Renrag39

I still dangle from my Kayak, although I'm more freshwater than salt nowadays.

Steve and Andrew are in fine fettle Thanks guys!

Launched around 10am and paddled downstream into the Marina's. A couple of friends of mine have opened a shop so I snuck into their river facing garden and scrounged a cuppa. For those interested, the shop is Bass Online and run by Andrew and Steve Burgess in Horning. Top blokes and their shop is well stocked with anything you might need. I'll keep on trying to get them to delve into our world a bit and stock stuff that'd be particularly useful for us. Found Glyns' calling, too. Makes a decent cuppa! After a long chat and many admiring remarks about my Viking, I made my way upstream, trolling a heavy 6" SP and a new addition to my lure box, an MH Alphabet Wakebait. Nice and chubby and runs aroun 2-3' down at a slow pace. Perfect for the broads. Love the kiwi style rod holder set-up for broads trolling, too. Loads easier to see a take, easy to reach and allows me to relax knowing my lures are not out to my sides. Had 3 Perch in the area of the launch on my light rod, all 3 falling to a 2" Reno Killer. Nothing of any size, but fun size nonetheless. Then I turned back into the flood and trolled my way back downstream. The MH rod bucks and I'm into my first Pike of the day. Decent size. Scraper/low double. Bugger, wrong net. Not big enough. Without fanfare I bring her to the side and gripping the bend of the hook with my pliers, let her unhook herself. The day's already great! Was probably my biggest kayak Pike to date but being ill equipped means few if any pics today. I rushed it. Still chastising myself, I slowly chugged along and the MH rod bucks again, then creaks and tries to wallop me in the head. Oh Crap! This is BIG. She stays deep, slow, purposeful shakes and smooth powerful runs to the overhanging copse. I keep the rod low, clutch smoothly giving line at an alarming rate as she steams off. Note to self, bring a mudweight next time! I follow her side on into the copse, rod river side and doubled up under the hull. Sod it, I'm already here. I launch the paddle into the bushes just as she decides botany isn't her strong suit and ditches the copse in favour of the main channel. The fight changes, she broaches as she arcs up. My stomach lurches as I realise her size and two words float across my mind. NO NET. For once, holidaymakers on their boats keep out of my way and give us a wide berth. She seems to like the sunlight and drama and thrashes powerfully mid stream. A child shouts melodramatically but fittingly about a crocodile. She's slowing now, not giving up but grudgingly conceeding. I know I have to to make sure she's beaten as I'm going to have to chin her, so I walk the line between beating and exhausting her. Twice she is drawn to the side of the kayak, and twice she digs deep for spirited but short runs. I start talking to her. Be nice. Let me get that horrible pointy thing out of your face. Lets not make this any harder, shall we. I see the belly treble nicked into the skin outside her mouth and flick it out. She makes a final bid and fails. The tail treble is well embedded. Ever so gently, I have a few slow but firm attempts at chinning her. She resists but carefully, I get a good grip. So much to grip! My mate Tonys' voice tells me to rotate my wrist. Her mouth pops open and I unhook her promptly. Textbook. I can feel her pulse in her jaw as I unhook her. It feels strong. Good. One more pic. Sorry old girl. Need to take your stats. Tape measure is already out along my leg. 98cm. Wow. I pick her up in the sling, making sure her head is fully supported. Her tail beyong the anal fin hangs out as I weigh her. It bounces around 21lb. I minus the wet sling and round out the bounce. I call it 20lb 9oz. She goes back so strongly, too. I expected some time to pass but as soon as her gills get wet, so do I! There's no hanging on to her. Slowly I sort myself out. The other rod is slightly tangled. Methodically I get it sorted, the fight on autoplay in my head. My arms tingle from the rush. I cast out again and troll back to the launch. I get a Jack. On the MH lure. Again. Awesome. I can't wait to tell everyone. Twenty. On a mates handmade lure. In a Kayak.

Interesting concept. Will give it a go, see if it works for me. Thanks for the heads up.

Think I'll be getting out on the 29th and dusting off the Pike Bait gear and drift a few Broads on the Kayak.

Sorry for the delay. Yes I do use it on the sea. Really like the Enchantment, most bang for your buck afaik and not so expensive that you'll weep when you inevitably scratch and bully it! Edit: I use it on the Norfolk Broads, off the coast of norfolk/suffolk and even for surfing on my Surfjet 305!

FWIW, I would be looking at something like a Carlisle Enchantment and look at modifying your stroke to a slightly higher angle or; if you are certain a longer shaft would be of benefit considering possible 'tours', the Werner Skagit, available in 5cm increments from 215-240cm. HTH.

