart special made by paddlecart.com I use it all the time. Works over rough terrain, rocks, down embankments,etc”
-”Attached is the drawing I sent to Paddlecart in case users inquire” :
Jeff McGovern to conduct kid’s inshore fishing clinic at Genung’s Fish Camp, Crescent Beach, January 23
Palatka, FL 1/4/10—Come spend an exciting, fun day with Jeff McGovern at Genung’s Fish Camp from 9 AM to Noon on January 23, 2010. Learn how to choose lures, bait, line and rigging to catch more fish in fresh and saltwater.
Emmrods will be featured and there will be a drawing for an Emmrod Packer Combo donated by Jeff’s Tackle Box at the end of the program. This free event is open to youth and youth groups of all ages and their parents and chaperones.
Coffee and donuts will be provided.
Registration is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Genung’s Fish Camp is located at 291 Cubbedge Road (just below the 206 bridge at US 1), Crescent Beach, FL. For more information or to register, please contact Johnny at (904) 471-4144.
Jerry Kushner is a winemaker from Kentucky, who purchased a W300 fishing kayak early this year, before the W500 became available.
Here is Jerry’s review of his W kayak:
“I planned to fish some of the fast flowing rivers with my Wavewalk kayak.
After I got it I tried it in my pond, and at first it felt tippy but once I got my balance I found it easy to paddle and maneuver.
Finally, I got to use it in the Gulf of Mexico. I installed a pair of fold up outriggers that I purchased from Paddlers Hideaway (I found them on e-bay).
The first time I took the kayak out the waves in the surf were one to two feet high and even when broadsided by a wave the system was solidly stable.
I felt real secure, and for an almost eighty year old this rig is ideal for fishing offshore.
Jeff did it again: Now he takes us on a video tour of his new W500 that’s fully rigged for saltwater fishing, yet features no milk crate!
And if you happen to wonder what fish are inside that blue bag at the bottom of the kayak’s hull, here’s, one of them - a nice, tasty looking sea trout:
Jesse got his W300 fishing kayak in January. He fishes mainly in the ocean near San Diego, in the harbor and in the lagoon. In this short cellphone movie Jesse is showing a 6 lbs spotfin croaker he caught:
Here is a collection of fish Jesse caught on another good day, including (top) a sand bass and (bottom) another 6 lbs spotfin croaker.
Jesse mounted a trolling motor on his W300, and he gets to speeds up to 10 mph with it. This picture shows the transom mount Jesse built:
Jesse also rigged his W300 fishing kayak with carry wheels: Sometimes Jesse takes his dog for a ride in his kayak:
Jesse likes to paddle his W300 standing up, and fish standing as well. Jesse also likes to fish for halibut. His favorite lures are Berkley Gulp Alive, and he recommends smearing the lures with Uni Butter (sea-urchin flavored butter) that attracts fish better than anything, both in saltwater and freshwater.
Had a great summer, and looking to a better fall with the W and the grandson.
We really have been doing a lot of fishing from Narragansett Bay to exploring new fishing ponds and lakes. Luke hasn’t caught the real big lunker yet, but plenty of nice fish like this calico bass.
The W500 is ideal for me and the kid, easy to move and plenty of room for fishing. He can spin around, stand and paddle like a pro.
Planning many more trips before winter sets in. I can’t wait to see him struggling to pull in the big 5 lb bass - It’s gonna make a great picture!
I have back pain and and have to say my w-500 is the most comfortable boat I’ve ever paddled. I had an unfortunate encounter with a bad chiropractor and have issues with L5 and sciatica now, and had tried SOT kayaks with bad results… but I could see the w kayak is entirely a different story after only one outing!
After I’ve had my w500 out for only 4 times and I could see that once you get your technique down it’s FAST, easily as fast as a 13′ kayak (if you’re in the aggressive mounted position)… and the leaning into a turn works really well, especially if you’re seated near the stern. I have gotten used to a milder cruising stroke in the seated position that allows me to paddle for literally hours with no problems or back pain (holding the paddle closer towards the center and letting the paddle and gravity do some of the work).
Last night I took it out into some choppier, high traffic areas and got a lot of inquiries from some sea-kayakers who were very impressed with a boat you can stand up in.
I am loving my w-500… After I’d been out about 6 times, took it out with a 230lb friend… I am an intermediate paddler and my friend had minor experience. After several failed attempts to paddle together I had him try it solo. He had a good sense of humor, and I’m not deterred! Good times indeed!
I am very comfortable paddling it by myself now and spend 1/3 of the time paddling it standing, and get tons of inquiries. I’m getting questions from Salmon fishers and sailboats (mostly because I row near a fishing/sailing boat moorage now).
I did not try my W500 first before I ordered it, I simply did TONS of research and asked many people I know who are experienced. I am one of the very satisfied customers who’s incredibly happy with his decision, it was not hasty.
