04-10-2003, 03:44 PM
Sounds like a lot of interest and questions on the Yaks. First, I wouldn't get rid of my tube. The Yaks have pretty specific applications but are a valuable new fishing tool. They are fantastic for trolling, going long distances over water to fish or drifting jigs or bait. They are also a ton of fun, and bring a new aspect to aquatic recreation. I personally don't like casting to structure from Yaks because you are constantly setting down the rod and adjusting position with the paddle. I do have friends that use them in the ocean and cast lures all day with them. I think it's just a matter of getting used to them. On the upside, you can carry a ton of gear and go miles in a day, unlike tubes. Like tubes, they require no registration, motor maintenance, are low cost and a lot of fun. They are much more than a toy though.
Now to address specific questions. For the paddle, I use a paddle leash so if I get bit I just drop it in the water and deal with business. You can also purchase paddle clips that you can jam the paddle into with one hand and your free to do your thing. You can keep a lot of equipment under the deck and it's protected from water and dropping overboard (see the huge hatch on the front, you can access it on the water). There is also a large access hatch between your legs (no pun intended). You can actually stow set up rods under the deck (long rods even), as many as you want literally. There is enough room below deck to store all your camping gear believe it or not. I put a small cooler with ice in there for fish. You can use rod leashes to keep gear onboard. My new boats have three rod holders. Two flushmounts behind the seat and a locking Scotty up front. I leash the rods in back, and lock in the one up front when casting or letting out line. If I did flip while casting, trust me I would not let go of my $300 rig. I made my rod leashes out of phone cord I got from the dollar store. They're really slick. you can get 25 feet of cord and use crimps and shrink tube to add clips and large swivels (send me a pm if interested in instructions). I don't add a leash to my rod up front, but you could if you're worried.
On some narrower models, flipping is a hazard for new paddlers. This goes away with experience. My old Scupper Pros are only 26 inches wide, and very flippable, but also very fast. My new Pro Explorers are 31 inches wide, and you would have to try to flip them. They are extremely stable, even for new paddlers.
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Now to address specific questions. For the paddle, I use a paddle leash so if I get bit I just drop it in the water and deal with business. You can also purchase paddle clips that you can jam the paddle into with one hand and your free to do your thing. You can keep a lot of equipment under the deck and it's protected from water and dropping overboard (see the huge hatch on the front, you can access it on the water). There is also a large access hatch between your legs (no pun intended). You can actually stow set up rods under the deck (long rods even), as many as you want literally. There is enough room below deck to store all your camping gear believe it or not. I put a small cooler with ice in there for fish. You can use rod leashes to keep gear onboard. My new boats have three rod holders. Two flushmounts behind the seat and a locking Scotty up front. I leash the rods in back, and lock in the one up front when casting or letting out line. If I did flip while casting, trust me I would not let go of my $300 rig. I made my rod leashes out of phone cord I got from the dollar store. They're really slick. you can get 25 feet of cord and use crimps and shrink tube to add clips and large swivels (send me a pm if interested in instructions). I don't add a leash to my rod up front, but you could if you're worried.
On some narrower models, flipping is a hazard for new paddlers. This goes away with experience. My old Scupper Pros are only 26 inches wide, and very flippable, but also very fast. My new Pro Explorers are 31 inches wide, and you would have to try to flip them. They are extremely stable, even for new paddlers.
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