A Real Drag

     

     In early 2004 my Dad heard from a friend of a friend about some public water that was full of bass and rarely fished. We called it Lake X.

     Hearing of such things was a lot more common in the 80s and even 90s but in this new millennium where land owners had purchased almost everything available to make it private, this small parcel of land with two lakes existed. Possibly.

     We planned a trip and found it to be everything promised. It was remote, full of bass yet hard to fish from the bank. I immediately started planning a return trip with my kayak.

     Two obstacles presented themselves that I needed to plan for. The first was very primitive access. No vehicles could get within a mile of the water. The road was blocked off. The only way in was on foot. How could I transport the kayak that far?

     The second obstacle was the distance. The drive was a little over two hours but it was remote and cell phones didn’t work out there. I needed another kayak buddy to be safe while out in this barren country just in case something happened. I only knew one other kayaker at this point in my life and he was up for the challenge.

    

A couple of hours before the drag

     In April of 2004 we set out for our little oasis in the scrub brush with hopes of catching every bass in the lake. I had rigged a golf club caddy as a cart to tote my kayak the mile down the road needed. Aaron stacked his kayak on a make shift cart as well and we headed off. 20 minutes later the water greeted us and huge smiles broke across our faces. A minute later we were racing across the water to different spots and after the first few casts we landed a pair of bass.

     This pattern repeated itself throughout the day and we lost count after 150 bass. This truly was an unknown, untapped resource willing to reward those determined enough to reach her banks.Sun kissed and weary, we decided to head back around six that evening. Darkness was only an hour away and the barren landscape would be full of wild hogs, snakes and bobcats sooner than later.We strapped in our kayaks and headed back down the path to our vehicles. Less than 50 yards from our departure spot disaster struck. The axle of my cart gave out and dropped my kayak and gear to the ground with a thud.

     A mile from safety we quickly became desperate. We tried to stack my kayak on top of Aaron’s to cart back but it quickly folded his cart. We were able to repair it and decided to scrap the piggy back idea. The only other option was to turn my anchor rope into a harness and drag the kayak back. Either that or leave it until we could return. I wasn’t prepared to give up my freedom or my investment so the harness was made. It quickly became apparent that the walk to the water slanted downhill which made this more of a gradual climb back to the vehicles.

     An hour after we started, darkness setting in and after being startled by a rattlesnake and a herd of wild hogs, we saw the last stretch of road. A welcome sight if ever I’ve seen one. The last of the expected guests scurried across the road and the deed was done. I said a quick goodbye and loaded my kayak, exhausted and weary.

     The long drive home blurred into highway stripes and headlights. I remember both exhilaration and exhaustion equally.

     It turned out the kayak was ok. Scarred but war proven we would make the trip just one more time.

    

     

$300 Freedom

300. 300 US American Dollars. Would it be possible to do what I wanted to do for $300?

    

I grew up fishing. I started too early to remember catching my first fish. I do remember my first significant catch at around six years old and it began a life pursuit of the scaley, elusive prey.

When we fished, whether with my dad, grandfathers or cousins, it was by any means possible. We fished from inner tubes, the bank and various boats that were owned by different family members through the years.

     

I craved the outings to try to outwit the fish. If the phone rang I would secretly wish for it to be PaPa asking if I could go “perch jerking”.

Capturing the attention of a child with the outdoors is important and hopefully plants a seed for lifelong enjoyment. I’m not sure my family could have predicted the forest of fishing fever that would spring from me.

    

Perhaps I was a bit spoiled. I had been able to be off the bank most of my life and now with a new bride and little money, I had to find a way to do that.

I thought about just using a float tube, also called a belly boat, but I had always hated bumping into trees and logs with my feet. Anytime I would catch a tree limb under the water with my foot I would move my legs like a sprinter to try to propel myself away from it as fast as possible.

     

That may seem a little cowardly for an outdoorsman but an encounter with several water moccasins while floating in a fishing tube in the Rio Grande caused the fear to take hold in my “fear factory” and take up residence. If you had a six foot long snake peek up from between your legs in a float tube while trying to relieve you of a stringer with fish on it, you too might have a fear. And a new pair of waders.

     

A float tube was out. My only other options were a used flat bottom boat or try to fish out of one of those yellow kayaks they sold at Academy Sports.

    

I had a Chevy Tahoe at the time and couldn’t afford a trailer too so I laid down $220 of my $300 and bought a kayak. I spent the next 45 minutes in the dimly lit parking lot, with crickets flying around the night sky, trying to figure out how to get it on my roof rack and tie it down. Luckily I grew up outside the city limits and knew a thing or two about knots. Once I figured out how to leverage the kayak and get it on the roof I used about 100 feet of yellow nylon rope to tie it down. Was it overkill? Yes. I needed to protect my investment! Ratchet straps were too expensive and cam buckles weren’t even a thought back then.