I was asked last night by some kayaker where he could try a w-kayak… i said “right here, right now… pull up to that dock and I’ll let you give her a spin”
The last 3 times I’ve been out on my w-500 was to lurk outside the fish ladder and watch the salmon return to spawn, kind of fun watching 24″ fish jumping all around you, oh but I have a better view than everyone else!
I have still yet to try my w-500 for fishing, but will soon once I find a few good nearby spots, and will be sure to take more pics.
Its impossible for me to take it anywhere without somebody asking me what the heck it is. I ended up installing a bow mounted trolling motor with a 12 volt battery in the stern.
I also put in a fish finder and made a custom cart so I can tow it to and from the truck.
I mostly use it for fishing San Diego bay. Eventually I’m planning on fabricating some outrigger pontoons to add some more stability when I’m standing up.
I’m also trying to find some type of product to protect the bottom of the kayak, it’s starting to get some scratches on the bottom. I was thinking about maybe finding some kind of spray on protective material or perhaps some kind of protective tape that would adhere to the plastic but I’m not sure yet.
I really like my 500 Wavewalk kayak.
Previously I had used a sit on plastic Kayak (which belonged to my nephew) only to rig hurricane lines to offshore moorings in order to keep my fishing boat off the seawall during storms. I would never have considered a pleasure cruise in that tipsy slow slug.
My nephew reclaimed his SOT kayak earlier this year, and with hurricane season approaching once again, I began looking for a replacement.
Although more pricey, the Wavewalk caught my eye, and since it arrived I’ve been taking near daily trips around the shallow water here in the Keys. I love the way it glides and tracks as well as it’s ability to go in real shallow water.
By the way, I can paddle standing up but don’t seem to make as good speed as sitting down. I admit to still feeling awkward standing, but love the view it allows of our shallows here.
I wonder if I shouldn’t be able to go faster standing up since I’m using my legs too.
I’m looking forward to refining my technique.
-Francis
Range of motion and protection from the fish - Sounds a little weird but the W kayak offers a far better range of motion for anglers and some measure of protection when landing fish.
I’ve noticed this the most dealing with saltwater speedsters in the form of jacks and ladyfish. Both are considered trash fish but only in terms of eating them. For getting into lots of pulling and yanking they are a blast. But when brought boat side for landing they always have far better ideas than the angler. Leaping and jumping at the last moment can easily put one into your lap or worse. Since they also have a face full of hooks the results of this last moment dash for freedom can be a disaster. If you are stuck in that L position you are too low and too limited in movement options to do much about it. These are also fish that will run in any direction and in a boat you can’t turn your body very well chances are you’ll be tangled up in no time.
In the W kayak, because you are upright in the riding position you can turn much more toward the fish and it’s angle of pull. Also when you go to land the fish you are above most of the danger zone and far better protected. After netting a fish you can simply rest the handle across the cockpit rims and hold in in place. You don’t have a net to worry about getting caught up in the rod, a portion of your body, or other gear. Plus if you are dealing with a fish you might want to keep for a great fish meal if it does jump around it’s going to end up at your feet in one of the hulls safe for the table.
Even in the course of battling a fish if all goes according to plan the L position is a lousy one to fish from. Since you can’t rotate well from the waist or really brace for the battle your shoulders and arms take some real punishment. The L position acts to deny using your core muscles to fight the fish. The W offers so many fish fighting advantages but as with many things about the boat they are not truly realized until the angler actually can try it. If there is a problem with that it’s simply that nothing compares to the W. No other boats have the advantages.
Anyway I just wanted to shoot a note along this line. Sometimes you just have to feel sorry for all those other non W kayak fishermen out there.
I was on the water for a few hours today fishing for snook. Got a nice one just under keeper size when they are in season. Came in at 26 inches, once the season reopens Sept 1 they have to be between 28 and 32 inches to be kept, one per day per angler. I’ve attached a shot of the fish it’s sub tropical species that cannot tolerate cold water.
The northern edge of their range is about where Marineland, Florida is on the map. They are considered an inshore fish and fight like a demon. They have a set of razor sharp gill rakers that can cut heavy leader like kite string if it hits them. I normally use 20lb fluorocarbon leader that most of the time has to be retied after each fish.
At one time they were considered trash fish nick named “soap fish” because the meat tasted like soap. However once anglers learned to skin them they found delicious table fare to be had. The skin was the problem. These fish are one of the more sought after saltwater species because of the dramatic jumps and power the fish have once hooked.
Of course we were fishing in an area that has a reputed 14 foot gator. I’ve not seen this creature but some of the other folks have in fact the latest sighting was last week.
It’s times like that you have to really love fishing.