A 215-225 should suffice for 'most' people. If you have short arms or are generally small, a longer paddle will help extend your reach to some extent. The downside is that adding that much leverage can be more tiring, so a smaller blade might be preferable, maybe around 650cm^2. You're right, your paddle of choice is a very personal thing! Remember to rotate your torso a bit to engage your core muscles and lengthen your stroke, too. Try them out before comitting to buy, if you can. Your paddle is your engine and worth investing in. It may even stay with you longer than your Kayak.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/291238148015 One of the good guys!

It was all planned. 9 of us from the Anglian Kayak Angling forum decided to meet up at Beccles and troll the Waveney, a river I've not fished for a good 15 years since my grandfather packed up fishing. We planned on ending up at the pub for a pint and crisps and then making our way back. Predictably I turned up late having other commitments and launched an hour late around 10am. Just past the bridge heading upstream to Geldeston, I had my first fish of the new season, a teeny tiny Pike, that really wanted the MH 50mm Chunky Minnow. Then, very shortly after, a feisty little Perch, on the same lure. Having avoided a blank, I decided to play catch up and trolled somewhat heavier lures at higher speed to meet up with my fellow yakkers. I passed Andy and Simon, lagging behind the pack, had a natter and ploughed on, my heavier lure failing to produce the goods but ensuring that no weed was left anywhere in the river. I should get paid for such a service!!! Finally I rocked up at the Locks Inn, my retinas assaulted by the glow of multicoloured kayaks festooning the staithe. After a particularly nimble, nay graceful dismount I wandered into the pub and had a pint with the guys. Didn't realise I was so thirsty! After a good chat and a laugh, we all slowly made our way back to the yaks and began our merry way back to Beccles. The first yak pack motored off at a fair rate, having various deadlines set by SWMBO and possibly having to collect various Spawn. I followed with 2 others shortly after, threatening youtube fame to any who mounted in a less than dignified manner. Unfortunately, they all displayed aplomb and balance in abundance and I began the paddle back. This time I trolled more sedately for most of the way, apart from the few straights in which I was faced with a swine of a Northerly, funneled by the river. I just put my head down and ploughed through it. About halfway back I was rewarded with 3 more perch in close proximity, again on the same MH Chunky Minnow, but didn't linger long. Think I could have picked out a few more with time, but time was not my friend as I had to pick Mesi up for half 5! Round the next bend I had my 3rd species of the day! A fighting fit Chub. My first in 10 years or so and my first on a lure! Not a monster but I was made up. My first Hat-Trick on lures, EVER! Then round a few more bends, into Beccles once again and another Micro-Pike. I could catch these all day, I really could. Perfectly formed, fit little fish that have ambition! I then decided to have a cast around at a nice looking spot with the heavier rod and missed a bloody good fish that headbutted the bow as I brought the lure round it. It sort of hung there, seemingly dazed. Possibly a double but I only saw the head to be fair. Gutted but happy to see a better fish in the area. So, 2 Micro Pike, 4 Perch and a Chub. All on the same lure. Not a bad day by any stretch. Plus I know where that pack of Perch hang out, not to mention the headbanger! I'm pretty sure I'll be back!

I'd been promising to take Jonathan out for a while now so, we made our plans and I collected him and his gear and off we went to Wayford Bridge for his first ever Kayak Fishing trip. We arrived about 10 and we both immediately noticed my pesky Scupper had mated with the Laguna (again) and the Laguna was in the final stages of labour. Proud father and son shot! This is it's Juvenile colours, they will wear off to a brighter colouration once they become fully fledged predators... P-) Anyway... We got ourselves ready and headed upstream aloong the North Walsham and Dilham Canal. I have to admit, I was pleasantly suprised by Jonathan's Cruz. It seemed to paddle well, was very stable and I know it was damn light 'cause I carried it like a briefcase to the waters edge! (rofl) Very Pikey, eh? We mainly paddled up here, very occasionally stopping for a few halfhearted casts as it was too shallow to troll, really. The water was a milky green colour but we continued until we went under the bridge, well past a runoff drain that I had suspected it came from, to see if it cleared any. Unfortunately, it didn't, but it was good exercise and fantastic scenery. We really pushed it going back and we aimed straight for the boatyards. Bloody typical. Upstream and where we launched was yukky water, 50yards downstream... Gin Frigging Clear! It WAS a nice paddle though. Shortly after, I had my first Pike of the year. Not a beast by any means, but more than welcome on my Light FS set-up and 4L Kopyto. Then, much to Jonathans chagrin (he's an ex-fenland match angler and a teensy bit competitive! ), I had another 2, that I shook off by the kayak. I touched the trace, so they count! Then... Result! Jonathan got his reward with his first ever 'yakfish and I think his first ever lured Pike! Best fish of the day imo. I followed up with our last and biggest fish of the day, but not by much, mind! Then the day took a major spiral downwards as we realised we would have to make use of the pub next to where we launched as it would be rude not to. I forced down a refreshing pint of Wherry and Jonathan reluctantly supped a Guinness. The sacrifices we make, eh?

