Pike-out!

Since Dad purchased his kayak we keep meaning to go out, but there seems to never be a time we're both free and the weather has been kind. The last few days have been relatively windless so we were going to head down last night, unfortunately Dad pulled out due to being sick. I called Steve on my way to Coronet Bay and he was only too happy to tag along, and he made it there just after 7pm (Lost half an hour due to turning up every dirt road near Corinella thanks to a dodgy GPS navigation system!). I had the kayaks ready to go and we headed out. I threw around a 5" nuclear chicken jerk shad and he had on a 3" "pille" colour minnow. Just before dark I had my first and only hit and pulled in a pike.
This morning we launched at 5.30 and I thought Steve was getting bored of plastic chucking so I gave him a bait rod. He hooked up after about 15 minutes and called me over with the net, saying he had on a good fish. I could see it had a bit of weight about it so I upped-anchor, pulled my rod in and headed over. This whole process took a few minutes and he was calling it for a good flattie. Turns out he had a giant stinking toadfish on his line and doesn't seem to be able to tell the difference! What a waste of time! I had a couple of takes for the rest of the morning, including a giant toadie on my plastic and a small flattie, but nothing else - Very quiet. I did notice a lot of gars hanging around "The Stick" so will have to crack out the pencil float next time we head out.

Man overboard!

Headed to Sandy Pt over the weekend with Dad. Also coming a long were Les and Daniel together with their 4.8m savage "Ranger" and John and Aaron with their small 3.2m (Approx???) "Dolphin" - A boat probably not suited to anything bigger than a farmyard dam. Another post that isn't about kayaking, but is about the dangers of the deep!
Saturday morning greeted us with typical Shallow Inlet conditions - Blowing a gale! We persisted with the 6 foot reef landing wrasse (In their millions), grass whiting and trevally - Nothing decent and no king george whiting. Headed back up to the channel and found Les and Daniel with a 45cm pinkie and John and Aaron with a nice 1m gummy. As we had caught no KGW we decided to try for these species and anchored up about 100m away from them. 15 unsuccessful minutes into our session, we heard a yell and looked over to see John and Aaron in the water and their boat capsized - It had started taking on water and flipped with the wind and waves. Hurriedly we pulled up anchor and ripped the rods out of the water and motored over. Les and Daniel were first on the scene and got Aaron aboard their boat. We pulled in John but couldn't get close to the upturned boat due to the howling gale and by now large waves. Next thing I know John had grabbed a rope and jumped back in the water - Still fully clothed! He tied the rope to his boat eventually but couldn't get to his anchor rope (Anchor was still on the bottom) to cut it. After a couple of minutes Les and Daniel picked him up, and by now he looked completely exhausted. We attempted to tow his boat in a few times but his anchor was holding fast. In the end it came free and we drove it back in. Our loaded boat now had almost no steering and I had to drive with the motor fully locked right to crab in against the wind. Our top speed was 3.8km/hr! John had lost 5 rods, flares, esky and much more, but most importantly his personal best gummy shark! He washed the boat with fresh water, used about 10 litres of WD40 on the motor and got it started, but I think that it has definitely shortened the lifespan of the engine!
We did catch about 60 mullet the next day (Some kept for bait for winter gummies in WP), a couple of pinkies and some trevally, but the capsizing was definitely the story of the trip!

Come aboard Mr Red

Here is the red from my last post. Once again - 5" Nuclear Chicken Gulp SP, just off Coronet Bay in about 5m of water. Love it!

I see red, I see red, I see red!

Went to a working bee at Coronet Bay this weekend with the family. Saturday saw us painting, digging holes and concreting. A lazy sunday morning saw us finishing off breakfast about 9am so I decided to take out the kayak to test out its new anchor system. Promised Zach that I wouldn't be long so he could have a go, so had to make it quick. I grabbed a rod with a 5" Nuclear Chicken SP on in and was away.
I headed out towards the stick and anchored up about 150-200m short of it (The anchor system works well) and started casting. 4th cast I had a massive hit, but failed to hook up. Next cast I hit an underwater steam train and it was game on! On my light gear the fish ran and ran, but after a while was tiring. I saw a flash of red and it was off again. Got it to the boat 4 or 5 times but didn't have a net! Finally got it in the boat and it measured in at 47cms. Great eating, but more importantly my first kayak fish! Next cast saw another missed hit, then had 3 more casts and had to head in. So due to time restrictions got in only 10 casts but had 3 hits - Will definitely be back out soon!
Pictures to come (They were taken on Dad's mobile phone so he needs to email them), but a big lesson was that I need a net!

Is this cheating?

Ok this isn't technically a kayaking report, but it is my first real red of the season and it was caught in 7m of water straight out from Coronet Bay - I've paddled over there before so it's a possibility in the near future!