It’s time for another look at this style of bait and the rigging that works best. I just got back from another of the McGovern family trips to Canada fishing Lake of the Woods. As with the last three years, the Redfish Magic type lures caught the vast majority of the fish for everyone. Even folks not in our group, who we had told about the lures years back, were using them with equal success. It did not even matter what species of fish — northern pike, muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass all succumbed to these baits. If you have not tried this type of lure (especially if you live in the northern areas), don’t do it unless you are prepared to catch fish after fish.
I’ve gotten to the point where I build them as required from available rigging. But if you chose to tear open a Redfish Magic and use it straight from the package, that’s fine too. They are considered saltwater bait. The original design is called a jig spinner. The first of its type was the Beetle Spin, which you can read about in another article here on this site. Redfish Magic was intended to be a heavy weight version to catch redfish in US coastal inshore waters. It works very well as intended, but when you transition to freshwater, it works even better. The lure is two sections: a jig spinner harness with a blade swivel combo, a safety pin type clasp, and then a jig head which attaches to the clasp. The jig head can be adorned with a variety of trailers from plastic to bucktail. You can vary the weight of the presentation by simply going to a lighter or heavier jig head.
Rigging properly gets the most out of this style lure. I avoid the use of as much hardware as possible for this bait. My preferred method of use is to tie a leader to my main line first. Last week in Canada, it was 15 lb fluorocarbon for 8lb mono line and 20lb fluorocarbon for heavier lines. The leader is attached to the main line using a four turn surgeon’s knot. The lure is tied to the leader using a canoeman’s loop knot. Both those knots can be found and explained here in this site, as well. Most important, before tying on the lure, is to put a small section of 1/8 inch ID clear plastic tubing over the “R” bend of the shaft. This creates a closed attachment loop and prevents the leader loop from sliding onto the shaft of the harness. It also adds a movement or articulation point so the bait has more action in the water. With zero hardware (metal leaders, snaps, and swivels), you will catch more fish. The fluorocarbon leader is tough enough for even toothy fish like pike and muskie.
Our success with this type of lure and rigging is unbelievable. When we introduce it to other anglers, they are a bit skeptical. However, after they make the first attempt, they are solidly hooked. What’s funny is how this usually happens. We talk about the bait and even show pictures. They smile and say “Hey, that’s great!” and give the lure to their kids to try first. You know– too simple, only one hook, great for kids– all that sort of thing. Then, on the first day with it on the water, they are right back casting their expensive baits with loads of gang trebles on them. Of course, the kids are just catching fish right and left with Redfish Magics, while the adults pull in empty lures. By about 10AM, and who knows how much bribery, everyone is fishing them. When the group heads in for the day, the live well is full and there are some great shots in the camera.
For those of you reading this with a little skepticism, I understand. The lure is cheaper than most and does not have flashy lights or a super realistic finish. Put that aside and buy some–you won’t be disappointed. Follow the rigging instructions and make sure you have strong arms for all the pulling you will be doing. The best places to find them in the south are places that sell saltwater tackle. In the north, you can find them online in the saltwater lure sections of fishing gear stores and catalogs.
Robert is an avid kayak fisherman, who goes on kayak fishing expeditions in the mangroves of Western Florida. He has a lot to tell about his fishing techniques, which include fresh live bait and paddling standing while scouting for game fish.
Robert’s first time in the W fishing kayak story is particularly educating.
Says Robert about his W fishing kayak: -”I don’t believe there is anything else out there, in this price range, with the capability of this craft.”
He rigged his W fishing kayak with super-silent paddle holders, and other interesting devices.
-”Today was an excellent day to be kayak fishing, especially from the W. I started with a topwater plug called a Super Spook Jr it caught a number of bluefish before being ripped off the line when it was swarmed by a two or three of them at once. The topwater action was fantastic with hits on every cast. It was so good I stayed staked out in one spot for nearly four hours catching and releasing ladyfish, bluefish, and jacks.
Even managed three undersized flounder. I’m sure if I had been in any kayak but a W that long in the boat in one place would have been nearly impossible. All of the topwater fish were caught using my little Rugged Flex Emmrod equipped with a Curado 200B casting reel spooled with 16 mono line. I did add a short 20lb fluorocarbon leader since all of this action was with very fast toothy fish. Once that Super Spook met it’s fate and was bitten off I tied on a Chug Bug and continued catching fish on the top.
Once the topwater water bite cooled off I changed over to another of my vintage outfits. The rod was a first generation Ugly Stick four piece fly/spin pack rod. I had it changed over to a spinning rod years ago and rewrapped with SIC guides. Combined with one of my Daiwa 1300SS reels spooled with 8lb mono it’s just plain fun to fish with. I used a short fluorocarbon leader just like the other outfit and for a lure used a small Cotee jig head and a 2 inch Gulp shrimp. Once again fish after fish fell to that combination.