(double posted as the kayak sub-forum is less well read) As some of you may have surmised, I like to kayak fish somewhat. After a hiatus from baitfishing for 16 months, I am returning to the dark side in search of several species I have a rekindled fascination with. I currently have a 10' Leeda A500 (I think) light multi picker rod. I love this rod and it's my go to rod on the bank. However, I would appreciate something shorter, maybe 7-8' max as kayak space is somewhat limited and when landing fish, a longer rod is a great hindrance due to the acute tip angles required to bring a fish within range. Any suggestions? Or will I be best served by shortening an existing rod?

As some of you may have surmised, I like to kayak fish somewhat. After a hiatus from baitfishing for 16 months, I am returning to the dark side in search of several species I have a rekindled fascination with. I currently have a 10' Leeda A500 (I think) light multi picker rod. I love this rod and it's my go to rod on the bank. However, I would appreciate something shorter, maybe 7-8' max as kayak space is somewhat limited and when landing fish, a longer rod is a great hindrance due to the acute tip angles required to bring a fish within range. Any suggestions? Or will I be best served by shortening an existing rod?

Well done on keeping it under control. I'd have kicked the idiot into the water then shouted at him to get out because it isn't a swimming pool.

The day starts in a subdued way. Mesi has popped back to see her parents in Transylvania for a few days, plus I have an early shift and about 4 hours sleep... Not the best start. :? Mesi's fans will be glad to know that she got there fine and will definitely be back for the next installment of 'Perch Hunter'. For the time being, I am a waif and stray... I've been meaning to get the kayak out on the sea for ages, over a year tbh, but hadn't gotten round to it until now. I arrive at about 1800, just after high tide, knowing slack water would break about 1900. I am hoping to meet up with some like-minded (batcrap crazy) kayak anglers but they are nowhere to be seen. Conditions are as close to perfect for a first launch as I can hope for. A small but messy shore dump coming off a 1-1.5' swell, topped with a light chop in 15mph winds. First of all I drag the kayak up and over the massive dune, loaded with; A rod, a reel, impact vest, forceps, pliers, paddle and most importantly... A lure. The lure to be exact, the comp lure in 450 team finery. I have a quick play in the surf, capsize in chest deep water just beyond the surf line to practice re-entry and scare the heck out of some people on the beach! I explain why to them, they shake their heads then nod slowly and smile at the special person before them. By 1820, I'm ready to fish. Rod is broken down and secured forward, small box of bits secured behind and I'm off! Excitement and anticipation, tinged with that frisson of fear that comes with vulnerability. It just made me feel sharper, heightening my senses like a hefty dose of caffeine. Slowly I settle into a rhythm, using my body in co-ordination with the paddle to balance and dampen the rocking as I ride the swell and punch through the chop. As I get about 100yds out, the water begins to clear and I make my first cast into the North Sea, from my little 11' kayak! Bobbing around for a few minutes casting, I realise I'm being drawn out further. No problem but something I didn't anticipate. Further out is where I want to be! You see, I am at an intriguing place called Sea Palling where artificial banks of rock, or reefs, have been placed about 300yds offshore to preserve the beach. I want to see the reefs properly... from about 10' away! P-) So, I cast out again after making some headway, place the rod in the holder and troll my little heart out! Inside the southern most 2 reefs, one being submerged. Nothing. I'm running with the wind atm and just a touch of tide. Just before 1900, I take a deep breath and venture beyond the reefs, out from the deceptive calm of the virtual lagoons. Bit choppier here, bit more effort required. Just before I cast I notice the lure is taking on some water making me nervous about it's running depth. I stay away from the rocks. Ignore the rod, peripheral vision will take care of that. Don't get tip fixation! Concentrate on where you're going. 20' seems plenty close enough, thanks! Then, the rod folds over! Just as I'm nearing the end of the penultimate reef! I swear, fluently, in 2, maybe 3 languages (because I can! ). Must be snagged! No fish can hit that hard! Then the tip bounces... I'm gobsmacked! The 'rock' is fighting back! Rod still in the holder, I paddle out of the reefs backwash to the relative safety of the open sea. Now the fun bit. Playing and unhooking the fish... I remember the 3 trebles and wince... The paddle is hastily stowed and I get my first taste of the fight. Wow! I know it must be fairly small but boy does it kick! I bring it to the side... My First Lure Caught Bass... This fish mattered, and my heart is pounding. More swearing! It's a bad hookhold. Middle treble in the lip, upper treble in the eye socket. I wince again, for myself and the fish. The eye itself isn't damaged but I bet it's uncomfortable! Right, down to work. Quickly I manhandle the fish into the kayak. No mat here, my legs are baby soft, they'll do! Out comes the phone and I take some terrible but sufficient snaps for posterity and the comp. Upper treble comes out with a fight, it's like a mini surgery. No real harm done, the eye is saved. Some blood around it, not much. Definitely survivable. The middle treble slips out nicely. You can go back, send your mum I say, as it powers away, soon as it's gills touch water. Just fantastic! I have a 'moment'. I bounce around a bit, grinning uncontrollably then get it together and sort myself out. Nothing lost. Rod leash is a godsend. Reel is submerged. That'll need a damn good rinse! Shall we do it again? The submerged reef is on the way back anyway. I cast out again and troll the last, invisible reef. As I near the end, BANG! The rod folds again...This time the rod jackhammers like crazy as the fish realises something isn't right and goes ballistic. Smaller this one, but it more than makes up for it with attitude! Next to the kayak, I sigh a breath of relief. A good hookup! Rear treble, bottom lip. Out comes phone, out comes the hook. Off swims the fish. I'm done. I'm shattered, running on adrenaline and dopamine now. I know I'll sleep well tonight! I haven't paddled long or far but the day's events have drained me. Slower than before, I troll the rest of the way to the shore. Just 300yds but I know the seabed is fairly barren here and don't hold much hope. 50yds out, I stow the rod after unclipping the lure and unleash the paddle from the kayak. I dig in, feeling the waves build. I catch it and surf the last 10yds and stagger clumsily from the kayak in the shallow surf. My legs are jelly. One last burst of energy and I drag myself and the kayak from the water. Job done. My face hurts. Still grinning. Then I remember the dune...