Dad and I had an after work session, launching at Corinella at 6.45pm and on the spot just after 7. There were many boats around and apart from nearly getting spooled by a ray on my bait catching rod with a tiny pilchard fillet on, and a banjo shark on my only fresh bait after only being in the water 2 mins (Trevally fillet - NOT HAPPY!) nothing much was happening.
We moved a couple of hundred metres away and things started to heat up. I had a few runs on some half pilchards and caught a 36cm red and a 41cm red. Then all 3 of my rods went off at once. I only managed to hook one (Dad wasn't quick enough on the others!) and after a good fight in came a 65cm, 3.5kg red. Shortly after, as I was about to cast out, one of my rods went off so I put the rod I was about to cast back in the rod holder. I pulled in a very large port jackson shark, only to find my rod I was about to cast going off - Even though it was sitting on top of the water! It was a barracouta, which when filleted accounted for the next 2 reds - a 48cm and a 38cm model.
Not much action after that except for a triple hook up on eagle rays, where, despite their best efforts, all tangles were eventually freed. There seemed to be no action on Dad's side of the boat, so he's due for a monster red next trip.

Emergency Procedures

Went out over the weekend a couple of times from Coronet Bay, and was lucky enough to have a mate out yachting near me, even though the water was flat and there was no wind!
I decided to take advantage of this by 'falling' out of the kayak and seeing how easy it is to get back in. Turns out it is very stable and I'd be lucky to fall out, even in rough circumstances. When I did jump out and was in the water, it was simply a matter of grabbing the opposite side of the kayak to where I was, and pulling myself up with minimal disruption to the kayak.
The one problem I did find though was that when I jumped out, shaking the kayak my paddle came free of the paddle holder, so I have to remember to tighten that.
A great weekend, no fishing out of it yet but next time I go I'm all set now!

The adventure begins

My first trip in Sharkbait 1 was last saturday, 17th October. It was an average day at Coronet Bay, with 15 knots or so of wing and white caps. However, I was bored and the kayak looked tempting, so I ventured out, without taking any rods. It was easy to handle and smooth through the water. With the waves I did get fairly wet but that's kayaking. I didn't use the scupper plugs for under my backside but that may have been an option. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
Since then I have purchased a 1.5kg anchor from ebay for $16, and need to get some chain, anchor cord and rig up a pulley system for it, so that I can get out on the whiting over summer. Am at a wedding this weekend but the following weekend is cup day, so 4 days at the beach for testing it further and putting on my new anchor system!

Sharkbait 1 has arrived!

Here is my new baby - A Perception Swing.


I have just picked it up and can't wait to try it out. It has 2 storage hatches (Front and rear) and a mini one between your knees for wallet/phone/keys/etc. It also has 4 flush mount rod holders and a modified berkley rod holder for one of the front. Now I figure I need a PFD, anchor and waterproof bag for my phone!
Next on the list are a crate/esky or similar to fit in the back and a fish finder.... Not that I'm getting too greedy.
Here is a view from the business section of it:

Trips and research

I have just spent a couple of hours researching kayaks first hand. Capacity Sports in Sandringham and Sport Phillip Marine in Mornington. I first went to Capacity Sports and they were extremely helpful and I am very interested in their Moken 12 by Feel Free, which they had at $1595 with a decent seat and rudder, or an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 at $1795 with seat and rudder. I will try them both out probably next weekend (They hire them for up to 3 days). The Moken particularly looks good, although the advantage of the Prowler is the bait board. Both have pros and cons. Sport Phillip Marine was a long drive for only a couple of kayaks, and they tended to be a bit more expensive than Capacity Sports, so I think I'll stick to the guys in Sandringham. I figure if Dad, Glen and myself each put in about $1000 then we can get 2 kayaks, as if three of us are fishing at once we may as well just take the boat!

The bug is catching.....

Ok so I thought I was all on my lonesome in the pursuit of some kayak caught reds, but it seems my Dad is also keen, as is my brother in law, Glen. Glen is after a bit of fun, possibly some whiting and pinkies, and even something that will be able to have a child sit in it somewhere. Dad will probably go for a hobie with a mirage drive to save his arms! We are going to start with just one or two, so the budget has now effectively doubled, or even tripled and I'm looking at a Wavedance Kingfisher to start the fleet off this weekend. Also still might have some interest with a Perception Swing. My personal funds are up to $654.64 and rising fast!

Updates and offers....

Ok mid September and up to $504.64, and starting to really have a good look. Have put a few feelers out and had some interest. This has opened up some new doors, with one offer of a Perception Swing (Which I'm definitely going to have a look at and a paddle of late September in the week after the mighty Saints win the flag), an 'Extreme Kayaks Outlaw', which is relatively new on the market but looks big and beefy, and an Ocean Kayak Pacific Angler package. This package is new and comes with many things set up but costs $1250, so I'm still looking at a second hand one. All three of these yaks would be right in my price range though, and all are longish at 4m+, which would be good for chasing the pinkies.
The countdown to snapper season is on and the money for the kayak is rising - I'm getting excited!