     

Just in time for the crappie to start biting in Texas, I had purchased freedom from the bank fishing prison.

   

It’s hard to believe that was more than a decade ago.

Gift Ideas for the Kayak Fisherman

Frost covered the ground this morning when I let the dog out to do her business. Groggy and delusional at 3AM, I started coming to grips that winter is pretty much here. Winter always means Christmas because as soon as Halloween is over Walmart puts out the fake trees flocked with some flammable white substance. Walmart is here to remind us "Hey, people, it's time to spend all of your money!"

I have given into that thought and started to formulate what to get my family members. I have scoured Black Friday ads (most of which are crap this year) and decided to make my own list. The women folk in my family have a hard time knowing what to get me so this is a little help in that direction. Some of these gifts I already have but could always use another or twelve. I've tried to come up with stuff in several price ranges so if it's a company party or your significant other's BIG gift, you might find something on here. And if you wanted to get me something off this list, it's a guaranteed sure thing I'll like it. (It is my list after all.)

Under $25

Hawg Trough- This special design cradles the fish and holds it steady for accurate measurement. 30" in length, the measurements are readable from either side. Both ends have holes to leash to your kayak.
Measurement numbers are raised.The Hawg Trough is made of durable plastic and is injection molded.

Hoo-Rag- For maximum protection from the sun, or maximum anonymity, the Hoo-Rag takes care of business.  Cover your entire face except for your eyes and achieve complete Hoo Rag ninja status, a new breed of ninja that wears sunglasses.

E-merse Waterproof  Camera Bag- E-Merse™ Clear Dry Cam cases offer great camera protection and allow you to take pictures and operate point & shoot cameras right through the case. Features a DryMax pocket to help eliminate fog build up and maximum moisture control. Comes in two sizes.

Fish Grip- Made by makers of the Norton Brass Rattler - "You have our assurance that this quality product will help to successfully land a fish with a less chance of injury to either the fisherman or to the fish, which may be released".
Over center locking - grip to lock, flip to open.
Unique jaw design - holds the lip of the fish.
Durable materials - plastic and stainless steel.
High viz color - easy to see, day or night.
Weight scale slot - attach a scale, deduct 5 oz.
Wrist lanyard - in case it slips.
IT FLOATS

Flat surface on jaws of the Fish Grip helps to prevent the puncture of thin tissue of the mouth of the fish. Lip bone of the fish rolls to either side of the point of the jawx of the Fish Grip securing your catch.
Less injury to the fish too!

Gear Trac Lite (multiple colors)- Yakattack's innovative, highly versatile Geartrac is now available in lightweight, high performance polymer... and did we mention they're in colors?!

C'mon, you know you want to splash some flair on your fishing rig. Includes mounting hardware. 

Hags Tornados in Watermelon/Chartreuse F4/F8- The Hag's Tornado is constructed in a manner to where it has an action like no other soft plastic worm. The Hag's Tornado has a built-in rattle chamber in the tail so that the fishermen can easily insert a rattle without damaging the worm. If this rattle chamber is left empty it will create an air pocket that will add extra buoyancy to the tail.

When rigged on a Texas rig, the worm will stand completely vertical. When rigged on a Carolina rig, the worm will float up off of the bottom. This will be deadly when fishing those deep grass beds or trees. Put the Hag's Tornado on a shakey head and watch out!

The Hag's Tornado uses a special formulated plastic that not only allows the worm to stand straight up and down or even float off of the bottom, but also makes it tough enough to hold up to numerous fish. A lot of competitor's products tear up with only one fish, costing the fishermen a lot of money. The Hag's Tornado are tough and you will love not having to put a new worm on each time you catch a fish.

Under $50

Zooka Tube- YakAttack teamed up with RAM to produce this innovative, soon-to-be-coveted rod holding system: The ZookaTube! The ZookaTube holds virtually all types of rods: spinning, level and fly. Left handed or right handed? No problem! The ZookaTube is ambidextrous! The ZookaTube is constructed from RAM's high strength composite, which is lightweight, strong and will last forever! The ZookaTube easily adjusts pitch by releasing the large thumbscrew on the side. The ZookaTube comes in a range of mounting options

X-Grip- RAM made universal device mount with Geartrac compatible Screwball.

Although it was designed for holding mobile devices and such, this thing can actually grab onto tools and other items you might want handily mounted on a Geartrac. Clever!

