-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

Kevin's Stand Up Poling Fly Fishing Kayak In The Tidal Flooded Grass

I was fortunate to get out a few days this week to take advantage of the flood tides, and poled the W through the grass in search of feeding Redfish. My efforts were rewarded with a couple of nice fish. It’s getting harder to get them as the season progresses. They don’t do a lot of tailing now and you must spot them moving through the grass and try to get the fly ahead of them so you can give it a twitch as they pass by. When they are tailing earlier in the season I will usually get out of the kayak and sneak as close as I dare, and get a few shots at each fish. Now I find that I have to stay in the kayak and make my casts quickly, because they are most often moving. So, the game is a little faster paced and stealthy now vs earlier in the season.

Redfish caught on a fly in stand up poling kayak, in the tide flood grass

Once again it’s great to pole the Wavewalk kayak around the shallow water while standing high on that platform. It’s a unique experience pushing your way through miles of areas that I usually have no access to other than during flood tides. Catching the fish is a bonus.

Kevin

Kevin showing a redfish he caught while poling his kayak in the tide flood grass

Kevin showing a redfish he caught while poling his kayak in the tide flood grass

Kevin showing a redfish he caught while poling his kayak in the tide flood grass

The author, Wilfred Van Nunen carrying the W500 kayak to the water

Van Nunen’s review is very comprehensive, and covers many issues, from transporting (car top) to carrying (trolley), electric trolling motor (water snake), comfort, saltwater, wind, wakes from ships, stability, stand up fishing, etc.
The review’s scope is unusually broad, and the author compares the W kayak to traditional belly boats, pontoon boats, motorboats and other fishing kayaks. Thanks to Robert’s preparations, as well as to the fact that Van Nunen had tested the W500 more than once, the W500 comes out very positively.
BTW, the W500 sells in Holland for about 2,000 euro, which is over $2,600…

Read more about motorizing your fishing kayak >>

Read more about motorizing your fishing kayak >>