Welcome to version 2.0!

Well, I had a bit of time on my hands yesterday so decided to spruce up the blog. It's changed from a standard 'blogger' template, and I have removed some of the older widgets and added ones like the search bar, which works great and I even use it when looking through different kayaks. There is also a much easier navigation system up the top to find your way through older posts and reviews about individual yaks.
Oh and another positive is that my account got some credit interest so it's up from $254.04 to $254.14! Score!

Saving hard

Ok it's mid August and I'm up to just over $200. Saving $50 per week is so slow but it gives me time to research, test and find the perfect kayak. Also, my birthday is coming up so if you are reading this Nicole (my beautiful wife) a contribution to the fund would be most appreciated!

Saying that - I'd love to have it ready to go by the time snapper season gets into full swing!
I found a couple of Hobie Quests for sale in Victoria (a rarity) but it was probably a couple of months too soon for the budget. Here's hoping there'll be more when I'm ready to buy!

Perception Swing

I really like the look of this kayak. From all reports it is sleek, stable, and best of all - cheap! I believe that I could pick up a second-hander for about $1000 with a few extras. I can't find any official reviews on this yak as it was produced in the USA and they have discontinued production, but I am yet to find an owner who is unhappy with it. At 4.01m and with a width of 71cm it seems stable and fast.

The official specs....

Length: 4.01m
Width: 76cm
Weight: 25kg
Capacity: 170kg

The Perception Swing ‘Angler’ is a fast, versatile, extremely stable, multi-scuppered (self draining), sit-on-top fishing kayak. Manufactured to a very high standard from tough, roto-moulded linear polyethylene and fitted with only the very best quality accessories and mounting hardware, the Swing ‘Angler’ is ideally suited for freshwater, estuary and open water fishing.

Wavedance Kingfisher

Ok due to the new budget restrictions, I'm looking at a slightly cheaper model. At about $899 new, I could almost have some cash left over for a better paddle/seat and even a sounder. Still, I'd like to get a fully rigged one second hand if possible. The only downside to his I can see is that it isn't going to be great in rougher conditions (Maybe eliminating the ability to target snapper or even squid), but it seems to be the cheapest 4m+ kayak on the market.


The Kingfisher combines the advantages of a sit-on-top with the efficiency of a traditional sea kayak the new single can be used in flat water, moderate ocean conditions and slow flowing rivers.

Designed to take you and your gear efficiently to where you want to go, the new single has two large hatches and a large cargo well allowing easy access to your fishing tackle, dive and other gear.

The Kingfisher is available with or without a rudder.

• Three storage hatches.
• Two large strapped hatches front and rear.
• Central personal hatch (bag-lined).
• Quarter turn bayonet fitting hatch cover in centre.
• Moulded seat and foot braces.
• Scupper holes positioned away from seat.
• Safety grabline edging rim.
• Equipment securing points.
• Carry handles (bow and stern).
• Threaded drain plug.
• Stabilising ‘shoulders’.
• Smooth hull, textured deck.
• Superlinear polyethylene construction

The Australian Kayak Fishing Forum

My current dilemma is that my budget has been slashed from just over $2k to just over $1k. Most of my current research into the world of kayaking is null and void, so I decided to head over to the Australian Kayak Fishing Forum. I have posted a couple of times now, with my most recent post looking at my dilemma. The current post can be found here.
Some of the new yaks suggested are as follows:

• Perception Swing


• Wavedance Kingfisher


• OK Prowler 13


• Hobie Quest

I already have a review of the Hobie Quest, but as for the rest I'll have to look into them. It may end up that I purchase whichever one I can find for sale in Vic, but hopefully I'll have the opportunity to test drive a few of them first!

Hobie Pro Angler

The ultimate fishing kayak. This almost seems more like a boat to me at 4.17m long and 97cm wide. It has a great padded seat and more storage room for rods and tackle than you would ever need. If only it weren't $3.350!

The official spiel....

Look no further, your answer has arrived. Introducing the new Hobie Mirage Pro Angler. One of the world's lightest, most efficient, featured-filled boats on the market today. A revolutionary design breakthrough with extraordinary stability. It has everything you need to maximize your angling experience without sacrificing comfort, functionality or storage capabilities.

The Pro Angler comes loaded with features that puts it in a class by itself. With a capacity of over 600 lbs., you can bring it all. Protected horizontal storage for up to six rods and two additional vertical rod holders. Space for 13 Plano® tackle boxes, three in-hull storage compartments, plus an additional large on-deck storage area for an optional livewell or cooler. You get a fully-adjustable, breathable Cool Ride seat, a work area/cutting board and replaceable mounting boards on each side to attach your fish finder, GPS, lights, or downriggers. The Pro Angler is powered by the Hobie MirageDrive™, which allows you to enjoy fishing without the noise and expense of a gas engine.