Caught 5 Pike yesterday and got 4 on camera. Made a basic montage of the footage as a farewell to the season. A bit longer this at just over 6 minutes. Hope it doesn't bore you. Contains a special appearance of the 9" Relax Ripper and 'Randy' the Jack. Other notable guests include the traditional Norfolk Spoon and an MH Crankbait. Please leave a comment, positive or otherwise, like or even subscribe if you feel so inclined. *At time of post, vid is still being edited by YT for lighting purposes. Still watchable though*

Thanks! It is a Headcam HD Wide (135deg lens) This one- http://www.hedcamz.com/cameras/hedcam/hedcam-wide?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tp-ecommerce.tpl&product_id=187&category_id=4

My first fish on my headcam, simples... tchhh! If you know where I am, good for you. If you don't, sorry but I won't tell. Lure was a Kopyto 4L on a 6/0 7g jighead.

The River Bure and its tributaries and Broads. I 'grew up' (as much as I'm gonna) on it. I'll never suss it all out but it's a childhood friend I'll never forget.

Not many Chub in there I'm afraid. I'm sure the odd one comes out now and then but not commonplace by any means. Good Roach can be had from the gravel run at the end of the pool, exceptional Dace and I've even had a Brown trout out of there too. It can be a very challenging place and it's very very snaggy but you might beat your PB Mountain Bike if you're lucky. There are far better places on the Broads for general fishing but I'd say it's unparalleled for its Dace.

Hey Neil, They are about 2" and weigh at most about 6-7g. I'm sure Mark will let you know whether he's discontinued them if you PM him. They are absolute killers for Perch. I've caught 2oz to nearly 2lb ones on those very lures. The pic of my ugly mug, the Perch and the black version in the montage was Mesi's very first lure caught fish too! Not used them for Chub (none where I fish) but I'll bet they would be fantastic.

Another vid from my channel. Headcam coming shortly! Let me know what sort of content you want me to have a go at besides the reviews. All comments and constructive criticism gratefully recieved.

No, but Kato is, Andy. You can contact him on the lure anglers society forum. He's on the pit too, I think.

Just started a YouTube channel. Let me know what you think, guys.

Perch every time, though I'm biased by using mainly lures year round. That said, when the wind drops I'm going to have to break out the 3wt and expand my species list. Apparently Roach are a cunning adversary on the fly...