NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Hookups and Fishing Reports (Viewable by Public) => Topic started by: todaymueller on February 19, 2009, 02:48:17 AM

Title: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on February 19, 2009, 02:48:17 AM
I posted on here a few weeks ago and some interest was expressed in me putting up a report or two .
I live in Rochester , Kent , SE England . Where I was fishing , The Isle of Sheppey , is situated on the Thames Estuary on the north Kent coast . The fishing here is a bit tricky at this time of year as most of our winter species have left  and the summer ones have yet to arrive .....
So here is my first attempt  :smt001 I had some problems embedding the you tube video and some code is still showing on the page , they play ok from this end .


   
 
With the forecast good [ yes really ! ] I decided to have a go at the Thornback Rays . I had a few at the beginning of April last year and thought it may be worth a go . The shipping forecast  mentioned fog and although I drove through some on the way down .The Estuary looked pretty much clear of it . I had gps and a compass so it was not desperate if it came in thick .
I dragged the yak down the beach and prepared for launch . It was the first outing for my new re-designed front rod rest .

  View from the beach
[youtube=425,350]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EjhSkD97UrM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>[/youtube]

On the paddle out I noticed a wave cloud .

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3292618452_c1e6e45bf6_b.jpg)

The sun came out for an hour and it was very pleasant to bob about at anchor waiting for a bite . Although it was a bit squinty as I was facing the sun . On one rod I was fishing pacific saurey and the other a chunk of mackerel . I was using just plain running leads and a single 5/o hook on a flowing trace  .
The tide was flowing well when I first anchored but after a couple of hours it just went slack and fitfull .

Nothing for first couple of hours
[youtube=425,350]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Lr8HeEBQFII&hl=en&fs=1"></param>[/youtube]

So with no action I upped anchor and tried further out hoping to find some tide or some of the concrete blocks that were lined up on the sea bed . I found neither so anchored up again and gave it another go . An hour later I still hadn't had a bite and as it was getting near low water I decided to have another look for the concrete blocks . Why didn't I mark their position on the gps last time I was out ? Eejit .
On a spring tide the blocks break clear of the water but on a neap there was no sign of them .
I paddled out to the mid-cant buoy and looked for a wreck that I remember was marked on the chart . I could not find the wreck [ there is a theme developing here ] but the depth was down to 20 plus feet and there was a bit of tidal flow , so I dropped the hook and fished the last hour or so next to the mid-cant .

Next to the mid-cant       
[youtube=425,350]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/APLvXRNRu2E&hl=en&fs=1"></param>[/youtube]

There was no action , not even a crab . So I decided to call it a day and head back . About a mile and a quarter paddle , a long way for a beer swilling couch potato like me .
It was a good day to be out on the yak and it was a shame the fish did not play ball . I gave my new Typhoon B max drysuit a work out and I can say I am impressed .The only niggle was the velcro on the material collar  at the front was scratchy .



I hope you have enjoyed this report , sometimes I even catch fish !
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: ravensblack on February 19, 2009, 03:30:48 AM
I like it, I like it. We have a displaced brit here with us. Possibly he will chime in later. I for one will look forward to more reports. The video was very clear. Thanks, Craig
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: Gue on February 19, 2009, 08:15:41 AM

Welcome.... it will be nice to see what you guys catch and how you rig to catch it.... thanks for the post and video.

Gue
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: Fish Flogger on February 19, 2009, 08:23:37 AM
Great to have you here!! I look forward to your reports. Thanks for sharing and great video.

-FF
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: bmb on February 19, 2009, 08:44:21 AM
hey northern boy can you translate for us?  just kidding thank you very much for your report!  we definitely enjoy hearing reports from all around the world.
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: rockfish on February 19, 2009, 08:47:35 AM
Thanks for the report!
Looking forward to more!
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: DaveW on February 19, 2009, 10:51:01 AM
Thanks for the report from a far off land.  You guys speak funny, though...haha.  When are you gonna learn real California english.........dude?  :smt005
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: piski on February 19, 2009, 11:10:11 AM
It's great to see reports from afar. Keep 'em coming.
Is that drysuit toasty warm?
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: bluekayak on February 19, 2009, 12:16:18 PM
top of the heap
fish or no fish

move over abking you got company
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: Northern Boy on February 19, 2009, 12:31:34 PM
Whooooo. Welcome aboard mate.

