Intro: I have spent 6 decades fishing but am new to Yaks

Just acquired an inflatable Hobie i11s/mirage drive. Have a lot to learn about rigging, clothing, navigation and tackle. Hope to get my feet wet this Fall, without falling in much deeper than that.

I will study the forums (fora) and try to post some questions.

Hoping to meet up with experienced yakkers and start filleting fish.

—Jim

Welcome thisintothat 

Welcome aboard Jim 

Welcome Jim!  What kind of fishing are you looking to do from your new yak? 

I live in Berkeley and am interested in what’s doable nearby ( halibut, strippers) plus rockfish and salmon when skills develop. I prefer to fish for the table, not the camera or stats board. Open to suggestions.

Right now I need to figure out how to rig storage, tethers, Rod holder on an inflatable. Frankly I’m having better luck on YouTube than this site using search.

Welcome, Jim. My daughter is going to school in Walnut Creek this semester, so I'm bumming around the East Bay most Mondays and Thurdays. Let me know if you want to head out on one of the local lakes and start getting your systems dialed in. I'm hanging out at Lafayette Reservoir most Mondays and Thursdays, although I'm going to start checking out San Pablo soon.

I’ll keep you in mind once I have some rigging in place.

I fished from an i9 for a couple of years. Used a small crate in the back for storage and rod. But didn’t have a rod holder for fishing. I did use a rubber shower/tub mat to place between seat and pedals for extra protection for the inflatable from fish spines and hooks. I would strongly recommend that. I would store the small wheels with the front bungees. I fished Alameda, TI, HMB, Doran and SC with this setup and caught halibut, crab and RF. It was an easy setup that could fit in the trunk. But be sure to reinflate to wash and dry at home before storing. CCK had a glue to re-attach fittings that came unglued.

welcome to NCKA

A longtime member Salty. used to fish off one. He doesn't post much anymore but may have some tips. Try sending him a PM.  Use the members section search for member and type in Salty.  I think his name has the . period. I've always found the general search function here to be pretty frustrating

Hi Jim

Just looking at those yaks it looks like it’s designed for flat wind-free conditions

Fully loaded with a human on top is a recipe for a swim, meaning in chop or short steep wind waves would be a high likelihood it will roll

I.e. be very picky about days and conditions

Especially in SF bay or ocean and anyplace else the wind kicks up

Very stable kayak.   Wide, works as a SUP.   Only time the wind rolled my i11s was Convict lake and under inflated.   40 mph winds, waves got me sideways and rudder not in water.   Fastlanesailing in  San Diego sells a really nice gear holder for the i11s.   I made similar, not as nice with a poly cutting board.   Fits partway under the seat and has Ram mounts for the fish finder, Striker 5, and transducer mount.   Needs a rod holder, but need different board.   A crate in back would work well.   I fish lakes and Mission Bay, SD.   So normally take a small soft fishing box that hangs on seat, and lay rods by the paddle.

Hey Jim, I have spent 6 decades fishing as well. Rock fish, and salmon is closed. Halibut will most likely be slowing down as we head towards winter. As it cools down I will be hitting the local lakes for trout.

The lakes would be a good place for you to get comfortable in your kayak. Plus they stock some monster sized fish. Let me know if you want to give it a try sometime.

Mark

Great suggestions for many, much appreciated. I found the plastic board idea on YouTube and it seems very promising.  If I could store a rigid boat it seems preferable.

MooMoo, I saw your DIY crab snare demo at TLA’s demo at CCK, very well thought out.

Welcome to NCKA Jim.