Double socket arm and universal spring loaded X-Grip™ holder for cell phones. The included X-Grip™ cradle has a clean and clever four leg design that sports great holding power without hiding your phone behind foam pads and plastic. The spring loaded X-Grip™ holder expands and contracts, allowing for a perfect custom fit of your cell phone. The perfect compliment to the modern sleek interior of today's vehicles, the RAM X-Grip™ is the cell phone holder evolved. 

Gerber River Shorty Knife- Serrated blade features a blunt tip to prevent accidental punctures and to serve as a prying tool. Highly polished medium-carbon stainless steel inhibits corrosion and holds a sharp edge to cut quickly through entangled rope and webbing. The quick-release sheath clips to a las tab on your PFD so you can get to the knife instantly. It holds the blade securely yet releases it with a single one-handed pull. The strong composite handle has a large, comfortable grip with ridges that help you immediately orient the serrated edge. Holes in the handle minimize the weight and accommodate a lanyard. 6¾"L open, 3¾"L closed. Blade is 3"L. 6.4 oz. Made in Italy.

Polar Bear Soft Sided Cooler (12 pack)- Polar Bear Coolers are made with the highest quality most well blended materials. Built stronger to last longer! Superior Craftsmanship, Superior Performance. You can reliably count on the Polar Bear holding ice for 24 hours in 100+ degree heat. (That's Fahrenheit) 

1120 Pelican Case- This Pelican 1120 case comes with Pelican’s unique Pick ‘N Pluck foam. This foam is pre-cut which allows you to customize the interior by half inch cubes. Trace out the item you want in the case and simply pluck the foam out by hand, no tool required. You can customize your case in less than 15 minutes. It is unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof. These are some of the features of this Pelican Protector Case that offers total protection for your equipment. It is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it extremely strong and durable. Its exclusive 1/4" (6.4 mm) neoprene o-ring and ABS latches seal perfectly and includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. Your equipment can fit into the high density foam of the case for total subjection and protection against impact, vibration or shock. This case is NATO codified and tested to MIL C-4150J (Military Standard), IP-67 (Ingress Protection) and ATA (Air Transportation Association). Unconditionally Guaranteed ... forever.

Under $100

Bomber Gear Halo 5.0 Top/Bottom- THE HALO 5.0 THERMAL CREW IS WARM BY ITSELF on moderately cool days and ideal as a thermal inner layer.

Moisture management paneling in key areas wicks moisture away from the body, increases insulation, repels moisture and dries quickly. The Polartec Power Dry material with flat-seam, Performance Cut construction allows 4-way stretch for easy, unrestricted mobility and comfort – even under dry wear. The Halo 5.0 includes a reflective screen printed logo, SPF 40 protection, and is anti-microbial treated. 5.0 oz. per square yard.

VisiCarbon Pro Light and Flag- Designed to meet the needs of serious kayak anglers as well as recreational paddlers, the VISICarbon Pro™ sports unprecedented performance combined with light weight, low drag, and portability with plenty of style.The main mast section is designed with carbon fiber tubing for high strength and ultra light weight. The VISICarbon Pro™ weighs in at just 14 ounces, complete with 3 AA batteries. The ultra thin mast and safety flag combine to offer excellent performance with low wind drag. The 48 long VISICarbon Pro™ breaks down to 14 long in seconds. The Silent Snap™ flag attachment system provides a secure attachment that allows the flag to be removed in seconds. The folded down unit can be stored inside the nylon safety flag which doubles as a carry bag.

Leverage Landing Net- What makes The Leverage Landing Net™ unique is its innovative handle design, utilizing a simple arm brace and “pistol” grip that enables the fisherman to deploy and operate the net one-handed while maintaining control of the fishing rod in the other hand. The brace and grip combination enables your arm to act as an extension to the net’s handle, and increases strength and control when your netting fish. The new Kayak model is the same net with a handle extension beyond the arm cradle which enables this net to be used in a traditional rod holder.

Stohlquist Pi-Seas PFD- Economical fish hunting vest with the right features for safety, comfort, and practicality. Large "drawbridge" front pockets act as fold-down work surfaces when opened. Right pocket includes adjustable strap for locking down long lure boxes. Left pocket feature 3-D inner pocket with hook and loop closure sized just right for thread spools. Other features include anchor points, lash tab, and "D"-ring for net attachment.

PanFish Camera Pole- Getting your camera pointed in the right direction just got a little easier. The PanFish™ by YakAttack™ features a split mast design with adjustable friction disks that allow quick and easy horizontal panning. Just grab the foam grip above center mast and rotate. Nothing to loosen, nothing to get loose. Just point and let go. 
The PanFish™ was designed for over-the-shoulder video with lightweight cameras. We recommend a maximum payload of 1 lb, including camera and housing (if applicable). This covers most lightweight and point-and-click style cameras. 