I just registered for anglersafloat. Great to see so much yak fishing in the motherland, especially at this time of year. I'm actively trying to persuade the powers that be back home to employ me. I can't tell you how much of a relief it is to know that there's so much yak fishing in the motherland.
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: PISCEAN on February 19, 2009, 12:51:51 PM
Welcome from the "other side of the pond"!

I often caught thornback skates here in CA, in the surf & from piers. Great little fun-to-catch fish, especially when nothing else is biting. Love the wave cloud photo, that was worth the trip all by itself!
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: guitarzan on February 19, 2009, 05:01:49 PM
Keep them coming!
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: Jedmo on February 19, 2009, 05:28:45 PM
Thanks for sharing some vids todaymueller. Totally enjoyed it even without any
fish. Please keep them coming.

Jedmo
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: khmunger on February 19, 2009, 07:08:47 PM
I always knew if I caught a large enough fish I could get towed all the way to England.  Now I know I have a NCKA friend to call for help.  Welcome to the group.
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: LoletaEric on February 19, 2009, 08:58:21 PM
Thank you, tm, for giving us a look at yak fishing in far away waters.  Great report - I too love the wave cloud photo, and it's the kind of thing that makes our sport special.  4 hour skunk? - who cares?  Solo adventure in your personal, well-outfitted watercraft, appreciating whatever Nature offers around you - that's what it's all about.  Welcome, Brother.  We share a passion, and now traits of kinship such as pride and loyalty kick in.  Many of us here will look forward to your reports.   :smt001
Title: Re: A report from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on February 20, 2009, 02:37:57 AM
Thanks for the replies and Kind words , I may be able to get out next week if good weather and days off work coincide , not something that happens very often at this time of year  :smt011.
 
               
     
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on February 25, 2009, 01:40:38 AM
Hi dudes   :smt004 , here is another report from sunny England  :smt044 .This ones got fish in it . I still cant get the You tube clips to embed without some code showing  , you will just have bear with me on this .




I set off a little late and drove down to Minnis Bay through the drizzle and murk . By the time I had set up my kayak and dragged it across the exposed sand and mud to the waters edge it was gone 06:15 and the tide had begun to flood .


[youtube]<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2NLw8nyd9xM&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">[/youtube]


 The marks I had programed the night before into my GPS were about a mile out , but it was getting to be a hard slog against the tide . And after a quick look at the chart , I decided to head straight offshore and fish where the deeper water started .

[youtube]<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovexU8NCJKg&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">[/youtube]



I fished for an hour or so and was getting a few bites .
Unfortunately the tide was proving too strong for me to hold the bottom and despite letting out more anchor line I began to drag . I felt it was too dangerous to use my anchor trolley to switch from stern to bow so I let go and paddled back up to the  5 litre plastic can I use as an anchor buoy .
I headed back towards the shore and found a bit of a gully so I dropped the hook again and put down my baits . 

[youtube]<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1mBfuDQbz6o&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">[/youtube]   


I began to get bites almost straight away and eventually hooked and landed a small codling .  ;D Yay my first fish for months !

[youtube]<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mcZVKG_tAW0&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">[/youtube]


Not long before high water I started getting some solid knocks and then a long pull on my right hand rod . I struck into a fish that felt better and sure enough a Thornback ray broke surface out in front of the yak . Not a whopper but it put a smile on my face .

[youtube]<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H28pQ00yMgo&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">[/youtube]

By then the tide was slack and I decided to call it a day .
On reflection I thought I did OK . The fishing is not easy at this time of year and I had caught a couple of fish . The next time I try to fish the marks I wanted to go to originally I will use the tides better . Maybe choosing a neap so I have a better chance of holding the bottom . Also if I launch a few hours before low water I can use the tide to take me down to the marks and I will not have to drag my yak across 200 metres of soft sand .
It was the second time out for my redesigned front rod rest and camera mount . It is working fine although it needs tidying up a bit .

In the distance is Reculver towers
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3306057151_606e3c9965_b.jpg)

Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: BANJOTAD on February 25, 2009, 06:37:02 AM
Thanks for the report and videos, keep them coming :smt004
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: alien on February 25, 2009, 07:13:00 AM
cool video report! what other fish do you target during your peek fishing season.

thanks for sharing .

