Newbie with a couple questions

Hi all,

I'm new to this site (excellent site by the way), and this is my first post here.

I just bought a new 2009 Tarpon 140 from Aaron at MBK, and I'm in the process of outfitting it. This is my second fishing yak, but my first SOT. My last was a Old Town Loon SINK that I used exclusively for high Sierra lake fishing only. The new SOT will be used about 90% for coastal and Monterey Bay rockfish, Halibut, etc...

Anyway, I have a couple questions:

First, how difficult (or dangerous) is it to access the front hatch while underway on most SOT's? I was thinking about getting a large dry bag and putting it in the front hatch to use as a fish bag. The idea would be to toss the fish in the front hatch while fishing, then just pull the dry bag out (hopefully full of fish) when returning to shore.  If this is not a good plan, where does everyone store their catch?

Second, I noticed that most of you have installed your FF traqnsducers inside your hulls. I understand the reasoning behind this, but I'm wondering why I shouldn't attach it externally on the stern on the kayak to also get the accurate water temp and speed from the transducer. I've looked at the back end of my yak and think I can make it work. Are there any real disadvantages to mounting the transducer outside the yak? I can imagine there may be issues with hitting or damaging the transducer during transport, etc...  Has anyone else gone this route??

I haven't had the new yak out yet, but am planning to get out next week some time and I look forward to meeting some of you in the future.

Thanks,
Brian (EZ Rider)

welcome Brian! 

First, how difficult (or dangerous) is it to access the front hatch while underway on most SOT's? I was thinking about getting a large dry bag and putting it in the front hatch to use as a fish bag. The idea would be to toss the fish in the front hatch while fishing, then just pull the dry bag out (hopefully full of fish) when returning to shore.  If this is not a good plan, where does everyone store their catch?

it might be a little tricky to access the front hatch while being on the water.  i personally use a game clip to secure my catch and put it in the tank well.
http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=96
i also use a burlap/potato sack to keep it from getting dry.  occasionally soaking the sack with water will keep the fish fresh.

Second, I noticed that most of you have installed your FF transducers inside your hulls. I understand the reasoning behind this, but I'm wondering why I shouldn't attach it externally on the stern on the kayak to also get the accurate water temp and speed from the transducer. I've looked at the back end of my yak and think I can make it work. Are there any real disadvantages to mounting the transducer outside the yak? I can imagine there may be issues with hitting or damaging the transducer during transport, etc...  Has anyone else gone this route??

i have my transducer installed inside the hull and it's working just fine.  the water temp reading might be off by a few degrees but everything else seems to work just fine.  i personally think that installing the transducer inside has more advantages than disadvantages.  first, it's easy to install...all you need is marine goop and sand paper.  second, no holes to drill.  third, the transducer is protected from many elements.

good luck with rigging your kayak and see you on the water soon.

Welcome to the board Brian!!

Nice to have another local on board. I'm in Ben Lomond.

I have an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 and although a bit tricky, I can access the front hatch. Practice in calm waters and you'll figure it out.

My P13 has a transducer mount location in the back via a preformed scupper hole. But I chose to mount it in hull as I did not want to drill holes in the hull and run the cables. Also, if I ever decide to sell it , I'd like to be able to have it available to recreational kayakers, and without holes in it, my opinion is I'd have a better shot at selling it into a larger customer base.

Hope to see you on the water Brian!!

Rich

Welcome

I have been able to access the front hatch while on the water but it can be tricky.
I drop my legs on either side and "scooch" (is that a word?) slide myself forward slowly.
I have a T160, so you have less "scooching" to do than I do. Practice on calmer waters.

I agree with the previous post, a game clip and burlap sack works best. I keep it near my feet till the catch gets too big then transfer to the back.

the transducer is best inside the hull and while the water temperature is not as accurate and sometimes not even close, the transducer mounted outside can get hung up with kelp, lures, line etc.

Cleaner the better, you have enough things to worry about on the big blue without dicking around with a transducer.

Can't wait to see the '09 t140 on the water.

Stoggie

Most use a game clip or burlap sack. Front hatch is doable but its a bit of a balancing act. As for the transducer. 99% of ppl have it in the hull (unless you have a yak like the T13 that has been built for external mounting). Temp really isn't that much of an issue for ocean fishing. The internal transducer mount can be either direct goop or foam doughnut. There are pros and cons to both methods. You can search for both "how to's"

Welcome to the group!

