NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => Introductions => Topic started by: Kiaikai on July 30, 2009, 10:51:17 AM

Title: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: Kiaikai on July 30, 2009, 10:51:17 AM: I just signed up and wanted to say howzit to the crew here.

It was a long time ago but I used to work on charter boats and guided Kayak tours in Hawaii. I’ve been in the Bay Area for about 9 years now after a tourist girl lured me out here.

I have always been into fishing, but the water here is so different, call me stubborn but it has taken some adjustment. I have done it several times, but free diving in freezing murky water just isn’t my thing. It was drilled into me as a kid to not surf or dive in murky water. This Yak fishing thing looks like fun though.

I was pretty amped until I read the GWS thread; sarcastic thanks on that one. I was heavily into free diving and spear fishing in Hawaii, and had plenty of experiences with sharks including the main tax man over there the tiger shark. But as much as I try to tell myself it is no different the Whites still vibe me out. At least a tiger will usually stalk you and let you know that it is there so that you can figure out how to deal with it when it makes a run or starts getting agitated.

Anyway, I just found this site and wanted really say thank you for all of the useful info. I sold my bigger boat a few years back and have been looking for the best all around portable solution. I am leaning towards Malibu Stealth 14 and plan on using it for fly fishing & live baiting sierra lakes, and for rock fish/hali trips.
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: Sin Coast on July 30, 2009, 11:10:18 AM: Welcome welcome!
Don't let a shark vibe you out of a good spot. (because they're lurking at the crappy spots too)
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: Rock Hopper on July 30, 2009, 01:56:18 PM: I'm honestly more worried about sealions then GWS. :smt010
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: LoletaEric on July 30, 2009, 02:31:51 PM: Welcome aboard, Kiaikai. :smt006
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: HDRich on July 30, 2009, 02:43:35 PM: Welcome aboard Kiaikai!!!!

Are you in the bay area?

I liked the features of the Stealth 14, but the weight (64lbs) was a bit too much for me...

There are sharky areas and less sharky areas, don't let that keep you out of the water.

Rich
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: Kiaikai on July 30, 2009, 03:09:29 PM: Ha, I didn't mean to go off on a shark tangent. I have had more experiences with eels getting pissed off at me for being in "their" holes stealing "their" bugs, fish, or tako than getting bum rushed by big a tiger after my stringer.

Yes, I currently live in the East Bay and planned on launching at places like Fort Baker for bottom fishing. Once I have the boat it would be nice to learn the cold water ropes from some of the experts.

The deck layout of the stealth looked perfect, and the boat itself just looked solid. I don't plan in going down and goat trails so the weight of the boat wasn't as big a factor as the weight of myself and my gear.
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: HDRich on July 30, 2009, 03:18:49 PM: You're right about the deck layout, it is very usable, and with the 33" beam, its also very stable.

Rich
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: stoggie on July 30, 2009, 03:20:28 PM: I don't worry about the sharks, they need to eat too.

Sharks in the area mean there's food in the area as well, so they better have their game on if they are gonna take my fish tacos away from me.

Of course that big talk is because I haven't seen one yet since I started fishing here. Someday I will get a rude awakening, but never think about it while on the water.

Welcome to the madness, let's get out there.

Stoggie
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: PISCEAN on July 30, 2009, 03:31:57 PM: Welcome!
Yeah, the central coast sure isn't Hawaii in regards to water temp. There's a reason one of the big names in wetsuit design is located here, with water from 49-55 degrees most of the year.

In regards to kayaks, I think 64lbs is pretty heavy for an unloaded boat, but I do like the deck of the stealth. Everyone has their favs, so if you paddle it & like it, more power to ya. Get on it & get out there!
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: Sin Coast on July 30, 2009, 04:21:59 PM: Weighs less than a Trident, right?
Title: Re: Hello & Thank you.
Post by: Kiaikai on July 30, 2009, 07:51:57 PM: Quote from: stoggie on July 30, 2009, 03:20:28 PM

Sharks in the area mean there's food in the area as well,

Classic, that is what my grandfather told me the 1st time I saw one when diving. I was about to crack a fish and it started acting really erratically. I turned around and small 3-4 foot white tip was on point waiting to dart in to snake my fish. When I shot to the surface he told me to go back down and shoot the fish...the shark just meant that there was good fishing.

Yeah she is a heavy boat, good work out. I can't wait to try standing up sight fishing dry flies to trout on with it though.