Alex  :alien:
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: rockfish on February 25, 2009, 10:01:33 AM
LOL
all your fish are rather cute   :smt003
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: mickfish on February 25, 2009, 10:27:12 AM
Your rod holders look pretty cool can we get a closeup and any info.
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Northern Boy on February 25, 2009, 01:40:30 PM
This has been bothering me for a while and I'm too ashamed to ask on anglersafloat!

What's the difference between a cod and a codling? Is it just size?
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on February 25, 2009, 02:31:54 PM
Yes the only difference between Codling and cod is size , I would start calling a codling a Cod at about 4lb . Other species I will  be targeting in the warmer months will be bass , smoothound and maybe tope .
 There are going to be quite a few meets in the UK this year , I will be going to some of them  . Hopefully this will put me into contact with species of fish that are not found around in any numbers around the south east . Although I have to say that the English channel and Thames and Medway estuaries do offer a good variety of fishing within 50 miles of my home . This is only my second year on a kayak so its all still a bit of a learning curve .
[ there is a police helicopter hovering near by as I write this , its like Compton here ! ]
The rod rest is a heath robinson affair knocked up out of carp tackle and bits of chopping board . I will take some photos of how my yak is rigged next time I am out . This may be a week or two as work <spitsmiley> is going to interfere with my fishing .   
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: ravensblack on February 25, 2009, 02:34:08 PM
Whats the name of your fishing website in the UK? It would be cool to post some of our antics from the State of Californication. Craig
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: alien on February 26, 2009, 07:46:31 AM
To get a better idea of your geographic location could you provide a GPS coordinates.


Thanks

 :alien:
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Northern Boy on February 26, 2009, 10:02:49 AM
Whats the name of your fishing website in the UK? It would be cool to post some of our antics from the State of Californication. Craig

I'm already there! It's www.anglersafloat.co.uk (http://www.anglersafloat.co.uk). You have to register to view the boards. I did and of course put up a sturgeon photo  :cowboy_smoke:
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on February 26, 2009, 01:16:44 PM
Yes , it is a good idea to give you all a link to where I am fishing . This link should take you to where I launched from at Minnis bay , Birchington . http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=51.378667,1.280841&spn=0.001132,0.002411&t=h&z=19 . This link should take you to where I launched from last week at Minster , Isle of Sheppey .http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=51.430932,0.809067&spn=0.00113,0.002411&t=h&z=19 . If you wish to know the GPS coordinates ,they are in the URL after the second = sign ie. for Minster  51.430932 N, 0.809067 E . and for Minnis bay 51.378667 N , 1.280841 E
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: FisHunter on February 26, 2009, 02:58:58 PM
thanks for the Paddle&HookJob!!  even though you're so far away, it feels like you're right next door! :smt002  Times out, are GOOD TIMES!! 
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: & on February 26, 2009, 03:22:28 PM
[ there is a police helicopter hovering near by as I write this , its like Compton here ! ]

Wait a second.  Do you mean Compton as in East Compton, UK?  Or Compton, as in "Easy E"/NWA/"Westsiiiide" Compton, CA. :smt044

Good videos and posts, look forward to more of your stuff.
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Domenic on February 26, 2009, 09:19:06 PM
Great post, pics, and videos. I would like to see some more pics of the rigs that you use and maybe trade ideas. Abking stopped by the other day while I was melting some lead to pour in some herring pirk moulds I ordered from UK Hooks. They turned out brilliantly. I have a 150 and 300 gram mould, and turned out 3 dozen of each. I cant wait to try them out on bottom fish this year. I also have a Norwegian pirk mould coming also. Cant wait to plate and fish them. Looking forward to see more posts as the weather and season progress.

Tight lines from across the Pond.

Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on March 12, 2009, 03:36:42 PM
Hi dudes ,  :icon_r&r: . Well I managed to get out again . Still no sun in the UK  :smt011 . But I paddled a mile or two and wet a line . A word of explanation , in the UK the closed season for course fish [ roach , bream , carp , pike etc.. ] runs from 15th March until 16th June on rivers . I launched from here : http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=51.302841,0.480614&spn=0.000567,0.001206&t=h&z=20   



It was my intention to go down to the coast . But the forecast was not great and as there are only a few days left of the course fishing season , I decided to give the tidal Medway a bash for pike .
The tide was still ebbing when I got there , so first of all I trolled a rapalla J-13 down stream as far as the sewage works outfall .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klOf5uLa7F4



I then anchored below the outfall and put out a deadbait suspended below a float . The last time I fished this spot I was after carp and saw pike chasing fish . This time I saw carp swimming past my yak within touching distance . ::)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5oMh0nG9IE



I then paddled up to Allington Lock and tried up there for a few hours . It was a big tide today with the water up level with the top of the weir gates .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw9TM8e4QYA



So I still haven't managed a pike out of the tidal stretch . Now it will have to wait for next season .
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: bluekayak on March 12, 2009, 03:57:04 PM
Hey todaymueller

is that the sewage outflow from Parliament? I think the one coming out of the white house is bigger
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on April 01, 2009, 03:17:33 AM
Hi dudes and dudesses  :smt006 ,
Got out again this week and to make a change the sun put in an appearance  :smt001 . And to top that I caught some fish  :smt003 .
I think I should point out that I pretty much copy and paste these reports from a British forum so if any of the terminology is weird just ask .
I launched from here : http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=51.378667,1.280841&spn=0.001132,0.002411&t=h&z=19 



I was up early , unable to sleep , after a week of night shifts and drove down to Birchington on the North Kent coast . The sun was just peeking above the horizon as I wheeled the yak the short distance down to the waters edge .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y1qeV3Bw6A


Looking at the chart a few weeks ago I had spotted a drop off a mile or so down the coast towards Margate . I had already programed this into my GPS , so I paddled out steadily towards the little fishy icons on the garmin screen . Sure enough the echo sounder showed the bottom dropping away from 6 ft to 13 in a mater of a 100 metres . I dropped the hook where the bottom leveled off , got out the chopping board and prepared some bait , while the yak settled down on the end of the anchor line .
I soon started getting bites and within 20 minutes of arriving had 2 Thornback Rays in the boat ;D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcLvORNF7EA

Slack water was at 0945 and just as it was easing off , I had my first but you can bet not my last , dogfish of the year . I then had a couple of rolls and a drink of coffee while the tide turned .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDhoGOJwFPE


Bites were coming steadily and the weather was glorious . It is surprising how far sound travels over water when it is calm . I could clearly hear people talking as they walked there dogs and stuff under the cliffs at Westgate/Birchington even though I must have been at least a quarter of a mile offshore .
I then hooked a TBR up the bum :o


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K81R9Ru1fPw


I then managed to catch a founder , I think , if anybody can confirm the ID . I am not very good at flattie identification .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeG82MdRoQ8


I managed another couple of Thornback rays as well as a pair of small whiting . The weather was really warming up and the sea was oily in appearance , I had had a good day with plenty of fish caught , a new mark tried and given a ++A . Definitely somewhere I will be trying again . ;D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re1_-GfsPrM

Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: piski on April 01, 2009, 09:07:26 PM
Great report - almost like being there with all the video footage!
No kidding about the fantastic weather over there for this time of year.
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on April 24, 2009, 03:20:34 PM
Its been a while since I posted , but seeing as I have recently come back from a trip to Cornwall I thought I would put up a post  :smt004 . This is Mullion Cove the other places mentioned are nearby  . http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=50.014882,-5.254254&spn=0.018642,0.038581&t=h&z=15




My line manager at work had been nagging me that I had too much toil saved up and that I needed to start using it up . So I put in for 4 days worth and set off for Cornwall on Wednesday morning . By early afternoon I was past Truro and Adam rang up and suggested a pint before heading down to the camp site . I found The Sportsman and met up with Adam for a few pints of Betty Stoggs and a big plate of steak and ale pie . It was drizzly when I got to the pub , when I left to go down to the Lizard and the campsite , it was lashing it down . I drove through roads like rivers and was soon at little trevethern camp site . I pitched my tent on the only patch of grass without a puddle and sorted myself out . By 8 o'clock I was feeling hungry and thirsty and decided to wander down to Coverack and the Paris hotel . My soaking wet army surplus poncho looked out of place next to the cashmere jumpers and burbery's . After another 5 or 6 pints of Betty Stoggs and a bowl of soup I decided to head back to the camp site . I trudged back , after half an hour of trudging :-/ I realized I was lost . I gave it another 15 mins . I was now heading out onto goonhilly downs and was sobering up fast . With thoughts of 'An American werewolf in London' playing in my mind :o I decided to head back and start again . I passed a T junction and decided to head down there for a couple of hundred yards and see if I recognized anywhere . I spotted a sign for the campsite and managed to find my way back arriving at the site from completely the wrong direction . Next time I will take a GPS and a torch . ::)

