Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Fishing Report, Really More of a Gear Review,

  1. #1
    Super Moderator BeastMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    7,504
    vCash
    3100

    Fishing Report, Really More of a Gear Review,

    Per my usual luck, Saturday weather deteriorated to 20+ mph winds and Sunday was totally unfishable. It wasn't a total wash as I familiarized myself with the area and new gear.

    Fishing- I attempted to fish Hopedale Lagoon but it was impossible. I paddled across the Lagoon in very choppy water to fish the opposite shoreline. Wind made it brutal so I got tired of fighting and paddled back across to the mouth of the canal and fished there for a minute with no luck. Very rough dirty water and no fish.

    Launches- Even though the weather sucked, loved the layout at Pips in Hopedale. It's the least busy launch that way and a less than .5 mi paddle to the lagoon and surrounding marsh. With the wind cutting my fishing short, I used that time to check out where kayaks launch at Campo's in Shell Beach and the launch in Reggio. All are great options and close to each other. I think the best bet would be to decide which launch to use based on wind. 20+ you're screwed almost anywhere but a 10 mph east wind might make one launch make the most sense. That's something I'll look at a little closer to next time.

    KC Kayak- First time in the boat and I have to say it's a very good fishing platform. Very stable and paddles 10x better than my old Ascend. I haven't internally wired my boat yet and that's a must. Gotta get that battery in the front. Yak is waaay too back loaded how I had it. I took it in rough water and although it was a brutal paddle, I didn't sink and never felt unsafe. Stood and fished the mouth of the canal and let's just say I can get used to that.

    Trolling Motor- Dude, this is a game changer for me on the yak. The 30 lb thrust struggled in that open rough water but I should have never been out there. I have a new theory, if you're in a yak with wind so bad or current so strong you need a 50lb thrust, you probably shouldn't be out there.

    13 fishing spinning reel- I had turned all my reels to the reel dr on wed and decided to fish on a fri. Long story short, all I had available was a baitcaster and an ultra light. Perfect excuse to buy the 13 fishing Creed Lte 3000 from Dicks for $59.99. I've been wanting to try 13 fishing so I did. I'm a little worried because of how cheap it was but out of the box it's smoother and feels better than a Shimano Shahara or an Okuma Trio. Cast great, smooth as silk. No issues in the high wind. Didn't get to test out that drag but I'm excited. If it holds up well all summer, I could see myself getting more 13 spinners.

    I have a lot of kayak rigging and layout work to do to get it how I want but here is one thing I did that worked out well.



    Last edited by BeastMan; 03-12-2017 at 04:42 PM.

  2. #2
    Senior Member SpeckleDawg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Coast
    Posts
    1,081
    vCash
    3100
    Glad to hear about the 13 reel. I've been eye balling one, but hadn't pulled the trigger. Seems like a no-bainer for that price.

    Being able to stand up and fish has been the greatest thing for me in my Jackson. That KC looks super stable too.

    I don't plan to add a trolling motor, but those days where the wind is relentless, I've probably said some things to make a sailor blush.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator BeastMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    7,504
    vCash
    3100
    Quote Originally Posted by SpeckleDawg View Post
    Glad to hear about the 13 reel. I've been eye balling one, but hadn't pulled the trigger. Seems like a no-bainer for that price.

    Being able to stand up and fish has been the greatest thing for me in my Jackson. That KC looks super stable too.

    I don't plan to add a trolling motor, but those days where the wind is relentless, I've probably said some things to make a sailor blush.
    I'm happy with the 13 reel purchase right now but I need a summer worth of use for a real quality check.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Barking 13's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Bulldog Hill, AL
    Posts
    1,843
    vCash
    3200
    I told you to get the bigger motor..lol
    cautiously optimistic

  5. #5
    Senior Member SpeckleDawg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Coast
    Posts
    1,081
    vCash
    3100
    Beast, how's that Creed holding up? I was about to buy a new Sahara, but talked to a local guide when I was checking out and he said he has been using the 13 Creed's on his boat for customers and they have held up great. Also said the newer Sahara's have been giving him fits. It was $20 cheaper for the Creed, so I put the Sahara back and took his word for it. We'll see...

  6. #6
    Super Moderator BeastMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    7,504
    vCash
    3100
    Quote Originally Posted by SpeckleDawg View Post
    Beast, how's that Creed holding up? I was about to buy a new Sahara, but talked to a local guide when I was checking out and he said he has been using the 13 Creed's on his boat for customers and they have held up great. Also said the newer Sahara's have been giving him fits. It was $20 cheaper for the Creed, so I put the Sahara back and took his word for it. We'll see...
    All good so far. Haven't had that monster drum or red put it to the ultimate test but it's handled Redfish up to 25 inches fine. Was a little concerned about 13lbs of drag compated to 20 on my stradics but it's been a non issue. Feels well made with my favorite technical things being a oversized, thick bail. Another thing to note is a slower gear ratio but for popping corks they're good.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Disclaimer: Elitedawgs is a privately owned and operated forum that is managed by alumni of Mississippi State University. This website is in no way affiliated with the Mississippi State University, The Southeastern Conference (SEC) or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The views and opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the post author and may not reflect the views of other members of this forum or elitedawgs.com. The interactive nature of the elitedawgs.com forums makes it impossible for elitedawgs.com to assume responsibility for any of the content posted at this site. Ideas, thoughts, suggestion, comments, opinions, advice and observations made by participants at elitedawgs.com are not endorsed by elitedawgs.com
Elitedawgs: A Mississippi State Fan Forum, Mississippi State Football, Mississippi State Basketball, Mississippi State Baseball, Mississippi State Athletics. Mississippi State message board.