Quote from: Mr. X on May 15, 2024, 12:32:12 PM

For example, I wont bring extra marige drive because its too heavy, and even it out of work, I still can use hand-paddle to make my Kayak move. But I will bring extra AKA, that part is not reliable, if that one broken, will give me a big trouble.........

From what I've seen (and what I've read on the Hobie forum and here), a mirage drive failure is far more likely than an aka bar problem. The only cases that I can recall of aka damage were due to failed beach landing attempts, where the boat goes sideways. On open water, aka bars have been known to detach from the kayak, but it's easy to rig a safety/keeper line so that it won't move much, let alone drop off and disappear into the depths. On the other hand, mirage drives fail often and in many different ways--from broken crank arms and chains to cracked plastic drums, and everything in between.

You can sorta paddle a TI, but I believe you'll have a paddleboard "bench" and cooler on one side and maybe tramps too, which would make that "sorta" more like "nearly impossible". Since you are on a TI, why not just put a spare mirage drive in the other slot for the 2nd pedaler, and bungee it into the "up" position? The extra weight would be insignificant, and in an emergency, you could get access to the spare drive in a few seconds. That could matter if your mirage drive fails at a critical point in time.

You might also want to think about how would steer the boat if one of the spectra lines breaks, as that is not uncommon. And I assume you are carrying at least a couple of extra rudder and aka pins.

I would contribute some funds towards a spare.

I got a Feel Free from I think CCK. It was cheaper than a Hobie and has an inside removable bag that keeps the insulated bag clean. I place plastic ice packs/blocks between the liner and the insulated outside. No meltwater to leak in my car. But I usually keep fish on the stringer and transfer to the cooler bag for the ride home. The ice blocks are stored in a smaller cooler with my beer/food until needed. The bag has fit up to a 37" halibut. 

If a sea lion ever dumps me, I will probably bring the bag out on the yak more often.

I will check it out. I think Mable will keep any sea lions away.

Quote from: Mark L on May 15, 2024, 07:07:51 AM

The only place for a kill bag is in the back, and that means that I have to give up on carrying a crate.

I'm curious why is the bow not an option?  That's where I run my kill bag and it's nice and convenient.  That way all fish handling happens in front of my chair.  I keep 2 clips.  One to dangle during bleeding and then transfer to the clip in the kill bag so I don't accidentally knock a fish overboard from the kill bag.  Ice goes in the kill bag while rigging up on shore and stays without water until the first fish.  Then I add water to the bag with ice and fish.

The Eddyline is pretty narrow, and is difficult for me to go from sitting flat to a kneeling position. I can spin side  saddle pretty easy to reach in the back but can't reach far enough forward. Plus I have my FF center mounted, and the forward rod holders stick into the area as well. I may put the kayak on the garage floor and practice getting to the front to see if it might be doable.

Quote from: Mark L on May 15, 2024, 07:07:51 AM

In order to keep fish as fresh as possible my normal routine was to keep fish live on the clip, bleed them when heading in, and right onto ice after landing.

Since I was flipped out of my kayak last week at Shelter Cove ( https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=101746.225 ) when a sea lion grabbed my fish I have decided to change my method. The only place for a kill bag is in the back, and that means that I have to give up on carrying a crate. Not having the crate eliminates 4 rod holders which is another issue.

The recommended kill bags in this thread are no longer available so looking for current recommendations. My kayak is an Eddyline Caribbean 14.

Look at AlexB's avatar - I run my taco-style kill bag the same way between my seat back and my box in the rear compartment. The built in rod holders on my outback are behind the kill bag and still accessible (although tough to see without an extension) and my crate is accessible as well. The main issue would be if it would interfere with your paddle stroke. Cheers, Brad

My kayak is a bit narrower so it might stick out to the sides too much.

Raffle info:

I have always been busy administering the raffle, so photos of it and the prizes and winners are hard to come by! 

Here is a run-down of what was in the raffle:

- Cooler and cups from Sportsman's Warehouse
- PFD from Kokatat, plus t-shirt for grab bag items
- PFD from Pacific Outfitters
- Three custom gaffs from Piscean Artworks
- Ocean Setup with line counter from Englund Marine
- Grab bag items from The Lost Anchovy
- B2Squid - a squid for every angler!  and grab bag items
- Light Okuma setup from Redwood Marine
- $50 Gift Certificate from Bucksport
- Box of Custom Jigs from Kenny Baker
- Salmon and Tuna artwork from Mike Kaiser
- Tekota reel from GS benefactors
- Tournament hoodie from GS
- 5 Hawg Troughs with extenders from GS
- Fishfinder from GS
- VHF from GS
- OG Redwood Trophy Trough from GS

I hope I didn't leave anyone out.  It was a great spread for the group, and what a hoot it was to enjoy the winners' celebrations!

Big thanks to all of the sponsors and individuals who donated.

Please post photos of winners and items if you have them.  Thanks!