I squeezed my tent in somehow.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3461914905_44aee83844_b.jpg)

The next day Adam showed me a few launch sites and I headed off for Mullion cove , It was a bit to rough for fishing out past the island , so I had to content myself with fishing off the end and sheltered side of it .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l4D56Q9sR8



I managed a few small but colourfull pollock but nothing else . I gave it until evening and then paddled back tired but happy . I slept well and was ready to have another go the next day .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI-s4lSiRDY


The wind was even brisker the following day and I decided to go for Mullion again , as I figured I would be able to find some shelter somwhere . The sea was very confused with a lot of reflections back off the cliffs . I nearly turned back after anchoring once and then having to move . I dropped the anchor a second time tighter to the island and found that fishing was just possible . I had no bites and saw no fish , not a good second day .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdBorAlQCSQ



The following day I met up with Adam and John at Tescos and headed down to Pothoustock and met up with Ian and Jan [soapnsuds] Down at the beach at least one other john was there , but I have forgoten all the names , my apologies .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBvzAP74Aio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_n8doHh4Is





It was a bit foggy and calm when we headed out we went north along the coast . Adam managed a Wrasse and I had another small Pollack I am not sure if anybody else had any . A breeze sprung up after a couple of hours and the sea got a bit choppy so we all headed back . I was expecting a rough landing but it was not so bad .
With the wind in the direction it was , Ian , Jan , Adam and myself headed over to Mullion cove and launched from there for another go .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B7GXediJos




The sea was much calmer here and as we got out past the island , a lovely rolling ocean swell was heading in from the Atlantic . We don't get them in the Thames estuary it was brilliant :D .
Using a rubber worm and sand eel cocktail I managed my first proper fish a Pollock of about 2 lb :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNP2MxD__3w



I then headed out to some deeper water off of Mullion island and managed to bag better Pollock of about 5-6 lb 8-)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjrzW63uwhI



The scenery was stunning and it was great just paddling and drifting , taking it all in under the sunshine .

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3462735682_88ccb47ae4_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3533/3461922249_0aae1083a8_b.jpg)

Adam and Jan also managed a Pollock a piece ;D



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6XRGsrj5rI




All to soon it was time to head back and haul the yacks back up the steep slip at Mullion cove . It had been a good day out on the water ,with a few fish caught in excellent company .



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGi-Nh956JM




On Sunday we decided to have a go at trout fishing on Stithian reservoir and as it was the same price for hireing one boat as for launching 2 yaks , we decided to hire a boat and be sociable . We thrashed the water to foam with our flies but only managed a take each , no fish landed . The sun blazed down pretty much all day and despite us both wearing hats and slapping on some cream we both got a bit burnt . 8-)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd03MZ5T8Z0




At the end of the day we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the campsite to pack up and start the long drive home .
It was a good few days out on the water , the weather was better than I expected and A few fish were caught . The camp site was OK and was situated in an ideal spot with an easy drive to a few good marks on the lizard peninsular .




Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on April 24, 2009, 03:36:19 PM
This page keeps crashing my firefox browser , is anybody else having this problem ?  :smt013
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: piski on April 24, 2009, 04:29:44 PM
Great story ("....out of place next to the cashmere jumpers and burbery's!  :smt003)
& always great to see your posts from across the sea.

