Hake

Its not just you, I can't get on there either.

Got my Kamlei top today, hand delivered by my colleague from the US. First impressions are that it seems well made. Its a size Large, which was billed as 42" - 45", but I have to say its a fairly neat fit - enough room for arm movement when paddling, but a bit trim around the chest and waist - perhaps I need to go on a crash diet

SM, How much gear ? well tons of course (as a former charter angler) Seroiusly though, the advice is much appreciated. By the way, this is the first time I've been called "slight"

Waht about the stability when attached to a 500 lb porgie Don't suppose stability is such an issue when attached to an 8oz pollack !!!

One further question guys.... Is the OK Drifter much more stable than the P13 ? Stability will be a key consideration for me (I prefer to stay dry !) so any views would be appreciated.

Thanks once again Speci. Whilst this opportunity seems good, I reckon if I'm going to enjoy my new sport, having the kit that's right for me overall is most important, even if the price is a bit more. Its probably worth a look though as Croix only lives 45mins from me.

Thanks Speciman. Do you have to be built like Charles Atlas to paddle it then ? My main concern is that the storage space at the back seems small compared with the Prowler.

Hi all, As a newcomer to the sport who ain't got a yak yet, I'm interested in this. It also helps that Croix doesn't live all that far from me. For someone who's 6' tall, approx 14 stone and never been kayaking before, do you think that the drifter might be suitable for me ? I had more or less decided on a Prowler 13, but this is a tempting offer. All advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance

I believe that it was off the Kerry coast that the first tuna of "recent times" were taken off Ireland - but these were Albacore taken 60 -70 miles out. As far as I am aware the only place that tuna have been caught close to shore is in Donegal Bay - and these are the big Bluefins. I think they have been taken a close as two miles from shore, but probably out near the mouth of the Bay - which is very exposed and nearly always rough as hell !! Was on a boat out of Killybegs once that nearly sank, having had the windows put through by a wave. I have caught Blue sharks off the north coast of Donegal, only about 2 miles from shore, so perhaps they'd be a realsitic yak target given the right weather. Not as big as porgies, but often bigger than tope.

I've just remembered that I've got a US based colleague visiting the UK later this month, so I may be able to get one delivered personally, without the duty, VAT, etc. I always prefer to try clothing articles on first, but for $100 I guess its worth taking a chance.

JRT, That top looks intresting. I too am in the market for one. The availability is low-ish, but they have my size & preferred colour Just not sure about the import/shipping costs Have you looked into this aspect ?

Thanks MY, looks interesting

Oops, wrong gremlin

Other way round for me...I know how to fish (well ought to after 32 years of it !) but got to learn how to kayak

Try www.fishonline.org It is the site of the Marine Conservation Society. The pictures are small, but with each one there is a short narrative description about the specie, where it is found,etc. Welcome to the site, I'm a recent newcomer too.

Dave A, I subscribe to BFM, so I have all of the recent issues. I can copy all the kayak articles and post them to you if you like. Let me know. Will just need a snail mail address - I don't have a scanner so can't scan and email them.

If you've got salt in your veins, it really is pants living so far from the sea

SA, Where abouts in East Midlands are you ? I'm near Chesterfield, which isn't exactly E Midlands, but isn't a million miles away.

For me halibut always had a certain mystique, I guess with them being so rare in our waters. Believe me, they ain't rare in Alaska. Neither do you need any particular skill or finesse to catch them. The secret to catching halibut, I have found, is to go where there are lots of them. Still, they are fun to catch and, I imagine, especially so from a kayak

Unfortunately not. I'll do that next time, if ever there is one. I'm just about to get into this yakking and only just found that site yesterday. My trip was organised by my wife, in "honour" of my 40th birthday this year. I'd always wanted to see Alaska and I'd always wanted to catch a halibut. I dodn't know that Alaska has a place called Homer, the "halibut fishing capital of the world". Suffice to say that if you want to catch a halibut go to Homer. I had 34 in two days fishing Whilst I didn't catch anything over average size (25lbs), I did see a 295 lb'er. Awesome fish If anyone fancies going there and wants any pointers, let me know and I'll help if I can. Oh, and can I stow away in your baggage ? I'd love to go back. Mike

Sure is Musket. If you want to see another impressive catch, look at www.yakfishalaska.com - there's a 184lb halibut caught from a yak ! I've just recently returned from Alaska (lucky me) where I caught some halibut. Even a 25lb'er can take line with the drag set to slip at 12lb. They are powerful fish. Looking at sites like these make you realise just what's possible fishing from a yak.

Why would you want to sit on top of the trolley ? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Shame you didn't get a bargain, but thanks for the useful feedback re the prowler. As another newcomer, I'm trying to work my way through the maze of info available, and feedback from real people/users helps a lot more than manufacturer/supplier spiel.

Hi Guys, From reading around the various threads, it seems that most of you use trollies to get your yak to the water's edge. I've come across an instance of a guy carrying his on his shoulder via a strap.If you go to www.fishingnoosa.com.au and look under "Tall Stories", "Trolling for Spaniards" you'll see the picture. The guy uses a thigh strap over his shoulder to carry the yak. I'm not sure (being a newbie to this) what the thigh strap is for, but what do you think of the concept of transporting a yak on a shoulder strap ? Sounds like a good idea to me, if you can cope with 60lbs or so slung over your shoulder and the walk isn't too far.

HF, There are a couple of SLOSHs on Ebay now. Item 7182678186 is a brand new SL20SH which finishes bidding on 19th. Current price #41. Item 7182206502 is a used SL30SH which finishes bidding on 17th. Current price #36.