Kayak Fishing for River Bass

[Fishing Fanatic]

Hey Guys! I've been checking out this forum for quite some time. Thought I'd go ahead and post up some pics of some river bass I've caught this year. All caught from an Ocean Kayak Drifter. You'd be surprised how much fun this is. You can paddle right up to em. Hope you like the pics of something a little different.

[skeeter944]

Man that looks like fun! Looks like a great way to get off the bank for not too much $$$. Keep those pics comin!!!

[flbassman]

Nice mix of Large and smallmouth! That's pretty cool. I've been up around Warner Robbins a little....You an Air Force man?

[bamabassman]

fantastic pics fanatic, good have you on board finally.

[Fishing Fanatic]

Originally Posted by flbassman

Nice mix of Large and smallmouth! That's pretty cool. I've been up around Warner Robbins a little....You an Air Force man?

FLBassman - nope, not military. A job move brought me to GA from Alabama. Sorry Bamabassman - AU fan here . You guys take it easy on us this year OK? Those "smallmouth" are actually Shoal Bass. (Very similar to smallmouth). In fact some folks still call them "Flint River Smallmouth", but they are their own species. (google shoal bass). They are native to the Flint river in Georgia... but can be found in parts of the Chattahooche (AL&GA) and the Apalachacola (FL) too. The world record is about 8 1/2 lbs. The one above in pic #5 weighed 4-4. They fight like crazy. I caught that one on a black buzzbait. The Largies were caught on the Ocmulgee River below Macon... dead stickin culprit stinger worms. They love to hang out on the outside bends under blowdowns like pic #2 above. The current brings their meal right to em.

I've got two yaks so anytime one of ya'll wanna check out some great river bassin. Let me know maybe we can go sometime.

[crankybait]

Wow, nice setup and ncie spot. Thanks for sharing with us

[zooker]

i prefur a malibu yak. never thought to take my yak after bass though-yeah right!!-..while most of my yakin is done in salt water. but i get it wet locally in the fresh water and have caught a lot of bass from it. some of which are pictured on this site.. i just never pointed out the fact it was from a yak..


ff
check your other post.

zooker

[woody]

That looks like alot of fun. Very nice fish!

I'm thinking about getting one of those for the rivers and creeks.
I still have'nt decided between the open and closed-in cockpit designs, any opinion?

[Fishing Fanatic]

Hey Woody - I prefer the "sit-on-top" because I'm sitting up and I don't feel like I'm right on the water. A "sit-inside" does (in my opinion). This forces you to deal with having to raise your arms all day to make sure you clear the sides to paddle. If you notice, on a sit-on-top that is not a problem at all and therefore, much more comfortable. Plus, if/when you take on any water, the sit-inside is harder to manage. Not to mention it could sink. The sit-on-top has scupper holes and is self draining. And its more stable. (at least mine is). I believe Zooker would agree. His Malibu is a stable platform too. The only negative is the sit-on-tops are wetter. But if you get a good seat, at least you're not sitting in water all day. Hope this helps.

[woody]

Fishing Fanatic you have been very helpful indeed.
When I go to get one I'll look for the "sit on top" .
Thanks for all your help!

woody

[zooker]

the "sit on top" definatly is the way to go,if you are fishing from a yak..and yes they are a bit wetter but you can plug the scupper holes if ya need to.which i do in the winter.. i do on occasion launch thru surf-not fun with cold water-

the only thing i would say is a must have on a yak is a seat. ya gott ta have a comfortable seat with some good lateral support for your back.. cause sittin on the bare seat that these yaks come with WILL eat a hole in your azz very quickly..

i have a 168 eagle fish finder and a gps on my yak..

zooker

[Fishnngolfn]

Very nice setup. I seriously thought about a yak but I decided on the inflatable personal pontoon. The money was a bit lower for the pontoons. Their are a ton of accessories for the yaks though. If I was to get a yak it would definitely be a sit ON yak.

[Fishing Fanatic]

Originally Posted by zooker

...the only thing i would say is a must have on a yak is a seat. ya gott ta have a comfortable seat with some good lateral support for your back..

Absolutely you need a seat. I have one made by Crazy Creek. I also use a self-inflatible hunter's cushion I strap to the seat. Found it at Bass Pro for about $12. This adds to the comfort and dryness. Money well spent... This is it:
http://www.shootnhunt.com/catalog/JM...s/2021832.html
Notice the nylon strap....

[hookup]

Kayak's are nice way to spend a day on the river.