Just about ready for sea trials (on the lake) next week.  Taking out the "Admiral" if all go's well.

Well, here's my solution to the "Hands Free - not really kayak. After having experienced the "not really hands free" Hobie Mirage Outback, Hobie Tandem Island, and my new Predator PDL I think this may work.  This should lock the rudder in place so you don't need to continually hold the steering control lever with your left hand - which results in only 1 hand free.

This actually doesn't put much strain on the lever at all and seems to lock it wherever you want.  For trolling straight it should be a big improvement, also could lock in place if you wanted to do a circle?  At least you should be able to have both hands free for a short time without immediatelly turning like what happens now especially with some wind.

Brought to you by "Boogieman" and the "Pismo Gismo Predator PDL/tandem/Minn Kota".  I used a cut down small plastic shimm wedge left over from a window installation at home (Home Depot). Try it yourself at your own risk.

Had a nice first trip at Avila Beach (near Pismo).  Didn't launch till around 2PM.  Pedaled out about 2 miles to 80' with fair targets on the Lowrance.  Droped a couple choves on a shrimp fly rig - fairly choppy, 10K wind.  Wham, loaded up with 2 nice blacks.  By the time I had the fish on my stringer had to pedal back to the spot - baited and droped back down and bam - 2 more.

Wind, chop and small white caps building so decided to pedal back in.  Pedaling the Predator into those conditions was much easier and faster than it would have been in my old Malibu Extreme. Wind increased to 15k before landing. It was easy to make way even with chop coming over the bow at times.

Only thing I would like to have is some way to lock the rudder control in place as I had to continually steer with left hand.  Also the seat sits quite high for those conditions but even so it was stable - just more windage than necessary.

Thought I had owned my last kayak - then I saw the new model Predator PDL and ended up buying the first one here on the "Central Coast" (Pismo Beach).  Last kayak was a Hobie Tandem Island, loved it but just too heavy for me to car top.

Only did a short sea trial so far  on the Predator but so far so good.  Setting it up with a second seat for the "Admiral" when we go to calm waters.  Pedals great, like the 500# capacity, like the hull design.

Due to my planed modifications think I'll call it the "Pismo Gismo".

After more hours (months) of defeat than I wish to admit to it finally happened yesterday.  I actually landed not just one but two salmon outside the whistle buoy.  The Prophet beat me to it the day before with 2 nice ones which he will post if he didn't already.  My first one was around 10-11# and the second around 16-17#.  Not huge but very much appreciated. 

I found out I didn't need to be at work today so went out again and eventually landed 2 more.  The first one today was great, weighed in at 21# on the beach, and the other one again around 10 to 11#.  The bite was wide open both days.  Today after landing the first one I lost 5 in a row, then finally the second one came aboard.  The fish came in between 160 and 190 FOW about 1.5 miles past the whistle buoy.  Landed them on apex watermellon, brads cut plug lure and today herring.  Decided my hooks were too small today with the herring as had such a hard time with them throwing the hook.

Come on down Eric and everyone else before they head out.  It was just too easy all of a sudden.  Heard of 3 40 to 45# landed in the last 3 days here.

Looking for advice from experienced NCKA'ers.  I'm 6'2", 230# and looking at the Malibu X-13.  I'm at the top weight limit for this model but told it would work.  I need a yak that I can launch/land in 2' surf if need be.  I will be using it primarily at Shelter Cove. Also want decent range and speed. Don't need live bait tank.  From what I can tell this would be a decent soultion.  I especially would appreciate any advice from anyone who has actual experience with the X-13.  I need advice fast as I'm likely to need a quick decision (tomorrow).  Thanks,  "Boogieman"

After some modifications to my "Boogieyak" and purchase of a new Kokatat dry (top only) I was anxious to give a shake down run today at the cove. Only saw one other power boat out.  Everything worked well, landed a 27" ling and went back home.  Very impressed with the comfortable new top.  Trolled a herring on a norseman hook rig on my downrigger for salmon but no takers.  Had a nice south wind to help me back to the launch.  Thought I may see Eric lurking around out there but didn't happen.

I'm interested to hear from anyone who has fished Shelter Cove recently. Interested in any advice for catching Calif halibuts.