New guy from NWKA (Kingston, WA)

Hello all,

For many years I've been hauling a 17' outboard (3 hours one way) to Neah Bay, WA.  However,  my brothers back East ( Pescador Pilot 12,  Hobie Tandem) have been urging me to try yak fishing.  The relative simplicity of yak fishing is appealing.  I candidly omit that the cost, expensive maintenance,  and hassle of trailering an outboard has been discouraging.  My brothers seem to enjoy both the challenges and rewards of yak fishing.  I trust that it'll  the same for me. 


I've just purchased an OK Trident 13 (2012 model/with rudder $500),  a GUL drysuit, an Astral PFD...this weekend I'll be on the water for a trial run. 


As a newbie,  the forums at NWKA and NCKA have been invaluable.  There's nothing better than on-the-water  experience.  Best wishes, kaz.

Welcome to the madness Kaz 

Thanks, Sailfish.  With my homemade skin-on-frame yak (Cape Falcon F1,  23" beam/28 lbs.) it didn't seem possible to fish out of that yak.  For an inexperienced paddler,  it's tough to just stay upright in the F1.  However,  I've read in (NCKA, NWKA and others) that my used Trident 13 has a solid reputation. 

You're right about the "madness".  Instead of working, I find myself surfing the fishing forums.  How/where to mount transducers-Goop or Duct Seal...what kind of FF should you buy...how about safety gear...


Oh well.  kaz.

Yes, the T-13 is an ocean worthy kayak.  Lots of guys here paddle it but wait until you learn about the...dark side 

Welcome!!!

Trident13 is a solid yak and should serve you well.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Yes, the T-13 is an ocean worthy kayak.  Lots of guys here paddle it but wait until you learn about the...dark side 

I've already glimpsed the "dark side".  PFDs that cost $100+.  Drysuits that cost more than yaks.  FFs that...

Yes, the T-13 is an ocean worthy kayak.  Lots of guys here paddle it but wait until you learn about the...dark side 

I've already glimpsed the "dark side".  PFDs that cost $100+.  Drysuits that cost more than yaks.  FFs that...

That is not the dark side.  The dark side is.... darker.

Welcome!!!

Trident13 is a solid yak and should serve you well.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Hey Jim.  I sure hope that the T13 is forgiving.  I've read dozens of comments and reviews.  Unfortunately,  in my area the used  market was dominated by toy yaks,  touring yaks, and Hobies.  I had narrowed my search to: Prowlers (similar hull),  the Malibu X13,  and the Tarpon 140.  This 2012, T13 is in excellent shape.  The only gear I'm missing are a FF and a marine handheld.  I'm searching the classifieds and outlets. 

Yes, the T-13 is an ocean worthy kayak.  Lots of guys here paddle it but wait until you learn about the...dark side 

I've already glimpsed the "dark side".  PFDs that cost $100+.  Drysuits that cost more than yaks.  FFs that...

That is not the dark side.  The dark side is.... darker.



I'm afraid you have me, crash.  I've been preoccupied considering that I was always a little nervous fishing around Neah Bay in my outboard.  The ripping currents,  cold water, and  open ocean made a 17" outboard seem puny. 

The dark side refers to hobie mirage drive kayaks.

You should try one.  There is a reason they are so popular.  I have a Hobie Revo 13 and I love it.  I would not hesitate to take it out of Neah Bay either.  Halibut fishing on an opener there is a bucket list trip for me.

Ahhh.  I see.  I understand your point.  I've fished in my brother's Hobie tandem,  and they are great yaks,  but  for my initial foray into yak fishing I had to go old-school. 


If you can get to Neah Bay,  and the demon sea-gods are kind,  you'll have a great time.  There's good camping at Hobuck campground,  and the bottom fishing is excellent.  There are some cruel currents to manage,  but there are times when you will get a strike on every drift.  I'm not sure of the present fishing regs (it changes by the hour),  but a Grand Slam in attainable.   Kings,  Ling cod, Cabezon,  assorted rockfish,  and halibut.  Todd Switzer (supplied the vid)  takes his touring/sit-in yak out 12 miles.  He's a madman.


Neah Bay Halibut Season Highlights 2015 via @YouTube