Big Spender

BlackPak- Brand new for 2013, the BlackPak crate system is poised to set a new standard in rod, tackle, and gear management on kayaks and standup paddleboards. It ships flat and assembles quickly using common hand tools. The interlocking joint design creates incredible strength, promising many years of trouble-free service. The clean, tactical appearance demands attention and the rapidly developing line of BlackPak accessories means there’s always another problem solving innovation just around the corner.

The BlackPak has stations for up to 10 rod holders, each of which can be installed vertically or angled. When 4 or more rod holders are used, they can be installed in the “high and dry” position, preventing unwanted seepage from a wet tank well. The top rails are configured to accept all GearTrac or Mighty Mount compatible accessories. The lid is hinged and latched with elastic cord, and is designed for easy removal, allowing it to double as a bait board.   (Sold Unassembled)

Kistler KLX Speck and Red Baitcasting Rod (Medium)- With the foundation of an American Made Hybrid 42.7 Million Modulus blank, adding top quality components and Kistler innovations make the KLX a rod that has to be experienced to be believed. And of course it is built right here in Magnolia TX by Kistler’s certified rod technicians.

When you look at your new KLX rod you will immediately notice very little fanfare in the way of fancy colored wraps, or paid endorsements signed on the shaft. Instead, the American Flag, and the very best rod we could possibly build for the money.

Pride in building the very best for our customers. It’s the foundation of the Kistler values. So you can say…..’Fishing NEVER Felt SO Good!’

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

Fuji blank exposed reel seat

Fuji MICRO (larger than other brand micro rods) Stainless steel "K" tangle free, Alconite rings

Action: Fast

Length: 7'0"

Power: Medium

Lure weight: 1/8 - 3/4 oz.

Line weight: 10 - 15 lb.

Handle length: 9 "

"The handle length is measured from the bottom of the butt cap to the bottom joint where the reel seat meets the cork."

Overall rod weight 3.6 ounces 

VIO POV HD Camera- No matter whether you are casting for muskies, flippin’ for bass, fly fishing for trout, or poling the flats for tarpon and bonefish, make sure you do all you can to preserve your outings to more than just your memory or a still photo. Oh sure, it’s easy enough to get a digital camcorder, but finding a willing cameraman is a different story. With the VIO POV HD as your boat partner, every fish from the strike to the release will be recorded. Oh, did we mention that the camera head is waterproof? This means getting one-of-a -kind underwater shots is now easily accomplished. And you’ll never have to say, “Did you get that?” One of the best features of the system is the “Loop Record Mode” which enables you to save recordings after they happen! This means that at the end of the day, no more going through hours of video to get the nuggets of excitement--clips of the action are all you will have, and they are easily downloaded and shared via PC. The camera can be mounted on your hat or shoulder for great “Point-of View” shots, or on your boat’s console for all-encompassing action shots.

Werner Kalliste 240cm- The Kalliste’s performance core blades have an exceptionally light buoyant feel on the water and offer silky smooth strokes that make paddling all day long feel effortless. The Kalliste is the ultimate choice for low angle kayakers. Mid-size blades offer gentle power and a smooth easy stroke.

SuperNova LED Lights Extreme Kayak Kit - Fully Jacketed, Fully Encased and Silicone Encapsulated Strips. The ONLY strips that are fully submersible!

The SuperNova Kayak Kit includes 8 strips of lights for the front, rear and cabin of your kayak, which ensures ample visability of all structures at casting distance and the cabin lights give adequate worklight, and can be switched off and on as needed.

See what's out there and most important, be seen by others on the water.

What's Included:

• 2- 28LED Light Strips, 20"
• 2- 13LED Light Strips, 10"
• 4- 4LED Light Strips, 4"
• 3M Adhesion Promoter
• 2 Switches and Waterproofing Boots
• 8 Pieces Heat Shrink
• 6 Wire Management Pads
• 10 Tie Wraps
• 5amp Fuse
• 6' Extra 22AWG Wire
• 1 In-line Fuse Holder

Smith Optics Tenet- The Tenet is feature packed, centered around the exceptional optical clarity and performance that our proprietary Techlite Polarized Glass lenses deliver. Additional goodies like smooth action spring hinges and rubber- like Megol details make this style fit like a dream and stay put on your head when you have the throttle pinned.

Large Fit / Medium Coverage

Techlite Polarized Glass TLT Lenses

Evolve Frame Material

Anti-Reflective and Hydrophobic Lens Coatings

Hydrophilic Megol Nose and Temple Pads

Stainless Steel Spring Hinges

8 Base Lens Curvature

Frame Measurements 61-18-135

Happy Shopping!!!!