On the forums...

Hobie Pro Angler
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5824

Hobie Revolution

The Hobie Revolution is a sleek, well designed yak. It's length is 4.09m, which makes it glide through the water and the miragedrive system would let me sneak up quietly on those easily spookable schools of EP's at Bemm River. This would currently have to be my number 1 kayak choice.


The official review from Hobie....

The Hobie Mirage Revolution Fish has the speed of the Adventure, utility of the Outback, and maneuverability of the Sport. It provides an easy to use, stable, and efficient alternative to traditional fishing boats. It will enhance your fishing experience with a deluxe cockpit and the speed to get you to the best spots quickly. Maneuvers easily on shallow flats, rivers, lakes and oceans. Now you're ready to yell ... Hook Up!!!

What the forums are saying...

Hobie Revolution 1st impressions
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4279

Which Hobie Revo or Outback?
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2885

Hobie Quest

Ok, onto the biggest name in kayaks - Hobie. One kayak that looks fast, adaptable and ready to fish is the Hobie Quest. If I do look at getting a paddle yak, and can't source a Malibu Stealth 14 then this would be my number 1 choice to test out!


The official review....

The revolutionary new Hobie Quest Fisherman is the ultimate fishing kayak for paddlers. Its hull design is very fast, yet super stable. The cockpit layout provides everything you need within reach, including two large hatches, three rod holders, mesh-covered stowage pockets, and plenty of room for gear. Now it's time to jump into your Quest and go catch the big one.

Malibu Stealth 14

This seems to be a really good kayak. It is super stable at 84cm wide and 4.37m long. It has everything you need for fishing, heaps of storage areas, but the one problem I can find is that there seems to be no distributors in Australia!


The official spiel.....

The S-14 offers our brand new patented casting platform/center live well storage system. This 3-hatch center deck offers extra storage capacity and convenient mid-ship bait tank system. As with all our kayaks, the spacious hull can fit almost anything along with your fishing rods completely out of the elements when necessary. Package loaded with low profile Gator Hatch, side carry/paddle holders, adjustable foot track system, 45-degree angled hatch with bag, 2 front/2 rear flush rod holders.

On the forums...

Malibu Stealth 14 & Stealth 12
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3978

Feel Free Moken

The Feel Free Moken has caught my imagination and looks to be a mid-range price 'yak with a fair bit to offer. A longish one again at 3.99m, and it comes with quite a bit of storage capacity.

These things look built for fishing.

The official line...

Introducing Feelfree’s ultimate fishing kayak – the Moken. Named to honor the Moken people, whose nomadic sea fishing culture helped them survive the 2004 tsunami, the 13ft Moken brims with features fisherman crave. It sports a bow storage plus two additional cockpit hatches, with additional room for a storage crate and bait bucket. Within reach of the paddler is a handy flip-up console for lures and gear, with a nearby mounting area for additional fishing rod holders and fish finder. Completing the outfitting are molded-in carry handles on the bow and sides plus a rudder system. It’s a real keeper!

From the forums....

Feel Free Moken
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3015

Prowler Elite 4.5

The first kayak review! I'm looking at this 'yak because it seems stable, and at 4.5m it is long enough to generate some speed if I choose to fish offshore but also seems a stable fishing platform. However, the weight of 35.4kg makes it seem pretty cumbersome and its storage capacities seem limited.

Here is the official review:

The Prowler Elite is the latest release in the Prowler series, incorporating a number of features designed for kayak fishing. The huge storage capacity provides more than enough room for all your gear, be it fishing, diving or just plain fun paddling, and the fishing specific features make it a choice amongst kayak anglers. These features include Fish Finder mount with transducer entry through hull, rod holders and ability to attach front rod holder.

Comes complete with rudder, polyethylene construction hull, seat system, large rear moulded-in storage area with bungy straps, tackle box tray, self draining cockpit and paddle holder.

From the forums.....

New Prowler Elite 4.5
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=323

Prowler or Predator?
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2392

Prowler Elite 4.5
http://www.kfdu.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=985

Why a kayak?

I'll be the first to admit I have been turned off by the cold and rain when I could have taken the boat out and got onto some fish. I have in the past been a bit soft in this regard. However, due to the difficulty of getting into some spots I want to fish (Such as the Bass river) and the stealth of sneaking up on a school (Like EP's on the snags at Bemm River) I would like to purchase a kayak. This is also because I want to stay fit and healthy. So join me on my journy as I review, test and ultimately buy a kayak that is suitable for my needs for fishing but also fitness - And hopefully hear about my catches of some good fish and exploration of new territories!