The day was an absolute blast. The kind of day I wish I had someone along who had really never caught to many fish since today they would have had a ball. You can never predict having days like this only keep fishing and hope they will happen. I did not get any so called game fish, many would call today’s catches trash fish. As far as I’m concerned the day could not have been much better. It was loaded with action and by the time I headed in just after 2PM my arms hurt from all the fish fighting. –Jeff”
Roger Adams, a kayak fisherman from St. Pete Beach, Florida, sent us this photo of his new W fishing kayak. Says Roger:
-”Only one trial so far and it went smoothly. I lower off my dock here on the intercoastal and away I go. I plan to do some bay flats fishing this week and will keep you posted.”
This is a new kayak fishing movie from Jeff, in which he shows the area where he likes to fish, in near the 206 bridge, in Florida. Jeff shot this movie at the beginning of the fishing trip he reported yesterday.
-”It’s all hype so far. In comparing the Kayak Angler guide to a much wider distributed magazine or rather catalog the information is about the same. I’ve got both [brand of fishing gear stores] and [brand of fishing catalog] catalogs at the house and the hype you see for various products and the crazy claims are much the same. For example reels that won’t backlash and can make you a better fisherman. Total and complete nonsense, I know people that have purchased baitcast reels because of the claims and after a few days use never ever go back to that style. They did not live up to the claims.
Sometimes people can be saved. My friend for example had loads of trouble with a bait caster. I looked at his reel an older hand me down from a relative and found it sound but in need of tuning. That issue combined with a very one broken down rod was his problem. I tore down and serviced the reel. Then at a visit to [fishing gear store] had him buy something that complemented that older reel. Now he loves the setup because it works and it fits him properly. If he had only seen the catalogs and bought the hype nothing would have worked.
Lures might be the worst of all with claims of filling the boat if a certain brand or type of lure is thrown. It’s made more complicated by the late night infomercials for things like the Banjo Minnow.
I know the whole thing is upsetting, but remember Wavewalk really does have a totally different boat. It is like nothing before it, and it will become a boat for the masses. Other fishing kayaks answer no current issues with the back or comfort since you still sit low.
The answer most folks seem to have to the comfort problem is to add a really nice seat, that I verified by checking with guys with our kayak group here. They keep upgrading their seats. First an additional pad then more padding and finally dropping big dollars (like 200+) for a fancy aftermarket seat. Of course it solves nothing long term. Fact is boats should have had comfort taken into account up front but I guess that takes away their price advantage. Of course in your case the Wavewalk seat is already there and requires nothing else to work. Also your day is not ruined when you show up to fish and find you’ve forgotten your seat.
The accessory market is also very interesting. For the added cost of the “factory” rod holders you really can’t use them in a sit on top. If you do you subject your reels to loads of saltwater wash over but then again I guess that is good for the reel companies. Treated in that fashion unmaintained reels would make it maybe one season.
Talking about reels one of the local radio fishing shows here nearly gave me a heart attack a couple of weeks back. They were on air talking about proper equipment care after use in saltwater. What they recommended would only benefit a reel repair business or the tackle firms themselves. Those fellows recommendations were just so wrong. I tried to call at the time of the broadcast to be on air. But while I was waiting and driving at the same time my cell lost it’s signal. By the time I got one again they were on to other subjects and the screener said the lines were too full. I did try again last weekend when they were on but my subject was not on the table so I didn’t make the show.
Oh well, sometimes the pioneers like Wavewalk take the sling and arrows. I like helping shoot back. The W kayak is the best of it’s kind in paddlecraft.
– Jeff”
Jeff, the expert saltwater kayak fisherman from Florida, sent this new movies he shot.
He went on a shallow water fishing trip, looking for flounder.
The first movie is from the beach, before launching his W fishing kayak:
The second movie was shot by Jeff from the cockpit of his W fishing kayak, right under the 206 bridge. This is his favorite fishing spot in this area.
In Jeff’s own words:
-”The wind got pretty nasty at one point and would have been a royal pain for most kayakers. The W however time and again proves itself as a boat that handles the wind very well. I only got two flounder that were legal out of the nine caught so at least we have a start toward a nice meal. Maybe later this coming week I’ll have a chance to get out again. From a technical side the first fish hit a Gulp shrimp on a jig head. But then it stopped so I switched to a older style 1/8oz Cotee jig with a 1 inch Gulp crab. The next eight flounder crushed that as did two very tiny ladyfish.
–Jeff”
And this last movie shows Jeff paddling against the wind:
And here is the next segment of Jeff McGovern’s video report from the kayak fishing trip he made together with his fellow kayak fisherman Jeff Moran in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida:
PS–
60-70 lb of kayak fishing gear on board Jeff’s kayak, plus Jeff is a big guy who weighs 245 lbs, that’s a total payload of about 300 lbs, which explains to draft issue in 6″ shallow water.
Sometimes Jesse takes his dog for a ride in his kayak: 
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Good times indeed!
