Oost
Global user
Registered: 08-2005
Posts: 7
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
|
|
Which paddle, pfd and rod holders??
Hi all,
I am new to kayak fishing and am currently in the market for a kayak, paddle, pfd etc etc... hmm so many decisions and costs. I don't want to be too tight and purchase things I will later want to upgrade but at the same time I'm not loaded either.
I am looking at buying a Swing and I'm just not sure whether to upgrade the paddle from the Splash paddle to something better. I think I will upgrade but then by how much? Most of my intended kayak fishing will be in the bay and open ocean on calm days. I'm 5'10" and just under 60kg. Any suggestions would be great.
Which pfd? Should I go for something cheap but safe or is it worth investing in something more pricey? Do I have to where it all the time or can I just have it on board? Oh I'm in Victoria...
And last of all... (flush fitting) rod holders. I intend on using one larger rod and one small (bream) rod. Do I need to get different holders? Which ones do you prefer or not recommend? I will most likely get these through HOK.
I will be glad when this is all over...
Thanks in advance,
Oost
Last edited by Oost, 20/Aug/2005, 6:22 pm
|
|
20/Aug/2005, 6:20 pm
|
Send Email to Oost
Send PM to Oost
|
yaker
Global user
Registered: 12-2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 93
Karma: 1 (+1/-0)
|
|
|
|
Re: Which paddle, pfd and rod holders??
Hi Oost,
I paddle a Swing and use a Splash paddle. Love the kayak, hate the paddle. I'm about your height but 82kg, and have long arms (6'2" wingspan). I find the Splash short and heavy after a couple of hours.
I'm currently looking at a 230cm Northwest Passage paddle.
The Splash is about $60 and you should get a decent paddle for $140-$190 so I'd recommend getting a better paddle as part of the initial purchase package.
Hope that helps.
|
|
20/Aug/2005, 6:29 pm
|
Send Email to yaker
Send PM to yaker
|
The Mariner
Owner/Administrator
Global user
Registered: 12-2004
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posts: 678
Karma: 4 (+4/-0)
|
|
|
|
Re: Which paddle, pfd and rod holders??
Hi Oost,
The Splash is entry-level. Bullet-proof, but basic. You really should be looking at a fibreglass shaft, assymetric blade paddle from makers like Perception (the Waikato or Taupo) or Canoe Sports etc. that retail for around $120-145. I use a 222cm Waikato with my Swing & supply these with my HoK Swing package.
F/glass shafts are light, don't get hot or cold to touch & usually come with covered hand grips & a grip locator. The assymetric blades reduce the twisting sensation caused by different areas of paddle blade being in the water.
Yes, you can spend more on composite shafts & touring style blades but the cost goes up quite a bit. Your paddle is the only form of propulsion you have so get the best you can afford.
PFD-wise, get one designed for paddle sports, preferrably a PFD II as these are in sea-safety colours. Paddler's PFD's have larger arm holes & tend to be shorter in length to suit comfort when in the sitting position. When talking paddler's PFD's the main difference between them all is the amount of pockets, d-rings & the comfort of the shoulder & side straps so the choice is up to you. Please, don't be tempted to simply carry your PFd on deck... wear it all the time, regardless of what the regs might say.
Rod holders. Flush-mounts are ususlly mounted behind the seat as the can be used for trolling as well as rod transport, & as the rods sit mor upright they stay out of the way of your elbows while paddling. Yo can use adjustables but the butt of your raod may hit your arms. Up front, adjustables or flushmounts work. The main things you need to check when selecting a flushmount are 1).. How easy is it to seal the bottom to prevent water getting inside the hull. Some brands are much easier to seal. Tenob ones only have a small drain hole that's easy to plug, CoD ones come witha purpose-built cap & 2).. How am I going to bolt them down. If you can get access inside the hull to use a spanner on a nut then nuts/washer/bolts can be used with almost any r/holder. If you cannot get inside the hull to use a spanner you'll need to use wellnuts & these are quite big, needing a larger flange on the holder to allow space for the wellnut to fit. Tenob r/holders have a small flange (great for limited spaces) but you need to use them with nuts/bolts/washers as the flange is too small for wellnuts. CoD or Eastern on te other hand have large flanges so you have more fastener options.
--- Regards,
Phil.
Forum Administrator.
Visit www.hookedonkayaks.com.au for kayaks and kayak fishing accessories. |
|
20/Aug/2005, 10:52 pm
|
Send Email to The Mariner
Send PM to The Mariner
|