Other people have had problems recently stemming from this page - seemed to be caused by certain adverts...
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on April 25, 2009, 03:58:56 PM
Ok  , I have modified the entire page , this time loading the video clips using the flash , rather than youtube button . The page now loads much better .  However some of the videos have come up as links only , I have no idea why ? I have also noticed that I have 'read i2.ytimg.com' showing at the bottom of my firefox browser . Whats that all about ? I appolagise if any of the bugs on this page have inconvenienced anybody .
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Andy1976 on April 25, 2009, 04:03:18 PM
Your scenery and videos are great but it looks like your spots are a little fished out, or it's the wrong time of the year. 
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Northern Boy on April 25, 2009, 06:14:00 PM
Your scenery and videos are great but it looks like your spots are a little fished out, or it's the wrong time of the year. 

I'm going to go with "fished out"; it is Britain after all.

Nice vids Mr Mueller, I hope to be sampling some UK Yak action later this summer.
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Andy1976 on April 26, 2009, 12:31:39 AM
Yea the videos are great.  I'll be stopping for an hour in London this summer on my way to Russia.  I'll be spending three months with family on the Rostov-on-Don river and the Black Sea. 
Keep the videos up that was just a observation and not meant to be offensive in anyway. 
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on April 26, 2009, 01:54:24 PM
I was in the West Country [Cornwall] a little early in the year , another month and the mackerel and bass would have been around in greater numbers . But its not just about the fish is it  :smt003 its about getting out on the water , seeing old friends , meeting new ones and connecting with the sea.
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: calbear on April 26, 2009, 04:10:30 PM
I like your reports, my friend. Very refreshing. As far as your posting dilemma, perhaps starting a new post instead adding to the old one might help. I don't know, just a suggestion, might be worth a try. Looking forward to future reports.
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: SBD on April 27, 2009, 06:01:47 AM
What kind of rod holder is that on your bow?
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: guitarzan on April 27, 2009, 09:40:38 AM
I was in the West Country [Cornwall] a little early in the year , another month and the mackerel and bass would have been around in greater numbers . But its not just about the fish is it  :smt003 its about getting out on the water , seeing old friends , meeting new ones and connecting with the sea.
What about the beer?! :beer3 :beer3 :beer3
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: Dale L on April 27, 2009, 05:19:04 PM
WoW, just got around to looking at this post today, I really enjoyed all the info, and videos.  Great stuff,

and like a few others I'm interested in that rod bracket, any info on it would be appreciated.

Thanks for the reports

Dale L
Title: Re: Reports from a foriegn land
Post by: todaymueller on April 28, 2009, 02:07:31 PM
Ok this is the post I put on a UK kayak fishing forum describing how I made the front rod rest . Please feel free to ask any questions about it .



I have recently started using a redesigned front rod rest it , seems to be working well .
Firstly I bought a pair of fox buzz bars http://www.total-fishing-tackle.com/inde....2551cc2 a29e495
I chose these as they were light and strong plus they were adaptable with fittings for three rods and could be used goal post style or on a single bank stick . That way I could set up my camera mount and rods however I wanted . I then bought a couple of cheap adjustable bank sticks . I made sure the central stick was solid aluminum as I would need to bend it .
I then cut a small piece of chopping board , drilled it and joined the two buzz bars together with two nylock nuts .

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3314302618_3961efc174_b.jpg)

I then attached the two solid aluminum parts of the bank sticks to the ends of the now double width buzz bars . I bent the ends of the bank sticks so they would hold in place at the small loops on the hull .

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3314305752_eb58358f7c_b.jpg)

The hollow tubes with the pointy ends part of the bank sticks I then attached to the buzz bars and bent them so that they were pointing forwards . I cut them to length and used the wooden block that housed my mk1 rod rest to hold them in place . The hatch strap holds down the block . The forward pointing bank sticks slot into slightly oversized holes and are held in place by some shock cord . More shock cord is used to hold down the whole contraption .

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3313480641_a6eddbe3d7_b.jpg)

All that was needed now was to fit a couple of rod rest heads and a quick release adapter for my camera .
My rod buts I am poking into the attachment loops on my chair , leaning back on the seat locks them in place , leaning forward to strike releases them .
I may in the future rig up some kind of bog pipe special to hold the buts . Although as the seat loop method appears to be working fine why add more crap to my yak ? ::)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3314307428_87d1059d7a_b.jpg)

It is surprisingly solid and not very wobbly at all . It is quick to attach and remove and required no drilling or modification to the yak whatsoever .