Question for the AI group

I have a question for all the Adventure Island folks, the question is does all the rigging ropes, mask, sail, out-riggers and stuff get in the way while fishing or does the fun factor over way the obstacles. I have been watching youtube on fishing on the AI but thought I would ask you guys first hand. Thanks in advance   I am planning on joining the group sometime soon still saving .

Pat R       

It's kind of a double edge sword with the AI. Yes, the bottom of the sail will rub my head/cap when switching tacks. You learn to duck or lean your head at the right time. The sail rope that attaches the back of the sail to the boat will ride on my shoulder/neck as well when the sail is reefed in.
You learn to lean a bit to avoid prolonged annoyance. You can also give the sail more rope to get curvature on the canvas and avoid that centered tight rope/sail in your face as well.

You're generally not going to be trolling at max speed potential. You can (depending on wind conditions) adjust the sail somewhat for comfort in most normal conditions.

And when you're sailing for max speed and not fishing, you can drop down in your seat and stretch out some to avoid the bottom of the sail or rope. You want to get low in the saddle in those circumstances anyway as you shift your weight or lean out.

The AI is a world class crappie boat! Yes, crappie is not the first thing that comes to mind with a sailing yak, but this rig is so comfortable just parked on a spot or tied to a tree limb. Reel in the sail and unhook the back sail rope. Then just set the rods out on the trampolines/outriggers and kick back with your legs supported on the hammock-like mesh tramps. Set your extra gear (net, lights, bait etc.) on the tramps as well. Just like sitting on a couch and the rig is as stable as a dock. Just so much room to put stuff at arms length. Great for bass and catfish too.

I like to use the rig in kayak (Adventure) mode when trout trolling. Pinpoint speed control and good fish fighting ability. The kayak is fast as hell too.

The complete AI rig with the sail reeled in/back sail rope unhooked works well for pedal trolling as well. Takes a little more effort on the pedals for speed (still pretty fast though). The outriggers/tramps can present a bit of an obstacle when bringing in a LARGER fish. Quickly undo the rear brace with your right or left hand and use your leg to bring in the outrigger for netting/gaffing the fish. You can also climb/lean out to net any other (smaller) fish with the outriggers still deployed. It must be remembered that the rig is VERY stable in the AI configuration. You CAN shift your weight around and find the best way to bring in the fish. Get the tramps to allow for more freedom of movement/options.   

Good luck!   
   

What Mistral said...and I use one tramp for most of my fishing and end up fishing kneeling on it most of the time when casting andfighting fish- I landed a bunch of Rockies and a fatty halibut zout there. I did stay in the main hull for landingthe two sturgeon I've caught from it so far.
Trolling using the sail is awesome once you get it dialed-so completely effortless itll make you giggle.

thanks guys thats the kind of stuff you can not get on you tube, thanks again for the info .

Pat R

One thing i have experienced tat i left out-- the stock rod holder position is pathetic with the sail.  Lines will knock on the rod, and possibly knock it out.
i have a rod holder clamped on the rear right aka bar...i can see the rod tip in my peripheral vision, and the rod is well away from the sail lines. With a holder on the opposite side i get a 10 foot spread- would be PERFECT for albies...

+1 on being careful about the lines knocking the rod(s) into the water. I've had it nearly happen a couple of times already and the rods were barely hanging on before I noticed.

I have not installed any extra rod holders on the boat yet. Been lucky so far (fingers crossed) on using the Hobie aftermarket tubes that fit in the rod holder holes to store the rods. I have put the rods on the tramps before when I became concerned with that issue.

That Aussie (Yakass) guy on youtube has tried several variations of rod holders. I keep watching before I want to commit to one method. I definitely want them mounted on the back cross brace and angled forward (sounds like Steve's method) for side viewing. He has the rod holders hard mounted to the (main hull) aka bar with an additional stretch cord brace on the tubes themselves to allow some back flex and give. Looks promising. 

 

I actually used taco rod holders for 1.5" pipes, mounted s out a foot out on the aka it self. I can easily reach the rod, the tip will extend past the ama. Stole that from some Hawaiian AI guy.

hay Steve
 are the aka bars an 1.5 in diamitor and are they the same size as the bars that are bolted to the kayak.

Pat R

THe aka bars and teh cross bars are both about 1 3/8 or so-- but the 1.5 rod holders fit perfectly

thanks Steve that helps

Pat R

Here is the one I use

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Taco_Stainless_Steel_Clamp_On_Fishing_Rod_Holder_Fits_1_25_1_5_Pipe_gold&i=92451&sw=true

Those look like they will last you a life time very nice. what are you running in the  front for rod holders and did you mount your FF on the cross bar in the front.
thanks for the info
Pat R

Steve- Those Tacos look great. I'm assuming that they are wide open on the bottom. Looks like they are sold out for now.

Pat - The 2011 and on forward AI units have a completely different method of attaching aka bars to the main hull. A larger aka diameter receiver "pipe" across the main hull with push button releases. This main hull section is not round anymore (more like upside down U shaped).

Bottom line - two completely different diameters (hull portion of aka/outrigger portion of aka). The outrigger portion of the tubes might be a little bigger than before as well (mine look at or slightly more than 1.5 inches).


 

I don't run anything in front anymore...that was the hardest decision for me, but with the rod tip angled slightly forward i can see the rod, and grab it MUCH easier than i used to.
The fishfinder is mounted on a ram mount that clamps to the front xbar. i still ain't sold on that location- i can see it always, and it is out of the way- as the finder gets HAMMERED with spray, waves and such under sail.

they make those clamp on rod holders in 1.5-2" diameter as well...some you just have to take the plastic insert out.