Yeah, depending on the ocean conditions, I wouldn't even try and open the front hatch on either of my rides.  I had an issue with my battery after launching this last weekend and "scooted" up to the front and got at the battery box but was almost swamped by a PB that came by.  Having that hatch open and getting a nice wave to swamp the inside of your kayak could lead too a really bad situation.   

 I'm gonna see if I can find a burlap sack to use this weekend, see if its all the rage people keep saying.  Normally I just toss on game clip and throw in back.  Seems like I have never seen anyone with a burlap sack in all the outings I have done, but everyone seems to recommend them!

front hatch is easy.  just drop in the water, swim up to the front and open the hatch. 

ive also accessed the front hatch in my trident. its not that easy to do, but I have decent balance and am a little lighter in weight than some other guys are.  but for you to do that each and every time that you catch a fish, not a good idea.  first, its a PITA. second, you'd get tired of it. guarantee!

Welcome Brian! Are you the guy in the band that plays the Moss Landing salmon opener? If so, Thanks!

Accessing the front hatch isn't that difficult. However, it would prove much more difficult with a lively rockfish/lingcod. Plus, you'd have to access the hatch each time you caught a keeper. [Also, this could take up to 3-5 minutes and cause you to drift into kelp, rocks, danger, or away from the other fish]

I would suggest getting a stringer or gameclip and storing your fish in the tankwell. Covering them with a burlap sack is a good idea because the ocean conditions will dry-out the fish otherwise (even if its overcast). Although, I admit to losing my burlap sack 2 years ago...and now I just put the fish on the clip and toss em in the tankwell---occasionally splashing water on them and/or letting them soak beside my yak (if there aren't any seals around!).
The only problem with this method is when the stringer has 2 lings and 10 rockfish, and weighs over 50lbs! This happened to me a few times last season and I had to ask other people to help put the stringer into the tankwell....too heavy to do it myself. But I guess that's a GOOD problem to have (like a team with too many good QBs haha).
Good luck!
PK

I also use the gameclip-in-the-tankwell/burlap sack to secure my fish. I'll use the hatch in a pinch, but to access the "tupperware"-style hatch on my T140 I pretty much need anoth paddler alongside for stablility. Not that's impossible solo, but it's a PITA. The OK strap-style hatch covers are wayyy easier to deal with on the water.

 As for the transducer, I think most mount them inside the hull to minimize damage during a surf launch/landing. I use a portable FF with a suction cup transducer, & I just stick it to the outside of the hull. I do remove it anytime I'm in the surf zone, and store the whole FF inside a plano box.

  Seems like I have never seen anyone with a burlap sack in all the outings I have done, but everyone seems to recommend them!

Ah grasshopper, I keep one neatly rolled up in my hull.  Some day I am going to catch something like a salmon or seabass, and will break out the burlap.  Other wise a game clip, dunked periodically works fine.  If you catch a lot like SinCoast, just have two clips.

Eugene

The only problem with this method is when the stringer has 2 lings and 10 rockfish, and weighs over 50lbs! This happened to me a few times last season and I had to ask other people to help put the stringer into the tankwell.

Rub it in JERK! 

Hey everyone - thanks for the replies and good info. I think I'll go with the game clip stringer like most of you are doing. It sounds like the front hatch is best used for storing gear that's not normally needed while underway.

And for the transducer, I can see where the beach landings could be an issue if I had it mounted externally. Guess I'll do the inside mount after all.

Sin Coast - Yes, that's actually my wife's band that's been playing for the Moss Landing party for the past couple years. The band's name is Sinister Blue http://www.sinisterblue.net I manage the band and run the sound for the gigs, etc, but I don't actually play in the band. Were you down there this year?

Looking forward to getting out next week for some rockfish action!

I'm surprised so many people have trouble opening their front hatch while on the water.


I've had an 11' Caper, a T15, and a P15, and have never had an issue getting to and opening the hatch on any of them. Unstrapping the farthest strap prior to getting under way does help a lot, though.

I use Stoggie's "Dangle and Scooch" method.

Seems like you've got the right ideas now but just to re-enforce, I mounted my transducer externally for ONE trip, now it's inside the hull and never been a problem since.

I've got a p15 and in rough conditiosn getting up to the front hatch is dicey... Last time i did that was off chimney rock with a 24# and an 8# salmon. Swells were coming way way up, wind was howling, making a big hole in the top of my yak with waves starting to come over the side was scary...slipping the fish in was easy. Unfortunately, sliding down the first big swell the fish slid up to the bow, and that sucker was riding LOW, actually nearly buried it coming across the reef

no blood in the water, and a nice "fun" paddle back to the launch, with me mumbling about never doing that again.